Methylphenidate for ADHD User Reviews (Page 4)

• Anonymous
• October 4, 2018

"My brother was prescribed Concerta two years ago, and I feel the need to share his story so everyone knows how helpful this drug is for people suffering from ADHD. He is taking it and Strattera both for his condition, and the Strattera worked well for a long time, but when he was prescribed Concerta in addition to this to further help with his symptoms, it was just amazing. His breakdowns and tantrums decreased in number, he started doing his chores and homework again, and he started doing random little things to help other people out. This medication is a controlled substance, so it's harder for him to get than his other medicine-he has to have an appointment with a specialist every two months to stay on it, though I don't think it's that way for everyone. He was born addicted to the painkillers my mother was on, as he was seven weeks early, and therefore has a higher chance to become addicted to substances in the future, but this does not seem to be a problem so far with Concerta."

• Lor...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 18, 2023

"Ultra smooth, gradual onset and end. Nice how it works like an alarm clock pill, waking you up in the morning. If you respond well to methylphenidate, it might be a good fit to ask your doctor about. The mechanism of action makes it safer and less likely to be abused."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 31, 2018

"This drug has been nothing but a miracle for me. After years of suffering with concentration/attention problems and a string of failures, this drug has allowed me to achieve what I want and excel in my academics and life. I take 20 - 30 mg/day, 3 - 5 days a week, with regular drug holidays. If you have ADHD and are suffering because of it, with a history of failures in your life, you won't regret getting treatment."

• mam...
• December 6, 2013

"My daughter was finally diagnosed with ADHD Inattentive-type at age 16 after a lot of stress regarding high school academics and feeling 'dumb.' Concerta has been nothing short of a miracle for her. She finally ended up on the 54mg dosage and does very well. The only side effect she has had is loss of appetite which she now knows to eat a healthy/big breakfast before her medication in the morning. She then eats a normal dinner. She has occasionally had insomnia if she takes her medication later in the morning or if she has accidentally had caffeine. Overall, she is in a good groove with this medication and her SAT score went from 1600 to 2000 after medication and a prep course; GPA from 3.3 to 3.9."

• Moo...
• November 15, 2013

"I'm a 15-year-old girl who started off with Vyvanse for a year but became anorexic. I switched to Concerta! The first couple of years, I felt so amazing because I have never experienced what it felt like to succeed after trying so much. Then I got to High School. My meds ended a relationship. I was always paranoid and extremely nervous. I am like a robot now. I'm either extremely emotionless, really mad, or really paranoid. My friends tell me that it's like talking to a stranger. I get frustrated so easily and don't care about anyone or anything around me. I don't want to be taken off my meds because I'm really successful. But should I really have to choose between my loved ones and school? I shouldn't have to pick."

• MMz...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 8, 2024

"My 15-year-old has been on Jornay for over a year, and it is truly amazing. He has been under all kinds of the usual ADHD medications, and for years, we could never find the one that helped the most until now. He wakes up refreshed and motivated. It definitely changed him for the better. Grades are perfect, and the fact that he hasn't lost/gained weight or lost sleep on medications anymore is a big plus! I'm hoping our insurance keeps approving this medication because I don't know how he will manage on anything else!"

• wil...
• April 11, 2014

"My experience with Concerta has been amazing. I am 12 and this has helped me deal with bullying, anger issues, and lack of focus. I have learned that just because you are ADHD does not mean you can't have a normal life. I recommend this to anybody who is ashamed by their weight, has trouble focusing, and has anxiety issues but make sure to eat regularly because Concerta makes it so you don't know if you are hungry or not."

• Pet...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• May 13, 2017

"I was late being diagnosed with ADHD (late 40s). I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1992, but I never felt this was the correct diagnosis as my meds never helped me with all the different thoughts going on in my head. As soon as I started Concerta, I felt more relaxed, my concentration improved greatly, and I could sleep peacefully without any benzodiazepines. I am currently (for over 4 years) on a dose of 72 mg, it still is as effective as when I started, and luckily I haven't had any of the listed side effects. I think if anybody feels they have ADHD, they should seek psychiatric help to do the relevant tests."

