How Long Does Concerta Last in ADHD Patients?

Lately, various medics have been on a tight race to find eventual solutions for fast-rising ADHD diagnosis.

According to a recent study, approximately 6.1 million American children below five years had ADHD by 2016. Currently, Concerta takes the forefront amongst the most preferred ADHD prescriptions.

As expected, most ADHD victims eager to get a long solution often have several inquiries on the medication. 

The ADHD victims can get their symptoms under control by clicking the button below and scheduling your appointment with a professional.

One common question directed to mental health experts is, how long does concerta last? On that account, we will delve deeper into the effects of Concerta and factors that contribute to the drug’s half-life.

What Is Concerta?

Concerta is a common medication given to relieve ADHD symptoms [1*] . In short, it is a brand name for methylphenidate prescription available in the market from the year 2000.

One main reason why experts recommend this drug is its effectiveness in balancing the brain’s neurotransmitters.

In addition, it offers quick improvements on:

• Listening skills
• Attention span
• Organization skills
• Focus in ADHD patients

A common concern raised about the drug is What Is a Concerta Crash and Why Does it Happen?

Usually, a crash refers to a reaction caused by a low level of a particular drug in the body. Given that it is a stimulant prescription, patients may feel tired or depressed when the drug wears off. 

Typically, Concerta increases the level of dopamine and norepinephrine transmitters in the brain. Several hours later, after ingestion, the drug quantity decreased significantly, resulting in a crash. [2*]

Depending on the dosage given, this outcome may happen in the evening or afternoons.

Quick Concerta Facts

How Many Hours Does Concerta Work?

When appropriately prescribed, Concerta should last in the human body [3*] for roughly twelve hours.

Nonetheless, most benefits are not only noticeable for at least ten hours in children. On the other hand, children metabolize Concerta differently, with reactions happening for about seven to eight hours.

If you worry about Concerta uses, doctors often prescribe the drug in five different dosages:

• 72 mg
• 54 mg
• 36 mg
• 27 mg
• 18 mg

Compared to other ADHD medications, these quantities may seem slightly higher.

All in all, remember that preventing a Concerta overdose is critical to the patient’s well-being. Therefore, most therapists start on a low dosage of 18 mg. 

On that note, how long does 18 mg Concerta last?  Patients should feel the effect of the drug within the first hour. Afterward, the effect steadily rises for the next six to ten hours.

Note that if an 18 mg dosage fails to work on the patient’s medics can increase the quantity to 27 mg.

Please note that the dosage of the medication can only be changed after the doctor’s recommendation- Click below to schedule your appointment with a licensed ADHD expert.

Further escalation of ADHD episodes may prompt doctors to increase the dosage further. In such a scenario, some individuals may wonder how long does 27 mg Concerta last? 

Basically, all Concerta dosages stay in the body for an almost similar period of not more than ten hours. 

Still, you may find some individuals asking, how long does Concerta last in urine? 

In most cases, Concerta remains visible in urine tests for roughly 48 to 96 hours. Akin other medications, the drugs stay much longer in the hair follicles.

Factors that Influence How Long Does Concerta Last

Since every patient has a unique physiology, their bodies process Concerta in different ways.

There are a couple of factors that dictate how long does Concerta last in the human body.

Some of the most common ones include:

• Genetics
• Age
• Organ function
• Metabolism

Nonetheless, Concerta uses an exceptional delivery mode known as Osmotic Controlled Release Oral Delivery System or OROS.

This is an advanced technology that utilizes osmotic pressure to convey pharmacotherapy at least once daily.

Once taken, the drug expands through the osmotic membrane. Also, it gets expelled through a laser drill opening found on one side of the tablet. 

How Long Does Concerta Last?

In most cases, is Concerta Detectable in Lab Drug Tests? Concerta is readily detectable in the blood for the first 12 hours. As mentioned above, you can also detect it through urine and hair follicles tests.

Is Concerta Stronger Than Adderall?

Adderall is a stimulant medication that contains amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, which helps in treating ADHD and narcolepsy.

It is worth pointing out that Adderall works much better when combined with behavioral therapy.

The drug is available in a time-release capsule and tablet form. Similar to Concerta, doctors start prescriptions on a low dosage and then increase slowly. 

There are plenty of similarities between Adderall and Concerta. Most important is that they are both are very effective in reducing ugly symptoms associated with ADHD.

Of course, patients would find it necessary to understand how long does concerta last compared to Adderall. The bottom line is that Concerta is a much longer-acting medication than Adderall. 

Click below to schedule your appointment with a professional and let them find the best ADHD treatment option for you.

Final Thoughts 

Unknown to most people, Concerta has an extended-release of methylphenidate. For this reason, the equivalent dosage may not be as straightforward compared to other stimulants.

Based on this information, contacting a verified healthcare provider before starting a Concerta management program for proper diagnosis and dosage remains the wisest decision ever.

Talk to qualified health experts at EZCare Clinic for a comprehensive, practical approach to ADHD and other mental disorders.