Concerta and Anxiety: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Iso...
• July 28, 2016

For ADHD "I was prescribed Concerta 54 mg for two weeks, and after two weeks, my dosage was lowered to 36 mg. The positive effects: First of all, it was absolutely effective at keeping me focused, engaged, and gave me the motivation to continue working away at my given tasks. It also accelerated my perception of time. The (manageable) negatives: It made me so focused on tasks that I was antisocial. Fixating on annoying sounds, anxiety, sweaty palms, no appetite, and weight loss (25 lbs). I found I was lacking emotion, and during the long comedown, I was irritable and rarely experienced mild to moderate depression. Concerta is an effective ADHD drug, but the emotional effects can be annoying at times. It is worth consulting your doctor about!"

• DrG...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 20, 2019

For ADHD "I turned to Concerta during graduate school because I simply could not keep my life together. 27 mg in the morning was a game changer. Life and the world around me were just so much more interesting, my studies fascinating. When I got into the real world, it just wasn’t working, and I increased to 36 mg, which caused my jaw to clench. Withdrawal is hard. You are tired. I think it is best to do it over a vacation. 5 years on, I tried again. But this time I had developed certain anxiety behaviors surrounding my work, and the Concerta greatly magnified these anxieties. So I stopped. In summary: 27 mg is a great dose for me as an adult female. 36 mg = too much - not sure what the dosage kids are on, but please be careful! Too much of this drug is a very uncomfortable, jittery existence. Be careful if you suffer from anxiety, this can make it worse. Was a wonder drug for me - best used over a finite period to help achieve certain goals."

• Dan...
• September 22, 2015

For ADHD "I've been taking Concerta for close to 15 years now since I was diagnosed at age 3. Around 8th grade, I had started getting pain in my chest, which was similar to costochondritis. The pain got increasingly worse up through high school and the beginning of college around age 18 when it stopped affecting me as much. Now I'm 21 years old (as of the 12th this month), and for the past years, I've been noticing that I've been getting increasingly anxious and worrying more than usual. In the past 5 years, on a daily 63 mg dose, I've been dealing with depression, anxiety, nightmares, insomnia, loss of appetite, and I've lost 30 lbs due to that. It's effective, but at a price, sometimes one you can't afford."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 27, 2018

For ADHD "I've been on Concerta for ADHD for almost 2 months and feel better than in 25 years. I also suffered with depression and anxiety. My depression and anxiety are better, I feel alive and myself for the first time in decades. I can get things done. I forgot to take citalopram 20 mg/Celexa last week and now haven't taken citalopram for 6 days and feel great. I am concerned as when I tried to stop citalopram in the past, I felt crazy and could not do it, and that was using the step-down method - this is cold turkey. It seems somehow the Concerta is offsetting weaning off symptoms, so I hope this all lasts. It is a lifesaver. I was so tired of being depressed, overwhelmed, pretty lethargic, overweight. It is great to feel excited and not have food cravings."

• Dwa...
• October 11, 2016

For ADHD "Was on Concerta XL for 7 days and had to come off it due to the unbearable side effects of the drug. I was diagnosed with ADHD (inattentive subtype), generalized anxiety, and depression. This drug made me feel very nauseous, gave me a headache, made me shake, gave me twitches throughout my body, messed my brain up in terms of cognition, etc., made me very aware of my heartbeat, made me extremely anxious to the point of not being able to leave my room or communicate with anyone and just generally messed me up. At one point, I was doing some stretching on a yoga mat to try and calm myself down, and I felt so confused that I didn't know what to do with my legs. This drug wasn't for me and caused an unpleasant experience."

• Jef...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 18, 2017

For ADHD "I was recently diagnosed with ADHD, which I didn't think I had until I started college. Things then became more clear! I started off on Adderall, which I hated because it made me irritable, jittery, and I found it totally unhelpful. Weary of the stimulants, I switched to Wellbutrin, which helped, but only a little. I decided to give Concerta a shot, as my psychiatrist told me it's like a more specialized version of Ritalin, and I've been amazed by the results! It lasts me most of the day, and I can finally focus on work and conversations! My quality of life is so much better now that I'm on Concerta. I take the 27 mg XL dose."

• Liv...
• January 20, 2012

For ADHD "I am 15 years old and was diagnosed with ADHD when I was 6. I feel Concerta is like a mental steroid. I focus 50% more and understand the things I'm taught better. Honestly, I really do not like Concerta. I have muscle twitches, nervousness, agitation, a complete loss of appetite (which gets to the point where I almost pass out due to suppressed hunger pains), tiredness, mellowness, confusion, mood swings quite frequently, irritation of the eyes, which is one of the things I absolutely hate, and more. I am not autistic, but sometimes I feel like I am during school. My social life is completely impaired. When I take Concerta, I am a very dull person. I am constantly paranoid, always worried about what others think of me."

