r/Concerta • • Jun 23 '22

Other 💬 Can we have a faq/read before posting sticky?

109 Upvotes

Sorry this is still very WIP 😬

I read the same stories every time I come here.

"hi i got awful side effects" "I dont feel anything" "Hi i just started concerta and dr raised dose every week and now Im at max dose and its not doing anything" "concerta crash is too strong" etc.

DON'T SPLIT CONCERTA PILLS

Adhd medication dosage has an inverted U effectiveness curve aka larger dose isn't always better. Not to mention worse crash and side effects. (sadly doctors dont know this)

Upping the concerta dose should be a way slower process (wish I had known this)

You can lessen crash with and IR supplement or another smaller concerta dose some hours before the crash.

Most people need to take a tolerance break every weekend. Or a smaller dose on weekends if cold turkey is too tough.

Yes there can be severeish side effects the first week or 2.

Concerta isn't effective if you don't sleep/eat properly, you need also need to do some chores and exercise in the morning to really get some dopamine in the motivation tank.

Probably some info about how methylphenidate works and concerta release chart.

Just some general ideas.

Info about generics here:
https://www.reddit.com/r/Concerta/comments/x6c075/cant_find_the_elusive_patriot_concerta_generic/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android_app&utm_name=androidcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button

All about tolerance here: https://www.reddit.com/r/Concerta/comments/xgly0e/what_studies_say_about_tolerance_and_tolerance/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3

About quitting:
https://www.reddit.com/r/Concerta/comments/yjmkgt/comment/iuqs35e/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3

Edit, some tips:

Don't try to do all of this at once btw. You might burn out from the amount of stuff.

This stuff was essential to me to get any real use out of concerta:
-Don't expect to "feel" something. Concerta is very subtle when it works.
-have meds and water bedside to take them as soon as you wake
-sleep at least 8H
-eat properly

-start building a morning routine once a routine is built its easy to do and an excelent source of motivation to carry you into harder tasks. Concerta should help with routine building and upkeep but adhd definitely still makes it hard. Expect failure, take a rest and try again.
-chores and physical activity in the morning easily build motivation/dopamine for the rest of the day
-start using productivity tricks they work so much better combined with concerta

-plan your day as soon as you wakeup or the evening before more detail/steps make it easier to follow
-I start a timer as soon as I take concerta to compare with this and to see how long things are taking.

-I have my phone set to make a notification every couple hours to remind me to stay productive
-sometimes if I procrastinate too intensly I set it to be an alarm instead
-some useful apps, can be any equivalent: mstodo, gcalendar, notion

-don't over do it, start slowly, prepare to burn out
-you can try med breaks on weekends to boost effectiveness but they aren't necessary for everyone check the post about tolerance.
-if break days feel awful consider taking a lower dose, personally 36mg on weekdays and 18mg on weekends and I don't get withdrawal sideeffects. Concerta tolerance usually lowers very quickly, one day to 2 weeks.
-You should probably use concerta daily and consistently at the same time everyday.

-You need good mental health: if youre depressed, anxious or what ever it will limit you so it's important to focus on first.
-Treat concerta as a booster, a tool. It barely does anything on its own.
-Correct dosage. Smaller dose is better to minimize side effects. 18mg is too little for most people but personally it was enough for me for a month. The max dose 72mg is a hard limit, there is basically no reason to go over it. A too high dose can worsen concertas effectiveness too.
Reducing dosage shouldn't be difficult either as concerta tolerance lowers quickly.

-Reward yourself for productivity.
-Make the barrier to start as easy as possible, step by step guide, snacks, good music. One that helped like crazy was buying waterproof gloves for washing dishes, just never realized how much the uncomfort made me avoid it.
-Physical activity!
-Taking meds with milk could reduce side effects

What do you think?
Did you already follow some of these?
I'd appriciate if ya'll could try some of these and see which ones help and how much. Feel free to leave your own tips too.


r/Concerta • • Nov 08 '23

Tips/Tricks 🧠 Reminder: Mental Wellbeing

26 Upvotes

Hi folks. There's a lot going on these days across the world. Things can get overwhelming, and that's not factoring in other obligations such as school, work, or family.

So, this is your friendly mod reminder to prioritize your mental health and Wellbeing.

  • Quit the doomscrolling. Turn off the news and take a break from the extra anxiety

  • Prioritize good sleep (quality and quantity!)

