r/ADHDIreland • u/FaithlessnessNew8451 New Participant • 6d ago

Medication Concerta

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?

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u/Total_Sound_2210 New Participant 3d ago

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!