[QUOTE=twins2sets]I started Concerta a couple of months ago. I wasn't sure if it was working or not but now I think it is. Here are my observations (by the way I am taking extended release 54 mg):
1. About a half an hour after I take it I feel happy and optimistic. This must be the euphoric effects. If I could stay like that my whole life it would be SO nice. It only lasts about 1/2 hour. During that time I don't feel drugged (energetic though), I just feel like I'm in a good mood. I'm more talkative and patient with my kids, just an overall feeling of well-being. Too bad it doesn't last! LOL
2. My side effects are:
- A little jitteriness for the first couple of hours
- weight loss (just less hungry), which I admit was a nice perk, but I am 5'7" and now down to 115 which is NOT normal for me, so I am trying to gain weight now.
- insomnia (although that seems to be going away)
- sweating (but I am sweaty person anyway)
- irritability after about 4 pm
3. I have noticed a difference in my ADD symptoms. I used to be overwhelmed from the time I woke up till the time I went to bed. Now, mind you, I have two sets of twins in 2nd and 4th grade. I do have a chaotic life. I am not the most organized person in the world although I try and try (classic ADD). But I couldn't concentrate and every time I was doing anything I would constantly be worried about the 100 other things I had to do. My mind was in 50 places at once and I hated it. This has pretty much stopped, at least during the day. However, I don't have motivation to do much of anything, but I don't really care that much either. So I guess I don't get a lot done. I think it's preferable to being overwhelmed, though. I am also hyperfocusing more (this is SO me....get on kicks where I am OBSESSED with things....current obsession is reading about health issues online - can do this for hours on end). I wish this wasn't happening because it does depress me when I get obsessed and ignore everything else. I still think it's better than being overwhelmed though.
So what are your experiences? Does it affect you the way it affects me? I'm just curious!!!!!![/QUOTE]
I started 36mg of Concerta five days ago. I have already tried it once a while back. Along with Ritalin, Adderal and Strattera.
It may just be my ADD, but I haven't really noticed anything yet.
One thing is for sure, loss of appetite. I never get hungry. I go straight from feeling fine to having a stomach ache from not eating.
I also have a set of twins and two older boys. 6 1/2, 3 1/2 and the twins are 1 1/2.
I also can not concentrate on anything. And I do sometimes think about 100 things that I don't need to or shouldn't be thinking about. But I am taking Lexapro to help with that.
I am never motivated. Most of the time I am sleepy. If not, I just want to lay on the couch. Nothing gets me excited. A freind wanted to take me to a football came last week, and I told him "no" because I just wanted to lay on the couch.
It is hard for me to get to sleep at night becuase I am "thinking about everything".
I do get obsessed on things. If I get hypefocused on something that interestes me, (musclecars) I neglect everything else. I do get depressed when I get obsessed and ignore everything else.
