Concerta for ADD - ADD / ADHD Message Board

sticksandstones · 08-28-2008, 06:24 PM

My doctor just prescribed concerta for my ADD. We tried Wellbutrin but were afraid it was causing seizures. Any thoughts on this medicine?

YCMFord · 09-12-2008, 08:59 AM

Before I give you my info, let me say that different meds affect different people in different ways. My results of taking Concerta may not be what you experience. That being said...

I was first put on Straterra once I was diagnosed, and that didn't work. Then my doc wanted to try Concerta. I started it on a Monday, and on Wednesday I was in the ER with elevated BP, elevated heart rate, dizziness, shortness of breath, etc. Once I got out of the ER, I called my doc and he said to stop taking it immediatly. Those side effects are extremely rare, but they can happen. If you decide to go with that, just keep an eye on any side affects for the first week or two. If nothing happens (which it shouldn't), then you'll be set. Overall, I've heard great things about Concerta, it just didn't work with me. (Note - I'm on 20 mg Ritalin, and its worked wonders.)

sticksandstones · 09-13-2008, 02:39 PM

Thanks for your message. I am still taking the concerta, but haven't noticed any changes. My concentration is still poor and my memory isn't the best wither. Not to mention I can actually take this pill and take a long nap after lunch. I plan to discuss this with my doctor on Thursday.

Thunor · 09-14-2008, 08:32 AM

Taking naps when on stimulants isn't uncommon. As Jane once explained the phenomenon to me, often we're short on sleep, but our ADHD brains aren't active enough to realize it. Taking the stimulant makes the brain active enough to realize it's sleep deprived and you end up taking a nap.

I haven't experienced this on ADHD medication, but I did when taking a cocktail of other stimulants in attempt to lose weight before my ADHD diagnosis. Make sure you're getting 7 to 8 hours of quality sleep every night, and you may find that this issue improves.

In regards to Concerta, I found its effects somewhat underwhelming myself, I had more luck with Ritalin (ironic, since they're both Methylphenidate) and Dexedrine.

sticksandstones · 09-15-2008, 08:20 AM

Thanks, Thunor!