I recently switched from Metatdate CD to Concerta because I was crashing hard once it worn off after 7.5 to 8 hours. The Concerta, for the first three days worked better than I could have hoped. It lasted 11.5 to 12 hours. I had a very smooth consistent effect all day with no noticeable drop off. Then came day number 4. It was as if I took nothing at all. I do not mean reduced effect I mean absolutely nothing. I even went back and counted my pills twice thinking I forgot to take it.
<O:p</O:p

Long story short I have since been to the doctor, switched back to Metadate for a day, and done a ton of research. I figured out the only thing I did different on day 4 from the first three days was the amount of water I drank. I started the Concerta again and have found the medication only works if I drink water constantly throughout the day. I have found I need to drink at least 80 oz of water in order to get the medication to work. I does not make any sense to me. I figured there was enough fluid in the GI tract to allow the medication to work. Its kind of a hassel to always have a mug of water in my hand but I guess if that makes the medication work I will do it.

I've so far had a horrible experience with conerta been taking it for 3 days, when I was on vyvanse I had to keep my self well hydrated or I would crash harder in the afternoon and occasionally get headaches. I found that keeping my self hydrated I didn't have any noticeable side effects.

I've so far had a horrible experience with conerta been taking it for 3 days, when I was on vyvanse I had to keep my self well hydrated or I would crash harder in the afternoon and occasionally get headaches. I found that keeping my self hydrated I didn't have any noticeable side effects.

So what is going on with the Concerta?

It makes me very drowsy and just feel weird, today is day 4 the determining day and I will report back to my Dr. tomorrow and receive his recommendation.

Interesting. What strength are you on and have you tried anything before?

I'am currently on 36mg concerta and from what I've read when switching from vyvanse 50mg to concerta equivalent is 54mg so I may be on too small of a dose. I've only used vyvanse since being diagnosed and adderall XR before being diagnosed.

I am no expert in this... but....considering Adderall and Concerta raise heart rate, which in turn burns more energy, I would not be surprised if not keeping yourself sufficiently hydrated would result in feeling tired after mid day.