Concerta

Description

Methylphenidate belongs to the group of medicines called central nervous system (CNS) stimulants. It is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy, which is an uncontrollable desire for sleep or a sudden attack of deep sleep.

Methylphenidate works in the treatment of ADHD by increasing attention and decreasing restlessness in children and adults who are overactive, cannot concentrate for very long, or are easily distracted and impulsive. This medicine is used as part of a total treatment program that also includes social, educational, and psychological treatment.

This medicine is available only with a doctor's prescription.

Once a medicine has been approved for marketing for a certain use, experience may show that it is also useful for other medical problems. Although not specifically included in product labeling, methylphenidate may be used in certain patients with the following condition:

• Depressive disorder secondary to physical illness in patients who cannot take antidepressant medicines.

Common Brand Names:

Concerta

Daytrana

Metadate CD

Metadate ER

Methylin

Methylin ER

Ritalin

Ritalin LA

Ritalin-SR