Concerta Withdrawal Symptoms and Signs, and Detoxification

Concerta is the brand name version of the prescription medication methylphenidate, which is commonly used to treat ADD.c


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Concerta is the brand name version of the prescription medication methylphenidate, which is commonly used to treat attention deficit disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. For teens and adults who are addicted to this medication, Concerta withdrawal treatment is the first step in getting clean.

Because of this drug’s psychostimulant properties, Concerta is considered highly addictive. It has effects that are similar to, but not as severe as, cocaine. While it stimulates adults and people without ADD or ADHD, Concerta has the opposite effect on a child with either of those conditions.

Concerta can cause a host of side effects, some of which may be permanent. Because of those effects, which may include rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, headaches, dizziness, anemia, psychosis, inflammation of arteries in the brain and anorexia, detoxing from Concerta should be done as soon as possible.

Withdrawing from Concerta: Options for Help

Concerta withdrawal treatment methods are aimed at getting the user off the prescription medication as easily and safely as possible. In most cases, the user will have to participate in an inpatient program during the detox and rehab phases of the treatment program. This is done so that the medical staff at the facility can monitor the user’s progress and help the user cope with the Concerta withdrawal symptoms that may occur.

Because Concerta directly affects the central nervous system, it is unsafe to stop taking this medication suddenly. In most cases, the medical staff at the treatment center will slowly decrease the amount of Concertataken daily. The weaning period for Concerta is usually two to three weeks, depending on the severity of the user’s addiction to the drug.

While the user is detoxing from Concerta, he or she may experience irritability, psychosis, depression, and fatigue. These symptoms often aren’t severe and are usually easily managed. The user may also notice an increase in appetite when he or she starts to detox from the Concerta. This is because of the appetite suppressant properties of the drug.

How Long Do Concerta Withdrawals Last?

Withdrawal length depends on the amount of Concerta taken and whether how much of the medication is in the system. Most timelines range in length from a few days to one or two weeks

Are There any Home Remedies for Getting Clean Safely?

Because of the severity of withdrawal symptoms that can come with Concerta, it is best not to use a home remedy or alternative medication, and instead seek relief from a drug rehabilitation center with an accredited detox program instead. To help relieve your symptoms, consider visiting a detoxification center or attending a support group.

How Long Does it Take to Detox from Concerta?

The length of withdrawals from Concerta can vary depending on how long an addict has been taking it, and whether or not it has been abused. There are many options available to those looking to achieve a safe and successful recovery from Concerta.

ADHD Medication Abuse

Many young people can get their hands on doctor-prescribed ADHD medications even without a prescription. Recovery Brands found that in 2016, more than 60% of people between the ages of 18 and 28 got ADHD stimulant medications via their friend, 20.4% got them from their family, less than 20% through fellow students, and merely 14.8% from an actual drug dealer.

Treatment After Detox for Concerta Withdrawal

When the recovering addict has moved past the detox phase of treatment and is completely off of Concerta, he or she will move to the second phase of treatment. In this second phase, which is known as rehab, he or she will learn how to do normal activities without using Concerta.

The recovering addict will learn coping methods to help him or her deal with everyday stresses and common triggers that would normally have led to using Concerta prior to treatment. To do this effectively, the mental-health staff at the treatment facility will help the recovering addict learn what his or her triggers are.

Because Concerta abuse is commonly linked to high-school and college students who are trying to stay awake to study, most Concerta treatment programs dedicate a portion of the rehab phase to helping the recovering addicts learn how to study and get homework done effectively without relying on chemical aids.

As the recovering addict moves through treatment, he or she will sometimes work with family members and friends to rebuild relationships. This is especially common in cases where the recovering addict has stolen money and other items to fund the habit. It can also occur when the recovering addict has lied to family members and friends.

Concerta Information at a Glance
Medication Name, Costs Class of Medicine
  • Generic Name: Methylphenidate
  • Generic Name Variations: Methylphenidate HCL
  • Chemical Name: N/A
  • Brand Name: Concerta
  • Brand Name Variations: Ritalin
  • Cost/Price: Between $50 and $100
  • Used to Treat Addiction? No
  • Function or Use at Low Dose: Treatment of ADHD
  • Function or Use at High Dose: Treatment of ADHD
  • Chemical Makeup: C14H19NO2
  • System: CNS stimulant
  • Duration of Action: 9 to 12 hours
Form, Intake and Dosage Interactions and Complications
  • Drug Forms: Tablet
  • Administration Routes: Oral
  • Dosage: 18 mg to 54 mg
  • Overdose: Exceeding 70 mg
  • Alcohol Interaction: Additive effects
  • Illicit Drugs: N/A
  • Prescription Medications: May interact negatively with antihypertensive agents, anticoagulants, anticonvulsants, and tricyclic drugs
  • Contraindications: Anxiety, tension, agitation, glaucoma, Tourette’s syndrome
Effects and Adverse Reactions Substance Abuse
  • Short-Term: Decreased appetite, dry mouth, dizziness, irritability, palpitations, depressed mood, nervousness
  • Long-Term: Fatal overdose may occur
  • Risk of Substance Abuse: High
  • Signs of Abuse: Increased irritability, anxiety, tics
Physiological Problem Signs and Symptoms Dependence and Addiction Issues
  • Withdrawal Syndrome Onset: Up to 10 hours after the last dose
  • Withdrawal Symptoms: Irritability, nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, aches and pains
  • Tolerance: Users may develop tolerance
  • Cross Dependence: N/A
  • Physical Dependence: High risk
  • Psychological Dependence: High risk
Legal Schedules and Ratings
  • Controlled Substances Act Rating: Schedule II

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