Concerta....Anybody on it??? | ADHD Information
Do a search on this forum for concerta and you will find a few folks that use it. I am on 72mg of concerta and also have had good results from it. I am very much a happier person and love life. My hyperness has been under control while the medication is working, just watch out for the evening rebound if you are a naturally hyper type!!!
I have never been shy, just the opposite!!! For me it helps me stop, think and then react.
Hey Everybody!!! I ditched the Strattera and started taking Concerta today. 18mg. Goes anybody have any good or bad experiences with it. I really cant find any good web sites that talk about Concerta like they do with Adderall or Strattera. So far Its been great and I haven't had any problems being without my Strattera for the day. This stuff really feels like its working and I can concentrate much better then I could on Strattera. It makes me feel calm and relaxed which is the exact opposite of my typical personality. It helps because I can join in on conversations and joke around a lot more then I use to because I was always shy. It seems like it might also help in the anti-depressant category because I was in a great mood all day. Yes!!
Concerta has been good to me - very good!!! I am still amazed that it is a stimulant because it does not speed me up, just the opposite - I am calm and relaxed with it at 72 mg.
I have had little side effects that my body did not adjust to pretty fast. I get blood pressure and EKG's every month and have to have what I call my adhd visit every month with the doc.
My blood pressure is awesome (like 100 to 60 whatever that means) and even the nurse comments on how low it is and they all comment on how much they think I have improved in the symptoms I used to exhibit!!!
I am not sure where I was going with this? But, I am happy to have made improvements with concerta!!
I just wish I could maintain the feeling 24/7!!!
Could Concerta be subbed for Adderall? I need to find a replacement once I can get myself off. Of it.
i guess so..
u can still geek pretty hard on concerta despite itspretty name
-Terrie
why do you need to make the switch???
i started on 18 hit the wall
take 54mg now
-rayray, did you have problems "progressing up the ladder" to 54mg? or did you actually feel better taking the 54mg vs. the 18mg?
first crack of 54 was rocking after a month or so i lost some weight
but i look at positive changes in my lifeand link it to the 54mg
doc would write 18mg pills for me and was supposed to take 3 per morning..
when we switched to 54 mg horse pills i had no choice but to take a proper dose & kick ass
[QUOTE=Stangcotic]Damn has Strattera been causing memory loss?...so thats what happened. I thought it was just me but since I have been off Strattera my memory has been horrible. Its was too the point where I could hand somebody a screw driver, wrench, or whatever and then when they would give it back (15 minutes later) and I had already forgotten that I gave it to them in the first place. Like seriously!! I will have no recollection what so ever, like I blacked it out. Since then I have been working out quite a bit and been an active learner so my memory isn't that bad anymore but I'm still pissed that Strattera MAY have caused it!! man I hope somebody will seriously get in touch with as many people ADHDers as possible who have taken Strattera and see if they have had any of the same problems. hmm if I had the man power (money) I would love to do that... oh well [/QUOTE]
So, I'm thinkin' Strattera's right out. Even more now, I mean. That totally sucks about your memory--I swear that's what stuck in mind most about the Strattera complaints. That long after people had gone off they couldn't recall sh!t!
That would infuriate me--ESPECIALLY for a non-stim, I mean you would think the "healthier" non-stim "option" would have no side effects. Yeah, pretty much screw that.
I've been on it for several months with nO problems/side [or front] effects ~ 
[QUOTE=Stangcotic]-Terrie:why do you need to make the switch???[/QUOTE]
Mimicking a meth addict w/unhealing lesions anywhere repeated pressure is put on my body. I suspect it's amphetamine being exported through my skin. It itches like crazy & hurts like hell--feels like shards of jagged broken glass are being shoved from the inside out of my skin. That's all. Things could always be worse. Psych also suggested Dexedrine, which I think glen takes, but he must have figured a way to fall asleep/out of his insomnia, because I have yet to hear him opine on it. euphoria I think wrote one of his essays on it, just can't find it.
