I've been searching for any long term effects Concerta may have ?

My son has been on meds for a few years now.   I'm just wondering what kind of things may be a negitive effect later on in life. 

I know that his life is now so much better, but I've been worrying lately that there maybe some long term problems that I'm not aware of 

If anyone can help I sure would appreciate it.

I am in search of the same thing.  We took our boys off the Concerta 54mg once a day this Summer.  I didn't even know their moodiness and outbursts were from this med, they have been on it so long.....  they are doing better in so many areas that I didn't know were side effects.  Picking at scabs (or whatever), obsessing, emotional outbursts or no emotion at all, no eating.  I need an alternative, I don't think I care about long term as much as I did when I stopped them, now that I see the difference...weeks later.  They are still hyper and inattentive though!  They have been on a stimulant 6-7 yrs.  Both my boys are below the 5% in weight for their age also, a big concern of mine.  I did their growth charts online at

http:pediatrics.about.com/library/growth_charts.htm

I don't think they know the long term effects YET, that is scary.

Good luck to you, I guess as parents we have to weigh out the pros and cons.