Mixing Concerta With Alcohol

Mixing Alcohol And Concerta | Side Effects, Interactions And Blackouts

Concerta is an attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy medication. Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder that causes the spontaneous loss of consciousness. ADHD is characterized by restlessness and an inability to focus.

Alcohol should never be mixed with Concerta. Combining the two can result in elevated plasma levels of Concerta and increase the likelihood of overdose. Concerta should not be mixed with other central nervous system stimulants. Doing so can lead to a dangerous elevation in heart rate.

Concerta is generally well tolerated. The likelihood of side effects increases with dose size and frequency. Side effects of Concerta may include dry mouth, anxiety, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, weight loss, agitation, restlessness, irritability and insomnia. Cardiac effects included tachycardia (rapid heart rate) and fluctuations in blood pressure. Chest pain is rare. Blurred vision and dry eyes have been reported. Patients may experience depression, confusion and emotional instability. People who take Concerta may develop the habit of grinding their teeth (bruxism).

What Is Concerta?

Concerta is a brand name of the drug methylphenidate. Methylphenidate is a central nervous system stimulant that acts on the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine. Patients with ADHD tend to have an under-activity of these critical neurotransmitters. Concerta increases dopamine and norepinephrine activity by inhibiting their reuptake from the synaptic gap between neurons. The longer that dopamine and norepinephrine are active in the synaptic gap, the more they can impact a patient’s behavior.

Concerta uses a specials kind of extended release technology called OROS. OROS stands for osmotic controlled-release delivery system. Methylphenidate is most therapeutic when it’s release gradually. With Concerta, roughly 22 percent of the drug is released upon ingestion. The rest gradually trickles into circulation over the course of several hours.

Mixing Alcohol And Concerta

Concerta should not be mixed with alcohol. Combining Concerta and alcohol can make it hard to gauge the effects of the drug. This increases the likelihood of alcohol toxicity and Concerta overdose. Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant. Concerta is a central nervous system stimulant. Taking a depressant such as alcohol with Concerta does not reduce its stimulating effects on the body. The combination only masks symptoms that would otherwise serve as warning signs of an impending overdose.

Having a history of certain health problems can increase the likelihood of dangerous complications. Talk to your doctor if you have a history of drug or alcohol addiction, depression, anxiety, psychosis, suicidal thoughts or bipolar disorder. A history of seizures, blood circulation problems, motor tics, abnormal brain waves and problems with the intestines, esophagus and stomach should also be reported.

Summing Up Side Effects, Interactions And Blackouts Of Mixing Alcohol And Concerta

Concerta is intended for the prescribed management of ADHD and narcolepsy and should only be taken under doctor supervision. Self-regulating Concerta treatment can lead to addiction and increases the likelihood of severe side effects. Mixing Concerta with other stimulants can increase the rate of addiction. Signs of Concerta misuse include irritability, depression, anxiety, delusions, hallucinations and paranoia.

Cardiovascular complications can occur, including rapid heart rate and abnormal fluctuations in blood pressure. Concerta misuse increases the chance of heart attack. Mixing alcohol with Concerta increases the likelihood of complications. The Recovery Village is available to answer any further questions you may have regarding Concerta and alcohol use.