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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by theo on April 13, 2005, at 9:09:18
In reply to Re: Scared to take my first dose of Concerta!!!!, posted by stresser on April 13, 2005, at 7:57:48
> I just read your post's! Too funny! I fit right in with all of you because I just took my first dose of Concerta just now and an wondering if it will work, and.....if I should have asked for Adderall. I tried Strattera and it was too sedating for me, so my doctor thought concerta was worth a try. My daughter takes Adderall XR, and now I am wondering if she is taking the correct med.? What's wrong with me? Just shoot me! I must be reading way way to many posts! -L
So how was the first dose? Any anxiety or extremely uncomfortable side effects???
Posted by stresser on April 13, 2005, at 12:47:23
In reply to Re: Scared to take my first dose of Concerta!!!! » stresser, posted by theo on April 13, 2005, at 9:09:18
I had to get on here to see if anyone saw my post! I should be mowing my yard! I think maybe I can tell I took it? It was only 18mg. I have energy, but that could be due to the fact that I didn't take the Adderall, and that was making me tired for the entire month I was on it. -L
Posted by theo on April 13, 2005, at 14:34:33
In reply to Re: Scared to take my first dose of Concerta!!!!, posted by stresser on April 13, 2005, at 12:47:23
> I had to get on here to see if anyone saw my post! I should be mowing my yard! I think maybe I can tell I took it? It was only 18mg. I have energy, but that could be due to the fact that I didn't take the Adderall, and that was making me tired for the entire month I was on it. -L
So, how is the 18mg making you feel? Is it pretty smooth? Any negative or weird feelings? I think I'm going to drop my first tomorrow. I've had unexpectd things come up at work to where I couldn't slip away if I have a weird reaction. Maybe I'm wasting a good worry and it will be a very positive experience.
Posted by stresser on April 13, 2005, at 19:20:16
In reply to Re: Scared to take my first dose of Concerta!!!! » stresser, posted by theo on April 13, 2005, at 14:34:33
No weird reaction and it's 7:00 pm. I getting ready to go to the gym, and still feel really great. It does seem smooth, I did take one of my daughter's Adderall last week just to see how that felt, and this is almost the same. It may be a little cleaner, I think I will know more in a few days. Try taking your tomorrow and let me know how it goes! -L
Posted by theo on April 13, 2005, at 22:25:59
In reply to Re: Scared to take my first dose of Concerta!!!!, posted by stresser on April 13, 2005, at 19:20:16
> No weird reaction and it's 7:00 pm. I getting ready to go to the gym, and still feel really great. It does seem smooth, I did take one of my daughter's Adderall last week just to see how that felt, and this is almost the same. It may be a little cleaner, I think I will know more in a few days. Try taking your tomorrow and let me know how it goes! -L
So you have taken an Adderall before and can compare, that's great. I'm dropping my first 18mg barrel in the morning. I feel like I'm back in college trying a recreational drug or something! Keep me posted on your experience on day 2 and I will let you know what tomorrow brings.
Posted by Paulbwell on April 14, 2005, at 2:03:19
In reply to Re: Scared to take my first dose of Concerta!!!!, posted by stresser on April 13, 2005, at 19:20:16
> No weird reaction and it's 7:00 pm. I getting ready to go to the gym, and still feel really great. It does seem smooth, I did take one of my daughter's Adderall last week just to see how that felt, and this is almost the same. It may be a little cleaner, I think I will know more in a few days. Try taking your tomorrow and let me know how it goes! -L
Hi Ya!
What dose Concerta vs Adderall did you take?
What doses of each did you fell the same effects with?
Cheers
Posted by theo on April 14, 2005, at 8:43:02
In reply to Re: Scared to take my first dose of Concerta!!!! » stresser, posted by theo on April 13, 2005, at 22:25:59
Okay, so I woke up about 6:50am and before I had a chance to think about it, I popped my first dose of Concerta 18mg. I'm about 1 1/2 hours into launch and feel a little physical stimulation but so far no lights coming on in the ole prefrontal cortex.
