Concerta usage? | ADHD Information

[QUOTE=skibber]

Redlight - where did you get the information about addiction and the necessity for breaks - that seems to go against pretty much everything I have read!!

I would be interested in your source.

Thanks

Skibber

[/QUOTE]
Don't know what you've read everyone knows adderall is addictive... but here:
"Because the drugs are meant primarily for students with attention deficit disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, those with normal brain activity could suffer potentially dangerous side effects. These can include nervousness, insomnia, nausea, dizziness, headaches and addiction."
This from: http://www.dailycardinal.com/news/2005/03/14/Opinion/Student s.Turn.To.study.Drugs.Too.Often.When.Facing.Academic.Pressur es-893405.shtml

That's just one of many, plug in 'Adderall' and 'Addiction' to google and see just how many hits you get.
Learn something.redlight38435.576087963

Hi Mark it really depends on the child, and what the situation is on the weekends. My 11 year old is on his meds. all he time, including over the summer, because he Can not control his impulses when not medicated. Once and a while when he's at his dads they forget to give it to him and it is a very bad scene.

[QUOTE=RAZZLYNNE17]

[/QUOTE]

Good morning,
My Little Brother is 13 1/2. He is like your son - can't control his impulses. Obviously, he's not my son and there's nothing I can do about his medical treatment, but I was curious and wanted to know the what/how of this drug. On one hand, I can respect his mother's decision to not medicate him on weekends; however, that does present a problem for me - on weekends, I have to be VERY careful about where I take him. Public settings are a dicey prospect, at best, because of his behavior.

ADHD is a difficult condition and I am learning more and more about it. I can certainly sympathize with parents of ADHD children.

Thanks for everybody's input

My "little brother" in the Big/Little Brothers program is ADHD. He seems particularly wild on Sundays when we typically get together. This past Sunday, his mother told me that she gives him Concerta Mon-Fri to get him through school, but that she doesn't give it to him on weekends or during the summers.

Is this typical? I really don't know, but I've believed that most meds are supposed to be used in such a way that you keep a constant blood level?

I'm just curious...

Thanks,
Mark

Yeah taking too many stimulants builds tolerance. You want to avoid raising the dosage, so breaks are typical.

It also helps in avoiding development of an addiction, although this is worse with amphetamines. Although Concerta is a Stimulant, Adderall, not Concerta, contains amphetamines. I just hear too many people call Concerta an "amphetamine" so I wanted to put that to rest, although it won't.

sry, bye!

That makes sense

I have so much to learn!!!!

Thanks!

Redlight - where did you get the information about addiction and the necessity for breaks - that seems to go against pretty much everything I have read!!

I would be interested in your source.

Thanks

Skibber

Yes this is normal. I never medicate my son on weekends/school breaks. My doctor said that Concerta does not stay in the blood. Once the dosage is used up it is gone. For some people that means it runs out by the afternoon. Concerta is a time release form of Ritalin, it can last anywhere from 6-12 hours depending on the person.

[QUOTE=Gord Reece]
As a Big Brother, you are a hero. Discuss your concerns about behavior
with his mother, if you feel comfortable with that. She may be unaware of
the problems you have faced. ADHD kids are a handful. My brother is
ADHD. He was a wave of destruction. With no real control over what was
happening. He expressed frustration to me about it, then, and
sometimes even now. I understand the lack of control. So, your Little
Brother doesn't want to embarass himself in public either. If you can
prevent it, why not?

Gord[/QUOTE]

I don't feel like much of a hero :-(
Truth is, his frenetic behavior is only part of the problem. I talked with my caseworker about his lying and gave her several examples of stories he's told me. These are not your garden variety lies, these are full-blown delusions. My caseworker is in the process of contacting his school counselor and social services caseworker. It appears that this boy needs additional help. It's very sad and I feel very guilty, but I can't handle him. He needs professional help at this time in his life. :-(

Hi Gord Reece, I was diagnosed with ADD at age 17. I was prescribed 20mg of Adderall. I experience many of the things you mentioned. I have been taking Adderall for the last 4-5months. After about 4-5hours of my morning dose, I would crash, and start to get sleepy. I thought I was on XR, but later learned I was on short acting, that should have been taken twice a day. I started on XR this past thursday, and I don't get sleepy anymore, until 12hrs later when the drug wears off of course.I was diagnosed just over a year ago. I am an adult. (38) I was started on
Adderall and taken off the anti-depressants that I was taking due to a
mis-diagnosis of the adult ADD. It is a bumpy ride.