-Terrie
ouch, yeah I would think that switching meds would be worth a try if you gotta deal with that. As we all know, meds effect us all differently. Right now I am on Concerta 36mg and I feel really good. The first week when I started Concerta at 36mg was a little too good. personally, I loved the ramp up in the morning when I would take it. I took my pill right before I went to work so it would start to really kick in during my first break and it was a pretty good rush. Now I am use to it and every morning I always debate whether I should just throw an extra 18mg dosage for the day but am forcing myself not too. but anyways I'm getting away from my point. From what I have heard through out the forum is that people have had a lot less side effects with Concerta vs. some other meds out there like Strattera (i had several). If I was in your shoes I would probably look around the internet a bit and see if you can find out if anybody has had any problems with Concerta if you haven't already. maybe you could also talk your doctor into letting you try a pill or two of 18mg Concerta over a weekend or something??? well hey thats my two cents
Isn't Strattera non-stim? I've heard nothing but yuck!
about it on these boards like way bad side effects that last forever, especially after discontinuing--like memory loss & stuff. terrie38975.6663657407I started with 18mg of Concerta and I was feeling good (take away the side affects) for one week; then on the second week I began to be my old self.I told my doctor about this and she advised me to finish off the existing prescription by doubling the 18mg dossage, so I can commence with the increased dossage of 27 mg.
Well four weeks have gone by using 27 mg and I am resorting back to my old self again.
What should I do?
REAM
27 is still a relatively low dose....my 10 year old has been on 54mg since March...you probably just need to keep going up til you hit the right dosage...talk to your doctor about it.I am taking the maximum dose of concerta which is 72mg a day. I was recently diagnosed with ADD. I'm not sure I want to stay on this med or this amount. I have really noticed the changes in my life since I began taking this stimulant. My major concern is the amount it is taking to keep me alert & productive. There are some strange side effects that I have experienced such as upper back pain, neck pain, slight chest discomfort, & weight loss. Although Concerta definately helps, I still experience those occasional foggy days. Also, I'm smoking like a freight Train....... Has anyone experience these side effect & if so should I ask my Dr. for a change? Thank you for your advice.
The secret of getting the balance appropriate to individual need is as you have said the brief of the supervising Professional. It can take subtle tweeking of mg over an agreed period of time..Any contra-indications presenting have to be communicated to the Supervising Professional. You say your concern is the mg. level it is taking to keep you alert and productive. Report this. If supervising professional is not willing to respond according to your particular set of needs then you need to find one who does'nt work out of Mims. Appetite supression is a common side effect. Routine of 3 meals a day needs to be introduced into your thinking. Colour code 3 times during the day in away that is in your face. Habit forming in a positive way is a reality here. Foggy Days..nothing works 100%. Smoking is a sign of stress for me. The chest discomfort on high dosage is an indication of "Time to Tweek Dosage" down to see if this ceases. The other pain site indicators i know nothing about. Oh! Hey, welcome to the little but growing community here..your experience is important and the telling of it will add to the store of individual info that will be of practical assistence to others who ask question..Manicmedic...Pressure is reality too.?
Thanks for the kind words.
I am doing ok so far. I like concerta, I am up to 72 mg a day, and it is making a HUGE impact on me prefessionally and at home.
HOWEVER...the stuff is just DOWNRIGHT expensive!! for the 72mg its like 0 or more a month! That will eat through my health insurance deductable in like 7 months, and that's not figuring in any of my children's medical expenses or my wife's.
Has anyone read anything about the benefits of generic ritalin vs. concerta? are they very similar???My husband just started generic ritalin today for the same reason, the cost of Concerta...I would be interested in knowing the answer to that question as well...I will let you all know his results in a week or so as far as how well it works for him... [QUOTE=chasesmom79] My husband just started generic ritalin today for the same reason, the cost of Concerta...I would be interested in knowing the answer to that question as well...I will let you all know his results in a week or so as far as how well it works for him...[/QUOTE]
I look forward to hearing the results!! thanks!Hello all,
I'm new to the forums, actually, this is my first post. I'm a adhdnews "virgin" so to speak.
