simbo
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Post by simbo on Aug 26, 2015 7:57:16 GMT
I thought it would be useful for me to record down my first few weeks on Concerta and how it affecting my ADHD. After the disaster yester day of actually getting my prescription I took my first tablet later than told. It should have been the morning but it ended up being lunchtime, waiting for today was just too far away!
I am starting on 18mg for the first 2 weeks and then increasing to 36mg. I wasn't sure that 18 would make the slightest bit of difference, however I felt slightly less restless and managed to have a conversation with my partner for over an hour without getting up, getting moody or playing with my phone. I seemed to focus much more on what was being said and actually taking it in.
About 5pm I felt tired, this lasted about 30 mins and then the next dose kicked in and kept me going throughout the evening. I slept the best I have in years, it normally takes a good 2 hours of fidgeting and restlessness before I drop off, last night seemed to be within a few minutes. I didn't sleep through, getting up at about 3, this is nothing out of the norm for me.
No particular side effects were noticed, I'm pretty convinced at the moment that the 36mg dose will do the job but need to see if it lasts the day. All in all a positive start but it is only day one and I need to be sure it's the meds and not the thought of taking a tablet.
More as the days go on!
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simbo
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Post by simbo on Aug 26, 2015 19:54:56 GMT
Took my meds as directed, straight after breakfast (7.30am) and felt effects fairly quickly. Able to focus on the main and managed to sit still through a three hour tattoo session which surprised me and my tattooist. We normally book (and pay) for 3 hours but only actually do a couple max by the time I have a wonder round!
Definitely noticed when it wore off. School uniform shopping with my son this afternoon and at around 3pm whilst in the middle of buying trainers I found myself becoming agitated, frustrated, less focused, wondering mind etc. have spent the evening unable to settle, fidgeting and getting wound up by those around me. Pretty much back to the normal me.
I'm hoping that this may be that I'm only on a half dose at the moment and that once I go up to 36mg it may well last longer, if not then it's back to the consultant to see if I can have some kind of top up mid afternoon to get me through the evening. As it stands the meds would not last me a full work day.
I guess it's trial and error but the impulsive side of me wants to be on the right dose now, waiting two weeks to increase seems like an absolute age! Let's see how tomorrow goes!
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Post by vagueandrandom on Aug 26, 2015 20:41:09 GMT
Hey simbo I started 18mg concerta about 6 weeks ago and found that it seems to only last 8 - 10 hours. I didn't get much from it until I started on 36mg. You're lucky that you can afford to go private. Good luck!
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Post by manson88 on Aug 26, 2015 21:33:52 GMT
simbo I'm a week in front of you I started on 18mg of concerta xl Last Wednesday I'm similar to yourself were I'm feeling the affects of the medication but feel that there could be room for some more. The biggest difference to me is the sleep. It's the best sleep I have had for 20 years! I have even longer to wait than you have. I was given my prescription for 30 days and told they will see me in 4-6 weeks. I couldn't believe it. No tritaion plan just see you in 4-6 weeks bye lol. Well I got a prescription that's everything. Was told any issues or problems to contact my gp as it's shared care.
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simbo
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Post by simbo on Aug 26, 2015 22:27:14 GMT
Hey simbo I started 18mg concerta about 6 weeks ago and found that it seems to only last 8 - 10 hours. I didn't get much from it until I started on 36mg. You're lucky that you can afford to go private. Good luck! I was hoping that when I get up to 36mg it would last longer. Patients is certainly not my strong point. I have noticed a difference on 18mg and to be fair liked the way it made me feel. Just a glimpse of clarity was an eye opener. Having read others threads on here I do feel very lucky to have been able to see a private Dr. I'm hoping for a shared care agreement though longer term, the cost of meds monthly wouldn't be sustainable.
