What Does Concerta Look Like?

Concerta is an extended-release formulation of methylphenidate hydrochloride prescribed to treat narcolepsy in adults and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children, adolescents, and adults.

Brand-name Concerta comes in different colors depending on the dosage of the pill. Generic versions are available that are shaped differently and come in various colors.

What Does Real Concerta Look Like?

Concerta is available in oblong capsules with the manufacturer’s name (Alza Corp., part of Janssen Pharmaceuticals) and the pill dosage stamped on it in black. 

The four colors of Concerta pills are:

• yellow, stamped with alza 18 (18 mg)
• gray, stamped with alza 27 (27 mg)
• white, stamped with alza 36 (36 mg)
• red, stamped with alza 54 (54 mg)

Brand-name Concerta is the only methylphenidate XR that uses the OROS delivery system. OROS is an osmotic-controlled release oral delivery system. 

The capsules have a semi-permeable shell and an active osmotic center, which delivers methylphenidate gradually throughout the day. After the outer coating dissolves, you can see a tiny hole in one end of the capsules where they were drilled to insert the active center.

What Does Generic Concerta Look Like?

Generic formulations of Concerta (methylphenidate XR) are available. They come in different shapes and colors and are stamped with the manufacturer’s initials and pill dosage.

Trigen Laboratories’ generic methylphenidate extended-release tablets are:

• round, yellow, stamped with TL 706 (18 mg)
• round, grey, stamped with  TL 707 (27 mg)
• round, white, stamped with TL 708 (36 mg)
• round, pink, stamped with TL 709 (54 mg)
• round, blue, stamped with TL710 (72 mg)

Mallinckrodt’s generic methylphenidate XR capsules are:

• oval, grey, stamped with M 27 (27 mg)
• oval, white, stamped with M 36 (36 mg)
• oval, red, stamped M 54 (54 mg)

Effects Of Concerta

Concerta (methylphenidate) is a central nervous system stimulant. It activates brain chemicals that help people with ADHD focus on a task rather than seeking outside stimulation. ADHD symptoms include impulsivity and inattention.

A high dose of Concerta makes your dopamine levels spike, producing a feeling of euphoria. This feature makes it addictive. Concerta is a Schedule II controlled substance because of its potential for abuse and addiction.

Side effects of Concerta include:

• dry mouth
• muscle twitching
• loss of appetite
• weight loss
• trouble sleeping
• increased heart rate
• raised blood pressure

If you have severe adverse reactions to Concerta, such as chest pain or motor tics, tell a healthcare professional.

Concerta Drug Interactions

If you take Concerta with stimulant drugs, like amphetamines (Adderall), you risk overdosing, which could be fatal. Overdose symptoms include a rapid heart rate, heart attack, shaking, and hallucinations.

Concerta can cause drug interactions with other drugs, such as:

• monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
• medications for high blood pressure 
• anticoagulants (blood thinners)
• antidepressants

Some medical conditions can cause complications with Concerta. Your doctor may recommend a different medication. These conditions include:

• glaucoma
• bipolar disorder
• Tourette Syndrome
• a family history of heart problems

What Do Fake Concerta Pills Look Like?

Knowing what Concerta pills look like can help you identify fake ones. If you buy Concerta on the street, you risk getting counterfeit tablets containing unknown substances.

Street drug manufacturers use pill presses that aren’t exactly like the ones used by legitimate pharmaceutical companies. They may even use less accurate home presses.

If you look closely, you may be able to tell the difference. With fake Concerta pills:

• the stamp could be off-centered, blurry, or lighter/darker than usual
• the numbers or letters stamped on them might be wrong
• the color may be lighter or darker than real Concerta

Fake Concerta may taste different or have an unfamiliar texture. Its effects might be different too. If you notice that the pills affect you less or more than normal, it could be because there is no active ingredient in them or they’re laced with a stronger drug. 

They’re also likely to have different filler substances in them, which may irritate your body or affect you in ways that real Concerta doesn’t.

Ohio Concerta Abuse & Addiction

Some people in Ohio abuse Concerta by using it outside of prescription guidelines. This could mean taking someone else’s prescription, taking higher doses, or using it more often or for longer than prescribed. 

You shouldn’t need to buy Concerta on the street in Ohio if you’re following your prescription. If you get Concerta from a licensed Ohio pharmacy, you don’t have to worry about it being fake (or what it looks like).

Adolescents or young adults who want a boost in concentration for school or work may abuse Concerta. They might also use the immediate-release version of methylphenidate (Ritalin). 

People without ADHD can still get increased focus and energy from using methylphenidate. But regular, prolonged use can change your brain structure and lead to addiction.

If you’re addicted to Concerta (methylphenidate), you’ll feel like you need the drug to get through the day. You won’t be able to stop taking it or cut back without having withdrawal symptoms like irritability, fatigue, and depression.

There are many rehab options in Ohio for Concerta abuse and addiction. 

At Ohio Recovery Center, we offer personalized inpatient treatment programs that meet you where you are in addiction. We provide care for your physical and mental health so you can experience whole-person healing. 

Speak with one of our treatment specialists today to learn more and start your recovery.