The good news is that there is nothing negative as far as side effects.
My next question is how long is fair for a stimulant trial, 5 days? Then there is the question do I move up in dose and on the Concerta or move on to a low dose of Adderall XR and try a different stim altogether?
I definitely want to give Concerta a fair trial but also have heard that with stims, you don't have to wait a month to see if it's going to work or not and I don't want to waste time.
Posted by bimini on April 14, 2005, at 16:45:35
In reply to Took the first dose of Concerta, need input, posted by theo on April 14, 2005, at 8:43:02
We are all responding different to meds and have diffent reasons to require these 'chemical enhancers'. I moved up swiftly to 54mg and still need additional stimulants in the afternoon. I am continually experimenting with dose and timing, no cookiecutter method works for me, I either forget, or have no sense of circadian rythm. I could use a regular kick in the butt.
Side effects were visual blurring, which went away after several weeks; dry mouth, excessive thirst and tachycardia which stayed. I have an increase of blank spots, moments I can't interact, but the positives still outweigh the negatives for me.
Give the med a fighting chance, good luck.
bimini
Posted by stresser on April 14, 2005, at 20:40:28
In reply to Concerta input, posted by bimini on April 14, 2005, at 16:45:35
Hi everyone!
My doctor did tell me that it may take a month or longer to get a fair idea about how the Concerta is going to work. When I tried the Adderall XR, the dosage was 20mg, and I did notice that I felt different than I do taking the Concerta. I am going to give this several more days, because I'm not quite sure that I like it all that well. It does make me thirsty, and very talkative. I think I could become quite annoying to people at times if I'm not careful. I liked the calm feeling that Strattera gave me, (loved it) but I can't have that without the sedation. I keep re-thinking the Stattera, and wondering if it was all that bad. Please make up my mind...........-L
Posted by Paulbwell on April 14, 2005, at 22:19:34
In reply to Re: Concerta input, posted by stresser on April 14, 2005, at 20:40:28
> Hi everyone!
> My doctor did tell me that it may take a month or longer to get a fair idea about how the Concerta is going to work. When I tried the Adderall XR, the dosage was 20mg, and I did notice that I felt different than I do taking the Concerta. I am going to give this several more days, because I'm not quite sure that I like it all that well. It does make me thirsty, and very talkative. I think I could become quite annoying to people at times if I'm not careful. I liked the calm feeling that Strattera gave me, (loved it) but I can't have that without the sedation. I keep re-thinking the Stattera, and wondering if it was all that bad. Please make up my mind...........-LHi Ya
How would you compare the differences of different doses of:
-Your daughters Adderall you mentioned taking
-The Concerta- dose differences between them-their different effects?Thanks
Posted by theo on April 14, 2005, at 22:38:55
In reply to Re: Concerta input, posted by stresser on April 14, 2005, at 20:40:28
> Hi everyone!
> My doctor did tell me that it may take a month or longer to get a fair idea about how the Concerta is going to work. When I tried the Adderall XR, the dosage was 20mg, and I did notice that I felt different than I do taking the Concerta. I am going to give this several more days, because I'm not quite sure that I like it all that well. It does make me thirsty, and very talkative. I think I could become quite annoying to people at times if I'm not careful. I liked the calm feeling that Strattera gave me, (loved it) but I can't have that without the sedation. I keep re-thinking the Stattera, and wondering if it was all that bad. Please make up my mind...........-L
You said you felt different when you took 20mg Adderall XR versus taking Concerta. Different how?
Posted by Paulbwell on April 14, 2005, at 23:25:08
In reply to Re: Concerta input » stresser, posted by theo on April 14, 2005, at 22:38:55
>
> You said you felt different when you took 20mg Adderall XR versus taking Concerta. Different how?
>Compare the differences?
-Explaine the different reactions?
-dosages of each and how they compare?
