Hello! I'm sorry if this has been posted elsewhere, But I swear I searched for it. :D

I am 22 and was just DX. I have been on Concerta for a week now. I started with 18mg the first week and felt fine. A little more relaxed and excited to get things done (meaning, I didn't have to give myself a pep-talk everytime I knew I was going to have to do some work, lol), although I didn't really notice that my mind was suddenly "clearer". If anything, I kept feeling that things that happened only a moment before, were now suddenly floating into space behind me...

Today is my 7th day on Concerta and also the day I am supposed to double my dose and go up to 36mg. The problem now is that I feel like I am on a rollercoaster! One hour I feel relaxed, like I was on the 18mg, the next hour, I feel drunk or something. I find it hard to swallow, my jaw feels really clenched shut, and I feel like it is taking a lot of effort to get my hands to type. In addition to this, I can't seem to tear myself away from the computer - so zoned into reading about Concerta that I literally cannot do anything else. (which is bad because I am at work). It should also be noted that I have also been DX with OCD which my have a bit to do with it.

Is the jaw/hand clenching caused by the anxiety side-effect, or is it possible I am just adjusting to a higher dosage?

-ashley

sis I would call my doc or his nurse tell them what happened when you doubled the dose and see what they recommend you to do.


kattsqueen (possibly too high a dose)

I take immediate release methylphenidate at a much higher dose than you, and find that my jaw gets stiff and clenches sometimes, but not enough to really bother me.

If you're having such a strong reaction to what is a relatively moderate dose, it may be the wrong med for you, or you be very sensitive to it and need a lower dose, or it may be a side effect that will go away with time.

Either way, as kattsqueen said, call your doctor and explain whats happening as soon as possible. Its never a good idea to wait and see what happens with side effects as serious as those you describe.(not to suggest that it is a good idea to wait on minor side effects)

Thanks guys!

Just an update:

I stopped having such bad clenching, however now, at 9:07pm - AWFUL headache, I feel a bit of anxiety and just generally out of it. I keep losing focus, and feel like I have not slept in 2 days is the best way I can describe it. I hate this feeling. I don't know what to do about tomorrow's dosage, seeing as how my Dr. was unable to return my call from earlier.

Has anyone else had these symptoms?

i've had headaches in the morning, but they usually disappear shortly after. that tired feeling i get sometimes but usually disappears a couple hours after taking the concerta. I'm taking 36 mg as well. I'm also taking strattera.