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Concerta User Reviews & Ratings (Page 4)

Concerta has an average rating of 6.8 out of 10 from a total of 412 reviews on Drugs.com. 56% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 19% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Concerta

  • ADDve...
  • November 4, 2008

For ADHD "This is it. You might have to up or decrease you mg according to how you feel at first. I take 3, 18mg tabs in morning. It is the Concerta ER, lasts from 8-12 hrs. No side effects at all for me. I am calmer, more focused, and still get a lot done during the day. I easily go to sleep now. Recommended for ADHD though, not for ADD symptoms. I am energized during the day and do not "feel" like I am "coming off something". I highly recommend this."

9 / 10
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  • MKV
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • April 2, 2023

For ADHD "Female, 18 years old. I was diagnosed with combined-type ADHD at 13 years old initially but did not start medicating until 16 years old. I was placed on Concerta originally starting at 18 mg, and it felt like the fog had finally cleared up a bit. Due to it originally going well, my dose was upped to 27 mg which I am currently still on, with considerations to raise it to 36 mg. I feel so much better in my day-to-day life, and can actively focus and commit to tasks instead of constantly drifting in and out of focus. Additionally, my emotions have calmed down significantly when I'm medicated and my emotional dysregulation seems to die down during the active period. My main side effect has been dry mouth, but honestly, it's worth having a dry mouth if it means I can actively live my life."

9 / 10
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  • mamal...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 18, 2013

For ADHD "My son who is now 7 was on Adderall XR for about 9 months. It made him more focused but aggressive and hard to get along with others. He's been on Concerta ER 18mg for almost 3 weeks at first he was complaining about headaches but his aggression has changed tremendously. He gets along well with his sisters and is able to control himself better. I think I'm going to like CONCERTA."

9 / 10
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67 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • Mack
  • April 1, 2013

For ADHD "I'm a 22 year old male and I've been on Concerta for a week now. Like another person said below, so this is what it feels like to be normal. It is such a relief to be able to access my brain when I want it. I am able to put sentences together without struggling to get it out. I'm able to motivate myself easily. It almost feels like time moves slower, I don't feel rushed anymore. People are able to talk to me without me interrupting to blurt out what I was thinking. I can sit down and start something and continue to do it until it's done. I don't have the urge to jump up and do something else. But I also feel really draggy when I get home and the meds start to wear off, it's actually very frustrating."

9 / 10
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  • Missd...
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • February 29, 2016

For ADHD "I began taking Concerta at the age of 13 to treat my ADHD. I'm now 22, still taking 27MG of Concerta daily. Overall it has been helpful with managing my ADHD symptoms, I'm much less distracted and able to stick to one task at a time. It was especially helpful when I was in school because it was just so impossible for me to stay focused in class. As an adult it makes work so much easier for me because my job requires things to be done with a lot of precision. Side effects I've experienced have been headaches (occasionally migraines), inconsistent appetite, restlessness at night, some difficulty sleeping and constant thirst. Despite the side effects I feel that my overall quality of life has improved with taking Concerta to manage my ADHD."

9 / 10
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Are you taking this medicine?

  • rjizzle
  • January 12, 2009

For ADHD "I am 26 years old and having been using Concerta for approximately 9 months. I have been extremely impressed with my new ability to focus and attention to detail. I have always been a daydreamer and that paid off in creativity. However, daydreaming during a meeting with the president of the company you work for doesn't pay off. My wife, out of angst, suggested that I might have ADHD and should consider getting tested. After a 5 hour psychological evaluation it was decidedly so. Since I have started Concerta I have been promoted to the top position in my office. It controls my anxiety and keeps me calm and focused. The only side effects that I have noticed are weight loss (lost 30 lbs) due to loss of appetite and a lack of emotion."

9 / 10
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  • David
  • November 18, 2014

For ADHD "This has been life changing in a positive way, I never thought I had an issue and finally at 29 I mentioned it to my doctor who first prescribed Adderall I believe, I didn't like it. I mentioned it figuring I might as well give up, and then he suggested I try Concerta. Since that point my focus has gone up and I realize I did have an issue all these years! I don't take it Sundays to give my mind a break, only take it if you need it and don't abuse it."

10 / 10
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59 Report

More FAQ

  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • July 3, 2013

For ADHD "I'm 19 and I've been on Concerta since age 7 . It has helped me no doubt. I have never had any problems as people say above stomach problems I have never had any. The only thing is I keep eating the complete opposite of everyone else. I usually take it at 9am everyday and I notice it wearing of around 6pm. Yesterday I didn't take because I tried something. I'm currently working night shift usually it's been out of my system hours before starting work. So tonight I took it 9pm even though now it's 4.30am and I've been awake since 7am yesterday I neither show or feel any signs of being tired, drained both physically or mentally. This medication has been nothing but a Success for me."