Posted by alohashirt on April 15, 2005, at 0:43:33
In reply to Aloha, posted by paulbwell on April 12, 2005, at 20:34:58
This is just my own experience with stimulants and the
"atypical meds" that have mild stim effectno anxiety with any stim
no direct weight loss but indirectly more gym time means
smaller belly
no racing thoughts, racing heart, paranoiaConcerta:
really helps with attention
at times / high dose (72mg or above) get excessive hyperfocus
smooth easy as it wears off
feels "normal"
reliableAdderal XR (30mg):
less effective with attention
better quality of focus
sent my bloodpressure sky high
less smooth as it wears off
interferes with sleep
makes me talk too much
effectiveness is inconsistent
makes me sweatyDexedrine XR:
same as Adderall but smoother
clearer, smarter concentration
makes me sad/tired if I use when I am tired/sad
less of a BP effectFocalin/Ritalin
grouchy/bad tempered
felt like I was "taking drugs"Metadate CD
faster acting than Concerta
noticeable two peak concentration effectAdrafinil
stops afternoon sleepiness
no effect on concentration/focus
hives if I take each dayWellbutrin
increases optimism
increased libido
mild effect on focus
sometimes felt dumb
makes me sweatyCurrently taking dexedrine and Concerta
Posted by theo on April 16, 2005, at 9:25:43
In reply to Concerta vs Adderall vs Dexedrine vs ...., posted by alohashirt on April 15, 2005, at 0:43:33
Before I try Adderall, I was thinking about trying 36mg but don't want to have to get another prescription.
I have 18mg pills and was wondering if anyone has taken two in one dose?
Posted by bimini on April 16, 2005, at 9:55:05
In reply to Will two 18mg Concerta release as one 36mg?, posted by theo on April 16, 2005, at 9:25:43
Upping from 54mg was a double 36mg prescription, this works. Haven't tried spacing and because arrythmia backed down with Concerta and upped Provigil. Call your doc and ask for a trial prescription, there is another dose between 18 and 34 I think. Take care and let your doc know, you are his/her responsibility taking this med.
bimini
Posted by bimini on April 16, 2005, at 10:25:44
In reply to Scared to take my first dose of Concerta!!!!, posted by theo on April 10, 2005, at 11:32:03
"I have a bad habit of taken one med (Concerta) and wondering if another med (Adderall XR) would be giving me better results. It's so hard for me to stick with a med because I'm always thinking "maybe something else would be better." By the way, what would this symptom fall under, it's not only with meds, but relationships and jobs also."
When you cultivate your grass well it will become greener still than the other side. How to cultivate this grass you'll know from learning of all the grass on the other side.
I have left my homeland to find greener pastures, went off in my teens to see if and where these greener pastures existed. And it was good to feed the hunger for adventure, the greed for experience and the quest for realizing potential. Also in jobs, it was of benefit to understand angles from opposite sides and contributed to growth. In relationships I was wild until tamed by an Adonis who found me on top of a mountain.Go to the top of mountains and down the valleys, out to sea and in the desert. Don't worry, the syndrome is LIFE and it is calling. Listen until you hear comfort. That is what makes your grass the greenest.
bimini
Posted by Phillipa on April 16, 2005, at 14:55:05
In reply to The Grass is greener on the other side? » theo, posted by bimini on April 16, 2005, at 10:25:44
Unfortunately I keep thinking the grass is greener on the other side. I've made some terrible mistakes because of it. What I do know is that the grass isn't greener on the other side, and wish I could go back. Where is home? Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by bimini on April 16, 2005, at 16:24:37
In reply to Re: The Grass is greener on the other side? » bimini, posted by Phillipa on April 16, 2005, at 14:55:05
OOps, the capitalization of Grass wasn't a dead give away? Home right now is East Coast US, born in a refugee camp, raised in Germany and Italy, learned English in India, found Adonis in Peru.