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simbo
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Post by simbo on Aug 26, 2015 22:38:26 GMT
simbo I'm a week in front of you I started on 18mg of concerta xl Last Wednesday I'm similar to yourself were I'm feeling the affects of the medication but feel that there could be room for some more. The biggest difference to me is the sleep. It's the best sleep I have had for 20 years! I have even longer to wait than you have. I was given my prescription for 30 days and told they will see me in 4-6 weeks. I couldn't believe it. No tritaion plan just see you in 4-6 weeks bye lol. Well I got a prescription that's everything. Was told any issues or problems to contact my gp as it's shared care. I did notice improvements in sleeping, it was certainly deep sleep last night and a lot less feeling of restlessness and not so much fidgeting. I was given 2 prescriptions, one for 18mg x 14 days and one for 36 x 30 days. My consultant is prescribing at the moment and not my GP, she won't prescribe until I am on a settled dose. 30 days at 18mg seems along time, but as you say at least you have the meds and some improvement is better than none. I could tell today that 18mg is not enough, although I and others could see a difference I know it could be better. Hope it goes well for you and that you continue to see positive impact.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 27, 2015 6:03:03 GMT
I was hoping that when I get up to 36mg it would last longer. Patients is certainly not my strong point. I have noticed a difference on 18mg and to be fair liked the way it made me feel. Just a glimpse of clarity was an eye opener. Having read others threads on here I do feel very lucky to have been able to see a private Dr. I'm hoping for a shared care agreement though longer term, the cost of meds monthly wouldn't be sustainable. If the meds don't last long enough you can ask for an extra Ritalin per day. For me Concerta works pretty long, 12-13 hours, but I end up crashing at the end of a busy day. Usually I don't mind as I can just doze off on the couch or go to bed, but I also have days where there are business dinners and late evenings at a conference or such. For those days my doc has now prescribed Ritalin. I take Concerta at 7:30 and in the evening at 19:30 I can take the Ritalin to avoid the hard crash and get a few more hours. I still have to try it, but it's supposed to work quite well. The only downside is if you happen to be someone who can't sleep while on meds and you end up in bed earlier than expected. I hope you find a way to cover the costs of the meds and that you do not have to go as high as me. I'm on 72mg, which means 54 + 18mg Concerta. Because it's not the methylphenidate that is expensive, but rather the capsules, having two is quite an expensive proposition. Here in the Netherlands the meds aren't fully covered by health insurance either, so I end up paying most of it. Best of luck with the meds and don't worry if you loose the benefits after a few days. Your body adjusts and it takes a while before you find the right balance/dosage.
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Post by manson88 on Aug 27, 2015 6:16:50 GMT
I was hoping that when I get up to 36mg it would last longer. Patients is certainly not my strong point. I have noticed a difference on 18mg and to be fair liked the way it made me feel. Just a glimpse of clarity was an eye opener. Having read others threads on here I do feel very lucky to have been able to see a private Dr. I'm hoping for a shared care agreement though longer term, the cost of meds monthly wouldn't be sustainable. If the meds don't last long enough you can ask for an extra Ritalin per day. For me Concerta works pretty long, 12-13 hours, but I end up crashing at the end of a busy day. Usually I don't mind as I can just doze off on the couch or go to bed, but I also have days where there are business dinners and late evenings at a conference or such. For those days my doc has now prescribed Ritalin. I take Concerta at 7:30 and in the evening at 19:30 I can take the Ritalin to avoid the hard crash and get a few more hours. I still have to try it, but it's supposed to work quite well. The only downside is if you happen to be someone who can't sleep while on meds and you end up in bed earlier than expected. I hope you find a way to cover the costs of the meds and that you do not have to go as high as me. I'm on 72mg, which means 54 + 18mg Concerta. Because it's not the methylphenidate that is expensive, but rather the capsules, having two is quite an expensive proposition. Here in the Netherlands the meds aren't fully covered by health insurance either, so I end up paying most of it. Best of luck with the meds and don't worry if you loose the benefits after a few days. Your body adjusts and it takes a while before you find the right balance/dosage. @dutch You just answer my question! I have noticed that the body does gets use to the concerta. I find that the come down is real gentle. I would like a we bit more stim - up the dosage. I don't know I think that he's trying to give me as little as possible. To save money. I think that it is working. Attention very much similar to when I was on strattera 40 mg in the beginning. But I don't have the energy or the motivation. Think that is maybe what I need.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 27, 2015 7:01:20 GMT