I was reading a lot of the posts on this forum and saw this one. I figured I would put in my 2-cents on Concerta.
My story is a long one of UN-diagnosis for much of my life, followed by MIS-diagnosis till 6 months ago when finally someone said "Maybe ADHD?" I'll post my story in the TELL YOUR STORY board soon.
Anyway...20 or so 150 question tests and 2 months later, I was handed a signed prescription for Concerta. 18mg, take 2 or 3 first thing in the morning.
HOLY BRAND NEW PERSON BATMAN!
That first day was like someone took off my blindfold after 29 years and said "Here is how the REST of us see and experience the world." I went to work that day and when those meds kicked in...
I think I should have been nominated for employee of the year for that day alone. I got more done in HALF the time than I EVER have my entire life. No procrastinating, no getting off task, no daydreaming, no falling asleep or fidgiting in meetings, no inability to concentrate...I felt "SHARP". That is the ONLY word I have been able to use to describe how Concerta has made me feel "SHARP".
That was the first month or so. Slowly it's been bumped up to 3 or 4 pills in the morning, and I am still feeling great. I think we've narrowed my dose to the 72 mg and that is what I'll stay at...now going to the big horse pills.
Concerta has made a difference inmy life that I cannot describe...I only regret not knowing till now. I don't blame anyone, but hearing "Philsy just can't seem to stay on task, he draws a lot while he should be studying, and he never seems to be paying attention...EVER", from EVERY teacher, Kindegarden on, should have raised some red flags. No? Oh well. Now I know...gotta look forward.
I never really experienced any bad side effects. The first few weeks I felt a bit jittery, but I drink a lot of caffeine too, so that had to be a shock to my system at first. The only thing I have noticed is BIG TIME weight loss. As a firefighter, I'm a pretty physically fit guy, so I work out a lot for the rigors of the job. This stuff however, has caused a lot of weight to drop. Now, that's NOT necessarily a bad thing, but eating to keep on muscle is hard, because the concerta, while not CAUSING the weight loss, COMPLETELY strips you of your appetite. It has for me anyway...I have to choke food down most of the day. At night the appetite returns, but by then, its almost bed time.
All in all, I think its a great drug, and has helped me beyond measure in everything from my work, to my family life to my hobbies.
I look forward to reading what others have experienced.
Thanks for listening!
Is this your first stim? I'm trying to compare it to Adderall.hi all,
i have a 18 year old girl on concerta ( time realeased) and a 20 son on adderall (timed release ) and now my husband is on adderall also( timed release) he has just started this week. The others have been on for a couple of months. All newly diagnosed and I'm exhausted
well any way the son tells me he feels great and his meds last 10 hours . my daughter tells me she is doing pretty good but her meds last only about 6 hours and it frustrates her. Hubby is all new to this so I will let you know soon. He must be better because he read his first book for enjoyment in 20 years[QUOTE=joeymag]All newly diagnosed and I'm exhausted[/QUOTE]
I bet!
Yes it is...so, really i have nothing to compare it to. I just know that my doc, who specializes in ADHD (most likely when little was known about ADHD) has watched probably thousands of patients, young and old use everything from Ritalin to herbal remedies (a joke apparently). He said that he has seen the best results from Concerta, comparing it to everything else out there. He said something to the effect hat Adderal isn't as "effective"? Who knows...maybe he's getting kick backs from the drug companies...hahaha. Jesus, i hope not.
Anyhow...
Friday he upped my dose, tomorrow is my first day on 72...I'll let you know how it goes.
This is a great website, btw!philsy2339056.3455324074
Philsy23,
Just to let you know that i as an adult male adhder, diagnosed 2004, am on Concerta 36mg per day and have had an adventure just getting to know myself on Concerta..Ya the appetite supression side effect was a problem.. but i introduced myself to eating at least 3 times a day plus supper...I was skinny before starting...I burn energy at scary rate..so i am now the same weight as i was 2yrs ago... Heart rate is still okey, i am 56, with family link to heart problems..so there seems up to now no problem.. Libido..I am more aware of my needs.... as a man. This with impulsive/addictive trait sure takes close monitoring. But I would not change who i am now for anything...not even 100,000,000 euros.. So hang in there..get to know all of you again.. even the sides you were not happy with as an undignosed adhder..