Mistakes are good when we realize it was a mistake. Going back would mean, having to make that mistake again. And sometimes we do.
bimini
Posted by ed_uk on April 16, 2005, at 16:58:04
In reply to Re: The Grass is greener on the other side? » Phillipa, posted by bimini on April 16, 2005, at 16:24:37
Hi,
>..........born in a refugee camp, raised in Germany and Italy, learned English in India, found Adonis in Peru.
How interesting, what a varied life :-)
Ed.
Posted by vivi on April 16, 2005, at 23:57:49
In reply to Concerta vs Adderall vs Dexedrine vs ...., posted by alohashirt on April 15, 2005, at 0:43:33
> This is just my own experience with stimulants and the
> "atypical meds" that have mild stim effect
>
> no anxiety with any stim
> no direct weight loss but indirectly more gym time means
> smaller belly
> no racing thoughts, racing heart, paranoia
>
> Concerta:
> really helps with attention
> at times / high dose (72mg or above) get excessive hyperfocus
> smooth easy as it wears off
> feels "normal"
> reliable
>
> Adderal XR (30mg):
> less effective with attention
> better quality of focus
> sent my bloodpressure sky high
> less smooth as it wears off
> interferes with sleep
> makes me talk too much
> effectiveness is inconsistent
> makes me sweaty
>
> Dexedrine XR:
> same as Adderall but smoother
> clearer, smarter concentration
> makes me sad/tired if I use when I am tired/sad
> less of a BP effect
>
> Focalin/Ritalin
> grouchy/bad tempered
> felt like I was "taking drugs"
>
> Metadate CD
> faster acting than Concerta
> noticeable two peak concentration effect
>
> Adrafinil
> stops afternoon sleepiness
> no effect on concentration/focus
> hives if I take each day
>
> Wellbutrin
> increases optimism
> increased libido
> mild effect on focus
> sometimes felt dumb
> makes me sweaty
>
> Currently taking dexedrine and ConcertaDexedrine is working for me. Ritalin had the same effects that you mentioned: Moodiness and I felt anti-social. I didn't feel like dealing with anyone, including my husband!
Posted by stresser on April 17, 2005, at 10:19:42
In reply to Re: Concerta input-Stressor, posted by Paulbwell on April 14, 2005, at 23:25:08
Sorry guys, I have been really busy! I have few minutes so here goes....
18mg of Concerta compared to 20mg of Adderall.
The concerta seems to be stronger than the adderall,making me more alert and being able to stay on task. I seem to be more organized and not feeling as overwhelmed with everything as before. It does give me the jitters, but that's something that may go away, and I am willing to give it a month trial. In fact, I am wondering if my daughter may do better on the concerta than the adderall herself. How are you doing with it?
One more additional comment; I really don't have the appetite that I used to have, as well as the desire to eat when I am hungry. I don't need to lose any weight, so that may not be a positive for this medication. I will have to force myself to eat, and being a women....well...enough said! Bring it on. -L
Posted by theo on April 17, 2005, at 11:02:49
In reply to Re: Concerta input-Stressor, posted by stresser on April 17, 2005, at 10:19:42
> Sorry guys, I have been really busy! I have few minutes so here goes....
> 18mg of Concerta compared to 20mg of Adderall.
> The concerta seems to be stronger than the adderall,making me more alert and being able to stay on task. I seem to be more organized and not feeling as overwhelmed with everything as before. It does give me the jitters, but that's something that may go away, and I am willing to give it a month trial. In fact, I am wondering if my daughter may do better on the concerta than the adderall herself. How are you doing with it?
> One more additional comment; I really don't have the appetite that I used to have, as well as the desire to eat when I am hungry. I don't need to lose any weight, so that may not be a positive for this medication. I will have to force myself to eat, and being a women....well...enough said! Bring it on. -LWhen you say 20mg of Adderall is it the XR or regular?
