How Long Does Concerta Last in Your System?

 

According to the Center for Disease Control, 40% of adults suffer from attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD). Furthermore, 10.6% of children aged 5-17 years also have the condition. Although little is known about the causes of ADHD, one of the most effective remedies for its treatment is Concerta.

Concerta is an extended-release medication. It releases its active ingredients slowly and improves ADHD symptoms step by step. After 12 hours, expect the drug to clear from your body system. Read on to learn more about the drug and how long it lasts in various doses. Additionally, you’ll discover common withdrawal symptoms and how to overcome them.

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What Is Concerta?

It is a prescription drug used as a stimulant of the central nervous system. Due to its stimulating properties, Concerta is an effective remedy against narcolepsy and ADHD. It can create a balance in your brain’s natural neurotransmitters, improve attention span, listening ability, and behavior control. The recommended age for using Concerta is at least six years in children and 18-65 years in adults.

 

For How Many Hours Does Concerta Work?

If taken at the correct dose, Concerta will last for at least 12 hours. However, its benefits are much effective for 7-8 hours. 

 

How Long Does Concerta Time Release Last? 

Concerta exists in the form of extended-release tablets. Therefore, the active ingredient takes time to release through a gradual process. The release time lasts about 12 hours.

 

How Long Does Concerta Last in Your System?

Concerta has a shorter half-life spanning about 3.5 hours. Therefore, it won’t last long in your system after ingestion. After taking the medication orally, metabolism occurs between 48 and 96 hours. About 90% of the dose will pass through urine and the rest through fecal excretion. So, after 96 hours, your body should be clear of Concerta compounds. Despite this, the body reacts differently to Concerta; hence it may stay longer in some patients.

 

 

How Long Does Concerta for ADHD Last?

If you are taking Concerta for ADHD, be sure to have up to 12 hours of the desired effect. Thus, it helps you manage ADHD symptoms at work, school, or throughout the day’s activities. In children aged 6-12 years, studies suggest that Concerta is also effective in treating over-activity and reduced attention. In both children and adults, the drug lasts for 12 hours when administered to treat ADHD. 

 

Concerta Crash

A crash occurs when you experience withdrawal symptoms from a low level of Concerta in your body. The phenomenon is expected if you stop taking Concerta after a long or short time use. Usually, when you take Concerta, it increases Dopamine and Norepinephrine in the brain. Thus you can focus, stay alert, and manage your attention level. Moreover, your brain gets accustomed to the level of neurotransmitters.

Hours later, the level of the drug drops gradually due to metabolism. When you stop taking the medication, it decreases further. Since your body cannot produce more neurotransmitters to cover the deficit, a crash may set in. Depending on your prescribed dosage, a Concerta crash may be low, mild, or more vigorous. Common symptoms of a Concerta crash may include irritability, hyperactivity, exhaustion, and increased anxiety. 

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What to Do?

A crash is one of the risks that accompany the continued use of Concerta. It may hinder your normal daily functioning, hence worth controlling. Be sure to talk to your doctor whenever you experience a crash. If you experience a crash, you may take the following measures:

• Stick to Your Prescription: A common trigger of a Concerta crash is taking a dose higher than the standard prescription. On average, your doctor may recommend taking a single pill every day in the morning. Be sure to stick to the prescription. Taking your dose as prescribed will therefore reduce your chances of developing a crash.
• Consult Your Doctor: When a crash is so severe that it hampers your routine, consult your doctor. The doctor may recommend effective methods to reduce its symptoms. This includes the addition of an immediate release drug in small doses.

 

 

How Long Does Concerta Withdrawal Last?

According to the US Federal Drug Administration, Concerta is a scheduled substance under category two drugs. Therefore, it is effective for medicinal use and has the potential for abuse. Due to its stimulating effect on the brain, you may develop physical overdependence and addiction. If you quit taking the drug suddenly, you may experience severe withdrawal symptoms, physical or psychological.

Symptoms include depression, anxiety, headache, nightmares, panic attacks, irritability, and mental psychosis. Withdrawal symptoms may last for not more than seven days. Symptoms may appear within 24 hours after taking your last dose and may extend for a few days. In severe conditions, post-withdrawal symptoms may persist for a few months.

 

How Long Does 18mg, 27mg, and 36mg Concerta Last?

Concerta is an oral tablet taken once every day. It is available in four main strengths, namely, 18mg, 27mg, 36mg, and 54mg. The dosage prescribed by your doctor depends on age, the severity of your condition, and pre-existing medical conditions. Regardless of the dosage, the drug lasts for 12 hours inside the body. So, you shouldn’t worry about the drug taking too long in your body if prescribed in higher doses.

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Winding Up: Is Concerta Right for You?

Are you struggling with attention deficit hyperactive disorder and looking forward to using Concerta? Consult a doctor for the recommended dosage of Concerta. At Mango Clinic, we offer accurate diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions. Contact us now or click the banner below to schedule your appointment.