Concerta Information
Introduction
CONCERTA® (Generic Name: methylphenidate HCl ER) is a prescription medication approved to treat ADHD in children and adults. Sometimes also prescribed for sleeping disorders like narcolepsy. (uncontrollable need to sleep)
Unlike Ritalin, Concerta is an extended-release formula. Its effects can last roughly 12 hours. It belongs to the group of medications called stimulants.
Some people use them improperly and without a prescription. The drug is a stimulant so it increases alertness, energy, and focus.
Concerta is commonly abused by people trying to:
- Stay awake.
- Lose weight.
- Improve their learning ability.
- Achieve a high similar to cocaine.
The abuse of this drug has been rising within these groups of people
Concerta Information: Appearance
Concerta is a cylindrical pill. Its colour varies depending on the milligrams, it can be either red, gray, yellow, or white. They come in 18 mg, 27 mg, 36 mg, and 54 mg strengths. Some use it by crushing it in large doses and then snorting it or injecting it.
Street Names
Street names for Concerta include kibbles & bits, kiddy cocaine, pineapple, kiddie coke, smarties, and skittles.
Signs of Addiction
A person with an addiction to Concerta will display certain behaviours and physical changes:
- Grinding of teeth,
- Increased feeling of alertness,
- Problems with sleep,
- Aggressivity,
- Loss of appetite, loss of weight,
- Irritability,
- Feelings of elation or mania,
- Sweats,
- Fixation with repetitive motions,
- Psychotic behaviour.
Some abusers may experience hallucinations, delusions, paranoia, and signs of psychosis. Depression and suicidal thoughts are also common.
Common Concerta withdrawal symptoms
- Decreased heart rate,
- Nausea,
- Anxiety,
- Fatigue,
- Severe headaches,
- Depression,
- Extreme fatigue.
- Panic attacks
- Nightmares
- Disturbed sleep patterns
- Extreme hunger
- Psychosis
- Irritability
- Foggy thinking
Concerta Information Note on Withdrawal
Withdrawal starts within 24 hours of taking the last dose but can take several days for some users. The whole process can last anywhere from a couple of weeks to several months, depending on the severity and the history of the addiction. A long-term addiction usually has a more pronounced and longer-lasting withdrawal.
Quitting “cold turkey” generally results in a more intense, but quicker, withdrawal period. Tapering off takes longer but the withdrawal symptoms are less intense.
Concerta Information: Overdose Signs
- vomiting,
- agitation,
- tremors,
- muscle twitching,
- seizure (convulsions),
- confusion,
- hallucinations,
- sweating,
- fast or pounding heartbeat,
- blurred vision,
- dry mouth and nose, and
- fainting.
An overdose can be fatal. If you suspect someone is overdosing call 911 right away. You may save a person’s life!
Source: www.concerta.net/
www.canada.ca/
