This article describes Concerta’s dosages and strengths and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for Concerta. If you want to know more about Concerta, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.
Concerta is a brand-name medication that comes as an extended-release (ER) oral tablet. An ER tablet releases medication over time. It’s available in a generic version called methylphenidate ER. This article describes dosages of Concerta.
Concerta has a boxed warning. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For details, see the end of this article.
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Form and strengths of Concerta
Concerta comes as follows:
- Form: extended-release (ER) oral tablet that you take by swallowing
- Strengths: 18 milligrams (mg), 27 mg, 36 mg, 54 mg
Dosage of Concerta
This article describes the recommended dosages for Concerta. The drugmaker provides these dosages. In some cases, doctors may adjust your dosage from those shown below.
If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of Concerta without your doctor’s recommendation.
Usual recommended Concerta dosage in adults
Usually, doctors start by prescribing a low dosage of Concerta. The starting dosage can vary depending on whether you’re taking other forms of methylphenidate. (Methylphenidate is the active ingredient in Concerta.) Then, they’ll adjust it over time until the right dosage is reached. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of Concerta that gives the desired outcome.
Dosage for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
The recommended Concerta dosage for adults with ADHD is as follows:
- Starting dosage: 18 or 36 mg, once per day
- Maintenance dosage: 18 to 72 mg, once per day
The maximum dose of Concerta is 72 mg per day.
It’s best to take Concerta in the morning for a lasting effect on ADHD symptoms during the day. You can take it with or without food. You need to swallow Concerta whole. Do not cut, chew, or crush the tablet.
Dosages of Concerta in children
Doctors may prescribe Concerta for treating ADHD in children ages 6 years and older. The recommended dosages are based on age.
The recommended dosages for children ages 6 to 12 years are as follows:
- Starting dosage: 18 mg, once per day
- Maintenance dosage: 18 to 54 mg, once per day
- Maximum dosage: 54 mg, once per day
The recommended dosages for children ages 13 to 17 years are as follows:
- Starting dosage: 18 mg, once per day
- Maintenance dosage: 18 to 72 mg, once per day*
- Maximum dosage: 72 mg, once per day*
* Do not exceed dosage of 2 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight per day (2 mg/kg/day).
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Concerta and its dosage.
Is there a Concerta dosage chart by weight?
No, there isn’t a Concerta dosage chart by weight. Doctors base Concerta starting dosages on your age. Then, they adjust the dose as needed. The maximum dosage of Concerta is also based on your age, with a maximum dosage of 2 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight per day (2 mg/kg/day) for adolescents ages 13 to 17 years. To learn more, see the “Dosage of Concerta” section above.
If you have concerns about your Concerta dosage given your weight, talk with your doctor.
Is there a way how to tell if Concerta dose is too high?
Yes, your Concerta dose may be too high if you’re having side effects of too much Concerta. Possible side effects include:
- confusion
- fast heart rate
- feeling agitated
Other serious symptoms can occur if you take too much Concerta. To learn more, see the “Overdose of Concerta” section below.
Talk with your doctor if you think your Concerta dosage is too high.
Is there a way how to tell if Concerta dose is too low?
Yes, your Concerta dose may be too low if you’re still having symptoms of ADHD. It usually takes about a week to see if your Concerta dosage is going to help your ADHD symptoms. If not, your doctor may increase your dose.
If you still have symptoms of ADHD after a week, tell your doctor. Don’t change your dose of Concerta without talking with your doctor first.
Is there a way to know when to increase Concerta dose?
Yes, doctors may increase your dosage of Concerta after a week if the current dose isn’t helping relieve symptoms of ADHD. This is the recommended way to increase the dosage of Concerta.
Don’t increase your dosage of Concerta without talking with your doctor first.
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Get free cardOverdose of Concerta
It’s important that you do not take more Concerta than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.
Symptoms of Concerta overdose
Symptoms of an overdose can include:
- changes in blood pressure
- coma
- confusion
- fast heart rate
- feeling agitated
- hallucinations
- heart attack and other heart problems
- stroke
A Concerta overdose can be fatal.
What to do if you take too much Concerta
If you think you’ve taken too much Concerta, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
Boxed warning for Concerta
Concerta has a boxed warning for the risk of abuse, misuse, and dependence. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA.
Misuse and abuse mean taking a drug in a way other than how a doctor prescribes it. Misuse and abuse of Concerta can lead to substance use disorders, including addiction. Addiction means you continue to take a drug even though it may be causing harm.
Symptoms of addiction may include a strong desire to take the drug and difficulty regulating your use of the drug. Misuse and abuse of Concerta can lead to serious or fatal side effects, such as suicidal thoughts or actions.
If you experience misuse or addiction, tell your doctor. They’ll likely recommend ways to get help.
If you have thoughts of suicide during Concerta treatment, call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. Or tell your doctor right away. You can also refer to this article for ways to seek support.
Taking Concerta can also lead to dependence. Dependence means your body needs the drug in order to function like usual.
Withdrawal symptoms can occur if you are dependent on a drug and you suddenly stop taking it. Due to this risk, doctors usually reduce the dosage slowly over time.
Taking Concerta for a long time increases the risk of dependence and withdrawal symptoms.
Withdrawal symptoms may include:
- anxiety and emotional distress
- depression or mood changes
- fatigue
- increased appetite
- sleep problems
- unusual or unpleasant dreams
If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor right away or seek medical care.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to learn more.
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.