• Ean...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 31, 2019

For ADHD "When I was first diagnosed with ADHD, I was put on a similar methylphenidate known as Matoride XL, which is a generic of Concerta, though I had some issues with this drug: anxiety, depression, lack of appetite, etc. After a while, it stopped working so well. I was put on Concerta 27 mg, and it’s been amazing. I am happier, and I am able to concentrate and contain myself while doing university tasks. I’m hoping the effects won’t wear off, only time will tell."

• kat...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• April 30, 2014

For ADHD "I found this medication helped me the most through high school. Right through my senior year, I found I didn't need to even study my notes much because, when I took Concerta, I was so focused that I remembered everything said in class on my own. The main downside of taking this as a student is that it wears off by the time you get home, so doing homework seems impossible -- same with studying. After I graduated high school, though, I noticed Concerta started giving me symptoms of depression and worsening my anxiety to an awful point. Ultimately, my doctor cut me off Concerta due to those emotional side effects."

• Bri...
• September 8, 2015

For ADHD "I was diagnosed with ADHD a little less than a year ago at the age of 12. At first, I loved it because it helped me get so much work done, and I stopped getting in trouble and annoying people. After about one month, I started realizing that I wasn't eating because the medicine was destroying my appetite, and I liked it. I started using the drug more for weight loss than anything, and I went from a happy, bubbly 115 lbs to a lifeless 95 lbs. At 5 ft 8 in, that's severely underweight and unhealthy. I kept taking the medicine, but I became increasingly more depressed and anxious. I was an outcast, but I was too obsessed with losing weight to care. After the school year finished, I took a break from the medicine, and I am now a happy, healthy 13 yr old."

• 83n...
• February 28, 2013

For ADHD "First couple of days, it was working well, then I started noticing mood swings, insomnia, anxiety, anger, agitation. On top of that, lack of energy and a sore throat. It's okay, but not worth all these side effects."

• ap0...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 18, 2016

For ADHD "I'm 17 and have been taking 18 mg Concerta every day for a week and a half. This is the second medication I've tried after being diagnosed with ADHD (I was also diagnosed with major depression). First, I tried Adderall, and while it made me feel very alert and productive, I could not handle the severe depressed feelings from the comedown. So far, Concerta has made me feel productive and positive for about 3 hours, and then depression slowly creeps in and gets progressively worse for about 8 more hours. It's not as intense as the depression from Adderall (which even led to suicidal thoughts), but it lasts longer. I also become irritable, anxious, and tired. I've also lost weight because trying to eat makes me feel queasy."

• Kat...
• October 27, 2013

For ADHD "Took this halfway through 10th grade to summer. First experience after being diagnosed with ADD, so inattention without being hyper. No motivation from this almost made me feel worse with severe exhaustion and depression. I felt like every day was a chore, and I wasn't as happy as I used to be. My friends said I wasn't as free-spirited or fun. Gave me social anxiety also, and shaking. I would highly recommend Adderall XR. I switched to it and got none of the side effects but all of the results. I feel like I can function and am more social than ever without medication, and I also can plan out my thoughts and lists of what I have to do and homework. Concerta sucks, take Adderall instead."

• cls...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 10, 2013

For ADHD "I was diagnosed with ADD 2 weeks ago, along with depression/anxiety at the age of 33. My doctor wanted to treat the ADD first, thinking the other issue would clear up, so he started me on 18 mg of Concerta. The first week I would take one pill, and then this week increase it to 2 pills. I haven't been on this medication like others have, and I am experiencing so many side effects... i.e., nervousness, no appetite, headaches in the morning, can't sleep, paranoid for no reason. I feel like it’s doing the opposite of what it should. The first day I actually was able to just focus on one task and was able to get the laundry done. I will be talking to my doctor about other medications."

• cls...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 10, 2013

For ADHD "I was diagnosed with ADD 2 weeks ago, along with depression/anxiety at the age of 33. My doctor wanted to treat the ADD first, thinking the other issue would clear up, so he started me on 18 mg of Concerta. The first week I would take one pill, and then this week increase it to 2 pills. I haven't been on this medication like others have, and I am experiencing so many side effects... i.e., nervousness, no appetite, headaches in the morning, can't sleep, paranoid for no reason. I feel like it’s doing the opposite of what it should. The first day I actually was able to just focus on one task and was able to get the laundry done. I will be talking to my doctor about other medications."

• ave...
• February 13, 2018

For ADHD "I have both ADHD and mild/moderate narcolepsy. I have been on Concerta for 9 months. I had not taken any medication till I was a teenager (my parents were very against it), so I took Wellbutrin for a while to help with depression and my ADHD and narcolepsy, however, it was not strong enough, so I switched to Concerta and am taking 36 MG. It changed my life. For years, I could not go a day without taking a nap and could not focus at all in class. I just started college a few months ago and got a 4.0 my first semester, which seemed impossible for me years ago. I can finally focus and stay awake, I cried a lot at first because I was so not used to this!! The only negative parts are insomnia, anxiety, and irritability. I recommend having the same bedtime every night and having something like melatonin on hand to combat this. Also, take your Concerta at least 12 hours before you plan on going to bed. These side effects aren't horrible, though the good by far outweighs the bad!"

