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Post by VFOP on Jul 2, 2013 11:37:47 GMT
Has anybody been on Concerta XL? I was only recently diagnosed (I also have a separate bipolar II diagnosis). In any case I find the Concerta XL makes me incredibly queasy, nauseous etc I also get migraines. Any insight?
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Post by dizzydee on Jul 2, 2013 20:38:38 GMT
I am on XL it makes me feel sick too, kind of like when your really nervous, are the migraines due to dehydration?
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emma
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Post by emma on Dec 5, 2013 13:47:36 GMT
As this post is a few moths old I wondered if either of you could shed light on side effects.
I'm on day 3 and feel very woozy. Does it get better or should I stop and ask to try something else?
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Post by grim on Dec 5, 2013 22:36:45 GMT
it gets better.
things I have learnt:
protein in the morning makes it work better (I have protein shakes for breakfast)
eating and drinking little and often helps avoid the nausea and the headaches
at the right dose the side effects are mimimal
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Post by JJ on Dec 6, 2013 0:03:50 GMT
As this post is a few moths old I wondered if either of you could shed light on side effects. I'm on day 3 and feel very woozy. Does it get better or should I stop and ask to try something else? Hi Emma Don't be disheartened yet. First of all, it takes a few days (or possibly more) for your brain to acclimatise to this new influx of chemicals. For me, it took a couple of days to get used to each new dose. Second, and much more importantly after a couple of days, it may just be that your dose is too low. Woosy, sleepy, hungry, fuzzy cotton wool head and so on are all common on too low a dose. If your head can cope, you should look at the diary section and the meds section, there are many accounts of first time with stims and titrating up. Im not a dr and am just giving you my thoughts based on my experience and what I've read here - if you're worried about anything, you should def contact your psych of course. How long have you been told to stay on this dose?
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emma
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Post by emma on Dec 6, 2013 11:44:01 GMT
JJ I have been on it 4 days now and if anything getting slightly worse. The psychiatrist is not returning my calls and Docs and NHS direct are refusing to offer advice. I'm to be on it for two weeks then up to 36? For another 2 weeks. Make sense about maybe being too low, as the same ting happened on antidepressants I am on. I'm calmer and my mind is so quiet it's lovely. Can't believe I've lived with a million conversations going on in my head for all these years. However I'm so slow that I still can't focus. Struggling to even watch a film (something I've always coped with well!) I'll look at the diaries, thanks so much for the advice. This site quite frankly has been a Godsend! Could not have coped alone.
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Post by JJ on Dec 6, 2013 12:53:37 GMT
There's no way I would've coped without this site, so I get what you mean completely. It's still invaluable now even though I'm not in as much need re practical advice as you are when you first start the meds or first get your diagnosis. It's incredibly hard titrating up cos your experience is normal in that you're not being given proper support from your prescriber... If you're feeling worse after 4 days I'd def say that was the low dose - with the caveat that I'm not a dr and my 'orange star status' on here doesn't mean I know anything, just that I've made a lot of posts 18mg concerta is the lowest dose. Concerta is slow release methylphenidate and 18mg Concerta is equivalent to 3 lots of instant release methylphenidate 3 times per day, so 15mg in total. The NICE guidelines say 100mg / day in total is max for adults. Everyone's different and there's no predicting what dose will be best for which person. It's not weight, age or gender related. So one adult might need 15mg / day and a child might take 60mg. I take 20mg 3 times a day - this isn't an unusual dose. So 36mg Concerta would be equivalent to 10mg 3 times per day, and so on. For me, I felt rubbish on 5 and 10. When I got to 15 my mood improved dramatically and I felt a bit better re tired / thick in the head. But when I took 20, it was immediately apparent this was the dose for me. If you click on my name where it's written in red, it will take you to my profile, then click on recent threads and you'll see my titration diary - think it's called started mph and lost IQ and motivation - there's not many threads, you'll see it - although most people's say the same kind of thing anyway. I was put on 5mg 3 times per day and told to come back in a month or something. But I was too impatient, so moved up the dose myself. It worked for me, so I can't say I regret doing it. My GP wasn't over the moon at what I did, but she was ok about it. ... I think the NICE guidelines say that doses should be titrated up once a week ...? I'm not sure you'd have to check, also remembering whatever they say, they're only guidelines and everyone has different medical circumstances... I do feel for you though, I remember that horrible feeling very well. Let us know how you progress xxx
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 6, 2013 15:57:13 GMT
Hi Emma What exactly do you mean by woozy? What exactly is your food intake atm?