• Ano...
• January 8, 2014

"I've been on Concerta since I was about 13 (I'm 22 now). When I first started the medication, I experienced a fair amount of weight loss. Overall, Concerta has truly changed my life and made me a more focused student. Since I've been on it for so long, I have learned to manage side effects but some that have been ongoing are: upset stomach right after taking the medication (due to the stimulant effects and lack of food), slight headaches, jitters, binging when the medication wears off, and occasional paranoia. When first beginning the medication, remember to force yourself to have some caloric intake even if it is just a smoothie. This has been life-changing, but please remember to balance out your diet."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 9, 2012

"I'm 28 yrs old and just started taking this 2 months ago. I abused meds in my teens & for the past 6 yrs have turned down prescriptions for fear of addiction & losing my personality and control. I gave Ritalin a shot at 10mg 2/day, 5 days/week none on weekends. I wish my parents would have taken me to a doctor to get checked out about 20 years ago. In 2 months I have been able to focus and concentrate on things like never before. I went from being an average student and poor test taker to above average and testing well. I don't snap at people as much as I did prior to taking. And still feel in control of who I am. The downside is I had to cut back on my coffee consumption. It's a good cause!"

• Nor...
• April 6, 2014

"I have been dealing with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) all of my life. At 50 years old, I was diagnosed with ADD. I had suspected it for some time and began taking 28 mg of Concerta each day. After approximately 2 months, I went to a lower dose of 18 mg per day. It has had a positive effect in that it is much easier to stay on task, my ability to concentrate has been significantly increased. In describing its effect, it seems that my mind has slowed down. The side effects have been minimal - a little lightheaded at times. I do not take it every day, sometimes, I usually use it Monday to Friday."

• Pet...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• July 18, 2015

"I was initially diagnosed with ADHD-combined hyperactive and impulsive when I was 16. Up until that point, I struggled with my attention issues and excessive energy, and it became increasingly difficult to cope with the symptoms as I got older. My doctor prescribed me Concerta 54 mg once a day. I immediately noticed significant improvements. I was able to think more clearly and communicate coherently. At the same time, I noticed that I had a better ability to control my attention and remain focused over a more prolonged period of time. My grades improved, and my relationship with friends and family became much better. I'm now 26 and still taking the medication. The therapeutic effects are still evident."

• Mia...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 17, 2023

"I am taking it because Adderall XR is not available due to shortages. At first, they tried Vyvanse, but I had severe heartburn, and my appetite went crazy. The Jornay is a lot like the Adderall, it just works. My only issue is I am not used to taking it at night, but it does seem to work when I wake up quicker than Adderall. It also doesn't taper off so quickly."

• Cad...
• January 5, 2017

"Concerta has helped me tremendously in school. My grades skyrocketed after only one semester of use. The first day, when I was on 18 mg, I could already feel the effect. Now, I only take Concerta (27 mg) on school days and other days which I know are going to be exhausting. Even on the days I don't take it, I feel happier than before. Concerta gives me motivation so I can actually live, which makes my motivation stick around. I can now socialize without feeling like my energy has been sucked out of me after one conversation. I can now do my homework and chores. I do things in my free time, instead of crashing in bed after a day of school. Though my appetite changed, and I lost a lot of weight, I have a lot to thank Concerta for."

• Anonymous
• March 14, 2015

"Concerta helped me so much. Before Concerta, I dreaded doing school work or even regular household chores. While on it, I want to do my homework and chores. It makes me 200x more focused overall, which means more learning and better grades. I went from C's and F's to A's and some B's"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 17, 2013

"I'm 18 years old and have been on 18mg of Concerta for just under a year now. In the beginning, I loved it - was able to focus and was very productive with everything. Positives: my grades and work ethic excelled, accomplished a lot, confidence raised. But, it may have just been me, but after being on Concerta, I became very antisocial (the complete opposite of myself) and basically got lost in my head. I also suffer from depression and severe seasonal affective disorder, and my first winter taking the Concerta was a horrible experience. The important thing to remember with this medicine is that it is not what is making you 'smarter' or more accomplished, it is merely helping you to do these things without your ADHD holding you back."

• Pen...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 5, 2019

"I started Concerta in August after Vyvanse gave me bad side effects. I began at 36 mg and now I take 54 mg. Being on this has helped me so much with classwork and anxiety, I no longer have anxiety spirals like before! I’m actually interested in my uni classes, and I’m getting better grades. The best part of Concerta is that it stops my obsessive anxiety. I can control my thoughts now, this is something I was never capable of in the past. It gives me a sense of mental relaxation that I’ve never had, and it’s life-changing. I feel on edge, kind of jumpy, and alert, but no uncontrollable anxiety like before. At first, I had some weird side effects, like tics, shakiness, lack of appetite, and peripheral hallucinations, but these side effects are so worth not having the terrible anxiety like I used to. Concerta helps me feel more sure of myself because I’m not spacing out on information or having anxiety attacks. I feel more confident and capable. It’s wonderful!"