Hi all
Just going through your posts and had to chime in...my husband was dx just a month ago at age 45 after noticing the same traits in himself (finally) that our dx and successfully treated son has. It finally dawned on him that he and Chase are exactly alike...
He began a trial of Concerta 36mg, and we all noticed right away that his moods stabilized, and that he was calmer, but it took him some weeks to see for himself..BUT we could not get him on the same patient assistance program that our son is on to make the meds affordable, so starting tomorrow, he will take generic ritalin 20mg 2x a day.
We are both hoping that it will be as effective as the Concerta...just the other day he was wishing aloud that we could find a generic of Concerta so that he could try it at 54mg.
Hi ChasesmomIt's me joeymag again. Our husband's were dx so closely together. Mine is doing much better. He was started on 20 mg adderall xr. And will probably be increased after 1month. My son is now on 30mg adderall xr. His doc had wanted him on concerta like my daughter but his insurance wouldn't cover it, but they covered adderall , so she agreed to put him on that. He and my husband both say that its effects last 10 hours and my daughter's concerta only 6 hours, which frustrates her. She is thinking about asking the doc to switch her and see how it goes. My husband is also working on some high blood pressure issues too. So the appetite being suppressed is a really good bonus. He is handling pressure much better now and I see only good things ahead for all of my dx family. But I can't help but feel like I'm suffering from post traumatic stress syndrome
. It's been so hectic getting everyone diagnosed and then you start to think about the past and how things could have been better if we new. Can you relate or can anyone? I have also caught some of you daughters posts and it's great that she is doing so well. Well, looking forward to hearing from you and others.m
My husband was kind of getting caught up in the "what ifs" too the other night...I told him that all we can do is take care of the present and not ponder over what might have been.
He is so happy that Chase is doing well academically, and since he is from a family of honor students (1 brother, 3 sisters) he wonders what would have been different for him...if he could have been the same. But we own a successful business, and he did all of that unmedicated and w/o even completing high school!
I am still not too sure if his ritalin is doing as well as the concerta did, and I hate to harp on him and ask so I am patiently (kind of) waiting until he reveals it himself.
Can you see what the adderall is original price (before insurance) ? Because I am thinking that or dexedrine if this does not work...I think I have read that they are both relatively inexpensive...but anything is in comparison to Concerta!
I am on pins and needles though wondering if this will be the med that helps him be more comfortable...and I am still struggling with Chases anger/frustration/aggression and his way over the top reactions to being teased at school..he got into it on the bus (again) with a little brat that won't just leave him be...verbally taunts him til he blows up just to watch the fireworks I think...and Chase just cannot ignore him, it is physically impossible for him I think.
I called his doc and moved his appointment up to the 18th....we need to try something else...maybe add something to his meds...
He is ADHD inattentive, which is sometimes referred to as ADD. He does have some frustration/anger impulsiveness/overreaction issues but no hyperactivity.
He was worse before meds, and most of his issues are on the afternoon bus route. This particular little boy has been a thorn in Chase's side for years..since he moved into our bus route area. In the past, he got away with it (for at least 2 years) because of an ineffective waste of a bus driver. If anyone was picked on by his little gang of followers, tise bus driver moved the victim up, saying to me on several occasions "Well (Kyle...the bully) he and the other 4 boys get along so well back there, I just figure it is easier to move Chase (or whoever else thye were targeting that day). I tried to tell her that a) The easiest solution is not always the BEST solution and b) gangs often DO get along well, hence the name, but that doesn't mean that they should have free reign! This bus driver had used this method for years since my oldest was in 4th grade, and one other time when my oldest was a victim (different gang, same result) I asked the driver why she didn't move the offenders up behind her so she could keep an eye on them like every other bus driver that I had encountered. Her answer? "Oh I couldn't stand to have them right behind ME!!" ARGHHH!!!
