Concerta Withdrawal | Symptoms, Timeline, & Detox

Withdrawal symptoms of Concerta may include anxiety, depression, cravings, tiredness, and trouble sleeping.

It may take several weeks for the withdrawal symptoms of Concerta to wear off.

Withdrawal may be more intense if Concerta was a subject of drug abuse, or if a person is attempting to quit all at once (“cold turkey”).

Concerta is a legal prescription drug used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. It also sees widespread abuse in several populations, including college students and employees looking to increase productivity.

Concerta Withdrawal Symptoms

Common withdrawal symptoms of Concerta include:

• depression
• drug cravings
• dysphoria
• insomnia
• mood swings

Severe withdrawal may result in intense versions of these mental health symptoms. Psychosis, hallucinations, paranoia, and aggression have been observed in victims of severe stimulant withdrawal.

These withdrawal symptoms may occur alongside or after common side effects of Concerta, such as high blood pressure, increased heart rate, a loss of appetite, and dry mouth.

Causes Of Concerta Withdrawal

Withdrawal syndrome can be caused by Concerta addiction and a physical dependence on a drug. Once the body is physically dependent and usage stops, the body may enter withdrawal.

The physical dependency associated with Concerta may be due to its effects on dopamine.

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system that influences satisfaction, pleasure, and reward. Concerta can cause high amounts of dopamine in the brain for a short time, and taking the drug can be mentally rewarding.

Once the effects of Concerta wear off, levels of dopamine can decrease, leading to a depressed mood and potential withdrawal symptoms. The change in mood is sometimes known as a “Concerta crash,” which may precede long-term withdrawal.

Timeline Of Concerta Withdrawal

Concerta is an extended-release, brand name version of methylphenidate. Its long-lasting effects may cause a longer withdrawal timeline compared to immediate-release formulations such as Ritalin.

Initial Crash (24 Hours)

Withdrawal symptoms may begin about one day after the last dose. First, a person may experience a crash in their mood.

Cravings and sleeping problems may follow shortly after and gradually worsen. Patients may experience other long-term side effects during this time, such as weight loss.

1-3 Weeks

Withdrawal symptoms may last for one to several weeks. The timeline and severity of symptoms may vary depending on the patient’s history of substance use and other health conditions.

Withdrawal can be difficult for many patients, causing them to potentially relapse without proper intervention.

Detoxification For Concerta Abuse

Concerta is a schedule II controlled substance in the United States. Its recognized potential for substance abuse means that dedicated treatment programs can help struggling victims.

A medical detox program can help patients manage their withdrawal symptoms more effectively than quitting cold turkey.

Patients may receive constant supervision and support from medical professionals during the detox period, and may be asked to stay at a recovery center to improve their recovery chances.

A successful detox may be followed up with further inpatient or outpatient addiction treatment at a rehab center, which is likely to include behavioral therapy and support groups.

Contact Northeast Addictions Treatment Center to find out if our stimulant medication treatment program works for you and your loved ones.