Tired on Concerta? | ADHD Information

Sometimes it takes a while for the body to adjust. I wouldn't worry too much, i'd give it a few more days.

Thanks for everyone's responses. 

deang008 - I see my doctor on Thursday so I guess I'll try to stick it out until then.  I'm hoping tomorrow will be better though ... we'll see ...

msgal66 - yes I have heard of the book ...  I plan to buy it soon ... but not until after my finals (I'd hate to get distracted ). 

sh0elace - I wouldn't take two if I were you.  The effect of the drug really scared me, so I literally spent the whole day searching the web trying to find some answers.  This is what I found (from http://www.netwellness.org/):

Responses to stimulants:

1) The Zombie: Since you mentioned the word "zombie", let`s start with that one. That is definitely a possible stimulant response and about 90%-95% of the time that I have seen it, it has been an indication that it is the wrong stimulant. No one, child or adult, should remain "zombie-like" more than a day or two on a stimulant. If he still appears that way, call his doctor. It is not dangerous. However, as you can imagine, if he remains that way, even if he gets A`s, stays in his seat at school and takes out the garbage at home when told, he is in "danger" of not being himself and losing his social ties. Once in a while the person who looks this way just needs a little higher dose, but discuss that with his doctor. More often, a higher dose leads to a "zombier-zombie."

2) The Sleeper: Some people actually fall asleep from stimulants. This usually indicates the stimulant is too high or needs to be changed to another. Not dangerous unless operating machinery, etc.

3) The Energizer Bunny: Once in a while I have seen someone react this way with a very low dose just the first dose, then never again, for unclear reasons. May indicate stimulants are not the correct medication but not always. Not generally dangerous.

4) The Moody Yucko: As a stimulant is wearing off, some people can become anxious, angry, or moody. What is strange is that they often, even adults, are not at all aware of it, during or later. This suggest a medication adjustment or change of medication type is needed. Once in a while this can be an angry rage and, if not handled well, can be a definite family problem.

5) Disordered Thinking: Symptoms are often things like mild paranoia or feeling like there are bugs crawling all over ones body. It is so rare that I hesitate to bring it up for fear of turning everyone off to the good that stimulants can do for so many, but I would be wrong to leave it out---if a reader ever saw it, they should know to stop medications and contact their doctor right away. I have treated thousands of persons with ADD/ADHD and have had less than a dozen with this problem. Fortunately, as long as there is good early follow up it does not become a major problem. People slightly more prone to this would include anyone who has had people in their family tree with nervous breakdowns or hallucinations or bipolar disorder. Also more prone are those who have had somewhat similar responses to pain drugs like codeine or cold drugs like dextromethorphan, or to any medications for that matter.

Thanks everyone ... although I felt a little tired today, it was nothing like yesterday and I feel completely fine now, so I guess it was just my body trying to adjust.  Still don't notice any effect on my ability to concentrate though.    I've been on concerta now for 3 days and actually it has given me a bit more energy throughout the day, but at night (After the 12 hours) it makes me a bit tired.  Its nothing like the Strattera that I was on in which I had every side effect known to man.  So far Concerta is been great.  I actually have felt extremely lucid and am paying close attention to detail like I never have before, it feels like a big weight has been lifted and its only been 3 days.  The only side effect so far has been a very SLIGHT decrease in appetite but thats it.  It hasn't effected my sleep thus far.  I think I finall got the right medication.

Hi SD1975,

That's great that it's working well for you!   What dosage are you on?

[QUOTE=Annia]

Hi SD1975,

That's great that it's working well for you!   What dosage are you on?

[/QUOTE]

 

27mg once in the morning..its been only 3 days and I've noticed a huge difference.

Ugh ... had a major panic attack last night.  I was tempted not to take the meds today, but forced myself to do it anyway.

Annia- don't worry too much. I have also tried Concerta and did not care for it for a number of reasons...and if I remember correctly (it's been about 1.5 yrs since I tried it), I think that I was a little tired when I took it also. I don't remember exhaustion though. Perhaps you should contact your dr. and see what he/she says....maybe a different med would work better for you?

Best of luck to ya and keep us posted!

So this is my third day on Concerta.  The first two days I was on 18 mg and felt nothing.  Today I took 36 mg (as directed by my doctor), and I am absolutely EXHAUSTED.  I feel like I haven't slept for days.  I also don't feel any more focused.  Ugh.  Anyone else experience this? 

Sorry if this has been asked in the past ... I did a search but couldn't find anything.  I'm a bit worried.

Hello I am on Concerta 36 mg. a day. I feel that this is not enough. It wears off by about 3:00 p.m. I am supposed to get a higher dose. But you know doctors, you have to call in to them, tell them and then wait for them to get back to you. It's a real pain. I have been on everything from Strattera to Cymbalta. So far I am not satisfied. I know there is some hope for me yet to come. I went to Books Million last night and bought the book Driven to Distraction. It is so good. Have you read it or heard about it?

Tanya

I took Concerta for the first time today and was also exhausted. It didn't
do anything for me mentally at all. I felt great (well-rested) before taking
it this morning, then bam - asleep or laying down for most of the day.
Now that it's worn off I feel fine again.

My doc said if I had no response on one pill, I could take two - but I'm
afraid that would put me in a coma!! :)

Anyone else have this happen? I don't really want to take any more if they
make me feel like I felt today.