Due to some insurance coverage problems, I haven't taken my usual dose of Concerta since last Thursday. This is my first time not taking it since I began and I'm noticing my mood spiraling down down down. Has anyone else experienced this? I'm still taking my Prozac and I didn't realize Concerta had such an effect on my mood. Hopefully I'll get my insurance back tomorrow, but wondered if this withdrawal was common. :confused:

Yes I know exactly how you feel. I was on Concerta but now I am on Adderall, currently I am waiting for a card to get more medication (I do not have insurance) so I am going through the same thing. All I can say is hang in there, once you get your medication everything will go back to normal.

Thanks Effie. The strange thing is that since I posted I looked at some of the archives here about withdrawal and apparently this shouldn't be an issue since the stimulant clears out of the blood every night anyway. I don't know if this is psychological withdrawal but it feels like PMS times 5. ugh.

Maybe it is not withdrawal, just the effect of your ADD symptoms on your mood?

For me without my meds, I find myself to be really anxious, jumpy, nervous, all the things I used to be pretty much all the time pre-diagnosis. Sometimes it is about mid-day before I realize I forgot my pills and I figure it out because I am just so anxious, worried, and experiencing that sense of impending doom you get when you think there is something you are supposed to be doing but don't know what it is. Then, I go "Ah hah! Forgot my meds again!" Besides, I think being easily confused, overwhelmed, etc. can really spoil a person's day.

Definitely have experienced a period of extremely LOW MOOD & INTENSE FATIGUE & sleepiness when suddenly NOT taking my medication. However, for me this usually LESSENS a good amount after the first day or two. But then you've got the ADHD symptoms to deal with, which can bring you down.

I know the feeling,
Sue

>apparently this shouldn't be an issue since the stimulant clears out of the blood every night anyway

Nope, withdrawal is common. Your body and brain re-regulate in response to your medication. When it's gone, they're without a paddle for a while.

Sleep, food, vitamins, rest, keep your friends and family around and remember that this will pass. Keep your mood upbeat, it'll get better in three or four days and be completely gone within two weeks.

I know it sounds cliche, but meditation and hard exercise can help.

exercise is now proven to help regenerate and strengthen brains to a degree. (John Ratey is writing a book about this. He is one of the Driven to Distraction authors.)

I know it sounds cliche, but meditation and hard exercise can help.

exercise is now proven to help regenerate and strengthen brains to a degree. (John Ratey is writing a book about this. He is one of the Driven to Distraction authors.)

I find it hard to exercise...does that count as hard exercise?
:)

Thanks for the feedback...that really helps. I went to bed before 8 and fell into a deep sleep - completely wiped out. Hopefully I'll be able to get the prescription refilled today. I agree that meditation and hard exercise work wonders - when I get on the stairmaster or go cycling my mood is much better, even if only for an hour or two. I just felt incredibly tired of it all last night, of struggling, of difficulties with self-expression, that feeling that I might never meet the "love of my life" - yes, the whole pity party. Bring the refreshments!:D okay, time to get ready for work, but thanks again.

>apparently this shouldn't be an issue since the stimulant clears out of the blood every night anyway

Nope, withdrawal is common. Your body and brain re-regulate in response to your medication. When it's gone, they're without a paddle for a while.

Sleep, food, vitamins, rest, keep your friends and family around and remember that this will pass. Keep your mood upbeat, it'll get better in three or four days and be completely gone within two weeks.Trying, learning to use the "quote" feature will add more clarity to your posts. If you need help with it, just say the word. ;)

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http://images.medicinenet.com/images/clearpixel.gif Definition of Withdrawal symptoms

Withdrawal symptoms: Abnormal physical or psychological features that follow the abrupt discontinuation of a drug that has the capability of producing physical dependence. Common withdrawal symptoms include sweating, tremor (http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=504), vomiting, anxiety (http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=42985), insomnia (http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=47466), and muscle pain (http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=42077).

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"Withdrawl" implies dependence on a substance and is NOT common with therapeutic doses prescribed for ADHD.

I too have associated "symptoms" with an abrupt end to taking Concerta. I am... and never have been a negative person.... but if I stop taking concerta abruptly after months of daily doses.... I don't even know myself.

If I skip a dose after months of daily dosing... everything is fine... if I miss two, then things could go south... If I miss 3... I could break down in tears at any moment. LOL... I'm a pretty testosterone driven guy and I'm saying that I feel like a "stereotypical woman" with symptoms of "stereotypical PMS". :D (think I covered my bases....)

All I have to say is that I definately believe in the effects of medication changes on brain chemistry... and the effects of brain chemistry on mood... and behavior.

A few years ago I would have dismissed almost any claim that "chemical imbalances" could cause behavioral problems... but now I believe that we are very much at the mercy of our own body chemistry. Not to say that we don't have control... I'm just saying that chemistry plays a much larger role in our day to day lives than most people can imagine.

I also believe we are all the masters of our own destiny... and that if you have a realistic understanding of both your own chemistry and how your environment works... that you can use it to your own favor.

I am quite possibly one of the absolute worst picks to be a coach on the subjects of motivation... but I have found that if you try to "Act like a zealot"... you can accomplish a lot of things. I only suggest Acting... because it's so hard to become a zealot if you can't remember what you should be obsessing over...

I know this post took a wierd turn... but I guess what I'm saying is... If medication works... take it... if it sux when you stop... then don't stop... If you don't have a choice and have to stop... recognize that the world is not ending... and that you might have to camp in and watch football/will and grace.... till you either get over your mood or get more meds.... and if you can't camp... that you MUST RECOGNIZE the IRRATIONAL BEAST within.... and never let it out.

Anywhoo...:soapbox:

A few years ago I would have dismissed almost any claim that "chemical imbalances" could cause behavioral problems... but now I believe that we are very much at the mercy of our own body chemistry. Not to say that we don't have control... I'm just saying that chemistry plays a much larger role in our day to day lives than most people can imagine.

I also believe we are all the masters of our own destiny... and that if you have a realistic understanding of both your own chemistry and how your environment works... that you can use it to your own favor.Well said!