Re: Concerta

[Anonymous]

Dr. Jain,

When I wrote the first two posts, I was somewhat sensitive to Concerta dosage at 36mg, but this has changed. After some 10-14 days on 18mg that didn’t give me much of an effect, I tried the 36mg again, and this time it worked pretty much as I would have wanted it to (the side effects – mainly head ache and stomach ache as well as a tendency to sweat more – had lowered considerably) and I can now enjoy much of the good sides of how this medicine works, though these are still not quite optimal.

There is however a tendency: Both the wanted effect and the side effects are beginning to diminish, and I foresee the possibility that I will need 54mg next month, which will then hopefully have the closest to ultimate effect without the side effects – or at least with fewer side effects than in the beginning.

But I have one great worry:

I’ve read more than once that one can become dependent on Concerta (and other stimulant medicines) … and I mean physically dependent, addicted! … and this really, really worries me.

The scenarios used on some websites to put it into perspective are like the programs we have seen on tv about crag addicts who (before and after withdrawal) can’t complete even short conversations because their ability to focus is not only temporarily impaired, but completely destroyed. If there is any truth to this it seems to imply that our synapses over time will grow permanently incapable of functioning (without the drug), and at least in the case of crag this is actually so (though filler-drugs and other factors may play a role).

But is it possible that it is the same with Concerta?

I know Ritalin (the drug used in Concerta) has been used for around 50 years. But I haven’t been able to find anything about the long term effects on people who are on this medication on a daily basis (except for the kind of information I refer to above, which isn’t very well founded and which have no references to time or dosage, i.e.).

Damage to my brain is my greatest fear of all. I fear this more than becoming paralyzed or blind (which are things I fear greatly too, obviously). So it is hard for me to let go of this issue. I feel a need to know about it, and though I have tried to find other sources of information, I have failed to do so. This is why I’m “imposing” on your time and ask if you will and can tell me/us something about it.

Could/would you perhaps help with some information about this question, or refer me to a website that has information about it? (The doctors and psychiatrists I have access to know less than I do in this regard and can’t help.)

I would be very grateful!

Thank you in advance.

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To AbsIt0, Fearwidg, and others,

about having tics:

Since my last visit (and post) I’ve learned a few more things, and one thing that I want to mention is that it seems to be advised to not take Concerta if you have tics (or Tourettes).

For this reason I think it would be a good idea if you look more into this issue and talk to your doc about it too. Hopefully he’ll be able to help/know what to do, or he can refer you to someone with expertise in ADHD and ADHD-medication who can help you.

I wish you all the best of luck! ^L^,

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