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Concerta Twice a Day?

Written by: Martin Winkler, psychiatrist and psychotherapist
First version: 22 Jul 2008. Latest version: 24 Jul 2008.

Abstract:

Concerta has a long-term effect and should only be taken in the morning, otherwise you may have trouble sleeping.

Question:

Should my son take Concerta (Methylphenidate-OROS) twice a day? My son (10) was put on 36 mg Concerta (long acting methylphenidate) in a specialised clinic. Now our local doctor wants him to take 18 mg twice a day in the morning and at noon. On mother in our self-help group told me, that this is not recommended. What is your opinion?

Answer:

Concerta is a rather new psychostimulant version, containing the known methlyphenidate. But it lasts much longer: between 10 and 12 hours due to a specific transport system (OROS). If your son would take the medicine at noon he might get severe sleeping problems...

And there is another resason, why you should stick to the recommended dosage of the clinic: The 36mg dose most properly did the best job to improve the ability to focus and sustain attention. With the lower dose your son will not have the same benefit.

You should talk to your doctor about this issue. He might not be well informed about this new drug but it should be easy for him to get appropriate informations very soon. Maybe one of the members of the self-help group or a local pharmacists could help you and call your doctor to discuss this iussue.

If he is not willing to change his opinion you should look for a second opinion

More information
Psychostimulants How psychostimulants helps Age at which to start medication Targets of psychostimulants, is there a risk for addiction? Side effect of stimulants Psychostimulants and driving a car Stimulants and sleeping problems Stimulants and growth suppression Can stimulants cause dysphoria? Toxic effects ADHD meds and pregnancy Strattera (atomexetine) as ADHD treatment
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