I know I should talk to my doctor about this, but he’s a busy guy. I thought first I would just get a second opinion from other people first.

This is my first time taking medication for my ADHD. The doctor prescribed me 36MG of concerta after 2 visits. He said I would noticed a difference right away. Well here’s what’s been happening.

On my first day taking concerta, I got a little sleepy, but I was sure was yawning a lot. But my mind still wouldn’t shut off. ( the mind not shutting off is normal for me). I did noticed my reaction was a little better…in a sense of “ noticing how many pine trees we have on the mountains in Oregon”. Other than that I was still distracted easily. Couldn’t keep my attention on 1 thing for very long.

On my second day, I wasn't really tired at all. But, I didn’t noticed any difference. It was like I didn’t even take the pill. Well, Day 3,4,5 and 6 are about the same. I have also lost 8 pads with in 6 days. I read this was normal though. My appetite seems to have decreased. And my metabolism seems like it got a boost. Other than that...nothing.

You think this drug is working for me? Or do I need a higher dosage? Or do I have to wait longer for it to build up in my system?

Sounds almost exactly like my first week on Concerta, 36 mg also. I was a little drowsy the first 2 days, seemed to relax me a bit but no other real noticeable benefits. Now I'm almost to 2 weeks. I don't really notice much of a difference between being off it and on it, although I do think it is subtley helping... maybe the dose is way too low for me (I'm about 200 lbs). Not every day, but some days it makes me crash really bad when it wears off, it is all I can do to stay awake at work and I usually still have 3 or 4 hours of work left. This also means I get no benefit at home, which I need help at home too...

I guess I still haven't decided if I want to try playing with the dosing options with concerta or if I want to try something different like adderall or vyvanse. I'm still on the fence, but I think I'm leaning toward trying adderall, will talk to the doc in 2 weeks.

But I'm interested to hear what other people have to say in regards to your questions.

Sounds almost exactly like my first week on Concerta, 36 mg also. I was a little drowsy the first 2 days, seemed to relax me a bit but no other real noticeable benefits. Now I'm almost to 2 weeks. I don't really notice much of a difference between being off it and on it, although I do think it is subtley helping... maybe the dose is way too low for me (I'm about 200 lbs). Not every day, but some days it makes me crash really bad when it wears off, it is all I can do to stay awake at work and I usually still have 3 or 4 hours of work left. This also means I get no benefit at home, which I need help at home too...

I guess I still haven't decided if I want to try playing with the dosing options with concerta or if I want to try something different like adderall or vyvanse. I'm still on the fence, but I think I'm leaning toward trying adderall, will talk to the doc in 2 weeks.

But I'm interested to hear what other people have to say in regards to your questions.

Yeah, I'm 200pds too and someone said I might want to try a higher dose before I switch to a different drug.

You think this drug is working for me? Or do I need a higher dosage? Or do I have to wait longer for it to build up in my system?

It shouldn't build up in your system very much. The effect might change over time though. IMO, if the sides are not a problem now, and the concerta is helping, but not detrimental, then try a higher dose. Be aware of serious side effects though, and read through the information that came with the concerta from the pharmacy.

I had the same reaction. I went up to 54 mg after 36 mg was ineffective and felt a little something the first day possibly, but not much after that. I'm pretty big at 6'4" and 240 lbs so I attributed it to being too low a dose. Made sense given that all the studies I read about it spoke of dosages being given in terms of mg/kg of bodyweight.

My Dr. didn't want me going above 54 mg so it looks like I may try something else. Good luck. :)

Does anyone else get that " zombie" like feeling when taking concerta...it's like....after the medicine wears off, for about 1 hour my mind thinks nothing...

yesterday was my first day...sleepy, headache, not the same boost as regular ritalin.
Will let you know after today!