I would just like some thoughts to this. My Psychiatrist upped my dosage to 54mgs and it's been great and I've seen better improvement but it lasts for about 6-7hours (it's extended release). I start getting tired and extremely hungry after about 6-7 hours and I also see that my focus is about gone.
Is this supposed to happen? It would be great if it could just last me until the evening and not until mid afternoon. Is there any other kind of medicine that would be more effective at lasting longer or should the dosage be shifted around a bit?

Right now I'm just taking 3-18mg tablets at about 8:30 am.

Hi. I'm prescribed with 90mg of Concerta.

Today was the first time I took the whole 90mg (54+36). Its 17:00 now, and I took the pills at around 09:00. I felt differently today, but I was skeptic about the meds efficiency.

Right now I'm trying to read several materials for class and I can't focus. I feel exactly like I feel if I dont take Concera, except minor changes. I was just about to open a new thread asking what you guys think.

Like you, I feel like Concerta isn't having much effect on me. Was wonder if it would be wise to switch to Ritalin LA (even though this to, is made of Methylphenidate).

i am also on 54mg in morning and it also lasts 6-7 hours, it really just depends on the person. (metabolism, etc.) i think an alternative is either adderal xr twice daily or a using ritalin IR when the drug begins to wear away. pharmacists refer to this as a "bump".

just bring it up with your doctor.

That's normal for most people. Concerta's profile shows that it peaks in the 6-8 hour category then drops off. For some people (mostly very few) even as the levels start to drop it continues to work. For most of us once we past the "peak" it's pretty much over despite the fact there is still medication in the body.

This phenomenon is called "acute tolerance".

For us adults even these extended release meds don't do the job for our long days. Many of us have to take a booster of an IR medication or take a second dose of extended release later on.

Options to consider with your doctor:
1. upping the dose of Concerta in hopes it will last longer (Concerta is awaiting FDA approval for adults any day now for dosing up to 108mg a day).
2. taking a dose of Ritalin or Focalin later in the day
3. taking a 2nd dose of Concerta
4. Switch to Ritalin LA, Metadate CD or Focalin XR. Note: these meds are designed to replace (2) doses of IR so you may only get 5-6 hours tops.
5. Switch to Daytrana (Ritalin patch which gives up to 15 hours of continuous dosing with no peaks or drop offs until you either remove it or it runs out).
6. Try an amphetamine class of medication such as Adderall XR or Vyvanse.

good luck
J