My First Full Week on 36mg Concerta XL - Well, this is life-changing...!
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- Опубликовано: 17 сен 2024
- Hi there!
I'm Emily and I had a late diagnosis of Inattentive ADD (a type of ADHD) just two months after my 30th birthday. Finding out I was neurodivergent was scary and exciting, but now I'm ready to start treatment!
In this video, I start to vlog my fourth week on Concerta, with this being my first full week on a 36mg dose talking about my side effects, benefits and improvements. I had an amazing week, and I honestly am overwhelmed by how much more energy, motivation and focus I have. Hopefully this isn't a placebo effect, but we will see!
You can also see me realising that my rejection sensitive dysphoria may have led me to depression/depressive symptoms, and that set-backs don't have to be catastrophic - I can cope with failure!
Concerta XL is a prolonged/slow/long release stimulant medication (its scientific name is methylphenidate!) used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This medication is sometimes called Ritalin, Daytrana or Focalin - particularly in the US. Other ADHD medications that you might be familiar with are Vyvanse, Dexadrine and Adderall, which are amphetamines, rather than methylphenidates, however, they are all stimulants. This video shows my 5th week on the drug and highlights some of its effects on my mind, mood and body.
I will be continuing a vlog showing my experience with ConcertaXL as I test out my current dose and through the titration period. (Started on 18mg, now taking 36mg).
Whether you're considering starting Concerta XL, have already begun treatment, are curious about ADHD and its links to depression, or are simply looking for some reassurance that you're not alone, this video is for you.
Be sure to say hi in the comments - I'd love to make some new friends in the neurodivergence community, and don't forget to like, share and subscribe for more videos on mental health, ADHD, and related topics!
PLEASE NOTE: I am not a medical professional, this video is for entertainment and anecdotal information only. Always consult your healthcare provider if you are considering taking any medication to make sure it is safe and right for you.
Thanks for vlogging your experience with Concerta! I was diagnosed 11 years ago when I was 20 and prescribed Ritalin at the time, but I never really got into it because I was worried about the long term health implications of taking medication. 11 years on, I run my own business but struggle with basic admin tasks (and life tasks - generally anything that doesn't interest me) and so have sought help from a private doctor (the NHS is currently in absolute shambles and getting help with them seems hopeless) so I can get my act together. I'll be starting on 18MG on Monday. I do recall Ritalin feeling illegally good when I took it and its effects on me were profound. I think this is part of what scared me off - I didn't think people were supposed to feel THAT good!
On the subject of the seeking help for this via the NHS or otherwise - the process is SO ADHD unfriendly. As ADHDers we lack motivation to complete tasks - if the process is difficult or long winded, then we're absolutely going to struggle with getting help. One of the reasons I went private is that the process was much more efficient, but it's a real shame that so many will be stuck on an NHS waiting list for an indefinite period of time, and won't be able to afford private healthcare. I believe you can ask your doctor to refer you via Psychiatry UK and this will speed the process up substantially however.
I've already lost 40 years of my life, I've nothing to lose
So lovely to see you finding a groove! I’m on the same journey right now, but not sure I’m having the same experience 😂 look forward to seeing more updates from you ❤️
Hey Erin :)
Thank you for your comment - I'm glad to be finding that "groove" too. Someone commented and said it sounds like I'm switching from playing "the video game of life from hard to standard difficulty", and that is such a great metaphor for how it feels.
I really hope you are feeling that way too!
Thank you for your support of my channel :)
Emily x
Thank you for being so open about your experience ❤ I totally get that you were gutted about that job, I hope another opportunity turns up soon for you! I just started Ritalin (10mg) myself and I could really relate to your experience. Like, it’s easy to do stuff now?! I don’t need a nap after going shopping for a couple hours? Also don’t get me started on reading books without getting distracted by thoughts every few minutes. What a wonderful thing to not have to work so hard all the time, I literally cried.
I hope the meds keep working well for you!
Hi there Cele,
Thank you for your kind comment - it means so much to me to know that people find my vlogs relatable and supportive.
