Concerta reviews for ADHD: what patients and provider say

Concerta is a stimulant medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Generically known as methylphenidate, it can help with ADHD by having a calming effect that aids focus. Concerta has been on the market for more than 2 decades, having been approved by The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2000. It has since become one of the preferred ADHD medications due to its once-a-day dosing. 

In this post, we cover Concerta reviews from patient, clinical trial data, and what providers say to give you an authentic look at what taking Concerta for ADHD is like. 

Is Concerta right for your ADHD symptoms?

See a licensed provider and find out in as little as 24 hours.*

Find a provider

If you’re experiencing symptoms of ADHD, you don’t have to wait to get treatment. Find a provider on Klarity Health and get help managing ADHD.

Effectiveness of Concerta for ADHD — what the data says

Before FDA approval, Concerta underwent rounds of clinical trials involving individuals ages 6 to 65. Among the first studies were 5 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies involving 3 distinct groups: children, adolescents, and adults. All met the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) criteria for having ADHD. In all 3 populations, Concerta, prescribed in varying doses, was found effective for treating ADHD. 

Adolescents and adults taking Concerta showed statistically significant improvements compared to the placebo group. Unlike generics, Concerta uses an osmotic controlled release oral delivery system (OROS). OROS uses a laser-drilled capsule that allows a steady release of medication as the capsule passes through the digestive tract. Studies found that once daily Concerta was effective for 12  hours or longer.

In another study of adults treated with Concerta, participants reported greater satisfaction with the drug’s effectiveness compared to novo-methylphenidate ER-C, a generic version of Concerta. They cited a decrease in their levels of hyperactivity and impulsiveness. Additionally, participants reported fewer side effects than with the generic.

Improvement in ADHD symptoms can vary by dose. Concerta dosages can range from 18 to 72 milligrams once a day, depending on your age. Talk with your healthcare provider about which dose is appropriate for you. 

Concerta reviews — what patients say 

To provide a real-world look at taking Concerta, we scoured drugs.com, Reddit, and other online sources. In general, Concerta reviews are positive, with more than half of reviewers reporting a favorable experience. Here’s what people say about their experiences with Concerta for ADHD. 

Concerta reviews from drugs.com

Reviewers on the platform drugs.com gave Concerta a rating of 6.8 out of 10 for managing ADHD symptoms. 56% of reviewers report a positive experience. 

Individuals reported better attentiveness, mental organization, and focus — sometimes within as little as 2 days. They share that the extended release of the medication helps maintain symptom relief for 12 hours or more. 

Negative reviews on drugs.com mention appetite suppression and irritability as side effects that led people to stop taking Concerta. In some cases, reviewers noted other side effects, including mood changes, fast heart rate, nausea, and trouble sleeping. Some reviewers noted that their bodies adjusted within a few weeks and had fewer unpleasant side effects after that.

Concerta reviews on Reddit 

Reddit users discuss their positive experiences with Concerta and managing side effects. Highlights include: 

“I started medication a year ago, and the first week or two, I was falling asleep after taking it. Once I adjusted, it completely changed my life. It’s not to say that everything is perfect, I definitely still have symptoms, but everything feels so much easier.,” writes LotusSpice230.

“Concerta works for me by slowing everything down. I feel like it’s giving me a few extra beats to process what I’m hearing, to process what I want to say before I say it, to think about an [impulsive] act before I do it. While I’m sure it’s my brain processes that are being slowed, it feels like it’s everything around me being dialed back,” writes Axe1025.

“Watch your eating habits. I struggle most days with making sure I’m eating enough (which was VERY unusual for me before Concerta). If you start struggling with appetite loss, I would suggest meal replacement shakes… they make it easier,” writes Sone67.

Other online Concerta reviews 

At the time of publication, WebMD had Concerta with an overall rating of 3.7 out of 5. Kyle shared, “This is the best ADHD med I have tried. Amphetamines caused irritability and rebound symptoms, and nonstimulants seriously affected my mood. When I take Concerta, I can focus and exist in the moment, and it gradually wears off instead of crashing. I wish that they had started me on this first.” 

On ADDitude, reviewer xmaybexmemoriesx noted, “I was diagnosed with adult ADHD this year, and was hesitant to try any sort of stimulant medications but was out of options. I consulted with several of my doctors and specialists on my medical care team, and we decided to go with Concerta ER starting dose [of] 18 milligrams (which was not sufficient) and moved up to 36 milligrams after the first month. I find it works alright, but we still have some dose adjusting to do to find my optimal dosage.” 

Clinician reviews of Concerta for ADHD

Clinicians who prescribe Concerta for ADHD often choose it for a few reasons. In a webinar, Chris Aiken, MD, editor-in-chief of The Carlat Psychiatry Report, discussed how methylphenidate is generally better tolerated and often safer for people with complex comorbidities. Especially when compared to amphetamines, such as Adderall. (Read more about Concerta vs Adderall.)

Dr. Sulman Aziz Mirza, a board-certified psychiatrist, notes other advantages of Concerta in his YouTube review, citing the single-dose controlled release format, which can be easier for some to remember to take instead of multiple doses each day. Dr. Mirza also notes that some individuals may feel the medication is overhyped because the results aren’t instantly noticeable. He emphasizes the importance of starting at a lower dose and slowly increasing the dosage until you and your provider find the best Concerta dose for you. 

Zackary Ladson, PA-C, a healthcare provider on Klarity Health, says, “I utilize Concerta most often as first-line treatment for pediatric patients or for adults who do not tolerate amphetamines due to side effects. Within the forms of methylphenidate, Concerta is often very helpful for patient compliance because it only has to be taken once in the morning to be effective for the majority of the day. In regards to affordability, Concerta is comparable in cost to Adderall and often remains a more affordable option when compared to Vyvanse or Jornay.”

What to know if you take Concerta

There are a number of ADHD medications available to manage ADHD symptoms. They include both stimulant and non-stimulant ADHD medications. Even though reviews and study data highlight Concerta’s effectiveness and ease of use, it’s important to understand the side effects and possible drug interactions before beginning any medication.  

And Concerta, like any medication, can have side effects. Some of the most common include decreased appetite, trouble sleeping, rapid heart rate, weight loss, and irritability. Other side effects include dry mouth, dizziness, nausea, headache, diarrhea, and lethargy. 

As is true with other medications, Concerta can have serious side effects, too, such as depression, high blood pressure, seizures, mental health concerns, and risk of dependence. It’s important to know that serious side effects only happen in about 5% of people. If you do take Concerta and experience any concerning symptoms, call your healthcare provider or 911. 

Concerta is a Schedule II controlled substance and has a boxed warning for its potential to be habit-forming. If you have mental/mood disorders, a substance use disorder, or a family history of a substance use disorder, be cautious if taking Concerta. 

Know that Concerta can interact with some other medications and may cause concerns if you have pre-existing health conditions. Be sure to discuss any other medications and health problems you have with your provider before starting Concerta. 

Key takeaway 

• Concerta (methylphenidate) is generally reported as effective in treating ADHD in children, adolescents, and adults. It helps improve mental focus and attentiveness. 
• Concerta is taken as a single daily dose. It uses a slow-release formulation that reviewers state provides 12 hours or more of symptom management before gradually wearing off. 
• People taking Concerta generally report positive results with mild side effects that tend to dissipate as their bodies adjust. 

ADHD treatment is a click away

The best way to find out if an ADHD medication for ADHD treatment like Concerta is right for you is to talk with a licensed healthcare provider. And you can find providers on Klarity Health specialized in medication management for ADHD and have an appointment in as little as 24 hours.

Find a provider on Klarity Health and get expert ADHD care fast.