@dutch You just answer my question! I have noticed that the body does gets use to the concerta. I find that the come down is real gentle. I would like a we bit more stim - up the dosage. I don't know I think that he's trying to give me as little as possible. To save money. I think that it is working. Attention very much similar to when I was on strattera 40 mg in the beginning. But I don't have the energy or the motivation. Think that is maybe what I need. The body is surprisingly good at adapting and that is why it takes a long time to find the right dosage or even the right meds. I'm on 72mg now and the first four days I was bouncing around thinking it might be too much. It took about a week to stabilise and I've been quite happy for the past two weeks. Yesterday I spoke to the doc about how it's been. Even though there might be room for improvement, I still have the cotton wool in my head, we decided to stick with the 72mg for the next six weeks before we consider a step up to 90mg or a switch to dexamphetamines, depending on whether or not I feel the need for it. The slow process isn't just about saving money (which is no doubt a factor), but also about allowing your body time to adjust to the stimulant. I get medical check-ups to make sure my weight is stable, my blood pressure doesn't increase and that my heart rate is normal. I even spent an evening in A&E because the cardiologist saw something he didn't like on the ECG. Because it's a stimulant they are very careful and will not take any risks. Like the positive effects, side-effects might take a while to become apparent. Best of luck and I hope you will find your dosage soon!
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simbo
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Post by simbo on Aug 29, 2015 12:39:54 GMT
Starting day 5 and things are going well. There's room for improvement still but I am noticing some difference. I am slightly more focused and less restless. I am able to start and more often than not complete a task. I think the biggest difference has been my sleep. From day 1 there has been a significant difference, instead of 2 - 3 hours of tossing and turning before actually being able to get to sleep I am dropping off very quickly and in the main sleeping through. On average I'm getting 10 hours a night compared to the 4 - 5 hours I've previously had, this has made a big difference to my mindset and general activity level the next day.
The come down when the tablets ware of is pretty gentle, I notice it but not getting any horrible side effects. Appetite is increased, this goes against what is suggested, however I am very active at the gym and generally eat a lot, I think I'm eating less than I was given the amount of training I do.
I've given my diagnosis a great deal of thought and have gone through several emotions, angry that this wasn't pick up years ago, upset by the way I have behaved in the past, the people I have upset, the friendships and relationships lost, and the difficulties faced at work. But have also felt relieved that actually there is a reason why, some of these has been out of my control. I've also thought so what now? I have this diagnosis, what am I actually going to do with it? Is it actually going to make any difference to my life, the way I act and behave, improve the way I am?? Further to this I have questioned who I should tell, what will my friends, work colleagues feel? Is it a sign of weakness, will my professional standing be compromised?? Having some clarity in my mind has allowed me time to think and I'm not sure that I like that! I guess this is all part of the journey now!
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Post by Deleted on Aug 30, 2015 7:05:00 GMT
I've given my diagnosis a great deal of thought and have gone through several emotions, angry that this wasn't pick up years ago, upset by the way I have behaved in the past, the people I have upset, the friendships and relationships lost, and the difficulties faced at work. But have also felt relieved that actually there is a reason why, some of these has been out of my control. I've also thought so what now? I have this diagnosis, what am I actually going to do with it? Is it actually going to make any difference to my life, the way I act and behave, improve the way I am?? Further to this I have questioned who I should tell, what will my friends, work colleagues feel? Is it a sign of weakness, will my professional standing be compromised?? Having some clarity in my mind has allowed me time to think and I'm not sure that I like that! I guess this is all part of the journey now! Take it in your stride and explore how you develop from here on out. The diagnosis doesn't change who you are, it simply gives you information about yourself you did not have before. Do with that information what seems best to you. For me it changed some things. Because of my attention deficit I have had to fight for everything I've achieved in my life and although that is quite a lot and I am pretty proud of myself, I now find I need to focus more on enjoying the fruits of my labor. So I decided to go on another adventure, but make sure I stay rooted at home with my wife (even if that home is in a different country). Apart from that I am happy to be me. Goofy, clumsy, forgetful, impulsive and not always "socially correct". My life is exciting, challenging and unpredictable, and when I die I am sure I will have no regrets! In short: Be yourself and make sure you stay yourself!
