Concerta making things worse???

[Ck1008]

Hello...I am having a real tough time this week and was wondering if anyone has had a similar issue with Concerta. I first tried Ritalin and it helped with hyperactivity but not with concentration. Then adderall xr 30mg which was great for the attention but not the hyperactivity. So he suggested trying a long acting Ritaln.
I started it 3 days ago and was prescribed 36 mg daily. I took it for 2 days and felt AWFUL!!! Irritable, shaky, headaches...I called my doctor today and he suggested going down to the 18 mg bc maybe he started me too high at 36 mg. Well I took it about an hour ago and am still feeling like crap...almost like hungover. Has anyone else tolerated Ritalin but no Concerta???? I hate this rollercoaster!

[ConcertaParent]

Concerta 18 & 27 mg had bad side effects including red nose, ears and lips, so we were switched to Biphentin. Even though it is also methylphenidate-based, the side effects were much less. When we have our appointment with an ADHD specialist/psychiatrist, we'll enquire about trying a non-stimulant such as Intuniv. Good luck!

[SquarePeg]

First time on meds, just started on 18mg concerta, have to stay on it for 15 days then go back for a review. Apart from a dry mouth, which I always have anyway I have had no side effects.
So far it has taken the edge off my anxiety, I felt calmer and had more patience but can´t really concentrate or remember stuff.

However today it´s as if I have not taken any I am so tired (my own fault as staying up too late all weekend) and today everything annoys me, my kids laughing and talking, noise from daughter´s headphones, her foot tapping and I have lost my temper over the kids laughing.

I know it´s such a low days so maybe I´m used to it already.

[amiegrace]

I don't have any problem with immediate release Ritalin, or Ritalin SR. Concerta, on the other hand, gave me massive anxiety attacks. I don't really know why, but it wasn't fun. It might be that the Concerta was name brand, and the other Ritalins I've used are generic -- ? I don't care what the manufacturers of generics say, it does make a difference. Anyway, Concerta was definitely different. And bad.

[SquarePeg]

I hear a lot about concerta and anxiety and wonder how it affects me so differently, it takes away my anxiety. Although not sure what it would do if I took a higher dose, which I think I need to as I need to be able to concentrate more.

I think it´s clear from this board that different meds affect people in different ways and what works for one is not always suitable for another.

It seems that it can be such a long haul to get the meds right, especially if you are dealing with more than one issue. good luck

[highlifescenery]

I had exactly the same experience on Concerta. Felt permanently anxious and withdrawn, didn't want to see or talk to anybody and also had pretty bad physical side effects e.g. headache and nausea. This was the same at both 18mg, 36mg and 54mg. I've never tried ritalin but was started on Concerta and switched to dexamphetamine sulfate due to my reaction - my Dr suggested that methylphenidate based medication probably isn't for me. This could also be the case for you but give it some time (3 days isn't very long) and if it doesn't improve then definitely talk to your Dr again!