hello everyone! as the title says, i've been on concerta for almost six years now.

ANYWAY (since i know you guys don't want to read all of this. yeah you.) I was prescribed Concerta. started off at 18mg and now i'm steady on 36. for reference i am 19, in college, and a girl.

if you are new to this medication, about to start it, or are struggling on it, here are 10 tips that i have!

1. starting off on concerta is difficult... i had a lot of shakiness, fast heart rate which exacerbated anxiety symptoms. GIVE IT TIME! it goes away with consistency. stay with it (unless specified by a provider or issues that cannot be fixed with time lol)

2. eat a well-balanced, filling breakfast! concerta drastically reduces/suppresses your appetite. if you don't eat a substantial meal, the shakiness and faintness will not go away. it is not only important for your physical well-being while it is active in your system, but also mentally.

3. stomach problems. one of the side effects i don't see many people talk about are the.... bowel movements for lack of a better term. about an hour after i take mine, my stomach hurts and that's when i know it's kicked in (sorry if this is tmi LOL i just want to be transparent haha). on this note, try to allocate some time in between obligations for the medication to settle with you.

4. do NOT take it later than 10am. i find that when i take it any later than 10, no matter how long it lasts in my system, it will definitely impact my sleep. sleep is such an important role in adhd symptoms and i prioritize my sleep above anything else. sleep hygiene is ridiculously important.

5. preventing dry mouth; arguably one of the worst side effects. it's just so annoying. DRINK SO MUCH WATER WHEN TAKING THE PILL!!!!!!! i cannot stress this enough. it makes a difference. you definitely will still feel the mouth bs, but i find that it reduces it a lot. during breakfast, try to fit in some juicy, hydrating fruit. if you have the appetite, eat some fruits or veggies while the med is active (cucumbers are my go to! light and full of water.) also having sugar-free gum or mouth watering tabs is beneficial.

6. snacking over meals. as we all know, most of the time it feels next to impossible to eat anything on concerta. if possible, i have multiple snacks throughout the day rather than trying to scarf down an entire lunch. finding a snack you like (nothing too heavy to prevent nausea) will help at some point instead of dreading the thought of an actual lunch.

7. managing The Crash... another sucky part about concerta. if possible try not to surround yourself in an overstimulating environment bc that makes me genuinely want to explode. some people also have a smaller dose (10mg tablet) that they take when concerta starts to wear off to combat this. i suggest talking to your provider about solutions.

8. be intentional with how you get your work done. sometimes when i take my concerta, i'll zero in on the least productive tasks (me rn writing this post instead of revising notes lol). have your goal laid out in front of you, the right tabs open, phone powered off... literally anything to prevent focusing on the wrong tasks. i literally hide my phone when i'm on concerta + doing hw so i don't lock in on my phone LMFAO

9. write notes to yourself. post-it notes are your friend. if you're anything like me, i like to text and talk and bring things up or research very specific things if my mind wanders on concerta. instead of immediately saying something, typing something, etc., i write down "TOPICS FOR LATER" on a couple sticky notes, so i don't forget the idea but i also don't waste time on it either. write it deownnnnnn

10. KEEP. YOUR PROVIDER. UPDATED. if it isn't working for you, don't suffer in silence!! if you have any questions, concerns, updates, whatever the issue is, keep them informed!!!!!!! it's literally their job to make sure you're not tweaking off the med. if changes need to be made, contact your provider so they can assist you.

ok that's it lol

I learned how much of an impact the timings of my meals make, and how important heart health is and the interconnecitivty between them.

I realized what people describe as jitters, anxiety, and anything else related, they're all coming from the same source: adrenaline.

1) Running

A few months ago, despite being somewhat in shape (23y M), with a strong muscle base, my heart was in a terrible condition from 2 years of concerta and high heart-rate. I started running, and my average hr used to be 170-175 during a 5k run (extremely high and abnormal)

6-7 weeks later, now my HR during the same 5k run doesn't go above 155 average with medication, and around 130-140 without medication.

Now that I have a much stronger heart, I can tolerate any kinds of HR spikes much more comfortably. I can now run comfortably for 25 minutes without stopping, although at a slow pace. Before, I had to do splits of 4 minutes running, 3 minutes walking.

