When should my concerta dosage be raised?

[PinkBallerina]

Hi, I’m 18 years old and I just got diagnosed with ADHD 6 days ago, and I started taking concerta (18 mg) 5 days ago. So far I feel absolutely nothing. Barley any improvement and no side effects. I was able to go in and out of focus in one class (might be a placebo effect), but I still couldn’t focus in any other classes. I also still space out when people talk to me, and I still fidget and it annoys everyone. I’m just really frustrated because I thought that as soon as I took concerta, I would finally be normal and do better in University. Should I call my doctor now about raising the dose or should I wait a little longer? How long did you stay on the same dosage before your doctor raised it? I’m really sorry if my question is stupid, I’m still new to this.

[hsouter]

It may take a while for you and your doctor to find what works for you—the dosage, the timing and even looking at different drugs or even combinations thereof. Still, there is lots you can do to help yourself.

For example, I have to tell myself to just do things-start small, start badly, whatever. Not to think about things, just do them. I sound like Nike! Haha! But really, that is key. I am learning to make to do lists with the main things and leave space below each on to break them down into steps that check or cross off as I go. That gives our brains a little dopamine kick.

Another thing I do is chew gum and have a “fidget release plan” and use it. When I don’t have anything, I rub my nails with my finger tips—often under the table. Exercise is a great way to get out excess energy AND increase dopamine levels.

I know it is hard sometimes—a lot of the time. Still we can do some amazing things if we get to know and take responsibility for helping ourselves. Right now, I am having sleep schedule problems and over use social media (like right now?!)... I need to make some decisions and lifestyle changes. Drugs can’t fix everything but if I change/manage the things I can, they can help.

BTW, if you haven’t approached your university disability or student counselling/success office, don’t wait! Get help as soon as you can. I wish I had when I started, but ADHD wasn’t well known then...

Most of all, don’t give up or give in! You can get a handle on this—just make sure you don’t try to do it all alone...

Take care, PB!

Heather

[PinkBallerina in reply to hsouter]

Thank you so much! I will definitely try everything you mentioned! I already feel less alone, so again, thank you! And I have trouble sleeping too, melatonin sometimes helps, so you could give it a try if nothing else works for you!

Best wishes,

PinkBallerina

[My_ADHD_Journey]

I am in the same boat as you with a recent diagnosis and trying to find medications that help! I'm a few months in, so I don't have all of the world of advice for you. But, I had a few weeks where I was taking ADHD medication and it was doing nothing for me and honestly, that bummed me out a ton because I wanted the relief that I read that others had experienced. Instead of calling in, I just took what I was prescribed until my next appointment and I really regret that. I was scared to call in because I didn't want to seem like I'm trying to get more medication but that wasn't at all how the psychiatrist saw it. I'm working with her to try to get the right med with the right dosage. It's a trial and error process for me. I would call in so you don't have to take medication that isn't working for you. It may not be the dose and may just be that Concerta isn't the right med for you. You know how you are feeling and they just want to help!

Best of luck! Stay Strong!

[PinkBallerina in reply to My_ADHD_Journey]

Thank you so much! This definitely helped a lot! I’ll try to call in as soon as possible because my next appointment is still a while away.

I hope you find the right medication and dosage soon!