Newly Diagnosed, need help!!

[cstar47]

Hello!
27 year old male here. I recently had my first psychiatric appointment where I was prescribed Concerta 18 mg as a first step in finding a medication. I started the medication on Monday of this week when I went to work and noticed that it sort of "zombified" me meaning that I felt very lethargic and tired and found it nearly IMPOSSIBLE to concentrate and accomplish anything. Seeing as how Concerta is a time-released medicine, I felt a almost worthless and very depressed as the medication was wearing off in the afternoon. I went home after work and pretty much went to sleep for the evening so needless to say I dragged for the day and accomplished nearly nothing at work. I emailed my psychiatrist and she suggested I give the Concerta one more day. The second day was terrible! I work in government subcontracts which is fast-paced and full of details. At about 10:30 AM I was in a conference in my boss and I had let him know about a new medication I had taken before hand but when it came to be my turn to speak with my coworkers I was having a lot of trouble putting together full sentences. It was like my synapses weren't firing properly and I could make myself physically say the words I needed to say without jumbling things up or taking long pauses full of "umm...." and "like...." (I normally speak VERY well!) I left work around mid-afternoon and actually stayed home from work yesterday where I pretty much slept for about half the day. I came back in today (without taking Concerta) feeling considerably better but not even close to 100%. I still very lethargic, tired, and almost like my muscles and body are sore! I should note that I've also been feeling pretty depressed for no reason that I can think of. I'd like to know:

1) How much longer until the Concerta is fully out of my system? I'd like to be back to my old self asap

2) I have another appointment in 5 days; I would think that we would try the route of another medication. I have taken Vyvanse and Adderall in the past from friends who are prescribed them and I have found them both very affective. How do I recommend one of these medications without sounding like someone who is a self-diagnoser/self-medicator. Clearly I am not a psychiatrist but is there a way to approach my doctor in a mature and responsible manner about wanting to try a different medication?

Any help is very much appreciated, thanks again

[sarahsweets]

hello. I just saw this and wanted to answer. I have found that I can tell if a stimulant works for me right away. It doesnt have to build up in your system so I see no point in giving it more time if you feel like crap. How did your appt go? As far as requesting another medication: Of course you know its not good to take meds that arent prescribed for you. That said(no judgement) your best bet is to say youve heard that _x_ medication works really well and your friend is on it and you would like to try it. Its not exactly a lie, just an omission and if this is what it take for you to get proper treatment then I think its worth a shot.

[reflection08]

The first month I took adderall it did the same thing to me and I hated it. I almost told my doctor that I didn't want it anymore but my husband said it made me easier to be around so I gave it another shot. I took my next script to Walmart and they have a different brand than Walgreens. I don't know if that was why it was better or if it was just that I got used to the slowed down version of myself.