Wish me luck! Switching from Adderall to Concerta

[Chadwick]

Hi,

I had an allergic reaction to my Adderall tablets (active ingredient, fillers, bonders? none shall know what I was actually allergic to) necessitating that I stop taking them.

It's been really hard deciding where I should go from here. I really liked the effect of Adderall but the constant itching from the hives was of course insufferable. I needed to switch to something else or add an antihistamine to my regimen. I suggested Concerta to my doctor, told him I'd had success with Ritalin in the past as a child and that I really like the concept of once a day dosing instead of "Tid." He agreed and prescribed me the 36mg pills. I'll take these for up to a month and see how I do.

Anyway, I just took my first pill about 15 minutes ago, and I'll be reporting back later today exactly how it affects me! If anyone could share their first days/weeks experience I'd really love to hear it, especially positive feedback. I realize not all meds work for all people but I'd love to see what's possible.

Thank you folks. This forum really rocks.

-Chad

[Chadwick]

Well the effect is very mild, almost imperceptable. Much like an earlier, smaller dose of Adderall I had been on before I was upped to 40-60 mg of Adderall/day. I e-mailed my Doctor about this experience and he said he expected it, go ahead and try two pills in the morning just once, to know what it's like, and then we might move you to the 54mg Concerta. At the current dosage, it's very hard to tell when it's working vs. when it's not, so I don't know at all if it actually lasts 12 hours. Some might actually prefer such a state of "not knowing" but in my case not knowing means the drug just isn't working much or enough.

One thing I'm concerned about is . . . how can one know this stuff ACTUALLY lasts 12 hours? What if my intestines move food along faster? I do supplement magnesium citrate, which is a "stool softener" and movement inducer. That's not why I take it (it's an electrolite, helps build neurotransmitters, etc.), but I have noticed I've been more regular since starting the magnesium (citrate) supplementation. If I can't be sure Concerta lasts 12 hours I might move to QID (4x?) standard Ritalin dosing. Egad, I hate that thought. 4x the reminder that I'm on a med. That I'm not "me, in and of myself." Cost is also an issue, i don't have insurance, so standard Ritalin would at least save me $50/mo. or so.

Thanks folks.

[Chadwick]

Well, Concerta works a lot like Adderall. By the way, I found out I'm not allergic to Adderall, it was something else in my environment, not a medication. I don't think Concerta lasts 12 hours in me. It's hard to tell, true, but I'd have to guess around 9-10. I'm probably going to up my dose to 54mg/day or introduce a PM instant release methylphenidate pill.

[me2b]

How did you find out you were not allergic to Adderall?

[drone]

I'm also switching (tomorrow actually) to Concerta. The tinnitus Adderall gives me is insufferable. I was only taking 15mg because that's as much as my ears could take! and overall that wasn't enough for me whole day. Adderall XR lasted me all but 5 hours at most, specially if I didn't eat.

I'll let you guys know also. It's only 18mg and I fear it might not be enough. My metabolism is so slow though that I think taking more now might be a bad idea.

I might try a double dose one day after having tried a couple of weeks. I'll let you know tomorrow how I feel.

[KurtG85]

Originally Posted by Chadwick

Well, Concerta works a lot like Adderall. By the way, I found out I'm not allergic to Adderall, it was something else in my environment, not a medication. I don't think Concerta lasts 12 hours in me. It's hard to tell, true, but I'd have to guess around 9-10. I'm probably going to up my dose to 54mg/day or introduce a PM instant release methylphenidate pill.

You didnt think it did at first but the effects grew stronger and more similar to adderall over time? What prompted this change in your view?

[Buddha]

Adderal makes me grumpy/edgy

Concerta can "sometimes" but overall is a much smoother ride.