Exhaustion and the ability to have a nap after draining executive tasks totally ruled my life for a few years, so I can totally empathise with you on that! So glad that Ritalin is working for you :)
Wishing you luck on your medication journey!
Emily
Thank you for sharing your story! When it comes to cancelling - I get you. Lately I've been cancelling a lot of things.. sooo... But it is definitely worth going out with friends! Or going to your doctor's appointment and not cancelling it! As a person who found out about her ADHD AFTER her burnout, I can say that it is IMPORTANT to cancel // SAYING NO to things, places, situations that do not support your values or your goals. And another important think - it is ok to set boundaries. Something might be urgent for your grandma or your father ( or other family members) - but this does not mean it has to be urgent for you. There is a difference between being there for emergencies and important situations and being used as a secretary at a whim.
Take care and stay hydrated!
Hi there Helen,
Thank you so much for your kind comment - it means a lot to me that people can relate and find my vlogs helpful.
Totally agree that setting boundaries is important, but also I find that often I cancel even when I don't need to set a boundary - I think it's more overwhelm than anything else. I am trying to learn to push past that feeling more often, because I often feel a lot better after I have spent time with friends and family and generally have a great time!
It's an important balance to strike.
I hope you are doing well and looking after yourself :)
Emily
Amazing so inspiring I'm starting on Concerta tommorrow feeling excited and positive about it after watching your video 😊
Hi SueHopkins4855.
How exciting is this? I'm so happy for you :) how is the Concerta treating you? I would love to hear about your experiences.
Thank you for your support of my channel - it means a lot to know I am helping people :)
Em x
Im here for it! :)
Do you survived?
Hey Emily :) Good to see you’re feeling better. Seems like you’ve got a lot of momentum going on, making some positive changes in your life! I‘m really rooting for you to get the next job you apply to. 🤞
Aw thank you Hanna! I think I'm going to ask all of my subscribes to cross their fingers, say a little prayer, make a wish and manifest that sh*t the next time I have an interview! Haha.
Thank you for supporting my channel :) x
I’m getting my Concerta meds a few days from now for the first time, after my ADHD diagnosis, i am nervous but excited
Hey there Beaglejuice5681, thanks for your comment!
How is your Concerta journey going? I really hope that they are helping you and making your life better in the ways you need!
Wishing you all the luck with it!
Em x
Meds have been really useful for me. I find that the initial hit is much stronger than the effects you get long term so it's good to remember that. I switched meds a few times expecting to be able to get the same initial burst of productivity as I did the first time. It dawned on me that you build a tolerance with every medication but you balance out eventually. Once I took a break from meds I realised the big difference. It's like the first dose feels like you suddenly dial up to 11 on productivity. Then in the following weeks it drops down to 7-8. That feels bad but going off the meds for a short time I realised my "normal" was like a 3 haha. It's all relative but the meds definitely help even if the initial wonderful feeling wears off a bit.
It's so interesting that you say your "normal is like a 3"! In my most recent vlog (publishing later today!) I take two days off my meds and I have an absolute CRASH. I didn't realise how much a difference they were making until I stopped taking them. It's wild, huh?
How long did you go off meds for before giving yourself a 3 for productivity? Just curious as it does take time for your body to re-adapt to its baseline level of dopamine after you've been supplementing it. I'm about to start Concerta XL and I'm trying to evaluate myself objectively now so that I'm able to make an informed decision in the future. I feel like it'll be really hard to judge what I felt like before once I start!
Thank you for these videos! I’m getting my prescription tomorrow and start taking them the day after! I’m so excited 😭❤️
Hey there Kellikall!
Thank you so much for supporting my channel :) it means a lot. How is your medication journey going? Wishing you luck!