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simbo
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Post by simbo on Aug 30, 2015 9:50:13 GMT
Thanks Dutch, this makes a great deal of sense. I too have struggled to get to where I am, I left my last job role nearly a year ago now following some very difficult relationships with my senior team that I could just not overcome. That knocked my confidence for sure and I've taken a year out to reevaluate where I am going. My diagnosis has certainly helped put that into perspective and understand why things panned out the way they did.
I actually like me as a person, yes I can be unpredictable, impulsive, and I am sure at times an absolute nightmare to live with, but it's me. My partner was concerned that the medication would make me a different person, and whilst supportive of getting diagnosed didn't want me to change. It has certainly helped us to start to see where some of our problems have stemmed from.
Thanks again for the words of wisdom, it is appreciated
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simbo
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Post by simbo on Sept 3, 2015 20:14:21 GMT
So it's been a few days since I last posted. Increased meds to 36mg on Saturday. Felt rough on the first day and splitting headache on the second day but things have settled down somewhat. I have noticed I am able to focus more, feel much calmer in myself, sleeping the best I have for many years and slightly less restless. I'm still not sure if this is the right dose for me, I am due to speak to the consultant at the end of next week and maybe an increase may be decided.
Today is the first day since stating mess I think I have been slightly manic, after a positive start things drifted during the day, flying from one thing to another without actually finishing anything, getting frustrated and stating to procrastinate once again. I suppose everyone has off days! Onwards and upwards and we'll see how things go over the next week.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 4, 2015 14:14:10 GMT
Just popping in to say I am enjoying following your diary and I am really pleased that you are making progress. I have recently changed meds and so am back in the Diary Room again myself.
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simbo
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Post by simbo on Sept 5, 2015 15:00:28 GMT
Just popping in to say I am enjoying following your diary and I am really pleased that you are making progress. I have recently changed meds and so am back in the Diary Room again myself. Thanks, hope your change in meds is going well! It all seems a bit hit and miss to start with, although I'm seeing benefits still think that I'm not on the right does yet!
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simbo
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Post by simbo on Sept 7, 2015 9:47:34 GMT
Had a visit to the GP this morning to discuss my recent diagnosis. I had posted previously that she was not very understanding and suggest a few weeks of counselling would sort me out! I had built myself up for a right argument this morning, planned in my head what I was going to say (hat was a waste of time because I had actually forgotten most of it before I arrived!) but was pleasantly surprised. She has not yet had a report but has agreed to a shared care agreement and will prescribe my future meds to save on the costs of private prescriptions. She will work with the consultant to get to the right dose and her only stipulation is that I continue to see the consultant annually for a mess review. She told me she was pleased that I had some answers and that medication was working for me. I was absolutely gob smacked, had thought she would refuse given her previous attitude. As soon as she gets my assessment report she will start writing my prescriptions. I guess I've been lucky throughout this process, given that it has only been three weeks from first going to see GP, to being assessed, diagnosed and starting meds. It's annoying that if you are prepared and able to pay help is available almost immediately, sadly this is not the case for everyone!
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Post by Deleted on Sept 7, 2015 10:43:13 GMT
I am really pleased for you!
