Running and Concerta

[KK999]

Was diagnosed with AdHD last December, been taking Concerta ( 18 or 36 mcg). Im also a runner. But Ive had a few months of not intensive running due to study). I'm 64. The thing is, Concerta isa bit scary in that when I run in the morning, before taking the meds, I run much faster than usual without realizing- its as though I cant feel my heart working. I just keep having to stop every so often with breathlessness. This happens if Ive taken Concerta the day before - even a smaller dose. Has anyone else experienced this or anything similar on Concerta?

[Gettingittogether]

I've run with Concerta ... and other forms of methylphenidate. Never noticed this kind of problem.

Look, you have to slow down apparently and look again, you ain't as young as you used to be. So stamina won't be the same.

But you can talk to your pharmacist and with your provider about this. Just carry a watch and time your pace.

But I'm not sure I'm understanding your question. Are you saying the stimulation from the day before (methylphenidate doesn't build up in the blood) seems to lead to you running faster than you should the next morning?

[Netjester]

I might get your heart checked out. It sounds like it's independent of the medication.

[emiL1234]

I was cross country skiing and I could do so much more and so faster. Not sure it’s a good thing. Pharmacists had no idea.

[emiL1234]

also, I did my whole season lumberjacking and felt no pain. I usually do because I’m not very physically active in general. The only difference was Concerta.

[KK999 in reply to emiL1234]

Wow, okay thats interesting

[AuDHD3245]

Concerta and other ADHD are stimulants, and when increasing activity, your whole body will be 'more' stimulated than without. If the stimulants are still in your system from the day before, they will still stimulate. There's kind of confusion when it comes to simulants. The medication relaxes certain parts of the brain, however, it works through your central nervous system. Breathlessness is a sign of an adverse effect from the drug. Running faster is a good thing, breathlessness isnt. Warm up properly first. I have a lung exerciser, a very good tool for exercising lung muscles, dropping blood pressure and overall breathing problems. Maybe give one of those a try? Also, maybe do some heavy breathing exercises before you run. sit and breathe as heavy as you can for 30 seconds. You should do abit dizzy, so sit down, but once you're done, see if you runs a breathlessness-less? Good luck

[KK999 in reply to AuDHD3245]

Good advice, thanks. I do have a lung exerciser, that I havent used for years - so I get what youre saying

[WCCZ]

I don`t take my concerta anymore. I exercise as much as I can, eat somewhat better and that`s about it. ADHD is what it is and I felt conerta wasnt for me.

[StoneJeweler]

I believe that your body is telling you to slow down. You don't need to run so fast, your body obviously is not happy when you do this. Listen to it. OR it will give you a stronger reminder. Try using common sense.

[Porridge83]

I have a similar concern. I’ve been taking Concerta for 3 weeks, and as the doses increased (to 54mg), my running got harder. I had to stop a ridiculous amount of times on a run that I usually do easily. My heart rate was 185 at one point (that’s over my max!)

Even lowering the dose today (27mg), in doing some yoga my heart rate was 135, which is not ok…

I suspect the drug is helping my brain, but my nervous when isn’t happy. Gutted.