Stimulant — methylphenidate
Concerta
Methylphenidate (OROS osmotic ER)
DEA Schedule II FDA approved adults
Pediatric ages 6+
How it works
Same MOA as Ritalin IR; OROS osmotic-pump capsule delivers methylphenidate at an ascending profile across ~12 hours.
At-a-glance
- Onset of effect
- 1–2 h
- Typical duration of effect
- 10–12 h
- Half-life
- ~3.5 (continuous release pattern)
- Formulations
- Oral tablet (OROS ER, do not crush)
- Adult dose range
- 18–72 mg once daily in the morning
FDA max: 72 mg/day - Pediatric dose range
- 18–54 mg once daily
Common side effects
- Decreased appetite
- Insomnia
- Headache
- Anxiety
Important warnings
- Schedule II
- Cardiovascular risk
- Tablet shell is non-absorbable and may appear in stool — this is expected
Source
Reference data is sourced from the current FDA prescribing information at DailyMed. Dose ranges, approved ages, and warnings change over time — always check the current label and consult your prescriber.