I understand the mother wanting to take her boy off the drug
occaisonally. It is kinda rough on you. Even though we don't experience
the "speedy" effect of stimulants, (it makes me sleepy) we do experience
the nausea, shakes, teeth grinding, etc. I know I like to have a break on
the weekends sometimes.

Though, even in the evenings when the dose wears off, I am right back to
square one. zipping around from one thing to the next and not finishing
anything. I end up going to bed late constantly because I forget what
time it is, or can't judge how long something takes to do.

I take the drug on my days off because it does what I need to function
and get things done. My Doctor and I have talked about addiction
because I have a history in that regards.

He is of the opinion that when Adderall is taken properly, the threat of
addiction is quite low. It isn't impossible, just unlikely. Unlike the
"freelance pharmacutical" days of my past, I feel no urge to take this
drug. It doesn't "do" anything. Even back then, I didn't like speed. Never
did it. Like I said, it makes me want to have a nap.

The upside is that it turns on my perceptual centers and I have depth
perception for part of the day. I know that it is wearing off went
everything flattens out again in the evening. (Usually, I bump into
something. or knock something over.)

As a Big Brother, you are a hero. Discuss your concerns about behavior
with his mother, if you feel comfortable with that. She may be unaware of
the problems you have faced. ADHD kids are a handful. My brother is
ADHD. He was a wave of destruction. With no real control over what was
happening. He expressed frustration to me about it, then, and
sometimes even now. I understand the lack of control. So, your Little
Brother doesn't want to embarass himself in public either. If you can
prevent it, why not?

Gord

Hi East West

Thanks for your response. I was not going to respond to RedLigt as I was put of by her reponse. I am new to this and trying to find information to help my son. Her response made me feel pretty ignorant. I did however call my Ped as well as a specialist at Kennedy Krieger. I asked him my queations and referenced Redlights information and research. He laughed when he found the same source. Again he cautuioned about the source of information.

Thank for your response.

Skibber

[QUOTE=shellr] Hi, not to suggest that he should not be doing meds but what is this boys diet like and does he participate in outdoor activities every week? His behaviour does not surprise me as I know from my own experience the misery and despair that ADHD can cause plus as you said he could have associated problems. I am just [/QUOTE]

Hi,
Actually, his diet is dreadful - fats and carbs. I typed a three-page report and gave it to my caseworker this morning and I did mention that. His caseworker is very concerned about some of his delusional behavior. As for excercise - none, unless you count video games :-(

I wasn't sure I should mention this, but, it may apply.

As a child, and even now in a way, I was very inventive. I often told
stories to get a reaction out of people. It's a thrill to get people to react.
It strokes something in a lot of people with ADD.

I have read that it may be causing the PreFrontal Cortex to fire. Giving
relief from the noise of ADD. If this kid is off meds when you see him, he
is dealing with a ton of stuff going on in his head. It can be
overwhelming. So, we develope behaviors to sooth it. when we are
young our judgement isn't great. (true of anyone) So, the adapted
behaviors seem destructive, irrational, delusional, dishonest,
mischievious. As an adult I am just know as a S*** Disturber.

All that may or not apply to your little brother. Still, it is really great of
you to try to understand it all. Even if you can't continue your
relationship with the boy. You have already done more than most people
do. It counts, hero wise.
Hey Mark, don't beat your self up over it, you did the best you Can do, and the best thing for this boy by bringing it to your caseworkers attention, now he finally can get the help he needs. You did a great job!

[QUOTE=RAZZLYNNE17]Hey Mark, don't beat your self up over it, you did the best you Can do, and the best thing for this boy by bringing it to your caseworkers attention, now he finally can get the help he needs. You did a great job![/QUOTE]

Thanks :-)
My caseworker talked with the boy and his mother and mentioned some of the things I had expressed concern about and the boy took every instance and put a completely different spin them. I'm really not a child psychologist, but I find it interesting that he didn't just deny any of it. He went so far as to explain everything in a very toned-down fashion. So, is he delusional or just a gifted liar? I don't really know. In either case, I was beginning to fear him and his lies so I'm glad to be able to distance myself from that situation.