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emma
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Post by emma on Dec 6, 2013 19:01:59 GMT
JJ Thank you so much for your post. I'll have a read of your diary when I can focus for more than 10 minutes. I actually had the clinic get hold of the psych and he said stop it an I see him on Monday. Not looking forward to my racing thoughts again. But it will be nice to walk in a straight line. I've coped for 32 years, what's another 2 days. Michael I feel wobbly, like tired drunk. Slurred speech. My limbs feel tingly and thick? Hard to describe.
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emma
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Post by emma on Dec 6, 2013 19:03:43 GMT
Oh and my food intake is about usual. Eating breakfast really late though as it's an effort to get out of bed. Small ish lunch and a big dinner.
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Post by JJ on Dec 7, 2013 0:14:07 GMT
JJ But it will be nice to walk in a straight line. I feel wobbly, like tired drunk. Slurred speech. My limbs feel tingly and thick? Hard to describe. I don't recognise the slurred speech Emma, nor not being able to walk in a straight line.... And I don't personally recall reading these symptoms before I would follow your psych's advice for sure. When you see him, if he wants to try a different dose of methylphenidate or if he wants to try the other stimulant, dexamphetamine - ask if you can be prescribed the instant release versions - they only last 4 or 5 hours, so if you get bad side effects, you won't have to endure a whole day... Good luck and please do come back and let us know what he said xxx
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 7, 2013 0:44:34 GMT
Glad you've decided to stop. Those are some pretty serious side effects!
May be blood pressure related? Getting headaches at all?
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emma
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Post by emma on Dec 7, 2013 15:15:02 GMT
JJ and Michael, Yeah I couldn't find anyone with similar experiences. I wonder if it's because I'm also taking duloxitine and amitriptyline too. Headaches, yeah. A really dull one. My blood pressure is normally ok. And I haven't blacked out or anything. Which is actually normal with me, especially on the nemesis at Alton towers!! Docs don't know the cause though. So I'm pretty broken all round! Ha Last dose was yesterday am and I'm still a little woozy. Which doesn't make sense as it's usually out of your body within 12 hours right?
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Post by JJ on Dec 7, 2013 15:37:49 GMT
No time to look stuff up cos should be going out the door this second and not actually even dressed yet... But amitryptaline and mph rings a warning bell in my head - have you looked this up? Jonboy knows loads about this stuff - or at least the links for info - john?
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Post by meepmeep on Dec 7, 2013 17:26:55 GMT
But amitryptaline and mph rings a warning bell in my head - have you looked this up? Ding ding ding, most sources state there may be an interaction between Methlyphenidate and Amitriptyline... Have a chat with your Psychiatrist about this and see if they can shed any light. I started Concerta two months ago, I've not experienced anything you have. For me, I've just reaped a load of benefits from it. Just some general advice when taking Concerta: - Avoid caffeine (includes fizzy drinks with caffeine) - Avoid drinking with acidic liquids like orange juice or carbonated drinks, as they can alter the rate it's absorbed at, apparently. - Eat well throughout the day, drink plenty of water. - Duration seems to vary greatly amongst people, I've read a fair few users saying it lasts around 8, but then some have claimed more than 12 hours. I guess our metabolisms come into play. I find it lasts nearer the 8 hour mark for me, hence being on a staggered dose, 8 hours apart, to provide roughly 16-18 hours of coverage a day. With that said, don't lose hope, there's still other Methlyphenidate medications to try, other stimulant based meds too, and of course, non-stims. I hope it all works out for you.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 7, 2013 18:47:34 GMT
Firstly, you have done the right thing coming off the Concerta. The drugs combined together can cause some quite serious side effects in some people. Amitriptyline + Duloxetine can cause a rare side effect called serotonin syndrome. Here is some information on the combination of these drugs : amitriptyline ↔ duloxetine Applies to: amitriptyline, duloxetine MONITOR CLOSELY: Concomitant use of agents with serotonergic activity such as serotonin reuptake inhibitors, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, 5-HT1 receptor agonists, ergot alkaloids, cyclobenzaprine, lithium, St. John's wort, phenylpiperidine opioids, dextromethorphan, and tryptophan may potentiate the risk of serotonin syndrome, which is a rare but serious and potentially fatal condition thought to result from hyperstimulation of brainstem 5-HT1A and 2A receptors. Symptoms of the serotonin syndrome may include mental status changes such as irritability, altered consciousness, confusion, hallucination, and coma; autonomic dysfunction such as tachycardia, hyperthermia, diaphoresis, shivering, blood pressure lability, and mydriasis; neuromuscular abnormalities such as hyperreflexia, myoclonus, tremor, rigidity, and ataxia; and gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Ok, so these two drugs which I presume you have been taking for a while don't cause any bother on their own, but when you add Concerta in to the mix, it can change the way