Concerta (Methylphenidate) for Multiple Sclerosis

Overview
Concerta is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in people ages 6 to 65. Concerta is sometimes prescribed off-label to treat fatigue associated with multiple sclerosis (MS). Concerta is also known by its drug name, methylphenidate.

Concerta is a stimulant of the phenethylamine and piperidine classes. Concerta is believed to work by increasing transmission between neurons.

How do I take it?
Concerta should be taken exactly as prescribed.

Concerta comes in extended-release tablet form.

Side effects
The FDA-approved label for Concerta lists common side effects including headache, dry mouth, dizziness, insomnia, anxiety, irritability, increased sweating, loss of appetite, weight loss, insomnia, nausea, and abdominal pain.

Rare but serious side effects listed for Concerta include hypersensitivity reactions, severe heart problems, increased blood pressure, visual problems, vascular disorders, visual disturbance, priapism (prolonged and painful erection), and neurological symptoms including seizures, aggression, and psychotic or manic behavior.

For more details about this treatment, visit:

Concerta — Janssen
http://www.concerta.net

Management of MS-Related Fatigue — National MS Society
https://www.nationalmssociety.org/NationalMSSoc...