• mdi...
• July 11, 2013

For ADHD "I was diagnosed with ADHD in 2nd grade. I have been on medication ever since (I'm 31 now). I started Concerta in high school, and I must say it did very well to get me through class in college. I was even in my major's honor society. Now I have to say I think the years of various medicines have caused some real adverse reactions. I'm very depressed and moody. I've gone from being the big go-getter in my company to borderline at best. Worst of all, I have a new son, and my anxiety is really getting in the way of me enjoying him."

• Anonymous
• August 20, 2009

For ADHD "Since I've been on Concerta, I've lost 9 1/2 pounds within the three months. So far, I've had to go to the hospital because it has caused me to have bad anxiety. Also, I can't eat, I can't sleep. Although it makes me sick every day and I have depression, my grades have gone up. So, I guess it helps with something."

• Ang...
• May 9, 2011

For ADHD "My son has been on Concerta for about 4 years now. He started when he was 6 years and will be 11 years in 2 weeks. He was put on this medicine starting with 18 mg. Over time, he was gradually put on a higher dose as his age and weight increased. He is now on 54 mg. Since my son has been on this medicine, he has developed seizures because Concerta lowers the seizure threshold. He was diagnosed last year, 2010. He has paranoia, fearfulness, psychosis, headaches, nervousness, aggression, mood swings, trouble going to sleep, and doesn't want to eat a lot. He has had suicidal thoughts and depression."

• 28F...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 22, 2017

For ADHD "In early elementary school, I was diagnosed with ADHD. It's not common for females to have it. I started on Ritalin. It helped, but I stopped taking it in high school because I was worried about the stigma. In university, I took it off and on. After graduating, I took it only during major changes because it helped me cope, but I never wanted to rely on it. Now I'm trying to get my career going in the field I want to be in, and I'm stressed out of my mind. I have anxiety, and my family doc is concerned I'm going through depression. I'm back on Concerta and have been for a few days. It is the 18 mg dosage, but while I feel a bit more focused, sadly, I feel more focused on my emotions. Hopefully, when I move up to 27 mg, I will be less forgetful and anxious."

• Hon...
• July 9, 2014

For ADHD "Took 18 mg Concerta for 5 days. On day two, I woke up and cleaned and tidied the whole house, my partner thought something was wrong with me! Then the side effects came... nausea, depression, anxiety. By the time I was coming down at around 3 pm, I had to stay at home, I was unable to drive my car or even just go out. My doc wanted to try me on 5 mg Ritalin 3x a day quick release, but I refused. After reading the reviews on here about dexamphetamine, I started them this morning. 5 mg 3x a day. Hopefully, this will be the one for me."

• Anonymous
• November 6, 2009

For ADHD "I was diagnosed a few months ago (I'm 19) with ADD. The first-and only-medicine I have tried thus far is Concerta (27 and 36 mg). Not only has my ADD not gotten any better, but I feel I have anxiety, mood swings, restlessness, and insomnia. I've used it for several weeks, adjusted my dose, and minimized any external stress, and it's not any better."

• Pac...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 29, 2018

For ADHD "I have a love-hate relationship with Concerta. The pros of the drug are that I can put two and two together, stick with mundane tasks (and look forward to them), read long, boring documents, and catch errors, etc. The cons are the side effects-no sex drive, (sometimes) anxiety, a weird 'aura' or buzz that lasts for a while, and depression. Lately, I've been using natural treatments that are effective. Overall, though, Concerta did help me."

• chr...
• January 27, 2012

For ADHD "I am taking 54 mg for inattentive ADD. It's only been a month of taking Concerta without breaks, but I feel I have the general feeling down. I can focus with minimal distraction. After 3 weeks, I am feeling the loss of appetite, lost 6 lbs in one week, and there is only a period of about 5 hours I can feel it work. During that time, I love the motivation I get and am more social. All in all, it does what it's supposed to, but for only around 5-6 hours. After the working period, I am easily aggravated, and my ADD is worse than ever. My anxiety was high at first, but after a month, I feel like it is less of a problem for me."

• Ric...
• May 5, 2017

For ADHD "Had ADHD symptoms growing up, due to cultural reasons and beliefs, family always dismissed it. In 2nd year of law school at the moment, had to work 5x harder than others. Started living away from family and finally got an ADHD diagnosis done. Was prescribed Concerta. I was 154 cm tall and 47 kg before Concerta. Titration period - 18 mg 1 week, 27 mg 1 week, 36 mg 3 weeks, and 54 mg 8 weeks. 18-27 mg at first was amazing. No side effects, brimming with motivation, but wore off in 4 hours. 36 mg was okay but wasn't as great as the initial effect, wore off after 4 hours. 54 mg, developed an uncontrollable cough, mood swings, dry mouth, anxiety. Lost 5 kg weight. Now on Vyvanse. Cough took 2+ weeks since quitting Concerta to stop. Advice - if side effects are bad & last 1 week or more, change meds!"