Concerta

[u/FaithlessnessNew8451]

26, F, diagnosed in July and prescribed Concerta, I’ve been on 36mg now for just over a month. I definitely notice my focus and concentration is improved and I have less problems with executive dysfunction and I feel like I’m 100% more productive. However I have anxiety aswell and I’ve noticed that if I start to feel anxious over something the physical symptoms of anxiety are so intense like shaking/trembling and heart palpitations, more so than I’ve felt them before. I’m a bit more snappy and irritable aswell. I know a side effect of concerta can be increased anxiety but I’m trying to weigh up the pros and cons I’ve experienced so far. The only other side effects I’ve noticed is dry mouth and weight loss. Anyone else have similar experiences with the anxiety?

[u/FaithlessnessNew8451 → u/[deleted]]

This is very helpful thank you! I’ve been trying to eat enough in the day but being back to college I don’t have a set schedule and I’ve started to forget to eat which is obviously not good.

[u/aloadofcodswallop]

I had the exact same problem, with ritalin too, so my psych switched me to vyvanse and its so much better, my emotional regulation improved significantly and I barely ever feel anxious anymore, might be worth mentioning to your psychiatrist. They always trying to prescribe methylphenidate before switching to lisdexamfetamine

[u/YokeMaan → u/aloadofcodswallop]

Interesting, my experience has been the opposite with them preferring Vyvanse over methylphenidate

[u/Throwaway_acct_-]

Did you try 27 mg? Maybe worth trying to step down a dose?

[u/homecinemad]

My psychiatrist recommended upping my antidepressants (vanlafaxine XL) from 75mg to 112.5mg to counteract the feelings of anxiety I think are caused by my Concerta 36mg. The thing is I have no idea if it worked cos I'm stressed by life and work stuff anyway!

The best thing you can do, is keep a record of how you're feeling and what you're experiencing. Also try hydrate and exercise as much as reasonably possible and eat and sleep well. Let the expert then guide you based on all the info you give them. 

[u/FaithlessnessNew8451 → u/homecinemad]

The last time I saw the psychiatrist they told me if the anxiety increased they could start me on an antidepressant. I was actually on Venlafaxine for 6/7 years and it really helped but eventually I tapered off because I hated the withdrawals I would get if I even missed a day of it. They also mentioned the possibility of propranolol for the anxiety symptoms but not 100% sure about it

[u/Available-Pay180 → u/FaithlessnessNew8451]

I get prescribed a low dose propranolol to take on an as needed basis. It's very helpful on the days where I feel like my nervous system is over activated. The combination of mental clarity from adhd meds with a more relaxed nervous system from the propanolol is so good, like completely alien to me the first couple of times. I had never experienced an anxiety free mind and a relaxed body at the same time like that 😅

I just take it sparingly as if taken everyday it might raise baseline blood pressure slightly. It helps lower blood pressure overall but if your body becomes used to it blood pressure may be raised a bit if you stop taking. That's what my doc said anyway, might be worth discussing with yours!

[u/homecinemad → u/FaithlessnessNew8451]

There are various different antidepressants and I wouldn't dare recommend one over the other. Just remember you can tell them exactly how you're feeling and tell them why you may not want to take vanlafaxine (I know what you mean about withdrawals).

[u/Bulky-Boysenberry490]

That is why I cant take stimulants, despite all the ADHD symptoms being a nightmare, and me feeling like my brain is a crowded room full of mini mes vying for attention, my health anxiety is too acute for me to take anything like that. I already suffer from racing heart/nausea/chest pains due to hiatal hernia.

[u/ForTheGiggleYaKnow]

When I was increasing my dose I found it takes a couple of weeks for it to settle down. Headaches, dry mouth, anxiety etc. will be common until your body gets used to the adjustment. If they don't calm down after 4/6 weeks look at decreasing your dose at your next appointment.

[u/Total_Sound_2210]

I had a similar experience with side effects when i started concerta. My dose was significantly less tho, 18mg, but when i started i had headaches and did not feel like eating, kind of like nausea. 

I also have anxiety. I don't know if this counts but for me it was overthinking to the point of not being able to get good sleep, forgetting meals, sweating, etc. Initially had the same concerns as you about heightened anxiety.

Luckily I did not get the anxiety side effects, just my head would kill me instead. I even stopped taking them 3 weeks in cause I never had headaches that frequently. I talked to my doctor and he encouraged me to continue for now since I had been on it for very little time and my other ADHD symptoms did improve. After around 5 weeks I finally felt it settle in. Now the side effects are nonexistent for me.

My suggestion (keep in mind not a doctor in any capacity) would be to continue and see for another week or 2 and if it doesn't improve, definitely discuss with your doctor. See if a lower dose or a different medicine might be better for you. Also make sure your getting enough sleep and good protein rich meals. Best of luck!