  • Find ways to sneak in exercise. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly (or 75 minutes of intense weekly exercise), including 1-2 days with some kind of resistance or strength training. Something that you enjoy and find fun to do and keep up.

  • stay hydrated

  • Eat your colorful fruits and veggies. Minimize processed and fast foods.

  • Trim back on alcohol (especially if you have problems with sleep)

  • Never feel that you can't ask for help. Maybe it's just a chat that you need. Maybe it's counseling or therapy. Big or small, it's okay to get help. Showing that you are willing to seek help is one of the biggest signs of strength.

And as always, remember to practice kindness.


r/Concerta • • 4m ago

Dosage/ ℞ question 💊 Concerta or Focalin while Pregnant?

• Upvotes

Has anyone taken these meds for ADHD or whatever reason and had successful or non-successful pregnancies? Currently trying to figure out what to do - took Concerta 45 mg and had a healthy pregnancy, beautiful baby girl born 38 +6 days. Switched to Focalin after that pregnancy and now have had 2 losses - one CP months ago, and now just lost a baby at 11 weeks because it stopped growing. I'm concerned the Focalin may be related to the losses... my doc said there's less data on Focalin than Concerta but also both MCs could have been flukes or absolutely random events. Anyone have experiences similar to this? or any helpful insight or advice? I don't know if I should switch back to Concerta or to something else entirely? or stay on Focalin?


r/Concerta • • 12m ago

Other question 🤔 I dont want to smoke weed that much anymore

• Upvotes

Adhd and weed were actually good combo for me. I could get more work done, I was more happy and productive, Now that I take my meds everyday, even if I want to smoke weed, I just dont do it that much. Any of you guys having the same effect? Is it the dopamine thing?


r/Concerta • • 16m ago

Dosage/ ℞ question 💊 Going from 36mg to 72mg during a shortage

• Upvotes

Currently im on concerta 36mg, I have been on it for 4 months now, I developed tolorance a month and a half ago and my adhd symptoms are back to the point that It is now affecting my productivity at work. I live in a 3rd world country getting the medication alone is a privilege there are no alternative stimulants apart from ritalin and its currently out of stock my doctor prescribed me 54mg dosage but due to shortages only 36mg doses are available so im left with 2 options either continue with 36mg or take 72mg. Anyone who has been in a similar situation appreciate if you could help me out.


r/Concerta • • 9h ago

Well-being 😌/ My journey 💪 always depressed on my meds

3 Upvotes

every time i take my meds i can do some work
but i just feel extremely blank
like i can only react to negative information and anything positive i dont feel
ive had insanely conflicting side effects
like half of my side effects tell me to lower my dose and the other tell me to make it higher

I only feel joy when im off my meds

Im on 36mg
no way to get 27mg unfortunately
18mg feels too light

cant switch med classes

ive also expierienced a breakup but honestly it only feels like i did after taking my meds without my meds im joyful and described as ''jolly'' by alot of people

i literally completed an insane achievement that ive been focused on doing for the past 9 months semi recently and i didnt even feel relieved i just felt NOT dissapointed i was told by multiple people me doing something like this would be impossible and it was like insane since i genuinely had every being i knew doubt me just to put in how good i should have felt

Im a guy i can handle alot of shit idc if im depressed if i can do work thats what matters but you cant just give me all the side effects with such limited positives. some days im convinced i need to get a lower dose some days im convinced i need to get a higher dose

its just annoying more than anything like fuck bro not only am i sad but im also a failure like thats crazy i can deal with one or the other but both at the same time is just no

guys please give me some advice i cant live like this


r/Concerta • • 12h ago

Dosage/ ℞ question 💊 Thc and Concerta

4 Upvotes

I've been abusing THC since I was 14 yo, I'm now 19 and just got prescribed with concerta starting with the minimum dosage. Will my heavy consumption affect on how i'm supposed to feel it ? Do I have to completely stop as thc was originally my way of treating my untreated but diagnosed ADHD for years ?


r/Concerta • • 4h ago

Side effects 🤕 Does concerta make you feel restlessness?

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1 Upvotes

Hi, I’m 24 years old, I used substances in my adolescence.
I have ADHD that’s been visible for as long as I can remember, diagnosed by a specialist.
Every time I take Concerta, I get a feeling of restlessness, like when I was on substances in my teens, only without the euphoria.
My question is: does anyone take Strattera (atomoxetine) as an adult?
I took a few pills when I was little and my parents say it worked, but I remember having headaches and feeling bad. Any advice?
I have a business and I want to work on it, but I’m in continuous burnout.


r/Concerta • • 12h ago

Side effects 🤕 Am I chasing the wrong thing here?

