My entire life I have struggled with two topics the first is a lack of being able to focus. It has been so difficult for me to read or listen to instructions. The other issue I have dealt with has been a constant worry or concern, even over things that logically should not cause concern. As a child my mother was very critical of an type of medication and condemed people that use it. This have caused me a large amount of concern in exploring what is happening in me.

Recently in my life things (lack of concentrating and worring) have been a huge stumbling block. With the support of a friend I finally went and talked to my doctor. The problem is I don't know what to tell him and I am so lost as to what is what. I started with some celexa and did that for 4 1/2 weeks and I did not see or feel any change. My Doctor and I decided to try Concerta. I realize that one is for anxiety and the other is for ADD. The problem is I am in the middle of my graduate schooling and everything is to much. Anyway, i have taken the concerta for 7 days. I have been so sick. (headache, dizzy, throwing up, upset, edgy, tired, eyes sensitive to light, etc) I don't know what to do. There is about a two hour window that things improve and then the rest of the day is hell.

If anyone has any advice or prospective please help!!

Start with the fact that you see improvement for part of the time. This indicates that ADHD med may have some benefit for you. Next, you are having unacceptable side effects.

What dose were you started on? Your doctor should have started you low and increase to an effective dose, to allow the body to get used to the med and reduce the posibility of severe side effects.

If you are on a low dose of concerta and have problems, trying focalin may be a better choice. It is the more centrally active form of methylphenidate and has less peripheral effects.

The search for effective treatment can be difficult. Everyone responds differently to the meds and there is no real good way to predict the responce.

Good luck with this journey.

It is true what Vickie said about the difficulties finding an effective treatment. However in my opinion you are not describing Concerta side effects; that sounds more like an illness to me. We cannot give medical advice here at ADDF, but I would suggest you call your doctor and report these symptoms ASAP. It may not be the Concerta at all, though its possible. There is also the possibility that you do not have ADHD at all and the Concerta may be making you ill.

Please call your doctor.