Concerta XL titration

[Leenie0811]

Is anybody else talking concerta XL as their meds for ADHD? I was diagnosed with combined type adhd with autistic tendencies , since starting titration I’ve found that my sensory issues and autistic traits have become more of an issue. I struggle with verbal communication and have selective mutism (mainly in new situations) but I’m finding myself closing off more around people that I know because I cannot deal with social situations.

Sound sensitivity, food issues as well as different textures (food, clothing etc.) are also becoming more of an issue, I’m trying my best to explain it but really struggling. It’s like my brain has been given glasses and it can see clearly but is highlighting more issues I was too muddled up to see which is confusing me. So now I am able to go and do my work, I’m getting better with executive dysfunction and all the distractions/impulsive behaviour my adhd would rule my life with but now other issues have come up.

The psychiatrist said once my adhd meds are at the correct dose we will review my “autistic tendencies” as it could help both the autism and the adhd. Does it mean that this medication doesn’t work for me even though my adhd struggles are better than they’ve ever been?

Has anyone here got a dual diagnosis of ADHD and autism? Have they found something similar has happened to them?

[Gettingittogether]

Just tell your doctor what you say here, that the Concerta is making your autistic issues worse. The doctor can then think about either changing away from Concerta or about starting focus on the autism even while you're trying to get the right ADHD meds.

If the Concerta is in deed working for your ADHD, then it's time for you to tell the doctor LOUDLY about the bad side effects on your autism.

There is no such thing as a correct dose. What we hope to find is a medication and dose (or combination of medications) that create the best positive effects and the lowest negative (side) effects.

That's trial and error. But a key part of the process is speaking up to your provider.

[Leenie0811 in reply to Gettingittogether]

Thank you for the advice, I’m finding it really difficult at the moment to adjust to more medication. I have a form I need to fill in for my dosage each week so I think I’ll mention on there how I’ve been feeling as there’s a part for side effects. I worry too much that there’s not going to be something that helps or I’m going to be judged for how I’ve been feeling. The people around me don’t understand the medication and as soon as they heard stimulant meds they were asking why would I take it so I’m feeling pretty lonely about everything.

[Mumeepee]

Hello,My daughter has a very similar diagnosis to you and experienced almost identical issues when she was on concerta xl. She stuck with the meds for around 5 months, but found in addition to the much unwanted side effects the week leading up to her period became horrendous. Her anxiety and social communication went through the roof, select mutism became far worse, she was constantly sweating and her focus waned. Her dosage was increased due to the worsening of her ADHD symptoms which helped, but everyday her ASD worsened.

Finally her meds were changed, she’s now on Elvanse. She has no side effects, which I know is unusual her focus has improved and the anxiety and mutism has reduced enormously.

I know the side effects are different for everyone, but for my daughter Elvanse works exceptionally well.

[Leenie0811 in reply to Mumeepee]

Thank you for sharing your daughters experience it sounds like she has got a good mum around for support. My mum doesn’t agree with taking stimulant meds and thinks I should try therapy before jumping straight into medication. She’s actually just like me but not as impulsive and feels guilty that I’ve been diagnosed because she now thinks it’s from her because my brothers are dyslexic one with adhd and the other whose add and was diagnosed with mild autistic tendencies. We also have a cousin whose non verbal autistic and she doesn’t understand it’s a spectrum so I feel quite alone going through my titration.

I’m going to speak to the titration team and ask them about different options, the past 3 weeks have been really difficult adjusting to the medication especially with little support around me. It’s like nobody understands or wants to know how it’s affecting me. I’ve also had a flare in my health conditions so I don’t know if that’s affected the last week or not. Everything is confusing and overwhelming right now but I hope to get some kind of help with everything.

Thanks again for sharing your daughters experience I hope she’s doing well x