Concerta, a Guide to the Use in Childhood ADHD

ADHD impacts more children than realized.  With many children falling quickly behind both academically and socially, the opportunity to provide improved concentration, socialization and emotional health is a complicated goal to achieve especially with a child diagnosed with ADHD.  With a push by the American Academy of Pediatrics, Concerta has been introduced to the public and with great reception as its documented success continues in the relief of symptoms associated the disorder.  As a first line of therapy in the treatment of ADHD, understanding the basis for the use of Concerta, the recommended diagnosing, side effects and contraindications, will place you, as the parent, in the best possible position to improve your child's ADHD symptoms.

Concerta, manufactured by McNeil-PPC, is considered a mild central nervous system stimulant.  Originally created in the treatment of narcolepsy, Concerta has been proven effective in the treatment of ADHD.  The method by which Concerta lends its success has yet to be determined but it is believed to suppress specific brain receptor which are hypersensitive in an ADHD child.  

When attempting to treat ADHD through medications, side effects and contraindications are not uncommon.  For patient's suffering from high blood pressure, anxiety, glaucoma, Tourette's Syndrome, depression or GI dysfunction, Concerta may not be the appropriate treatment option.  As a Category C drug, Concerta has an unknown impact in pregnancy and, therefore, should not be used by women who are pregnant or may become pregnant.