Socially, Concerta vs Adderall

[Kat105]

Hi, Hopefully someone can help me here. Seems like a supportive community. I was diagnosed with ADHD 3 years ago. My psychiatrist has me using Concerta and Adderall or Dexedrine (due to the shortage of Adderall) on different days. It seems that I communicate better and calmer on the Concerta; however, I feel better on the Adderall which helps with my energy as well. Has anyone else experienced this? Where they feel better on one medication, but their persona is better on a different one?

[Gettingittogether]

That's a great observation. Noticing differences as you describe here is KEY to getting ahead of this condition. Let's see ... I think I remember when I first went on Concerta about 15 years ago, at a particular dose, I had a ton of energy and I definitely felt like I was more angry and confrontational. But that passed with time. Some side effects do pass with time.

And in my case, I NEEDED to add some seriousness and anger and confrontational energy to my life--I was being way too passive and got into enormous trouble, multiple times, for failing to set firm boundaries and failing to say "no" to people and projects that weren't good for me.

I've never heard of someone on different meds on different days. Hopefully others who have had that experience will show up here.

But share this observation with your provider. That's the most important thing--YOU and the med. The meds affect the rest of us in all kinds of quirky ways ... as in someone might have the exact opposite that you report on Concerta vs. Adderall. So our experience isn't going to be very helpful to you. The real way to get great treatment is to share observations like this with your provider and get their perspective.

[Kat105 in reply to Gettingittogether]

Your experience is like mine! I’ve inquired with others who didn’t know why I asked “did I seem different on day “x” versus day “y” and how so. I feel great on adderall XR and actually feel a little down on concerta, BUT others see funny and sharp while on the second and anxious on the first (adderall). In essence, my adhd reality naturally impacts my interpretation of my exuded persona. Seems that I’ll get the outcomes desired with concerta as my reputation is important. My psychiatrist is good but only directs me ensuring safe measures. I’m def going to share this recent observation and see what she says. Thank you

[readyplayer1]

I have never tried Adderall

But I’ve been getting complaints re my persona since being on concerta … often hear that I seem to be slower in my responses and my emotional response seems to be blunted.

Personal I often have this heaviness in my head and tiredness when taking the concerta… and I already struggle with energy issues…

When the concerta wears off my symptoms are so much worse … enough to wreck productivity or seriously affect my kids…

But here in Jamaica we’re stimulants are concerned… concerta is all we have… 😔

Right now I really hate this medication seriously concerning stopping it

[Kat105 in reply to readyplayer1]

Have you inquired about editing the dosage?