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simbo
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Post by simbo on Sept 12, 2015 13:04:29 GMT
Exams - now there's a problem. Medication or no medication it just doesn't sink in. So I've spent all week cramming for this exam today, hours each day and when it comes to it not a great deal actually stuck in there. I've known about this exam for a while but had put off revising as it "was ages away", and now after 1hr sat in a rooming guessing at answers I guess I'm going to have to resit in a few weeks time. Results in end of next week and we will see for sure. At the moment it just feels like I've wasted a day, lost my confidence and have to face up again to yet another failure in life. ?
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simbo
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Post by simbo on Sept 22, 2015 21:20:06 GMT
It's been a little while since I posted. To follow on from my previous post I now have a few more weeks to revise having missed out by 1 point. Gutted!
Other things are going reasonably well. Shares care agreement is in place with my GP, so no more costly private prescriptions. Medication is now increased to 54mg and seems to be working well, have far more focus, not so restless and a much clearer head. Downside is that it doesn't last long enough and I and those around me notice when it's work off. Review again in 2 weeks so we'll see what happens next.
I suppose the main thing for me is that I can see some improvement and after many years have some sort of clarity in what's been a chaotic life so far.
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Post by kelloggs11 on Sept 24, 2015 9:01:06 GMT
Hey simbo I started 18mg concerta about 6 weeks ago and found that it seems to only last 8 - 10 hours. I didn't get much from it until I started on 36mg. You're lucky that you can afford to go private. Good luck! I was hoping that when I get up to 36mg it would last longer. Patients is certainly not my strong point. I have noticed a difference on 18mg and to be fair liked the way it made me feel. Just a glimpse of clarity was an eye opener. Having read others threads on here I do feel very lucky to have been able to see a private Dr. I'm hoping for a shared care agreement though longer term, the cost of meds monthly wouldn't be sustainable. Hi Simbo, Which Private consultant are you seeing? Im private too, I see Dr Vinod Kumar, hes based in Nottingham. Kellie
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Post by kelloggs11 on Sept 24, 2015 9:09:35 GMT
@dutch You just answer my question! I have noticed that the body does gets use to the concerta. I find that the come down is real gentle. I would like a we bit more stim - up the dosage. I don't know I think that he's trying to give me as little as possible. To save money. I think that it is working. Attention very much similar to when I was on strattera 40 mg in the beginning. But I don't have the energy or the motivation. Think that is maybe what I need. The body is surprisingly good at adapting and that is why it takes a long time to find the right dosage or even the right meds. I'm on 72mg now and the first four days I was bouncing around thinking it might be too much. It took about a week to stabilise and I've been quite happy for the past two weeks. Yesterday I spoke to the doc about how it's been. Even though there might be room for improvement, I still have the cotton wool in my head, we decided to stick with the 72mg for the next six weeks before we consider a step up to 90mg or a switch to dexamphetamines, depending on whether or not I feel the need for it. The slow process isn't just about saving money (which is no doubt a factor), but also about allowing your body time to adjust to the stimulant. I get medical check-ups to make sure my weight is stable, my blood pressure doesn't increase and that my heart rate is normal. I even spent an evening in A&E because the cardiologist saw something he didn't like on the ECG. Because it's a stimulant they are very careful and will not take any risks. Like the positive effects, side-effects might take a while to become apparent. Best of luck and I hope you will find your dosage soon! I had the same when I went up to 90mg, However the side effects I was getting with it (headaches, shaking etc) I told my doctor and he said to stop the 90mg and prescribed the 5mg methylphenidate to take alongside my 72mg, once in the morning and then see how I feel and let him know. I don't even know how I feel on the tablets anymore... I have only ever felt positive about them once. it was on the first day that I took the 18mg - my first ever adhd dose! I felt great that day, besides the peaks and troughs. I had that clarity that everyone talks about. Now I just feel normal, like me, how I have always felt. ...........