Amitriptyline gets metabolised by your body, making serotonin syndrome more of a possibility. here is the information on Concerta + Amitriptyline: amitriptyline ↔ methylphenidate Applies to: amitriptyline, Concerta (methylphenidate) MONITOR: The coadministration with methylphenidate may increase the serum concentrations of tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). Case reports involving primarily methylphenidate and imipramine have suggested favorable as well as unfavorable clinical effects from this combination. In vitro studies suggest that methylphenidate may inhibit the metabolism of imipramine and other TCAs, although the extent is probably subject to considerable interindividual variation. MANAGEMENT: Pharmacologic response to TCAs should be monitored more closely whenever methylphenidate (racemic) or dexmethylphenidate (the more pharmacologically active d-enantiomer) is added to or withdrawn from therapy, and the TCA dosage adjusted as necessary. So, it may be that your psychiatrist will reduce your Amitriptyline dosage and put you back on the Concerta and keep you under close supervision. The reason why you still do not feel right, is because even though the Concerta is out of your system, you will still have elevated plasma concentrations of the Amitriptyline until things settle down again. This is all my opinion of course, and you should obviously seek professional advice, as there may be some other things at work here (especially as you mentioned blacking out on rollercoasters), but I hope that it may put your mind at rest as to why it might be happening. Information taken from Drugs.com interactions checkerJohn
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Post by JJ on Dec 7, 2013 19:57:35 GMT
Hi Emma
I hope you're gradually feeling a bit better...
I just thought I'd mention to you that methylphenidate can help a lot with depression - it was shockingly effective for me (though everyone's different) but, my point is, that if you're on amitriptyline for anti-depressant reasons and your psych reduces them, you won't necessarily get depression back - because of the concerta.
When you get your meds sorted and feel more together, it'd be interesting to know about your black-out stuff....
Look after yourself xxxxx
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emma
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Post by emma on Dec 9, 2013 21:45:30 GMT
Hi everyone, So saw the psychiatrist. Told me sounds like the side effects were all due to the mixing of the medication. He told me to stop everything. Then when it's out of my system to start on the concerta again. So fingers crossed. Thanks for all the advice and encouragement though folks.
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emma
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Post by emma on Dec 22, 2013 21:53:56 GMT
Hi all. Me again. Day 5 of 18mg. Nausea is crippling. Can't face food. Retch at little things like people blowing their nose! Whenever I eat it doesn't sit right and sorry to be graphic, but really bad trapped wind!! Will it get better? With time? Or titration? Hope everyone is set for Christmas...? Emma
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 22, 2013 22:09:24 GMT
when it's out of my system to start on the concerta again What/how was this defined as? The complete elimination of the other stuff would be my primary concern. I don't know anything about those drugs you were on but some will have a return to baseline immediately and others could take a *lot* longer, especially if any of it got dumped into your fat cells. I would also look up the general causes of nausea and compare it to the known mediations of concerta for ideas. i.e. does concerta increase/decrease stomach acidity? Blood sugars? Anything...
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 23, 2013 2:08:51 GMT
Stumbled upon this sciencey stuff and thought of you So what you *could* be experiencing is a mild (?) discontinuation effect of Amitriptyline as it counters this very effect. Going back to the original thinking... Amitriptyline seems to do lots of shit but 'at a glance' comparison with it's metabolite, Nortriptyline, what stands out is no '5HT3' receptor affinity; the thing that blocks that other thing in your stomach and stops you from feeling nauseous. Conclusion? You are no longer taking Amititrip but it's active metabolite is (maybe) still working away. More googling suggests a minimum 9~ day break from Amitrip before starting Concerta, assuming nothing else is stopping it's clearance either! How long did you leave it? Your initial post is also consistent with Amitrip overdose - stupor, etc. All of this might be complete bollocks. It might also be bang on. It might be worth booking an emergency slot with your GP (with the clear intention that you want to be tested for elevated levels of blah) for some tests to prove/disprove this stuff or if you're feeling particularly unwell, A&E. If you're on the mend though, it might be worth coming off the Concerta for a few days so the last of it can be cleared as easily as possible. Either way, let us know!!
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emma
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Post by emma on Dec 23, 2013 14:11:31 GMT
That's really helpful. Did a bit of research myself and in some folk amitriptyline can take 2 weeks to clear. It can also interact with zopiclone and cause nausea etc. so likely it's still in my system, reacting with current meds. Stopping sleeping pills just incase and to be honest I'm only getting 5 hours anyway, so hardly seems worth it! Going to emergency clinic tonight. I'm gonna stop concerta from tomorrow too. I'll be damned if it's going to ruin my Christmas dinner!!!
