What Is Concerta XR?

Concerta XR is a brand-name, extended-release form of Methylphenidate HCl, a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant. It is FDA-approved to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in patients aged 6 years and older, including adults up to age 65.

Concerta XR uses a unique OROS (Osmotic-controlled Release Oral delivery System) technology that delivers medication at a controlled rate over 10–12 hours, providing all-day symptom coverage with a single morning dose. It is manufactured by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson.

How does Concerta XR work?

Concerta XR works by blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine into presynaptic neurons in the brain. This increases the concentration of these neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft, which improves focus, attention, and impulse control in patients with ADHD.

The OROS tablet design releases an initial dose quickly (about 22% of the total dose), then gradually releases the remaining medication over the next 10–12 hours using osmotic pressure. The empty tablet shell passes through the digestive system and may appear in your stool — this is normal and does not mean the medication wasn't absorbed.

What doses are available for Concerta XR?

• 18 mg extended-release tablets
• 27 mg extended-release tablets
• 36 mg extended-release tablets
• 54 mg extended-release tablets

Concerta XR is taken once daily in the morning. The typical dose range is 18–54 mg per day for children and 18–72 mg per day for adults. Your doctor may start you at a lower dose and increase gradually.

How hard is it to find Concerta XR in stock?

Concerta XR has a findability score of 45 out of 100, meaning it is moderately difficult to find in stock at your local pharmacy. The ongoing ADHD medication shortage, which began in late 2022, has caused intermittent supply disruptions for Methylphenidate ER products through 2025 and into 2026. While the DEA increased Methylphenidate production quotas by up to 25% in October 2025, certain strengths and specific manufacturers still experience shortages.

If your pharmacy is out of stock, Medfinder can help you locate a pharmacy near you that has Concerta XR available right now.

Who Can Prescribe Concerta XR?

Because Concerta XR is a Schedule II controlled substance, it must be prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider with DEA prescribing authority. Common specialties that prescribe Concerta XR include:

• Psychiatrists — most commonly prescribe Concerta XR for ADHD
• Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists — for pediatric ADHD patients
• Pediatricians — often the first prescriber for children with ADHD
• Family Medicine Physicians
• Internal Medicine Physicians
• Neurologists

Telehealth providers can also prescribe Concerta XR in many states, though some states have additional restrictions for Schedule II controlled substances via telemedicine.

Is Concerta XR a controlled substance?

Yes. Concerta XR is classified as a Schedule II (CII) controlled substance by the DEA. This is the most restrictive category for medications that have accepted medical use. Schedule II drugs carry a high potential for abuse and dependence.

Because of its controlled status:

• Prescriptions cannot be called in to the pharmacy — they must be written or sent electronically
• No refills are allowed — a new prescription is required each time
• Pharmacies may have quantity limits and ID requirements
• Early refills are typically not permitted

Concerta XR carries an FDA boxed warning about the risk of abuse and dependence. Your doctor should assess your risk before prescribing and monitor you during treatment.

Common Side Effects of Concerta XR

• Decreased appetite
• Headache
• Dry mouth
• Nausea
• Insomnia
• Anxiety
• Dizziness
• Stomach pain
• Weight loss
• Irritability

Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention include:

• Increased heart rate or blood pressure
• Cardiovascular events (especially in patients with pre-existing heart conditions)
• Psychiatric symptoms such as psychosis, mania, or aggression
• Peripheral vasculopathy including Raynaud's phenomenon
• Seizures
• Growth suppression in children with prolonged use

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, or new psychiatric symptoms while taking Concerta XR.

Alternative Medications to Concerta XR

If you cannot find Concerta XR in stock or need a different option, these alternatives may be worth discussing with your doctor:

• Vyvanse (Lisdexamfetamine) — a long-acting prodrug stimulant (amphetamine class) that lasts 10–14 hours
• Adderall XR (Mixed Amphetamine Salts) — an extended-release amphetamine-based stimulant lasting 10–12 hours
• Focalin XR (Dexmethylphenidate) — contains the more active d-isomer of Methylphenidate in extended-release form
• Strattera (Atomoxetine) — a non-stimulant SNRI for ADHD, not a controlled substance, a good option for patients with substance abuse history
• Relexxii — another extended-release Methylphenidate tablet available in 18 mg, 27 mg, 36 mg, 54 mg, and 72 mg
• Ritalin LA — extended-release Methylphenidate capsules
• Quillivant XR — liquid extended-release Methylphenidate for patients who cannot swallow tablets

Use Medfinder to check availability of these alternatives near you.

Drug Interactions with Concerta XR

Concerta XR can interact with several medications. Always tell your doctor about everything you take, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• MAO Inhibitors — risk of hypertensive crisis; contraindicated within 14 days of MAOI use
• Vasopressor agents — potentiated effects on blood pressure
• Warfarin and other anticoagulants — Concerta XR may increase anticoagulant levels
• Antihypertensive drugs — Concerta XR may reduce their effectiveness

Moderate Interactions (Use with Caution)

• SSRIs and SNRIs — risk of serotonin syndrome
• Tricyclic antidepressants — increased TCA levels
• Phenytoin and anticonvulsants — altered levels
• Halogenated anesthetics — risk of sudden blood pressure increase during surgery

Food and Beverage Interactions

• Alcohol — may alter the release mechanism and increase side effects
• Caffeine — additive stimulant effects; may increase heart rate and anxiety

Final Thoughts on Concerta XR

Concerta XR remains one of the most prescribed ADHD medications thanks to its proven efficacy and convenient once-daily dosing with OROS technology. However, the ongoing stimulant shortage means finding it in stock can be a real challenge in 2026.

If your pharmacy is out of Concerta XR, don't give up. Medfinder can help you search for pharmacies near you that currently have it in stock — saving you hours of phone calls and frustration. Generic Methylphenidate ER is also widely available and significantly more affordable, especially with discount coupons.

Talk to your doctor about the best option for your situation, and use the tools and resources available to stay on top of your ADHD treatment.