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simbo
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Post by simbo on Sept 27, 2015 15:36:55 GMT
I was hoping that when I get up to 36mg it would last longer. Patients is certainly not my strong point. I have noticed a difference on 18mg and to be fair liked the way it made me feel. Just a glimpse of clarity was an eye opener. Having read others threads on here I do feel very lucky to have been able to see a private Dr. I'm hoping for a shared care agreement though longer term, the cost of meds monthly wouldn't be sustainable. Hi Simbo, Which Private consultant are you seeing? Im private too, I see Dr Vinod Kumar, hes based in Nottingham. Kellie I'm seeing Dr Kajee based in Norwich. Seems very good and has been very helpful. She has worked hard to get my GP to prescribe which has saved me a fortune in prescription costs! I now have to as her once a year for a meeting review but we talk / email once a week to check how things are going. I suppose I just now build this is to my outings to cover the cost, which to be fair hasn't been as expensive as I thought it would be. Hope yours is going well.
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Post by kelloggs11 on Sept 27, 2015 16:54:16 GMT
Hi Simbo Ahh thanks for that I will bear her in mind for future appointments Well at first it went well... but I'm not getting what I want from the concerta ... everyone talks of clarity ... still none the wiser as to what that even is ! Does Dr Kajee prescribe different meds for your adhd and your gp issues them or do you have to see Dr Kajee for anything new? The trouble I'm facing is if my psych decided to give me something other than concerta I have to pay to see him and then pay for a private prescription too ..... so I'm usually looking at around £300 each time and in the last 5 weeks I've spent £556.50 already !! .. for me if it was a case of 'one more spend out and the meds will be perfect' I wouldn't mind .. but the thought of having to go through it over and over again worries me .. I haven't got that kind of cash ! .. trips back every six months I can easily afford .. but what if I have to go back every month to try a different medication ?!?! That makes me and my bank balance wince ! Lol How much have you been charged if you don't mind me asking ? How are you getting on with your meds now ? Kellie xx
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simbo
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Post by simbo on Sept 27, 2015 19:34:23 GMT
Hi
In terms of cost I had to pay £550 for the assessment and report. She wrote me my first two prescriptions for 14 days of 18mg concerta and 14 days of 36mg. I had to pay the full cost at the chemist when I collected these with was about £110 for the two. I've since gone up to 54mg, for this we spoke over the phone, she then faxes my GP requesting they prescribe the medication, this was then ready to collect later in the day. The cost was then a normal prescription cost. She doesn't charge me for our telephone or email reviews.
To get a shared care agreement she wrote to the GP, I had to agree to seeing her once a year, I have to cover the cost of this, and to see the nurse at the surgery once a month for blood pressure and ECG which they then send through to her. My concerta is now just on repeat at the GPs, if the dose changes she will just fax them with the new dosage.
Defiantly worth asking your consultant and GP about a shared care agreement. I was actually surprised how easily the GP agreed.
How am I getting on with the meds! Umm, there is defiantly improvement, I am far less restless and fidgety, this was a real issue for me. I can focus much more, not always on the right thing! I feel more relaxed and there's not a hundred conversations going on in my head at any one time. I've not really had any side effects at all, so all in all there have been lots of positives. I'm not sure I'm on the right dose yet but at what point to you decide things are right? I will probably go up to 72mg at the end of next week and see what that does!
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simbo
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Post by simbo on Oct 2, 2015 10:24:56 GMT
Still on my 54mg, consultant wanted me try them for at least a month before going up again. Seems to be ok but I've had a bit of week of not really achieving anything at all. I'm supposed to be revising for an upcoming exam but not done much on that at all, back to I'll do that tomorrow. The restless has reduced considerably, just wish that little bit of focus I had gained when I first started taking the meds.
