Oklahoma City Concerta Attorneys

This Medication Can Cause Harmful Side Effects

Concerta® (Methylphenidate) is a prescription medication used to treat ADD and/or ADHD. Over the past decade, prescriptions to treat ADD/ADHD have soared as ADD/ADHD has become a more common diagnosis — especially in school-aged and pre-adolescent children. The drug acts as a stimulant for the central nervous system and affects chemicals in the brain. Methylphenidate-based drugs are one of the most commonly prescribed drugs for ADD/ADHD. Concerta is distinguishable from other types of Methylphenidate drugs because of its “time released” formula.

Concerta & Suicidal Thoughts

One of the most serious and devastating potential side effects and risks associated with Concerta is extreme suicidal thoughts, especially in children under 21. In June 2005, the FDA reviewed the use of Concerta in children and found reports of psychiatric adverse events, including suicidal thoughts, hallucinations, and violent behavior. Other methylphenidate ADHD medications were linked to similar reports. In March 2015, Health Canada issued stronger, clearer warnings about the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors from Concerta and other ADHD medications. The reports involved suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts, and in a very small number of cases, completed suicide. These events mostly occurred at the start of treatment, during dose changes, or after stopping treatment.

Additional Side Effects

• Agitation
• Convulsions
• Disturbed sleep
• Hallucinations
• Hostility
• Stroke
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Drug addiction/abuse
• Heart issues
• Mania/psychosis

Concerta Recall Information

As this time, there has not been a recall of Concerta for issues related to children and suicide. Incredibly, despite case reports of suicidal thoughts in children taking Concerta, the United States drug label does not even warn doctors and patients of the risk. In other parts of the world, the government is addressing this known and serious risk. For example, in 2015, Canada required a warning for Concerta that specifically addresses the drug’s potential to increase the risk of suicide. The Canadian product label warns that patients should be monitored at every adjustment dose of the drug, at least every six months, and at every doctor’s visit for development or worsening of psychiatric disorders. Additionally, the Canadian product label warns about suicidal tendencies and advises that patients with emergent suicidal thoughts or behavior during treatment should be evaluated immediately by a physician.

Do You Have Questions About Injuries Related to Concerta?

If you or a loved one have been affected by the drug Concerta, we encourage you to consult with our team as soon as possible. With our extensive knowledge and expertise, you can rest assured that you will have legal representation you can trust. All initial consultations are free, and we don’t charge any up-front fees for representation. We handle all fees on a contingency basis, meaning that unless we’re successful, you don’t have to pay us.

Please contact Fulmer Sill at (405) 433-7414 for a free consultation. Hablamos español.