• nr6...
• September 7, 2016

"So I was diagnosed with inattentive type ADHD about a month or two ago. I'm 19 and in my second year of university. I struggle to take in information in distracting settings like big lecture halls, have a tough time focusing, and my organizational skills have always been poor. So, my doctor prescribed 18 mg Concerta. I've taken it for a week so far, and I'm loving the results. I'm now always listening in lectures, always focusing on what the professor is saying. My room, car, and desk are now more organized than they have ever been, and it's stayed that way so far! Many people complain about a lack of appetite, but I haven't noticed that at all! I've noticed two minor side effects so far: headaches that start later in the day, as well as some minor irritability."

• Abb...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 5, 2014

"I was diagnosed with ADHD in 8th grade and put on 20mg of Concerta, which has since risen to 54mg extended release in the day and 10mg immediate release in the evening for when I do my homework. At first, the medicine was great - it allowed me to focus and my grades went up significantly. However, over the past year or so, I have been experiencing negative side effects such as depression, headaches, and loss of appetite. I can manage the headaches and appetite problems, but as for the depression, it is so bad that I am considering switching to another brand or changing my dose because when I am on Concerta, I become virtually emotionless, and as a result, I am struggling to maintain good relationships with my friends and family members."

• Sha...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• July 4, 2013

"I've taken Concerta on and off since I was 9, so 11 years now. I've taken every ADHD pill ever made, and this one is by far the best out of them all. It has helped me a lot in life. I was able to focus in school, and I always had good grades. If you miss a dose, you can definitely feel it both mentally and physically. I was able to graduate at the age of 16 and start working full-time. I'm not sure where I would be in life without this truly amazing pill. I would recommend it to anyone who would benefit from it."

• Jes...
• October 9, 2018

"I am 32 years old and have adult ADD. I also have addiction issues and have been sober for 5 years. I haven’t taken any meds since being sober but have been struggling. Last time I tried to take Vyvanse, and I ended up relapsing. The Daytrana patch has been amazing for me. I rated it an 8 just because no ADD meds are perfect and there are side effects. But in my experience, I've had a much better time with Daytrana than most other meds and seems to be less likely for someone to abuse. Mainly because it lasts all day, and there is no “crash” feeling like I've had with others which always triggers me to abuse them. I just wanted to share my experience because it’s really hard to have ADD and not be able to take meds, and addiction problems make this tricky. However, you should give it time once you start it because side effects will lessen once your body adjusts. I experienced extreme lack of appetite and anxiety, both went away after a month."

• Lin...
• January 27, 2017

"I was recently prescribed this, and let me tell you, even with it being a stimulant, it has helped my anxiety. I can explain things a lot better. I can focus more - my brain isn't all over the place. I feel a lot more confident, my form on my workouts is better. I'm losing a lot of weight, though. At 27 years of age, I was recently diagnosed with Asperger's because of social situations. I am now 28 as I type this. When I was a kid, I was first diagnosed as learning disabled. Throughout my teens and early adulthood, I was diagnosed with social anxiety and depression. But I do not care, because my symptoms improved dramatically. I have a really good doctor and therapist, so that's helping as well."

• Tom...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• January 24, 2020

"I've been on this medication for about 14 years now. And I love it but hate it. It's considered an abusable drug now, so getting and filling this prescription is absolutely insane. I have to take a pee test to get the script four times a year, then a pre-approval from the doctor, then I can buy it for $30 instead of $300. I wish I was joking. As far as the drug itself, it's great! High focus, low appetite, it's great. The only problem is it makes my hand spasm, and sometimes it can mess with your head. But all meds have cons."

• Sup...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 1, 2013

"When I first took Concerta, I was more able to concentrate on hard tasks, such as writing and doing math calculations. When I stopped taking this medication, I was unable to pay attention in class and kept misplacing flash drives and pencils. Plus, I've got a bunch of D's and F's on essay assignments because I've been leaving ADD untreated for six months. Concerta helped me concentrate, but it didn't make me too jittery or unfocused, and it feels just right. When I came back to the medication after six months of not taking it, I've had the best school days I've ever had in my life. This medication works, no nonsense, just don't drink too much coffee or energy drinks if you don't want a fast or irregular heartbeat."

• Wha...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 27, 2014

"My 13-year-old son and 9-year-old daughter both have been diagnosed with ADHD. I, nor my husband, could wrap our minds around our kids taking medicine, but were forced to give it a try. My son started taking Concerta when he was in 4th grade, and my daughter started taking Vyvanse in the 3rd grade. The results were amazing! Their handwriting went from sloppy to super neat, reading skills increased, grades were mostly A's... and many more great results! The bad part about the pills is that they have so many side effects that were making them seem like totally different people! They were skinny, depressed, had insomnia, headaches, twitching, and were angry. We withdrew both from public school and started homeschool. Now learning at our own pace!"