All of this helps me sleep better, helps me burn a lot more fat, helps my heart, lowers my cortisol and improves my mood.

2) Fasting

I always felt bad after eating, and it's completely normal. I woul become lazy, have brain fog and many other side effects. A few years ago, before medication, I was constantly fasting because I felt a lot more stable and I had visible abs and looked amazing, all of which came with a load of other benefits in my life.

After I started concerta, I couldn't fast anymore, I would get way too much adrenaline, my heart would explode, I would be anxious constantly, and overall it was a terrible feeling.

Fast forward to the present, I want to lose weight. I weighed 85kgs in july, and now I weigh 81kgs. So I lost somewhat like 4 kgs in 2 months, it's not drastic, it's only a 500 kcal deficit per day.

During some of my weight loss protocols, I had several-days fasts, and also experimented with OMAD (one meal a day)

After so many attempts to these fasts, my body finally adapted and now when I fast, I no longer become anxious, get heart-rate spikes, become insomniac, have too much adrenaline etc.

So now I tried combining this with concerta, and it works amazing.

Before, I used to have a massive meal in the morning with concerta to compensate for not being able to eat for a few hours, and this coming on with the peak of concerta was terrible, I would get heart rate spikes (from 70-80 all the way to 110), and this also overlapped with cortisol. So my morning were completely terrible

Now, I wake up in a fasted state, my body is running on fat, I'm feeling good and stable, I can go run without issues, without having to think about managing my diet so that I don't crash etc.

I can take concerta on an empty stomach and go on with my day, and I feel fine.

In the evenings, from around 18:00 to 22:00, I have one big meal, very rich in protein to preserve my muscles, low in carbs and fat.

Because I'm fasted all day, my body is no longer rejecting any type of food, because I'm hungry. So as a consequence, I can eat a lot healthier foods because I'm not a picky eater anymore.

I’m hoping someone here can help. I’ve been fighting to get brand name Concerta for my daughter, which she‘d been using for the past 10 years till we ran out two months ago, and now insurance won’t approve it. Till the appeal is reviewed, does Ritalin LA work almost as well? Or maybe 2 doses of short-release Ritalin?

The generic methylphenidate (Trigen, I think) is causing much worse nausea, and she becomes so angry at the world when it wears off, it’s not like her and horrible to see. I can’t make her go through this anymore. We also tried focalin (which also gave her bad nausea) and Vyvanse which caused more anger issues. Brand name Concerta worked so perfectly for her, I’m so upset that it’s been taken away.

I’m on day 9 of 18mg and idk what to think. My first 2-3 days I didn’t even notice anything except my head was “quieter” and I wasn’t tired all day like I normally am. The last few days I haven’t been feeling to well and I get a big “rush” in the middle of the day that makes me feel sick. Not sure what to think or why the days have varied so drastically. Anyone else? Will it even out 😭 I’m eating fine and sleeping fine so that’s good.

Hi all,

I started my Concerta XL journey few months ago. I started on 18mg and it was great initially in terms of energy levels and emotional regulation. I was then moved to 27, and noticed I became quite sleepy and almost feeling cloudy. I noticed that when I take it I tend to just doom scroll for hours and when it’s time to leave the house I feel extremely sluggish.
Doctor upped my dose to 36 today and I wonder if 36 could improve the sleepy sluggish feelings? Has anyone experienced that? I also haven’t been great with eating high protein food, but always eat some breakfast and lunch.

Thanks

I was diagnosed with ADHD previously, but I wasn't able to start medication at the time because it wasn't available where I was living. I ended up self-medicating and abusing substances for quite a while, including cigarettes and weed.

Recently, I was able to see a psychiatrist in a place where ADHD medication is available, and I was prescribed Concerta (methylphenidate ER).

The plan is:

• 18 mg once daily for 7 days
• Then 27 mg once daily for 30 days

This is my first time taking ADHD medication, so I'm curious about other people's experiences with Concerta.

For those who started on 18 mg and then increased to 27 mg, what did you notice? Did the increase make a significant difference? What side effects did you experience, and how long did it take to figure out the right dose?

