Concerta Withdrawal Timeline
Not everyone experiences withdrawal syndrome exactly the same way. However, withdrawal symptoms such as severely depressed mood, heightened anxiety, and fatigue typically start within 24 hours of the last dose. The withdrawal timeline is similar to amphetamine withdrawal because methylphenidate and amphetamine share some pharmacological properties. The withdrawal syndrome will depend on many factors such as general health, age, dosage, length of time used, and others. Protracted or post-acute withdrawal symptoms (PAWS) such as dysphoria — a profound state of dissatisfaction or unease — can continue for much longer.4
The most severe symptoms, including intense anxiety, mood swings, and irritability, are most likely to appear from the second day onward. According to published research, Concerta withdrawal symptoms and rebound symptoms may persist for weeks or months after cessation.18
Within 24 hours of taking the last dose
- After dependence has developed, rebound and other symptoms may emerge following abrupt cessation. (See list above and references below.)
2-7 days
- Concerta withdrawal symptoms may worsen for some and may become milder for others. Studies have shown increased anxiety and sensitization of neuron responses in certain parts of the brain after sudden withdrawal of methylphenidate.11
8-21 days and on
- Withdrawal symptoms such as dysphoria may continue past seven days especially if methylphenidate was used or abused at high dosages and for long periods of time. Please beware that other psychiatric symptoms can include extreme depression, psychoses, episodes of panic, manic states, delusions, heightened anxiety, and other schizophrenic symptoms. For those with suppressed growth and weight, these factors have begun to normalize after appetite and other factors begin to improve.19
For more info see the research of Morton et al., and Ferreira et al at the end of the article.11,20
Concerta Withdrawal — the Concerta Crash
Although people use the phrase “Concerta crash” interchangeably with “Concerta withdrawal,” the terms refer to a phenomenon where the effects of a daily dose can begin to diminish. The term may have been borrowed from colloquial literature on methamphetamine abuse, where a “crash” involves days of sleeping after a days-long binge episode. Although there are similarities, the term does not accurately describe a “Concerta crash” as Concerta is not typically used as a “binge” drug but is used on a once-daily basis.
Concerta Crash Symptoms
In medical literature, stimulant drug withdrawal is often described in 3 phases: the “crash,” “withdrawal,” and “extinction phase.” Concerta withdrawal follows a somewhat similar pattern. First is the immediate “crash” which may cause symptoms to rebound suddenly and often at a higher intensity than prior to medication, as the level of active ADHD medication or the CNS response to it diminishes.
Some immediate-release ADHD medications, such as Ritalin, require several doses each day, but other stimulant drugs, such as Concerta and Adderall XR©, provide an extended release of the medication with just one dose daily. The effects of Concerta may last up to 10 to 12 hours, or the drug may “wear off” much sooner than that. This is also called inter-dosing withdrawal. Symptoms may rebound before the next dose, when the response of dopamine, norepinephrine, or other neurotransmitter levels drops off, often steeply.4,13
As a drug’s effects on the CNS wear off, withdrawal symptoms can surface. In the case of Concerta, these can emerge rapidly and unexpectedly, even though it has been designed to be a long-lasting drug. This phenomenon is thought to occur because the body and the CNS have the capability to adapt to the presence of drugs in the system and this adaptation can leave the CNS in a dysfunctional state after Concerta withdrawal.
Both tolerance (diminished effects over time) and withdrawal are the results of neuroadaptation over the course of drug treatment.
Some of the symptoms you might experience include:
- Anxiety
- Cravings
- Difficulty focusing
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Sadness
Concerta Crash Timeline
Because Concerta is a timed-release prescription medication, Concerta releases gradually into your system over a period of hours. The biggest portion of that release occurs at the outset, with 22 percent of the drug entering the system in an immediate release and the rest at a controlled rate.6
Depending on how your body reacts, the drug’s effects may continue for 6, 10, or 12 hours. The drug effects may wear off much earlier, and one may experience rebound symptoms that may be more intensified than the original symptoms prior to medication.
Obtain medical advice about your options with a trusted healthcare provider before altering your routine, including changing dosage and timing. You may wish to discuss different treatment options with your physician that are drug-free.5
Adverse Side Effects of Concerta
Patients are sometimes not informed of reactions they may experience while taking the drug. Adverse effects occur while taking the drug. A massive review of studies published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews found that more than half the study participants experienced one or more adverse effects. Animal studies as well as human studies have helped isolate the longer-term effects of methylphenidate, which are important to understand in treating Concerta withdrawal safely and effectively.10-12
There is a wide range of potential adverse effects of Concerta. Some of the most commonly reported reactions are listed below.1
Physical
- Cardiac disorders, such as tachycardia and palpitations
- Difficulty breathing/shortness of breath
- Gastrointestinal disorders, such as constipation, vomiting, and nausea
- Lethargy
- Increased blood pressure
- Seizures and tics
- Vertigo
- Dizziness and blurred vision
Psychiatric
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Agitation
- Aggression
- Irritability
- Nervousness
- Restlessness
- Panic attacks
Concerta Withdrawal Treatment Options
Many people find it difficult to stop using Concerta without the support of a properly managed treatment program in place. Experts recommend gradual withdrawal from Concerta in an inpatient setting, where professionals are on hand to closely monitor the client, and avoid further health risks.
Alternative to Meds Center offers treatment that provides careful and gradual withdrawal for adults who wish to discontinue Concerta or other drugs safely, in a relaxed and compassionate inpatient setting. Over forty highly trained staff members, including medical doctors, nurses, practitioners, and other caregivers remain on hand for round-the-clock client care.
Our medically supervised Concerta withdrawal program is based largely on the principles of Orthomolecular Medicine, which refers to the correction of diet and nutrition needs, and we focus on lab testing for developing the best way forward for each unique individual. You can review the wide range of holistic treatment modalities used at the center on our services overview pages. Neurotransmitter rehabilitation, neurotoxin cleansing, proper diet, exercise, and many other protocols are used for comfortable, and effective Concerta withdrawal and recovery.
Final Thoughts
Concerta is associated with a high potential for tolerance, and adverse and unpredictable reactions during withdrawal, including psychiatric adverse events.
Please remember, one should not stop taking Concerta or any stimulant drugs like methylphenidate suddenly. Alternative to Meds Center offers holistic, caring treatment under medical oversight for a comfortable Concerta withdrawal experience. Call us today to find out more about how our Concerta withdrawal program may be the one you have been looking for, for true recovery.
The prescription drug Concerta stimulates the central nervous system (CNS). The FDA approved this medication to treat ADHD for those aged 6 to 65. Concerta works as an extended-release medication so that a dose may last up to 12 hours. Often, this medication is prescribed for very long periods of time. Unfortunately, few studies exist addressing the long-term use of Concerta or what happens during and after Concerta withdrawal.1,18,19
Severe depression
