Concerta basics Concerta contains the active ingredient methylphenidate. It belongs to a group of drugs called stimulants. Stimulants are the most common ADHD medications, but they don’t work for everyone. Nonstimulants have fewer side effects but take longer to work. Methylphenidate belongs to a group of medicines called stimulants. It may work by increasing levels of natural brain chemicals, such as norepinephrine and dopamine. Methylphenidate, sold under the brand name Ritalin and Concerta, [a] among others, is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Methylphenidate is a central nervous system stimulant. It affects chemicals in the brain and nerves that contribute to hyperactivity and impulse control. Methylphenidate is used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and narcolepsy. Concerta is a central nervous system stimulant prescription medicine. It affects chemicals in the brain and nerves that contribute to hyperactivity and impulse control. Concerta and Adderall are medicines children and adults can take to manage their ADHD symptoms. They're both stimulants -- the most common type of drug used to treat the disorder. Concerta is a stimulant ADHD medication used to treat symptoms of ADHD in children and adults. Learn about side effects, uses, dosages, and warnings. Yes, Concerta is a stimulant. It is classified as a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant and contains methylphenidate, the most commonly prescribed medication for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Stimulant medications —such as methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) and amphetamines (Adderall, Vyvanse)—work by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine activity in the brain. These are the same neurotransmitters that help with attention, focus, and self-regulation.