I was hoping I could get some feedback from the experts here. I was just switched from 10mg regular ritalin to 18mg concerta. The concerta just isn't working. I'd like to call my doc and tell him so, but don't want to be a pest and fear hearing that I've been impatient and should give the starting dose more time. How long would any of you stick out a dose of meds that isn't cutting it?

Hey...I did the opposite I switched from concerta to regular ritalin...here is a website that tells you what the dose should be...

http://www.addadhdblog.com/concerta-getting-the-right-dose/

Hope this helps...

The rule with mental and psychiatric health is that it is totally ok and expected that you would call the doc's office immediately if you are having bad results.

So it's up to you. But you can call right away if you want. Sounds like you want to do that. Go ahead! ... The doc will see that you are taking responsibility for your health. He'll appreciate it.

Thanks so much for all your responses -- they were all so helpful. I broke down and phoned my doc but am still a bit confused as to what I'm supposed to do. He said it would be best to take a bit of the regular ritalin at the same time I take the concerta. Does anyone else do this? Would this mean I wouldn't need to up the dosage of the concerta? I'll have to double-check the directions, but in the meantime I thought I'd see what you all thought.

yeah that should be fine they are both methylphenidate he probably wants you to take the extra 10mg ritalin to hold you over until your next appointment where he will up your dosage of concerta.

- Christine

Yes, I agree with Calvary, I think your doctor realized that he did not give you enough of a dosage so he has tld you to take both the Ritalin and the Concerta together upping you dosage without having to call in a larger RX for Concerta.
I think the next appt. you have he will titrate your Concerta to where it gives you the desired results.
My answer to how long I would waiton any medicine to start working is............Not very damn long! Unless I have been told ahead of time that it "has to build up in my system."

Thanks guys/gals for all your advice - I'm new to ADD meds, and have really appreciated all your tips and reassurance.

I just saw my doc and rather than up the Concerta dosage, he thought I should try Adderall XR 10mg. So we'll see -- it wasn't all that effective yesterday -- I didn't notice much of an improvement with my ability to focus/concentrate. . .

I've taken antidepressants on and off for years, and am accustomed to the "it will take at least a month before you feel a thing" mentality. The instant success/failure element with these medications is so different and certainly a welcome adjustment. It's really incredible that you don't have to endure weeks of feeling like crap in order to determine what is/isn't working.

I just started focalin for the first time and my doc said i am a big guy so i will prob need to increase my dose right away so he told me to call him in a week after three days i called and he almost answered the phone saying start taking two. I still would like something in the afternoon though but i am so grateful just to get where i am