10 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • October 22, 2015

For ADHD "ADD/ADHD has always been an issue, sure - grades sucked, concentration lacked, motivation gone. But, when the doctor prescribed Concerta, that all changed. I felt a change and saw my grades and concentration get better and better. The appetite loss was a minor issue. I've always been a big eater with a super fast metabolism. When I was told I was a few pounds overweight, I was happy. The solution to the problem is to force yourself to eat. It's not a bad sacrifice if you see a positive difference in your performance. I'm 6"5', 17 years old, and 210 pounds. I'm skinny, sure, but I'm willing to sacrifice quite a bit so I can do better in school. :)"

9 / 10
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  • AbiK
  • January 5, 2016

For ADHD "This is not the drug for everyone. I was absolutely miserable on Concerta. I was restless, anxious, needy, fidgety, irritable, and depressed. My psychiatric practitioner attempted to cure these symptoms by prescribing higher doses. I eventually had a meltdown. As soon as I stopped, it was like I was instantly better. I know this drug works wonders for some people, but please be careful."

1 / 10
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  • Anony...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • February 23, 2020

For ADHD "I was diagnosed with mixed type ADHD at 25, far later than most. I started at 18mg and have been slowly bumped up to 36mg. Overall, my working/short term memory, energy levels, and mood have improved moderately. Unfortunately, I somehow burn through the medication in less than 6 hours and crash halfway through work almost every day. This drug has helped a lot but it isn't perfect for my brain chemistry."

6 / 10
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  • Late...
  • February 20, 2015

For ADHD "Concerta it was the only medication that work for my ADD I am 53 years old. I took a break from it for four years now I am going to start it again because I am not getting anything done during the day. I am a nurse."

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  • Chaz
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 3, 2021

For ADHD "Concerta did absolutely nothing for me. Started on 18mg, no effect but this was expected because its a low dose. Went up to 36mg, no effect. Tried 54mg as a last resort, no change at all. This medication is supposed to be a stimulant but honestly I could take 54mg before bed and sleep for 10 hours. Even my blood pressure and appetite stayed the same no matter how high the dose was. I think I'm a non-responder. Looking to switch to Vyvanse after this months supply finishes."

1 / 10
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  • Bee
  • September 11, 2019

For ADHD "I was put on 36mg Concerta in my 20s and it helped drastically. I was able to finally concentrate and read without having to reread things because I was distracted every .5 seconds. I lost my appetite and would get insomnia at times. I went from a size 16 to 8 within a year, which honestly helped my health and I was able to start going to gyms for the first time. I got off it when I moved overseas for 8 yrs and now I’m back on it. The first couple weeks are a bit rough, it gives me anxiety and restlessness, it’s an instant laxative, and makes you pretty antisocial. But remember your body adjusts and you start feeling more normal and less anxiety. However if I take 36mg and have any other stimulant like caffeine, I literally feel like I’m having a heart attack and anxiety attack at the same time. Careful with mixing stimulants with this med if you have anxiety. Otherwise it’s amazing and works miracles. Also when I got off the 36mg my weight went UP so fast."

9 / 10
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  • Catt
  • February 8, 2016

For ADHD "I've been taking concerta for 3 years now and I'm 18. I started out with 18mg and slowly went up to 54mg. My grades went from really low to average in weeks but the side effects are really crappy. I have troubles sleeping at night and I feel things that aren't there. I also have a big loss of appetite and have to force myself to eat sometimes. I have days where I get really depressed to the point that I don't want to get out of bed and do anything. I also feel really anxious and on edge and I start scratching/ picking at my skin which gave me scars all over my back. I thought about it and went off the pill and my grades suddenly dropped again. The pill really does help with focus and motivation but the side effects are really tough!!!"

4 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • January 30, 2013

For ADHD "This was a miracle that at first changed my life. I went from being always late for work, nearly losing my job to super Mom! My brain was on 24/7 and never switched off. It helped me come out my shell and be more social, more verbal at work. Excelled at work, at home I sucked! I lacked emotional judgment, was very aggressive and easily ticked off. I became obsessive compulsive, I would lose my mind if anything was out of place. 3 years later I just stopped cold turkey as being a super mom was just not worth it any more. I quit my job and my family must just accept me for who I am. I lack focus and day dream and forget to sign kids home work, but I am me. "

1 / 10
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  • victo...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • March 5, 2015

For ADHD "Simply amazing! I was on Concerta from the age of 11-17 it worked, but didnt really appreciate its qualities being a young lad...I came off it. Since then life has gone dramatically down hill and I have had issues with keeping a job, focusing, social acceptance....the works! I had no commitment to anything and no drive to establish myself in the world. Im now 24 and have been back on them for 9 months. Since then I have been 100 milliom times more productive. Secured an amazing job (and held it down) even won a few employee of the month awards! Ive also gained a new amazing social circle and my relationships generally have never been better. Small side effects i.e sleep issues. But will never stop taking unless forced."

