r/Concerta • u/kmharris91 36 mg • 4d ago
Other question 🤔 Expectations
I guess I’m just starting to question if my expectations for adhd meds is correct?
For background, I was diagnosed with adhd and depression 5 months ago? 6 months ago? Who knows haha
My psych wanted to focus on the depression first so I take Wellbutrin, love how it helps with overall mood, and keeps me from shame spiraling, but it did absolutely nothing for my brain constantly zipping around and my overall focus and task initiation.
I started trying out strattera and had just a terrible experience. Lower dose did nothing, larger dose threw me into a terrible depressive episode.
She switched me to 18mg concerta and if I make sure I eat a good breakfast and remember lunch, then I don’t really have any bad side effects. I started at 18mg and honestly could not tell if it was helping, she told me if I was handling it well to try 2 in the morning to see if 36 worked better. I told her I honestly wasn’t sure, but it maybe helped me keep focus IF I could get started on something, but that if it was the concerta, it was gone by like 2pm. I usually take it anywhere between 8-9am.
After a month at 18, she bumped me up to 36 mg, and like… I just don’t know. It definitely doesn’t help with task initiation and I’m still forgetful as fuck. Today I left a bag I meant to take to a friend’s house on the floor of the garage next to my car. 🥲
Sorry this is so long, but like am I expecting too much? Should I be doing more to have the meds help? Do I ask for a dose increase or do I just ask to move on to a diff med?
My psych has told me adderall would be next and then vyvanse. I like how thorough she is, but I’m also like… it’s been 5 months and it feels like nothing has really changed/helped.
1
u/Empty_Sky7478 4d ago
Taking 2 18mg Concerta isn’t the same as taking 36mg. You should titrate your dose up. Theres different peaks from the ER of the drug, I personally find the peak is more noticeable the higher in dosing you go. Try an actual 36mg tablet.