This does create a problem for public outings Mark, i know i truly try to get my errands out of the way before his meds. wear off because he changes. He gets very mouthy and loves to walk off when the medication is out of him, many times in a store or restaurant he has stormed off to the car, And i just let him go. Is there any way you can talk to your little brothers mother and tell her your concern for the way he acts on outings. my son was also in the big brother program for a few years, and he had an incident with his big sister, lack of brothers in our area, when he was on adderall for a short time, it ended with her dropping him, and never telling us what really happened, he was heart broken. I would hate to see this happen to your Little brother. Good luck!

Why do folks keep saying that concerta is Ritilan in a long acting form. I don't get it, Ritilan has their own long acting form. What am I missing here. I also remember my dr. saying that he wasn't wild about concerta, it was during this time that I was trying out the extended Ritilan. I'm truely not getting it.

Rant ON!

My wife and I argue about this all the time! She wants to take my son off meds during the summer. He hates it. so would I!.

Rant Off

Sorry for all of you who take your kids off the meds. As an adult it would be like taking away your ability to drive on weekends. I agree with stimulants it is more of an issue. I really would never choose not to be able to control my impulsivity. Plus I get really cranky when I go off my med's for a few days. I hate being out of control. Again Both my son and I take Straterra, so the concerns about amphetamines is less of an issue.

[QUOTE=RAZZLYNNE17]This does create a problem for public outings Mark, i know i truly try to get my errands out of the way before his meds. wear off because he changes. He gets very mouthy and loves to walk off when the medication is out of him, many times in a store or restaurant he has stormed off to the car, And i just let him go. Is there any way you can talk to your little brothers mother and tell her your concern for the way he acts on outings. my son was also in the big brother program for a few years, and he had an incident with his big sister, lack of brothers in our area, when he was on adderall for a short time, it ended with her dropping him, and never telling us what really happened, he was heart broken. I would hate to see this happen to your Little brother. Good luck![/QUOTE]

Hi,
Actually, things have gotten MUCH worse :-(
I had him for four hours yesterday and because this week is spring break, he'd been unmedicated for seven days - this was not a good situation at all...
He was completely berzerk. As I was taking him home, I came to the conclusion that I just can't go through this again. I called my local Big Brothers office and talked with one of the caseworkers. This match is pretty much over now. I feel really guilty, but my wife and I have been talking about this for weeks and I fear that there's more to this than just ADHD. My little brother is a compulsive liar. Actually, I think he's delusional... I can't even have a meaningful conversation with him as he invariably begins spouting off lie after lie - many of which are elaborate stories of things exploding and people being injured. Mind you, none of it is real - the stories are not the slightest bit believeable, but I am starting to fear this child. The last thing I need is for him to begin telling his friends and counselors and teachers these crazy stories and have me woven into them. I believe it's time for me to fly.

I am going to see if the Big Brothers program will find me another match. But I'm not finished with this one completely... I am going to write an in-depth letter discussing the whole of the situation in the hope that somebody, somewhere sees the same red flags that I see and does something about it. This boy needs serious help. I just hope that he can get it :-(

[QUOTE=karen52] Why do folks keep saying that concerta is Ritilan in a long acting form. I don't get it, Ritilan has their own long acting form. What am I missing here. I also remember my dr. saying that he wasn't wild about concerta, it was during this time that I was trying out the extended Ritilan. I'm truely not getting it. [/QUOTE]

Karen, I know it's confusing. I found the following through a google search. Concerta and Ritalin Sr are the same drug, Methylphenidate ER, but in different forms. If you want more information, I suggest you do your own search.

Ritalin Sr

Active Ingredients: Methylphenidate ER

Representative Names: Concerta, Metadate CD, Metadate ER, Methylin ER, Ritalin SR

What are methylphenidate extended-release tablets or capsules?

