5 days and still nothing

If you are getting lessened relief with concerta after 1 week (but you DO feel that it's working somewhat), you can ask your MD to up your dose slightly.  Best to do it in small increments but that will make a very quick change.

It sounds like you are getting reasonable effects.  You should feel a better control of concentration - and if you are not that could mean either you are on the wrong med or too weak a dose.

Don't fear asking a change of dose.  It regularly needs to be done with Ritalin, concerta, adderall etc.  That's why they come in so many dose types.

Perhaps even you might work best with a combo of concerta and adderall.  You'll never know until you become the squeaky wheel!

I'm glad you are getting improvement anyway.  Just remember it's still a consumer transaction and that as the customer you are always right!! So get your rear moving to the Doc and get what you need!!

So there.

valzap,

    It could very well be the Effexor that's slowing you down. Antidepressants do have a tendency to make you slack off. That's why they're used to curb anxiety.

    At least it got rid of your road rage. LOL.

valzap,

    It could very well be the Effexor that's slowing you down. Antidepressants do have a tendency to make you slack off. That's why they're used to curb anxiety.

    At least it got rid of your road rage. LOL.

Hmm, I am taking 54 mg of Concerta (3 pills in the morning only) and last week 37.5 mgs of Effexor.  Just upped that today as directed to 75 mgs of effexor.

I have often wondered this week if the anti-d is kinda contradicting some of the benefits Concerta is supposed to give.  But, I am willing to give it another try this coming week with the full dosage now and see how it goes.

So far feeling fine but no new focus or anything.

To the person saying they are going to start Adderall - let me know how that works for you.  I'm interested to hear.

5 days on concerta and I am still not able to concentrate on the things that I should.  I am not being productive at work.

The only thing I feel is calm (which I guess is good) and I feel like I should be more agitated because I'm not working, but I'm not agitated.

Shouldn't Concerta be more of an instant thing?  What should I be noticing if the meds are working?

  Bugz,

    EFFEXOR IS NOT A JOKE !!!!

    Valzap is wondering why her combo of Concerta and Effexor is not doing what she was told it would do for her.

    The new negative symptoms she describes are very common to Effexor users.

    It is extremely unlikely that she will not get rid of the "negatives" by doubling her dose as she did today. Most likely she will double the current symptoms and add new ones.  

Valzap -

if you're wondering about the adderall and if it might work better than Concerta - it just might for you.  The dexedrine and derivatives tend to be a higher stimulant and can increase your ability to focus if lack of energy is a part of that.  For us inattentive ADHDers it seems to work quite well in the majority of cases.

Some Anti-deps can have a dampening effect - they can be a little like a slow-down, which for some ADHDers with a small or capital H can be very beneficial.  They can give some that "woah nelly" they need.

In that way if you start at a lower energy level the anti-deps will make that part of it seem worse.

So don't be afraid to try different combinations.  With depression and ADHD - it can be a hard combo because it defeats the attempt to focus if you are obsessing on the sadness and the lack of self-esteem that can come with it.

Just stay in touch with your MD - and us!

bugz,

    Do you really think this is a joke ???

Adderall worked immediately for me.  Then I tried Concerta.  It made me feel depressed after a couple of days, so I stopped.  

I think it is different for every person.  You have to find what works for you.

Take heart in knowing that you are still holding on and strong.  You show willpower and control - bet you thought it couldn't happen!  Have courage in your convictions and ability to get what you need.

When the trial you've set for yourself is done if things aren't better - get into the MD's office!

I'm proud of you - I see good things in your replies here and that's good!

valzap,

   You don't mention the Effexor anymore. Are you still taking it or did you drop it ?

Hi,

Thanks for the encouragement.

Still taking the effexor.  Not as tired (but then I finally went to bed early and got 8 hours of sleep).  I'm better on the days when I can sleep past 5:30 am instead of getting up at 4:30 as usual.

Hunger pains have subsided somewhat.  Yesterday had a compulsive eating incident with the new low fat Doritos, but really, that was the ONLY thing I overate all day.  That's new for me.

Not as agitated today though still not able to concentrate well - or maybe concentrate on the things that need to be done.  I'm still feeling like a lazy slacker.

And, no real road rage behavior all week.  That's a blessing since I drive 60 miles each way to work.

So, maybe things are working a bit, just not in the way I thought.

    I'm just wondering how Valzap is doing now that she's doubled her dose of effexor.

People taking MAOIs should not take EFFEXOR XR. Adult and pediatric patients taking antidepressants should be watched closely for signs that their condition is getting worse or that they are becoming suicidal, especially when they first start therapy, or when their dose is increased or decreased. Patients should also be watched for becoming agitated, irritable, hostile, impulsive, or restless. Such symptoms should be reported to the patient's doctor right away. EFFEXOR XR may raise blood pressure in some patients. Your blood pressure should be controlled before starting treatment and should be monitored regularly. When people suddenly stop using or quickly lower their daily dose of EFFEXOR XR, discontinuation symptoms may occur. Talk to your doctor before discontinuing or reducing your dose of EFFEXOR XR. Pregnant or nursing women shouldn't take any antidepressant without consulting their doctor. Before starting EFFEXOR XR, tell your doctor about any medicines you're taking, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements. Until you see how EFFEXOR XR affects you, be careful doing such activities as driving a car or operating machinery. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking EFFEXOR XR. In clinical studies, the most common side effects with EFFEXOR XR (reported in at least 10% of patients and at least twice as often as with placebo) were constipation, dizziness, dry mouth, insomnia, loss of appetite, nausea, nervousness, sexual side effects, sleepiness, sweating, and weakness. Ask your doctor if EFFEXOR XR is right for you.