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simbo
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Post by simbo on Oct 11, 2015 9:31:57 GMT
Things continue to go well, I've dropped meds back to 36mg, waiting for a new prescription for 45mg. I felt that the higher dose was actually starting to make things worse (or back to how they use to be). Still coming to terms with my diagnosis, I think I was happier not knowing to be honest. There have been so many things I have looked at over the last few weeks and thought I cant do that, particularly with work. It's almost like this diagnosis has taken away my confidence and belief in myself.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 12, 2015 6:03:22 GMT
Things continue to go well, I've dropped meds back to 36mg, waiting for a new prescription for 45mg. I felt that the higher dose was actually starting to make things worse (or back to how they use to be). Still coming to terms with my diagnosis, I think I was happier not knowing to be honest. There have been so many things I have looked at over the last few weeks and thought I cant do that, particularly with work. It's almost like this diagnosis has taken away my confidence and belief in myself. In many ways that's how I have experienced the past few months since my diagnosis. Knowing is a curse and a blessing at the same time. BUT, don't loose your confidence. You're still the same person and you're still capable of everything you did before the diagnosis! There might be some adjustments you need to make in order to make things go a bit smoother (i.e. better) and other than that it is still the same old you. My meds work great (read: they give a small, but noticeable improvement) and at the moment I am under very high pressure. Now I feel my restrictions much more than before. It means I'm more aware of the risks I'm taking and because of that I'm taking it a little easier. That simply helps me to not burn up completely in a matter of days, which is what I did before, and while I might end up doing a bit less in a day, I have been keeping it up for much longer than usual. So despite feeling more restricted than before, at times even "handicapped", I'm actually doing really well. I still have crap days, but even on those days I can manage to do something useful. Before I could waste days on end before I got around to doing anything. I will underline this: It helps me a great deal that my wife is working together with me to find the right balance, despite the fact that she can't understand it half the time. Together we (as a couple) are making great progress in getting me to the level where I want to be in a way that I can sustain it.
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Post by shinkansen on Oct 12, 2015 14:15:40 GMT
Hello Simbo,
Thanks for your contribution on your experience with Concerta. I've been taking Concerta since January 2015, so that's 10 months now. It does take a while to find an appropriate dose and managing it, too. I take 2 x 36 mg pills each day. If you can, consider spreading the dose during the day. For me, that can mean taking 1 x 36 mg first thing in the morning, then a second one a few hours later. And keep a diary, noting the amount you took, when you took it and what benefits they have. Think of it as a road to recovery.
It does help having an understanding GP. Along with Concerta, he also prescribes me daily doses of 1 x 5 mg Olanzapine and 1 x 30 mg of Mirtazapine. It's commitment to take 3 sets of pills for your mental well being, but if you stick to the dose and note any improvements, it does feel worthwhile.
You have to persevere. Diagnosis and medication can be unsettling. Try to stick with it and see your GP regularly. Good luck !
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Post by manson88 on Oct 12, 2015 17:30:38 GMT
How do I approach?
Ok this maybe sounds obvious, I'm on 18mg of concerta xl for 8 weeks now.
I'm for my psychiatrist appointment on Thursday.
Pros, sleep has got heavier, solid, sound. 7.5 hrs a night
Attention is much the same when I was on the Strattera..
I'm afraid to go in and say it's not working, but it is. I do understand it's a small dose.
I was going to go in and say I feel as if there's something going on. But my attention not the same as was on the Strattera on a small dose.
Any suggestions? Or am I expecting too much?
Thanks folks manson88.
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Post by vagueandrandom on Oct 13, 2015 11:58:23 GMT
Hi manson88 18mg concerta had very little effect on me, even the great sleeping came to an end after a couple of weeks. I think they start you on 18mg to see if you have any distressing side-effects then start titration from there. I'm on 36mg now and my concentration is no better, I'm tired all the time and can't sleep. I think I'll need to increase it and I want to give it a chance, but I'm moving house, so don't know when I'll next see a specialist. I'd mention the good sleep and lack of distressing side effects at your follow-up appointment and let them know that you'd like to see if your concentration will be improved at a higher dose. I mentioned to my consultant that I'd been reading up about it and realise that 18mg is a very small dose and would like to continue at a higher dose. I hope it goes ok.
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