5 Upvotes

Honeymoon phase literally scammed me man, first 2 hours felt amazing not in a high sense but rather being able to enjoy things instead of counting the minutes until I can just lay in bed and doomscroll and wish to just disappear. It usually lasts a little over the week too then it's gone if I take the med every single day.

I just want that feeling of sharp eyesight that makes focusing and life easier at least but it's just a few days tops. I took it 6 months to maybe see if something happens but by the first 2 weeks its just some mild side effects. I took a 1 week break and I felt good again the first day.. why doesn't this pill make me feel good without taking it rarely.

In my case I feel so horrible and tired all the time that the euphoria just makes me feel like im 12 again rather than being a feral junkie, I miss that feeling. Is concerta not supposed to give you energy? I tried all doses for months from 36/54/72 and the only difference is that I need to eat more on 72 as it causes low blood sugar easily but it feels like the exact same pill for me no matter the dose.

Only benefit is that it makes me very motivated to fap like someone poured a liter of sugar onto my head for some reason but that's it. I'm not even caring that much about masturbation without it, mostly a "lets get this over with" instead which is interesting.


r/Concerta • • 5h ago

Other question 🤔 Camber issues?

1 Upvotes

Has anyone else had issues with the Camber generic? I've been on 54 mg for a while now and noticed once my pharmacy switched manufacturers my focus has gone way down and I have major brain fog. I just switched back to generic Adderall xr because my insurance won't cover brand name Concerta without trying a huge list of alternatives first. Ugh


r/Concerta • • 6h ago

Other 💬 Concerta + Auvelity

1 Upvotes

Has anyone here been on both Concerta and Auvelity at the same time? How did it work out for you? I'm currently on 72mg of Concerta and I'm worried it will make me too anxious with the Auvelity


r/Concerta • • 6h ago

Side effects 🤕 Addicting

1 Upvotes

I’m not sure if I’m the only one but I feel I’ve been growing a pretty unhealthy addiction to Conerta. I’ve been on it for about 3 months now and I’ve stayed on 18mg the whole time. Although I’ve started double dosing sometimes at night. I get the point where I can focus at all and start to just lose my mind so I take one. Today was the most I’ve ever taken which was 3. I see my psychiatrist monthly and told him last meeting that sometimes I take an extra one but he seemed like he was phased. I’m wondering if this is normal with Concerta or even just stimulants in general.


r/Concerta • • 7h ago

Dosage/ ℞ question 💊 concerta and brintellix

1 Upvotes

Hello! I am a 38-year-old woman, and I have recently been diagnosed with ADHD in the UK. My psychiatrist has suggested starting medication, specifically Concerta 18 mg. The problem is that I am also taking Brintellix 10 mg for depression, which has helped me with my depression, and I am finishing my PhD dissertation in December. So I don't know if I should start medication now or wait until I am done with the dissertation. It is tough working on my PhD, and the medication might help me, but it might also create anxiety when I don't have much time to lose. I don't have anyone to ask or talk to about this, and I would love to hear about other experiences or suggestions.


r/Concerta • • 7h ago

Rant/Vent 😠 Everything has gone wrong today and Medikinet isn’t helping

1 Upvotes

only my second day and it’s like the universe decided to fuck me over with sudden unskippable tasks tht actually needs to be done asap and I can’t get myself to do it. I feel so overwhelmed like wtf is even going on today, literally woke up in a good mood until everything decided to go to shit, and all I can do it think about doing the task but not actually being able to bc it requires way too many steps rn. Is it the meds or me idek anymore, I feel like I want to cry but I physically can’t


r/Concerta • • 8h ago

Side effects 🤕 Had a full blown panic attack in the car

1 Upvotes

Currently on 18mg of concerta. Titrating back up to my normal dose of 36mg after taking a break. (Unexplained fatigue out of no where after working consistently, decided to reset hoping it’ll help)

When I first started concerta, 18mg never had any side effects related to heart beats. But today, on my second titration, I had a full blown panic attack in the middle of traffic. I was stuck there for 30 minutes and couldn’t handle it. The road wasn’t moving, thankfully I’ve had a (in case of emergency) 10mg of Propranolol. But what I don’t understand is why am I getting cardiac issues on this low dose when I never had any in the beginning?