Em x
@@adhdemily Omg hi! I'm on 54 mg now, I feel some effects when it comes to my scatterbrainness/forgetfulness, but I still struggle a lot with getting started with e.g., studying, and also with keeping focus. I'm gonna try 72 mg by the end of next week, so we'll see! I'm very glad I have them still even if it hasn't been life-changing just yet :)
30th birthday? Girl what I thought you were 22-23 something like this
I relate to you so much, very helpful. Thank you for making these videos and sharing your experience
Hey Samantha - thank you so much for your lovely comment. It means so much to me that my videos help people :)
I just stumbled onto your channel, and watched this video. You made a comment about waiting for some event during the day (whether it's an important event, or simply waiting for the mail) and not being able to do anything before the event happens.
I have this problem all the time. I end up paralyzed waiting for whatever I am waiting for and not being able to get anything else done.
In fact, unless I absolutely have to, I will not schedule an appointment after 12:00 noon, because otherwise I am paralyzed until the activity or appointment happens.
The worst for me is when somebody suggests going out for dinner and has the audacity to suggest a start time of 7:00 p.m., or later!
Since I generally get up at around 4:00 a.m. (for no reason at all), I just spend the intervening 15 hours thinking about how much I don't want to go to dinner at 7:00. P.m...
And I've been this way for more than 60 years...
I totally relate.. Until I started meds
This is helpfull. Great advice about thinking 10mins ahead 👍
Thank you! Yes, the 10mins ahead tip has literally changed my life; such a small thing, but so impactful.
Em x
I take one 36 mg concerta a day in the morning then I start my day out with coffee, and ciggeretts.and do my morning walk and journal
I’m not trying to be another blah blah cigarettes are bad or tell you what to do. But as a former smoker, smokers are 500% more likely to develop painful degenerative spine diseases that can literally cripple you or at the very least make walking, standing, sitting, and laying down extremely painful 24/7. Be safe.
Your dog is so cute!
Very interesting. I'm slowly getting over the inertia to try and get assessed so these have been helpful. I feel like the size of those pills would be a problem.
One thing I've noticed is that when I get into the rhythm of doing things, the feel-good effect of getting all the usual life crap done carries over as long as I keep the momentum. It's doubtful that enough of the Concerta stays in your system that long for you to be waking up feeling that good so you may actually be experiencing the residual effect of improving your day to day life. Waking up not feeling like stuff has been piling up for days probably feels rather brilliant. On top of that, feeling like getting today's stuff done is probably a relief, i.e. not waking up with the depressive mood of "I didn't get enough done yesterday" and the anxious mood of "I have so much to do today and I know I'm not getting it all done".
Another thing that I wondered about watching this was whether or not you feel like it's helping you regulate emotions. The bit about not getting that job made me wonder because it sounds like the emotional impact was big despite remaining functional. Don't get me wrong, the functional bit would be great to have on its own but more emotional regulation would also be nice.
Also, I remember you saying you were on anti-depressants too. If you don't mind putting this out on RUclips, would you say those have become more effective for you or are maybe realising a lot of the depressive stuff was really ADHD comorbidity and the ADHD treatment might, eventually get you to a point where you might feel like you don't really need those? Your overall demeanour on this vlog was very noticeably much more positive than the first ones...
Overall, it does sound like you're gradually switching the game of life from hard mode to normal mode. Noice.
Hey Sugoruyo!
I love the metaphor of "switching the game of life from hard mode to normal mode", that is so true.
Well done for finding the motivation to get assessed - the process itself requires a lot of executive functioning, so its an ironic situation to find yourself in. I hope you get the support you need. The pills aren't too bad for me, but if you struggle with swallowing larger tablets I would suggest you chat to your doctor when the time comes - the instant release pills are smaller than the long release ones, but you do have to remember to take them more regularly!
The momentum thing is true. There's an idea of "stirring the Chi" which means that you can cultivate energy and build momentum by keeping moving. I definitely feel that Concerta is helping me do that.
Right now, I don't think I'm far enough along with the effects of the Concerta to say whether or not my depression has improved for sure. As you say, being passed over for the job role did really upset me, but I've always been an emotional person and the ADHD means the rejection-sensitivity is a challenge. It's certainly the hope that taking the Concerta will reduce my depressive symptoms (which, short term, it seems to be doing right now) and allow me to come off anti-depressants. I agree, I do seem more positive in the vlogs!
