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The Effects of Concerta and Alcohol

The Effects of Concerta and Alcohol

Every individual has their own way of celebrating the holidays. Like many, it includes a bottle of champagne, a mixed cocktail, or a beer. However, is it safe to mix your medication with Alcohol? Is it wise to combine alcohol with ADHD medication? What are the side effects of mixing Concerta and alcohol (an ADHD medication)?

What Is Concerta? 

Concerta is a premium brand of an extended-release form of methylphenidate. Concerta is a stimulant of the nervous system that helps treat ADHD and narcolepsy. Methylphenidate is a powerful psychostimulant that is typically classified as a restricted substance under the USDE Schedule II classification.

Many stimulant medicines, such as Concerta, function in a similar manner. They have therapeutic properties because they increase the striking impulses of neurons in the brain and spinal cord. Some of the side effects of consuming more stimulants than prescribed include:

  • Exhilaration, 
  • Feelings of Invulnerability
  • Euphoria, 
  • Excess vigor
  • Appetite Loss
  • Sleep Apnea  

Most central nervous system stimulants influence dopamine, norepinephrine, and glutamate as major neurotransmitters, however additional neurotransmitters are sometimes impacted.

Effects of Concerta

Considering its potency when authorized and administered as recommended, the substance has recently been accepted for casual use. Concerta, like all stimulants, has a significant risk of addiction. 

Because of its glamorized reputation, a high number of ADHD diagnoses, Concerta prescriptions, the likelihood for drug abuse with alcohol is high.

Chemical composition is comparable to that of other drugs such as cocaine and amphetamine, and the substance is equally addicting. Taking this recreationally without a doctor’s note or those taking more than the permitted dosage is at risk of developing a Concerta addiction.

If a Concerta addict stops using the drug, they will endure unpleasant side effects such as restlessness, lethargy, and despair. Other indicators of Concerta addiction include:

  • Higher dosages are required to feel the drug’s effects (tolerance)
  • Having overwhelming impulses to use Concerta
  • Finding innovative ways to access the substance — legally or illegally — in order to misuse it
  • Using Concerta even if it causes problems with loved ones or duties

Concerta Withdrawals

When someone abruptly stops or reduces their intake of Concerta, they may experience withdrawal effects. Withdrawals are the unpleasant consequences that the body and mind experience after stopping the use of a substance. Many people who use stimulants like Concerta report feeling melancholy, angry, and exhausted. Individuals may continue to take stimulants because they have grown used to and are reliant on the drug’s effects.

Concerta and Alcohol Mixed

Concerta should not be paired with alcoholic beverages. Mixing Concerta and alcohol, it might be difficult to assess the drug’s effects. This raises the possibility of alcohol poisoning and Concerta abuse. Alcohol is a depressant of the central nervous system. 

Concerta is a stimulant of the central nervous system. Taking Concerta with a depressant, such as alcohol, has no influence on stimulating stress on the body. 

The mixture conceals sensations that might otherwise act as warning indications of an imminent overdose. A history of health issues raises the risk of other complications which will be potentially dangerous. If you have a history of any of these consult your physician for treatment options.

  • Drug or Alcohol addiction
  • Depression 
  • Anxiety 
  • Psychosis 
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Bipolar illness

Spasms, blood circulation issues, intestinal, esophageal, and stomach disorders should all be noted.

Take Control Before it Gets Worse

Concerta addiction may be extremely upsetting, whether the patient is a kid or an adult. The greatest approach to be responsible for maintaining a Concerta-free life is to get therapy. 


Contact a rehabilitation professional to learn about your alternatives. Make a rational decision about your life and addiction treatment. Help is available; get started on a road to recovery with Harm Reduction Center now.