Concerta XL starting side effects

[Willow789]

My 15 year old daughter has commenced 18mg concerta 4 days ago and is due to increase to 36mg after one week. We’re obviously not expecting to see any effect as yet but she is complaining of a constant heavy frontal headache. She isn’t complaining of nausea or a dry mouth. I’m unsure if it is the meds (as she often has headaches which seem to be stress/tension related from trying so hard to focus and tiredness) but as the headaches seems more prolonged than usual if it is med related can anyone advise on average how long it takes for initial starting side effects to wear off?

[Knitting20projects]

I’d definitely talk to her doctor before increasing the dose. They might want to see her in the office and check her blood pressure. If she feels worse she should just stop the medication and get seen that day.

[Jalapenochips]

Hi Willow, Concerta works for a lot of kids but not everyone. My daughter has tried many and all of them start with a week of headaches. My daughter started with Concerta in January at 18mg, then 27mg and eventually 36mg. It worked good after a few weeks but it eventually made her lose weight where the doctors said to stop. During that time I didn't make sure to give her protein drinks for lunch but we can't follow them to school to make sure either. We stopped that medication for awhile and tried Metadate but that medication made her zone out. I think you should get your daughter a swab test to see what medications work best for her. I tried asking our medical provider and they said they don't cover that test. I will try to appeal it because we've trialed so many medications over 7 years and they still haven't helped us figure it out. All these years of suffering is riduculous. For now, I am temporarily going to have her start taking the lowest dose of Concerta only, give her extra food when she is hungry, protein drinks and hope I can get a test approved somehow. Monitor her weight after her headaches stop. I pray something balances out for all of you real soon ❤️

[MSCGS]

Hi, I would definitely give it more time. Our pediatrician wanted us to give Concerta at least a month to get through the adjustment period and side effects. My son also had headaches every day but after some time they have stopped. He has been on Concerta for almost 5 months now and after a rocky first couple months, it is like a miracle for him and our family and he has no side effects! He also takes guanfacine ER.

[Yellow-cello]

I don’t know if this will be a popular opinion but I don’t think I would continue a drug with any side effects unless I’d exhausted other options. My daughter switched from Concerta (made her pick at her fingers and turn grumpy!) to Focalin. I was nervous to try after our bad experience but Focalin has zero side effects for her besides decreased appetite at lunch which we’ve adapted to and from what I understand will be likely with any stimulant. Good luck! It’s hard to see them suffer!

[LisethHIS]

Hello Willow789,

Thank you for contacting CHADD National Resource Center on ADHD. Our first recommendation would be to contact her medical provider who is prescribing the medication. Make sure you keep a log of her headaches, level of pain, what part of her head hurts when she gets the headaches, etc. Another recommendation would be to make sure your daughter is eating and drinking water/fluids.

Here is some information that would be helpful to better understand ADHD medication. chadd.org/adhd-news/adhd-ne...

chadd.org/for-parents/manag...

chadd.org/for-parents/medic...

If you have further questions, please let us know. We are here to help!

Liseth

Health Information Specialist

CHADD’s National Resource Center on ADHD

chadd.org

[Elijah1]

Taking Concerta on an empty stomach can lead to headache complaints. Also make sure the medication isn't aggravating any anxiety she may have.