perception of time in the mornings and concerta

[gabriela]

i was diagnosed about 2½ years ago - adhd and add with asperger syndrome traits.

i've been on concerta (54 mg) since march 28 this year.

almost every article and book i've read about adhd & add has mentioned how people with these disorders have a very hard time with time perception and how, because of this, they're (*"we're"*) always late for work and appointments.

i've (almost) *NEVER* been late for work or appointments, and i very seldom oversleep in the mornings...

but: in the last month or so, i've noticed that "something" has happened...

if i have a appointment in the morning (like *today* - i had an appointment with the minister at the local hospital at 10 am), i get up early enough to shower, get dressed, take my concerta and efexor and take my dog for a walk.
this has been my morning routine for quite some time now, and *before* concerta, i left my apartment so early, that i was at the appointment place 10 - 15 minutes early.

*now*, however, *this* is what happens: i get up early enough to shower, get dressed, take my concerta and efexor, take my dog for a walk, and, since i realise that i still have about half an hour before i have to leave my apartment to go to the appointment, i sit down by the computer or tv (or with a book), and then i'm *"gone"*...

i've yet to be late for an appointment, though, but i now find myself having to *hurry* if im not to be late...
this is something *completely* new to me, and i was wondering if anyone has noticed something similar?

[paulbf]

I can't stand the thought of arriving early and will convince myself there is enough time to do something else until I'm nearly late. Usually I'll make it, often late or at the last possible moment in a panic. I've always been that way which is pretty common for ADD I think.

[gabriela]

Originally Posted by paulbf

I can't stand the thought of arriving early.

well, i'm the complete opposite!!!

i've *always* felt/thought that "if i'm on time, nobody's going to ask me about anything, but if i'm late, i'll end up having to explain *why*..."

[Sc@tterBr@in_UK]

Sounds like the Concerta is making you hyperfocus - you may want to split the dose and take the main bulk a bit later, so you don't get that "zonked" hyperfocus effect (which can be nice if you're doing something you enjoy, but you lose so much time!)

[paulbf]

Argh! Either hyper focused or scatter-brained. Why can't we be level headed once in a while?

[emtchick]

I tend to do the same thing--I'll actually get stuff done, at once, the first time *gasp!shock* and then...oh, I have time.

My solution? I knit, and I love to read, so I make sure I have a book or a knitting project in my bag and I force myself to leave early, after I've finished my morning routines, with the promise that I can knit or read once I get to my destination.

Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. I've also been known to bribe myself with the promise of food or chai, but that's kinda hurting on the wallet. *sigh*

Anyway, just a thought--portable hobbies are the best!