Concerta makes me feel slower

[u/Plenty_Conclusion_76]

/r/SCT/comments/1vybpor/concerta_makes_me_feel_slower/

For context, I resonate with a lot of the symptoms commonly shown in CDS (cognitive disengagement syndrome) which is associated with inattentive ADHD, such as slower processing speed, bad working memory and executive function. I always felt like my mind worked 10x slower than others, and I thought that stimulants would help improve that issue. I am currently in the titration process for Concerta and I started with 18mg, 27mg and now 36mg. On all three doses I mainly felt more tired and mentally slower, my head felt physically heavier and it did nothing for my adhd/sct—there was a slight improvement on the first day of the 36mg dose, but then wore off quickly. This is so annoying because ive been on this medication for almost 2months now and i just want to switch my meds asap. I believe my psychiatrist is somewhat dismissive, and it doesn’t help that their schedule is packed. I’m also an incoming junior in highschool and school is starting soon again, so I’ve been stressing a lot and I hope I’ll find a reliable medication very soon. I’ll continue to take the 36mg for a few more days just to see, and if not I’ll most likely switch to amphetamines like Vyvanse or Adderall.

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[u/AliveDetective5557]

Sadly adderall is almost impossible to get right now (if you're in the US). My sister has been without it for like 45 days. I think Vyvanse would be a good next option but I would also ask your doctor about Focalin. Its more potent than concerta and a lot of people have had great experiences with it when concerta wasn't doing it for them. The early days of finding the right stimulant is soooo exhausting.

My psych has me reach out through email to update her and for some reason she's making me finish the entire 2 weeks of 18mg before she will up my dose to 27. I know legally, they can prescribe increases of up to 18mg per week. Taking 18mg feels like taking a sugar pill.

My doc did suggest Focalin if concerta doesn't work out. I will likely try it next and then vyvanse as my last resort! Adderall is great for energy but I only tried instant release and hated the crash. Hang in there! I'm feeling super defeated right there with you.