Strattera to Concerta to Frustration - ADD / ADHD Message Board

newadultadhd · 05-24-2006, 12:52 PM

I have just been diagnosed 2 months ago as having ADHD. My doctor started me off with Strattera and that had multiple side effects such as being tired all day as well as not being able to sleep at night. Next he put me on Concerta 36 mg in the morning. I find this drug to be horrible and has changed my personality completely. Before Concerta, I was an easy going guy with no problems except the usual that come with being ADHD. Now The smallest things make me very angry and frustrated as well as feeling depressed. My doctor in the past week has lowered my dosage to 18 mg in the morning. I am really apprehensive about this working and scared as well because I have to wait two months to finally get in to see a psychiatrist that really knows what to do. I need advice whether to try adderrall or stop taking anything (i don't really like this idea) or what to do. Please help!!

index.html · 05-25-2006, 04:19 AM

It bothers me that your doctor didn't START you out at 18mg. It's atypical to start someone who has never taken stimulants before at a higher dose. Just for curiosity, what dose of Strattera did he start you on?

Give the lower dose a try before worrying about what to do next.

It would be useful if you would examine when it is that your are experiencing your symptoms in relation to when you take your Concerta. Is it 4 - 6 hours after you take a dose or does it usually happen later in the day? How long does it last?

newadultadhd · 05-25-2006, 09:35 AM

I believe the Strattera was 20 mg??? The side effects from Concerta (anger, frustration with everything, depression) start about an hour to two hours after I take it and last the whole day. Really don't know what to think.

index.html · 05-26-2006, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by newadultadhd

I believe the Strattera was 20 mg??? The side effects from Concerta (anger, frustration with everything, depression) start about an hour to two hours after I take it and last the whole day. Really don't know what to think.

Are you any better on the lower dose?

newadultadhd · 05-27-2006, 10:04 AM

no, I am going to seek a second opinion with another doctor. Is there any suggestions you might have for me to ask my doctor??