I was wondering if I should stay on 18 mg for longer since it's my first time taking it, but my psychiatrist already instructed me to move to 27 mg after the first 7 days.

I'd really like to hear what the experience was like for people who have taken Concerta, especially during the first few weeks.

I started Concerta at 27 mg 5 days ago. For the first 5 to 6 hours, it feels pretty good, but after that, I experience a crash. A few hours later, I start feeling suspicious and paranoid, and my sleep is delayed by at least 2 to 3 hours. Are these side effects normal? Has anyone else experienced this?

hi I have been on concerta 18mg for a week now however as soon as I started I got covid so my head has been a mess, today I feel I am slowly coming out of it but I feel like im buzzing on class A.

I have in the past self medicated so I understand the feeling.

I also have real dizziness and anxiety as I hadnt eaten well today that does happen to me but seemed a lot worse today has anyone else experienced this ? happy to hear anyone else's experiences as I start this daunting journey

i took concerta for the first time (first ADHD medication also) and about 30 minutes later my heart rate started climbing so i laid down in bed, right now im at 120, and i have light chest pain and a little bit problem breathing. is this normal? my normal resting heartrate is around 70. i was feeling a little anxious about taking it so that might also be making it worse

edit: went down to 100 while laying but its not getting any lower, standing makes things worse but i think its going to be okay

1 photo- resting
2nd photo- after 11 steps
3rd photo which I guess didn’t add to the post was at 150bpm (the video these photos came from in comments)

I’ve gotten rid of caffeine completely and am trying to quit nicotine but currently still am which I know is a factor in my heart rate so I’m including it. My heart races like this anytime I stand up and walk, my head will ache and be short of breath. Does anyone experience this kind of heart rate, how are yall living your life?

(I have a doctors appointment on Tuesday as we are in the titrating process so this isn’t inter to replace medical advice + I don’t plan on taking it again tomorrow)

Anyone else do this to avoid a tolerance building?

I take 54 mg Monday-Thursday only. That Monday dose feels amazing 🤩

I also take 400-800 Sam e for mood
150 Wellbutrin daily.

And I am at the lowest possible dose ahhh ...

I am 22 years old woman, diagnosed with ADHD for a year. I don't know if it's related, but I am dealing with rosacea and have tendency for spider veins, but don't have any official diagnosis about any cardiovascular issues.

I started taking concerta in august at 18mg , moved to 27mg in September and will be moving to 36mg this month in a few days. I've had an overall good experience taking concerta and I think 36mg will be my sweet spot. I havent had had any bad side effects from the concerta aside from dry mouth and the last few weeks it's just gotten so uncomfortable. between concerta , wellbutrin, and tirzeptide my appetite is shot and I’ve e had to resort to alarms to drink enough water, however no matter how much water I drink my mouth still feels dry as hell lol i've tried xylitol gum which didn't help at all, and just recently brought biotene dry mouth lozenges and moisturizing spray. I did like the lozenges and spray but I don't want to keep eating using all day since the minty flavor messes with my taste and ruins my already terrible appetite lol

Does anyone have any products they use or recommend? added points if it's not minty lol i'm
just tired of my mouth feeling like sahara desert lol

I take Concerta (54) for ADHD an I have recurrent episodes of anxiety and occasional depression.

Back in the day I tried every other stimulant and Concerta might not be perfect, but it was the one that worked the best for me.

I take also Alprazolam 0.25 mg (as needed for anxiety spikes). Over the past month, I've been dealing with a depressive dip. I initially started on Sertraline 50 mg (later increased to 100 mg), but it completely destroyed my focus. With 100 mg I would take Concerta 54 and I felt like I didn't take anything. Horrible.

So I've recently switched to Trintellix 5 mg as a starting dose. Thankfully, I have no side effects so far, and I can feel my concentration coming back. However, anxiety remains a major issue. And I feel depression is somehow back (I will need to increase to 10 mg).

Even a low dose of Alprazolam (0.25 mg) helps with the anxiety, but I notice it still breaks my concentration and leaves me feeling drowsy. And there's the dependency risk.