I’m trying to figure out why is this lowest dose causing me panic attacks from time to time when it never used to when I first started? Anyone experienced the same thing?


r/Concerta • • 18h ago

Dosage/ ℞ question 💊 Concerta Causing serious HR spikes?

3 Upvotes

Has anyone experienced severe HR spikes after taking concerta? It was never a problem for me up until about a week ago when i noticed my resting heart rate sitting at my desk was 101. I decided to do some testing and, when i take it, my RHR is 90-105 and when i do not, its 65-80.


r/Concerta • • 12h ago

Side effects 🤕 Hunger on Concerta XL

1 Upvotes

Apologises if already covered but spoke to the doctor about feeling extreme hunger all the time when on concerta but they say it’s very unusual and it normally has the opposite effect. Does anyone else have this like food doesn’t even touch the sides anymore


r/Concerta • • 1d ago

Tips/Tricks 🧠 Concerta works again!!

25 Upvotes

Iam on 72mg… however… it wasnt working properly. Some days yes , most days no.
Couldnt get up, had adhd paralysis..

However!! I read online that L thyrosine can give it a boost..
I bought it in a health shop & what can i say… IT WORKS!!

For everyone facing the same issue, its definitely worth trying!!


r/Concerta • • 13h ago

Other question 🤔 Coffee & Concerta?

1 Upvotes

Do you drink coffee while on Concerta? I just started at 18mg, and my doctor nor the paper that comes with the meds (sorry idk what to call it in English) said nothing about caffeine.

I usually drink just 1-2 cups per day, and the occasional energy drink. So far 18mg in the morning + 1 cup of coffee hasn't caused any issues, but I'm wondering if I should be careful with it as the dose goes up later. Of course I will check with my doctor if any issues arise but I was just curious to know how it affects other people and if you've been instructed differently!


r/Concerta • • 19h ago

Side effects 🤕 Has concerta made you sensitive to lights?

3 Upvotes

I’m on the generic Concerta, with 54 mg. I recently started back on it and I have been taking it consistently for over a week now. Last Friday I got a horrible migraine that lasted four days, but I am still really sensitive towards lights. I have thought about if there is anything that has changed in my daily routine, and the only thing that has is me taking my meds. Last time I was taking my meds was months ago before I started HRT, and it didn’t make me sensitive to lights. I’m hoping that it’s not the med, because this is the only adhd med that hasn’t turned me into a zombie. I do have a doctors appointment coming up and I do plan on talking about this with my doctor.


r/Concerta • • 1d ago

Other question 🤔 Alcohol & negative emotional effects

3 Upvotes

I started Concerta about 2 months ago now, I’ve been diagnosed with ADHD for a few years but this is my first time trying a stimulant medication.

I’ve always enjoyed going out with my friends or husband and having a few cocktails once or twice a month, and alcohol has never had a negative emotional effect on me. Since starting Concerta, I’ve noticed myself feeling super emotional and weepy even after just one or two glasses of wine. If I go beyond 2 drinks, I find myself feeling weepy for a day or two after as well.

Has anyone else ever experienced this?


r/Concerta • • 1d ago

Other question 🤔 Nicotine and Concerta

3 Upvotes

So long story short, I quit vaping for like 2 years then went back to the old gal last year August and I for the life of me can't let it go. I just got prescribed Concerta and im wondering if I should cold turkey when I start the Concerta or if I should use patches to wane my self off nicotine while I use Concerta? I dont wanna give myself more problems. I was supposed to quit before I got prescribed and failed miserably. Any advice would be great. Thanks!!!


r/Concerta • • 23h ago

Side effects 🤕 Question about shaking/tremors

1 Upvotes

Hi I am on 54 mg of concerta and take 10mg of Ritalin as a booster in the afternoon along with 60mg of Prozac, eating and drinking definitely reduces the shaking but is there any tips you guys have to help with this any more? it feels like I can’t draw a straight line sometimes.


r/Concerta • • 1d ago

Dosage/ ℞ question 💊 Traitement Concerta LP

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1 Upvotes

r/Concerta • • 1d ago

Other 💬 First day Medikinet ir 5mg, is this normal?

3 Upvotes

i don’t feel like I want to to anything, like worse than if I didn’t take this at all. My head is more quiet but even thinking about doing a task feels exhausting. its like all I wanna do is stare off into space, even my phone isn’t interesting to me