10 / 10
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  • Duncz...
  • May 14, 2015

For ADHD "From school right through to starting college I was a lone wolf. Didn't like many people, got into a lot of fights. Was not bothered about doing well. People only stuck by me because they were scared of me. At the age of 16 I got into smoking a lot of weed and made myself even more of an outcast. Turned into a brain dead idiot. One day I tried amphetamines or 'speed' as its known as. Everybody else got high, I got a better job. Went back to college, became really popular, got girlfriends etc.. Eventually all that went down hill as street drugs are unpredictable. Went Doc's for help, was diagnosed with ADHD apparently had it all my life.vDoc put me on concerts 56mg daily. Pretty much the same effects as the speed. Love it no sides:)"

10 / 10
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  • EmmaJB
  • February 12, 2016

For ADHD "I'm 18 years old and have been prescribed 74mg of concerta a day. 3 pills in the morning and one in the afternoon if needed. I had been diagnosed with serve ADHD and this drug has changed the way I learn and study dramatically. It's amazing how confident and focused I am now. I always feel so good on it too, until I'm starving to death. Concerta absolutely kills your appetite. Sad part is I can not even force myself to eat and it has already taken a tole on my weight. I have always been insecure with my body so it is nice losing the extra pounds, however I don't enjoy talking to anyone at school anymore. Even though I feel good all during the school day, I am quiet and hungry."

8 / 10
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  • Natliv
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • March 23, 2015

For ADHD "My son started Concerta 18mg a little over a year ago at 9 yrs old. What a positive change for him!! His self-esteem was back and he was social and smiling all the time. Made new friends easily and enjoyed things other than video games and TV. Lately, we have noticed a change...his concentration is not as good, he has trouble getting organized at school and likes to stay in his room for hours at a time. He reminds me of the kid he was before medication. April 1st, we have an apt with the pediatrician and I am assuming we will up the dose to 27mg and hopefully find our happy boy again! We have also tried Biphentin, which did not work for us. Concerta has been a life saver and I hope it will continue to be with the proper dosage :)"

8 / 10
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  • Melvin...
  • March 29, 2015

For ADHD "I really like Concerta. I was on Adderall before but had really bad anxiety and sleep side effects and even more side effects, so my doctor gave me a Concerta prescription and I took it and felt so energized and focused. I love Concerta so much the only complaint would be it lowers my appetite and gives me a bad mood sometimes but I use Prozac to balance that out and this medicine is amazing, I tested it on video games and kept winning because how focused I was. This medicine is great for ADHD I highly reccomend it."

9 / 10
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  • HomeB...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • October 9, 2015

For ADHD "At the age of 10, my son's ADHD was needing medical help. He was put on Concerta18mg and was a little unwell for two weeks, with sick stomach, lack of appetite, and slightly listless. Made sure he ate breakfast before taking his tablet. He did look a little thin after about 1 year. We persevered with Concerta and life quickly improved until almost all ADHD problems had disappeared. Did not increase the initial drug dose. But after 18 months, he was becoming quiet and withdrawn. Decided to stop Concerta. Mild withdrawal symptoms for a week or so. We have never looked back. He is now 14, not on any medications and is a tall, healthy, teenager. Wow, recommend this tablet. He may need it again some day."

10 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • October 9, 2017

For ADHD "I am a 20 y/o girl. I was on 54 mg of Concerta once a day. This drug was the worst thing thats ever happened to me. It did help my grades but I felt most of it was placebo and the fact that the side effects were so horrible I wanted to focus on work to distract myself. It made my anxiety unbearable and constant. My heart beat in my head. My whole left arm and pinky would feel numb and prickly. I knew I was hungry but could not eat and was disgusted by food. I fell into a horrible depression and felt just overwhelming darkness. The pros was that it made sitting in long classes and retaining information much easier. I felt excited about learning and getting work done. Overall it helped with school but the side effects are not worth it."

2 / 10
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  • innat...
  • October 2, 2008

For ADHD "This drug works. I'm a senior at high school and ever since I was in Elementary School I have had grades ranging from D-F. All through school I had problems paying attention and in recent years (9th grade) I was put on concerta and I have had nothing but good grades and teachers were amazed at how good I'm doing now. THANKS CONCERTA."

10 / 10
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  • Sanamun
  • June 24, 2018

For ADHD "I was diagnosed with inattentive ADHD/ADD at the age of 21 while at university, as well as mildly chronic fatigue, and was prescribed concerta; first 18mg (which wore off too fast) and now 36mg. When I first started taking it it felt like a miracle drug - for the first time in my life I felt awake, driven, and organized. Over time, it has become less effective - its definitely tolerance building - but it's still way better than going without. I get chest pains and headaches sometimes, I have started getting mild anxiety (which I never had before), and I feel the cold a lot more than I used to. All of this would be completely fine were it not for the main side effect of concerta: weight loss. After around 18 months of taking it daily, my weight has gone from 130lbs to 104lbs - regardless of how much I eat."

7 / 10
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33 Report

Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.