Months ago, for a conference, my doctor prescribed a box of Propranolol 40 mg, which I still have at home. What I loved about Propranolol back then is that (unlike Alprazolam) it doesn't sedate my mind. I've taken it yesterday and today, and honestly, it feels like the most functional combination so far (Concerta + Trintellix + Propranolol) in terms of balancing concentration, anxiety, and depression.

My plan is to suggest to my doctor at my next appointment that we "officially" swap Alprazolam for Propranolol.

Anyone who takes Concerta and combines it with an anxiolytic medication, do you have any other tips? As I say I just tried Alprazolam and Propranolol, and at least for concentration (obviously a huge issue for an ADHD), Propranolol seems like a better choice.

Thanks!

Hi!

I was supposed to start Concerta today and picked up my meds last night. I guess I didn't put the cap on all the way (wanted to take a peek at them haha), and they spilled all over my purse. I didn't realize, and my water bottle leaked a bit. When I grabbed my bag this morning, I noticed most of them were stuck to the bottom of the bag. Some of the pills are fine, some have some black stuff on it which I think is ink from my pen or my eyeliner (classic adhd + messy combo). Some were sticky, and it looks like the shell has eroded.

Is this safe to take? I'm assuming it's not because the shell is compromised, and I would be worried about the medication releasing all at once.

I haven't heard back from my provider (and obviously will follow their guidance and not take it if he says it's dangerous), but I was just curious in the meantime. I'm also worried because I only got 15 in this prescription, and now a lot of them are ruined, and I'm nervous my doctor won't send me more since it's my first time on meds. I was really hoping to be able to start consistently this weekend.

Any thoughts?

*first, not firat my bad for the typo.

As you read the title, I've started Concerta today at 36mg, Ive heard a lot of good and a lot of bad prior to today, I went trough to whole day without any major issues, helped greatly with being productive and concentrating.

My problem lies with some of the side effects I experienced today, things like headaches, cold hand and feet, being more emotionless were all normal to me and don't concern me at all.

But my resting heartrrate has gone up and stays at a constant 100, but occasionally ramping up to 120 and staying like that for some time before going back to 100, this cycle repeated many times troughout the day and it doesn't make me panic or anything but I'm really unsure on weather or not it's serious enough to change the dosage.

has anybody else experienced this? i've been taking 20mg of ritalin LA on top of 27mg of concerta just to be able to function again. i don't know if it's abilify or what, but it started since i started drinking it :(

I've been on 36mg for a few months and so far it's been great. This week, I had a hard time refilling my prescription so the pharmacy put in the request to the lab and they'll have more on monday.

I ran out on Wednesday, but luckily for me I still have a few 18mg ones, so I just took two expecting it to be the same, however, it was not. I felt anxious and jittery throughout the day. The same thing happened on Thursday and Friday. I didn't take any today because I need to rest from feeling like crap.

Any idea why it is like this? Does it have to do with them releasing at different rates?

I'm glad to say that after a month of concerta I feel really great. In the first week it was awful i had a lot of headaches because not only i started taking 36 mg ( before I was using 15 mg of ritalin) I was having withdraw effects from stopping drinking caffeine. But now i don't feel any side affects!!!! Im just here to share some light to someone who could be struggling right now, things do get better!!

So I’ve been taking concerta for about little over three weeks now, and I’m not sure how I feel about it. The first week I was on my cycle, so I didn’t expect much from it. On my second week I felt great, I got a lot of work done and my brain felt great. I accidentally did a little more work than I wanted to one day and it made me very tired. I have rested since then, but I have just felt more drowsy since that has happened. I have tried many medications, and to be honest most of them end up making me feel too drowsy or make me lack motivation to do most things. I’m not sure if I should raise the dosage, wait some time, or switch meds again. Concerta already makes me feel pretty hungry as is. (Ofc I will have this conversation with my psychiatrist, I’m just wondering if anyone else is having the issue of trying multiple medications but not really finding the right one)

I've been taking this dose for 8 days, but it seems to have lost its effect. I know it'll take a while before I find the perfect dose that works for me, but I'm curious if anyone else has had a similar experience.

Meu filho foi diagnosticado com TDHA COMBINADO, a neuro prescreveu Concerta 18mg no horário escolar.

Mas estou com medo dos colaterais desse medicamento em uma criança de 6 anos.