Concerta is one of the known brand names of stimulants in the market. Like Adderall, it also has an extended-release formulation in tablet form. This drug has the chemical name methylphenidate hydrochloride.
In the medical field, it is mainly used for the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy or extreme sleepiness during day time. However, this drug has been misused and abused for different reasons such as losing weight, partying, and as something to keep them awake at night during exam days.
This drug is also known by several other brand and street names. The street names vary depending on the culture of the society. Examples of street names include R-ball, skippy, Vitamin R, the smart drug, MPH, and JIF. In contrast, other brand names for this drug are Methylin, Metadate ER, Metadate CD, Cotempla XR-ODT, Aptensio XR and more.
Identifying this drug in stores and pharmacies is easy because it has a distinct physical appearance. Typically, this drug has no strong odor and white in color. The different strengths of this drug also have a distinct pill identifier.
The 18mg XR capsule is yellow, oblong-shaped, with a pill imprint “alza 18”. The 27mg, 36mg, and 54mg capsules are all oblong-shaped and having colors of gray, white, and brownish-red respectively. Meanwhile, the pill imprints of the three are alza 27, alza 36, and alza 54 respectively.
Concerta, How They Work
Similar to other stimulants, this drug works on the central nervous system. It speeds up brain activity by prohibiting the reabsorption of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. In addition, the methylphenidate portion of its chemical ingredient boosts mental focus by stimulating the cortex and brain stem.
The norepinephrine is responsible for specific actions such as emotions, sleep, concentration, and learning. When a substantial amount of this hormone is present in the blood, it contracts arteries and blood vessels to increase blood pressure.
Meanwhile, dopamine is responsible for the speed of the messaging system of the brain. It also has a great role in the reward system of the brain.
Addiction and Dangers
This drug is classified by the Drug Enforcement Agency as a Schedule II controlled substance where its addictive potential is similar to methamphetamine, cocaine, dextroamphetamine, and amphetamine.
Aside from addictive potential, the time the effect kicks in for this drug is almost similar to cocaine but with the latter still being quicker for about 70 minutes.
A person can easily get addicted to this substance through injection or inhalation intake. Likewise, a dose of more than 36 milligrams daily can lead to an overdose and later dependence.
The chemical composition of this drug is also parallel to amphetamines which entail a strict regulation of dosage. For adults and children older than six years, an increase in intake must be in 9 mg for 18 mg and 36 mg required intake. In addition, the recommended initial dose for adults is from 18 mg to 36 mg up to 72 milligrams maximum dose per day taken every morning.
If one plans to undergo a drug test, the idea of how long this substance stays in the body must be known. In the saliva and urine, residues of this drug can still be detected for around one to three days and 48 to 96 hours respectively. In the hair follicles, it can still be detected 90 days after the last intake.
Furthermore, addiction to this drug is highly dangerous due to its detrimental short and long-term side effects. Some of its immediate short-term effects are headache, nausea, difficulty sleeping, extreme weight loss, agitation, and lightheadedness.
Whereas, its long-term effects in the body include irregular heart rate, increased blood pressure, painful erectile function, constricted brain arteries, and damage on the optic nerves. Consequently, if left untreated, these things further lead to serious health diseases such as psychosis, schizophrenia, heart diseases, and abnormalities in one’s behavior.
Medications and Treatments
The treatment process for any drug addiction is not an easy journey but manageable and workable. The first step to any successful treatment is the willingness of the person to recognize external help and support.
Overdose is the first stage one needs to apply immediate first aid treatment as it is still manageable. Consequently, the signs of an overdose must be known to determine when to apply first aid treatment. The common signs of an overdose are increased blood pressure, intense sweating, tremors, delusions, and muscle spasm.
Once the signs of an overdose are seen, the first thing to be done is to prevent the patient from doing self-harm. Second, stomach lavage can be done to flush out chemicals inside the patient’s stomach. Third, one can orally administer activated charcoal as it can absorb high amounts of toxins inside the body. Fourth, toxins can be removed from the system through blood dialysis.
Like most treatment program, detoxification is the first process. Alongside, certain withdrawal effects can be observed from the patient due to the gradual or abrupt stoppage from taking the drug. Some of the common withdrawal symptoms include nausea, depression, highly irritable, frequent panic attacks, and intense weariness of the body.
Furthermore, therapies are also included in all treatment plans to correct unhealthy behaviors and hasten the recovery process. The three common therapies incorporated are the Reward System, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Recovery Groups.
In the Reward System, the therapist will outline and orient the patient for the specific rewards for every positive behavior successfully done. These rewards can either be monetary or not as long it reinforces positive behavior and abstinence from drug cravings.
In Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, there will be the identification of the negative thoughts which triggers the craving for the drug. The therapist will assist the patient in doing this process. Likewise, positive coping mechanisms will be formulated to address the triggers.
In Recovery Groups, the patient will be in an anonymous group of people sharing the same condition. The goal for this intervention is to enhance social communication skills and one’s role for being a productive member of society. Development of insight learning and communication skills happens in every individual sharing in the group.