METHYLPHENIDATE (Metadate® ER, Ritalin®-SR or the once-daily brands Concerta®, Metadate® CD, Ritalin® LA) is a stimulant. It can improve attention span, concentration, and emotional control, and reduce restless or overactive behavior. This medicine treats attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It can also help a condition called narcolepsy, an illness that makes it difficult to stay awake during normal daytime hours. Federal law prohibits the transfer of methylphenidate to any person other than the person for whom it was prescribed. Do not share this medicine with anyone else. Generic methylphenidate extended-release tablets or capsules may or may not be available, depending on the product you are taking.

Mark, i wish you good luck it sounds like he may have a little more then adhd, good luck on finding the right little brother for you, I'm sure they can find one you can relate to.

Hi, not to suggest that he should not be doing meds but what is this boys diet like and does he participate in outdoor activities every week? His behaviour does not surprise me as I know from my own experience the misery and despair that ADHD can cause plus as you said he could have associated problems. I am just so sick though of how our governments have been allowing the populace to be poisoned so 4% (around there) of the population can be filthy rich. I am also appalled that people in general have fallen for the party line and would sooner undergo surgery than change their diet. Anyone who is not functioning well in everyday life should dismantle their eating habits and routine and build a special diet that will not only fuel them but hopefully make up for some deficiencies caused by their illness. We can’t always control the air we breathe but we can control what we eat.

YNNE17]This does create a problem for public outings Mark, i know i truly try to get my errands out of the way before his meds. wear off because he changes. He gets very mouthy and loves to walk off when the medication is out of him, many times in a store or restaurant he has stormed off to the car, And i just let him go. Is there any way you can talk to your little brothers mother and tell her your concern for the way he acts on outings. my son was also in the big brother program for a few years, and he had an incident with his big sister, lack of brothers in our area, when he was on adderall for a short time, it ended with her dropping him, and never telling us what really happened, he was heart broken. I would hate to see this happen to your Little brother. Good luck!

[/QUOTE]

[/QUOTE][QUOTE=redlight] [QUOTE=skibber]

Redlight - where did you get the information about addiction and the necessity for breaks - that seems to go against pretty much everything I have read!!

I would be interested in your source.

Thanks

Skibber

[/QUOTE]

Don't know what you've read everyone knows adderall is addictive... but here:
"Because the drugs are meant primarily for students with attention deficit disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, those with normal brain activity could suffer potentially dangerous side effects. These can include nervousness, insomnia, nausea, dizziness, headaches and addiction."
This from: http://www.dailycardinal.com/news/2005/03/14/Opinion/Student s.Turn.To.study.Drugs.Too.Often.When.Facing.Academic.Pressur es-893405.shtml

That's just one of many, plug in 'Adderall' and 'Addiction' to google and see just how many hits you get.
Learn something.[/QUOTE]

Redlight-Why so disrespectful? We are all here to share and learn. The minute we think we know everything is the minute we become fools! First of all don't believe everything you read-always check the source of the research or article you are reading and make sure to check any affiliations as well. Secondly, if you are starting your research by plugging in the search words "Adderall and addiction" your research is already biased! And thirdly, The information that reaches us as a consumer is not absolute truth, not to mention the information changes very quickly and is complicated when it comes to medication and research!!

You may very well be right in this instance, but perhaps you should partake of your own advice and "learn something"

Meant with all due respect

[QUOTE=redlight] [QUOTE=skibber]

Redlight - where did you get the information about addiction and the necessity for breaks - that seems to go against pretty much everything I have read!!

I would be interested in your source.

Thanks

Skibber

[/QUOTE]

Hi,

I'm new around here, I am a 36 year old female with adult ADHD, I had been taking the lowest dose of Ritalin available for adults once a day, but it was actually making my dyslexia worse instead of better (I tend to have opposite reactions to medications), so the advanced nurse practioner I see for med management changed me to Concerta 27 MGS once a day and I notice when it wears off because it feels like I just crash. Is this common with Concerta??

Changing to Straterra is not an option because of other meds I am on and a history of Tachycardia, and given the ban of Adderall in Canada she isn't comfortable prescribing it to me (I live in Canada by the way).

Any suggestions?? I am attending school parttime working on finishing an Associates in Human Services with the eventual goal being a Bachelors then a Masters in Social Work, I'd like to hear from others about this.

Thanks

LadyWeaver aka Jaye