Many think Concerta (methylphenidate) is safe, or mild, because so many children use it. However, the government classifies the psychoactive drug with cocaine and morphine because it is highly addictive. I found this interesting article about drug screens. Although it may not apply to you, ask your clinic to use a new batch of test kits as they have a limited shelf life. Concerta XL 18 mg prolonged-release tablets. - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) by Janssen-Cilag Ltd WARNING: DRUG DEPENDENCE. Concerta ® should be given cautiously to patients with a history of drug dependence or alcoholism. Chronic abusive use can lead to marked tolerance and psychological dependence with varying degrees of abnormal behavior. Concerta and Adderall are medications used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. These drugs help activate the areas of your brain that are responsible for focusing and paying attention. Concerta and Ritalin are stimulants used to treat ADHD. They have similar effects but also differences in strength, dosing, and how long you take them. Methylphenidate is generally well tolerated. The most commonly observed adverse effects with a frequency greater than placebo include appetite loss, dry mouth, anxiety/nervousness, nausea, and insomnia. WARNING. DRUG DEPENDENCE. CONCERTA® should be given cautiously to patients with a history of drug dependence or alcoholism. Chronic abusive use can lead to marked tolerance and psychological dependence with varying degrees of abnormal behavior. Methylphenidate ER (Concerta) is an expensive drug used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. It is also used to treat narcolepsy. Information on the drug methylphenidate (Ritalin, Ritalin SR, Ritalin LA, Concerta, Methylin, Methylin ER, Daytrana, Quillivant XR Metadate CD, Metadate ER) prescribed for the treatment of ADHD and Narcolepsy. Side effects and dosing information is included.