Negative side effects from Concerta - have you switched to something else?

Question

Help!  My 9 year old son was diagnosed with ADHD when he was 5.  He's been on Concerta ever since.  It really helped him be more successful in school.   He started on 18 mg, went to 27, then 36 mg.  A relative who came to stay with us noticed that he seemed really "mean" when he took his medicine.  Shame on me for not noticing, but I was so used to him being that way, that it became the norm.  I started giving him weekends "off" and really saw what our relative meant.  His counselor recommended going back to the lowest dose to give him the stimulation he needs, but hopefully lessen the side effects.  It still makes him nasty.  Without the medicine he is happier, but fidgets so much in school that it is distracting the class.

Have you (or your child) quit Concerta for this reason?  What did you switch to?  Did it help?  I need to contact his doctor, but I was hoping for some help from others who have been there.  Thanks.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

My daughter has ADHD, some meds stop working after a time even with increasing the dose. You might need to try another med. , there are many different types out there.  Ask your doctor about Straterra it is a non-stimulant.  There are also natural vitamins you can take to help.  I take L-Tyrosine, Omega-3 fish oil and  others.  You might want check out some books on ADHD for the exact vitamins and doses.  Good Luck.

? · Answer

Give him a few days to adjust and see what happens. Trouble sleeping is a side effect of Concerta and some kids have a great deal of trouble with it. Your doc would probably be able to offer you 2 options....either trying a different ADD medication, or taking a 2nd medication at night to help with sleep. Just keep his doctor up to date on how he's doing (with Concerta, it is required that you see the doctor every 3 months anyway), and know that if he doesn't tolerate this medication very well, there are other alternatives that can be as equally effective.

letterstoheather · Answer

Hi.. i think your best bet is to contact the doctor... 

Medications work differently for each individual, so what might work for someone else out here, may not be appropriate for your son.

It can be hit or miss with meds...  and sometimes we have to try a few to get what is "just right" for us.  

i wish your son all the best!  take care.

gangadharan nair · Answer

Please see the web pages for more details on Methylphenidate (generic name) Concerta (brand name).

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Negative side effects from Concerta - have you switched to something else?

4 Answers