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Post by meepmeep on Dec 29, 2013 0:09:25 GMT
Are you getting enough quality sleep?
The last two days I've not slept well, in fact around 2-3 hours sleep if that, some what self inflicted as I decided to crash on my brothers sofa next to a marine aquarium with noisey pumps designed to change flow...yeah that and an ADHD'er dont mix.
Anyway, I've been feeling a lot of nausea, been chucking food up, super fidgety and just feel like crap. In fact I'm back home, and gonna go to bed in a bit.
My point is, if you don't get enough/good sleep, Concerta side effects tend to come out like mad!
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Post by boo on Dec 29, 2013 0:38:07 GMT
i don't get any of that of concerta XL. I don't sleep well (never have done... no surprises there though eh!) but have never noticed additional side effects particularly related to it. My sleep was (i think) initially helped by taking meds ...although tbf, it's been a long time now! but in all honesty, it's not generally been changed in any significant way. The benefit i get is more related to being able to close down (or maybe just ignore a bit more!) all some of the external (and internal!) "chatter" and being able to focus and concentrate in an environment i would otherwise be holding my head in despair and wondering just what my brain did in a previous life to deserve this
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emma
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Post by emma on Dec 29, 2013 19:20:35 GMT
Meepmeep Cripes, I can't cope with a ticking clock never mind a fish tank filter!! No wonder you haven't had any sleep. My sleep is not great. At my parents in a strange bed too. Nausea isn't really abating... :-(
Boo My side effects are apparently a combination of cold turkey off amitriptyline (all docs I've spoken to were shocked by psychs decision) and the concerta... But I'm with you. Last Dr I spoke to asked were the side effects Worth it. The answer. Resounding yes. So quiet. Except when it wears off in the evening and bugger me it's scary to return to my crazy mind as it really was bad. Productivity has increased and I've re-started a business venture that was put on the back burner for over year and a half!!
So. Side effects are horrific. Lost two stone and I am well underweight. BUT. I am riding this out. It's worth it to have a brain that is as close to normally functioning as possible!!
Again. Great to converse with you all. Feel less of an oddity, given my families less than supportive nature. Constantly been told to man up!! Lovely.
Emma.x
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emma
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Post by emma on Jan 13, 2014 21:59:47 GMT
Hi all So concerta didn't work out. Stone and a half lighter and emergency appointment at the hospital for being so malnourished and back to square one. Trying Atomoxetine... Any one with any experience? Emma
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spikeyxx
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Post by spikeyxx on Feb 10, 2014 0:02:34 GMT
Concerta XL really screwed me up. Made me feel very sick and if anything more susceptible to ADHD symptoms. It brought me out of my shell a little and made conversation with others bearable but made me very hyper, distractable, fuzzy headed, bothered by noises and feeling physically sick all the time. I've been on atomoxetine now and have recently gone up in dose. It takes a while to kick in but seems to be alleviating most symptoms. Some days it doesn't seem to work, but on general it works well
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emma
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Post by emma on Feb 11, 2014 7:29:19 GMT
Spikeyxx Thanks for your comment. What dosage are you on? I'm increasing very slowly to try to prevent chronic side effects. I have a decreased appetite and the skin of a teenager! I didn't even have that as a teenager... I'm now 32! Gahhhh. This is all on 40mg so no benefits yet but in3 weeks I'll be on 80... Have you any side effects?
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Fairy13
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Post by Fairy13 on Feb 14, 2014 15:12:40 GMT
I started taking Concerta XL, and for the first couple of weeks felt incredibly sick. Like I was constantly on the verge of actually throwing up.
There was some article in a paper about how probiotics can help concentration and anxiety, it was in the Mail, it sounded like BS to me, but my Mum read it and bought me some probiotics to take anyway.
So, I took them. Concentration and anxiety have not changed, (as I rather expected!) BUT the horrible sicky feeling from the Concerta has gone completely.
I got a cold about a week ago, threw everything out of whack. Started feeling really horribly ill. Realised I'd been forgetting to take my probiotics with my meds.
So I started taking them again, and now I'm back to just having a really horrible cold!
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Post by scenic-route on Feb 14, 2014 16:16:02 GMT
I'm new to the forum, just diagnosed with mild ADHD. My son, daughter and husband were all diagdosed ADHD in 2013. So we are a family of ADDers! Wonder if there is anyone else in this situation? I'm waiting to start treatment and am hoping to restart my career after a 5 year break if the medication does the trick. I have some ideas for sleep problems. Things we have all found useful - those sound machines that make wave/rain etc noises and melatonin 3-5mg available on the internet.
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