Concerta, 54mg, side effects? :/

[August]

Hi all, and first of all, thanks for a great site!

I've been on Concerta for 2 months now, 1 and 1/2 month on 36mg, and now on 54mg for 2 weeks. I had almost no side-effects while taking 36mg/day, and it worked very well for the first 3-4 weeks, but seemed to stop being as effective then.
Then my doc. increased to 54mg. I've had few mild panic attacks since then, but despite that, it seemed to be working very well, studying without any problems.

However, yesterday, and today I've felt terrible! Have been really tense, rather fast heart beat (90-110), and then all of a sudden pounding heart beat. At the same time I felt really light headed. It only lasted for about 30 minutes yesterday, and even shorter today (15 min). I also had a little chest discomfort, no pain, just discomfort. (and afterwards I feel just fine!).

Can anyone explain to me why this happens? Panic attacks? Please, someone

Best regards,
August

[trishcan]

Definitely could be panic attacks, but I wouldn't rule out more serious side effects, such as high blood pressure. You might want to have your blood pressure checked to make sure.

[August]

Hi, and thanks for your answer.

I think it's not my BP, I've had it checkd regularly, and it's usually around 140/85, never higher. I had few panick attacks before I started taking Concerta, and this isn't anything like that.. Do you (or anyone ) know if this can be a sign of something dangerous? I.e. pounding heartbeat, rather fast & some kind of tightness in the chest. Also sometimes cold feeling in hands and legs.. I don't wan't to stop taking it, as my final exams are in 2 weeks. However, if this can be a sign of some serious/dangerous side effects, I would really like to know

Thanks for reading!!

Regards,
August

[stripey201]

Of course, you should speak to your doctor. So, take any replies with a grain of salt.

What you are talking about seems like increased Anxiety. This is a common side effect of Concerta and I have experienced it myself. Perhaps, the 36 mg was not enough to cause anxiety in you and the increased dosage is. It is also possible that the side effect may diminish over time.

I raised my Concerta and starting to feel weird sensations in my chest and was concerned it was my heart. I even went to the emergency room. My heart was fine and it became clear it was the Concerta causing the Anxiety effects. Anxiety can show in many different ways.

Again, please be careful, speak to your doctor. I know you like the effects for studying, but just please please be careful.

Again, you really need to consult with your doctor.

[CircularingCats]

Hi there,

I'm on Concerta 54 mg., too, as of this past month. So far I'm not experiencing anything like what you described.

If I were you, I'd definitely check with my doctor soon.

[leapofaith]

I used to take 36mg concerta in am, about a year later, I felt it wasn't working any more or wore off by 1-2pm. My doc said it was common to up this med after a year or so. I started to take 54mg and it was way to much, I thought my head was going to explode. I went back and now I take 36mgXR when I wake up and 36mgXR around noon. I works much better. The peak of my medication combo is the time of day when kid and husband comes home. Works well for me.