I had gone over her head so many times to her supervisor, that I think she would blame one of my children for anything and never even investigate.
But this year we have a new really great driver, and she is really doing a lot to change the dynamics on the bus, but it took years to get this bad so it will take time for her to bring it under control. I am not the only one who has had these problems...we parents talk to each other. This same boy and his older sister have tormented many of my friends children under the old driver's reign.
The problem is that Chase is so used to going to the adult in charge(the driver) and getting no help, that he sometimes forgets that this driver will help. She has reminded him again and again, that she cannot change the past, and can only try to make things better now and in the future if he gives her a chance. So sometimes instead of telling the driver that the brats are taking his hat or headphones or whatever and playing keepaway, he stands up and screams at them...they of course love this big reaction, so even though they get inot trouble, at the next opportunity, they try to illicit another big reaction form him.
(((sigh))) I just wish I could be an angel on his shoulder to prompt him when the kids start on him...if he could just stay calm for a while, they would get bored and move on...but then sometimes he sticks up for thier other victimes too! He feels such empathy for the child being picked on that he will step in and try to defend them as well!!
We are going to role play some this weekend to give him some tools that he will hopefully remember in the heat of the moment.....
Hi
I don't know the cost of adderall compared to concerta but I'm thinking it's got to be cheaper because the Doctor originally wanted my son on Concerta but had to switch to Adderall bcause of his insurance not covering Concerta. I'm sorry to hear about the bully on the bus with your son. Was your son diagnosed ADD or ADHD? Does he handle things differently now that he is on meds and is this bully something new?
Joeymag:
Completely right there with you...Hubby and two kids (14 & 11) are ADD. My 9 yr old and I feel very overwhelmed at times.
Whose meds need adjusting? How is school going? How are friends going? Hubby needs feedback...gently.... Whew.... I need a med...don't know which one but I need it.
My 9 year old was developing co-dependent behaviors. Keeping up with everyone's stuff, direction they were going and trying to fill in the gaps. So, also nipping that in the bud. She can't be responsible for her siblings at all times!
Hang in there....I sure am....
Myself: 40 yr old man, ADD innattentive with various comorbidity issues or especially pesky symptoms. I've taken previously: Strattera, Adderal, Dexedrine short and long, Ritalin, Prozac, Effexor, Celexa, Crystal, Crank, Desoxyn, Valium...
Currently taking (all legitimately prescribed of course):
Concerta 36 mg/day, Welbutrin aka Buproprion 150 mg/day, Neurontin aka Gabapentin 600-1200 mg/day and a low dose of Cozaar aka Losartan and a diuretic for mild hypertension.
I like Concerta. The safety record of Ritalin is encouraging and it seems to make a reasonable positive impact well worth paying for it.
By all means, I have never been afraid to adjust my medication types or levels if they were not working, but if they are... why fiddle?
Count me in as 1 more vote that Concentra is the best drug I've taken!
Ritilan isn't a clean drug, and never leaves me feeling "right", if you catch my drift.. and having to remember to take pills through out the day is SOOO difficult w/ ADD.
Adderal was, meh... better than ritilan, but still not quite that great. I've been on concentra for almost 2 months now and LOVE it! Life changing, so far no negative side effects.... (knocks on wood)
btw, I love this forum too! I've been a lurker for a couple months now, and picked up some wonderful tidbits of knowledge from this forum, and this forum has helped me to cope with accepting my ADD and what it has done to my life and relationships!
kaden6739125.287025463
beach4me:
Sorry I haven't checked in for awhile - it is comforting to know that others feel the same way. I was so busy gettting my family straightened out that I let my own health go fo awhile. Things are going really well. My 2 college kids are finally adjusted and doing great and my husband is so even tempered now that i've almost forgotten what a roller coaster his mood swings were. Well any way -I thank God that they were diagnosed and are being treated. By the way --Hello to chasesmom!!
MG
Hi there! I have been wondering where you got to!