Also, I'm on day 5 of 18mg Concerta and not really feeling much except a little physical stimulation. I might try 36mg and if that doesn't work try Adderall. Did Adderall help with your overall wanting to get things done? For some reason, and maybe it's just a dosing issue, the Concerta makes me physically alert but not really turning any lights on mentally if that makes any sense!
Posted by stresser on April 17, 2005, at 22:10:06
In reply to Re: Concerta input-Stressor » stresser, posted by theo on April 17, 2005, at 11:02:49
It's the Adderall XR, and to answer you question in the previous post- yes, I think it may be turning some lights on mentally. It's too soon to really tell. Do you know how long it takes to be able to really see a difference? I want to try some Adderall again later to compare again, but am wondering how long it will take on that med also. -L
Posted by scottlaen on April 19, 2005, at 12:46:38
In reply to Concerta vs Adderall vs Dexedrine vs ...., posted by alohashirt on April 15, 2005, at 0:43:33
Hey Guys,
I've been taking adderall/adderall xr (up to 60+mg/day) for about 5 years and just switched to Concerta (72mg once in am).Here's some of the stuff I've noticed:
Concerta- effect seems dull at first, but as the day goes on, I realize that it just might be the fact that it is smoother than adderall. There are virtually no peaks/valleys using it. As far as concentration, I'm on my 3rd day, and I think it's comparable to adderall, but maybe not as intense. With adderall, it seemed that I would get really focused at times, and then just want to sleep at other times. Some days the stuff just didn't effect me at all. I imagine that the same thing is likely to happen with concerta as it all has to do with how much dopamine and other neuro-transmitters your brain is producing.
The only other thing I noticed is a headache, but that could be caused by most anything...
> This is just my own experience with stimulants and the
> "atypical meds" that have mild stim effect
>
> no anxiety with any stim
> no direct weight loss but indirectly more gym time means
> smaller belly
> no racing thoughts, racing heart, paranoia
>
> Concerta:
> really helps with attention
> at times / high dose (72mg or above) get excessive hyperfocus
> smooth easy as it wears off
> feels "normal"
> reliable
>
> Adderal XR (30mg):
> less effective with attention
> better quality of focus
> sent my bloodpressure sky high
> less smooth as it wears off
> interferes with sleep
> makes me talk too much
> effectiveness is inconsistent
> makes me sweaty
>
> Dexedrine XR:
> same as Adderall but smoother
> clearer, smarter concentration
> makes me sad/tired if I use when I am tired/sad
> less of a BP effect
>
> Focalin/Ritalin
> grouchy/bad tempered
> felt like I was "taking drugs"
>
> Metadate CD
> faster acting than Concerta
> noticeable two peak concentration effect
>
> Adrafinil
> stops afternoon sleepiness
> no effect on concentration/focus
> hives if I take each day
>
> Wellbutrin
> increases optimism
> increased libido
> mild effect on focus
> sometimes felt dumb
> makes me sweaty
>
> Currently taking dexedrine and Concerta
Posted by alohashirt on April 22, 2005, at 23:17:27
In reply to Re: Concerta vs Adderall vs Dexedrine vs .... » alohashirt, posted by scottlaen on April 19, 2005, at 12:46:38
> Hey Guys,
> I've been taking adderall/adderall xr (up to 60+mg/day) for about 5 years and just switched to Concerta (72mg once in am).
>
> Here's some of the stuff I've noticed:
>
> Concerta- effect seems dull at first, but as the day goes on, I realize that it just might be the fact that it is smoother than adderall. There are virtually no peaks/valleys using it. As far as concentration, I'm on my 3rd day, and I think it's comparable to adderall, but maybe not as intense. With adderall, it seemed that I would get really focused at times, and then just want to sleep at other times. Some days the stuff just didn't effect me at all. I imagine that the same thing is likely to happen with concerta as it all has to do with how much dopamine and other neuro-transmitters your brain is producing.
>
> The only other thing I noticed is a headache, but that could be caused by most anything...
>I find that drinking lots of water helps me avoid headaches
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