I am 30 yr old male--recently diagnosed ADD inattentive type. Got a prescription for 36mg of Concerta that I have been taking for a week. I'm curious what effect it should provide. Those of you who have taken it, what did you experience? The first couple of days I noticed a bit of change in my thoughts--not slowing down but more of being less cluttered. Nothing that dramatic, but a little bit enough to notice. It seems to help with focus a little bit by eliminating some of my mental distractions.

As far as physical effects, I have not felt anything—none of the listed possible side effects, which is good. This drug is a stimulant, but I’m assuming that if I have ADD it will not have the same effects on me that it would in a non-ADD person. Is this a correct assumption/understanding?

There was a big warning about how the drug could be abused or used recreationally or lead to addiction to it. I haven’t experienced anything that would lead to any of that. (Which again is good.) Is the abuse/addictiveness more of an issue for non-ADD people who might get ahold of the drug, or is it just that my dosage may not be big enough to have much of an effect on me? (I’m 195 lbs.)

It's great that you haven't had any side effects. You should be able to focus more. That's the whole point. Less going through your mind. Your thoughts should not race as much. It's not going to be the end all solution. It will help you get started. You will still need to make changes in the way you do things.

About the dosage, I would ask your doctor what is recommended for your weight and bump it up gradually.

Since this is a controlled substance, do you have to visit you doctor every month for a refill? If this is a hassel, you may want to try Strattera (non-stimulant).

Good luck,

Tim

I cant tell you for sure if you are getting the full effect, it sounds like you are, but might be a little under-medicated. There are many variables with meds weight is only one of them, your doc should be able to tell you. Try listing the 3 most bothersome aspects of your ADD and rate how much better those are. Please do not worry about the drug warning. If you are truly ADD, you are replacing a chemical, not getting high in any way. Only an overdose (probably purposeful) would cause overdose symptoms,and you would just reduce dose.