Thanks for your comment and support of my channel - hopefully as you go through the process of getting a diagnosis my videos can give you some extra anecdotal info to help you along the way. Good luck!
Emily x
Yeah, the process is just about the most ADHD-unfriendly thing imaginable. Especially as I’m trying to involve my employer’s insurance to cover, at least, the assessment and there don’t seem to be even private appointments for the next year in London. Your videos are useful both for seeing the progression after getting treated and for getting another individual’s experiences to compare with other people on RUclips. Thanks for doing these.
I didn't know I had ADHD until I was an adult. One of my teachers was talking about it and looked directly at me. She was referring to this child that was bad at school because she couldn't calm down. She looked at me and said, "You can't get much done if you're doing backflips off the tables. I used to do loops around the city, run, swim, and then go to my two jobs. Until HS, I was allowed to walk the halls for a period of time during resource hour. In other news, you should have seen me cruising down the Highway. I miss my car, sorry, Mother Earth. My schizophrenia meds calm it more than Concerta did. That stuff didn't even dip into the problem. Concerta was all my doctor would subscribe to me as a schizophrenic. They hate when we have stimulants.
Hi there Kaela,
Thank you for sharing your story and taking the time to comment.
What you mention about your teacher shaming you for your undiagnosed ADHD is very relatable for me - for a long time I was told I had "so much potential", so when I didn't reach that potential I just ended up feeling like a failure.
I hope things are a little brighter for you now - if not, know that things can, and will, get better. We're all rooting for you!
You definitely look peppy and happy. Definitely having the craic...
Damn taking that slow release at 1 pm would definitely keep me awake all night . I take my slow release at 530 am so it's gone at 530 pm
Hi Bobblue7836,
Ha! Your comment made me laugh because I now know what you mean! I no longer take my meds after midday as they keep me awake at night!
I generally fall asleep around 12pm so taking it at midday is just about right for me :)
Em x
@@adhdemily I'm in bed by 9 so I'm able to get up early . When I don't get sleep and still get up early and take my Adderall XR it doesn't work the same and I zone out more then usual . Starring into space not realizing it .
Hey did you just take your tablet at 1pm?? Take that as soon as you wake up so that it gives your body time to let it get out of your system so you can sleep. That’s way too late to be taking a long acting stimulant
And I do artwork,color pictures,and Im happy with it I want everybody to enjoy there day thank u
I just popped my firs 36mg Sandoz (like concerta) about 30min ago..
HAHAHA i love your personality, ' my boyfriend said we need to eat and i said i want work... WeIrDDDDDD ' hAHAHHA
by the way your eyes are more open, you can tell our on meds, i recognized that with myself as well, so when i walk around outside i fear people will think im on meds
Ahh I’m so grateful you pronounced canolo correctly!😅haha 🇮🇹
Hi Emily, can you share (or remind me ... I haven't watched all of your videos) which clinic did you get your initial consultation(s) from? Also, did you GP accept to the shared care protocol?
Hi Alessandro - sorry I didn't reply to this earlier! You can see I replied to you on my most recent video. As I said, I got my initial diagnosis from a private clinic called Clinical Partners. My NHS GP has agreed to a shared care agreement :)
Em x
heya,
yea that feeling u mention at 0:55 sound familiar . i found out that it has too do with adhd time mangement, there is a area in the brain that kinda lets us manage time (make sheduals and keep track of time) with adhd its effected and having an apointment(doesnt matter with what or who) that is unclear can cause a bit of a brain error not being able too fill in the time but still have the feeling u are preoccupied realy frustrating .
i saw a bit of a struggel with the feeling good part too be honest, maby i am wrong i dont realy know ofc, thing is doing the things u wanne do because u want too are most important. accepting your limitations is not giving up or not trying hard enough or letting people down it is embracing yourself your inner child and saying its okay you dont always have too try so hard you can be yourself and be loved.
i could be completly off thing is i learned to trust my gut feeling and the feeling this video gave me was u giving 140% and still think u need too reach 200% too be good enough.
i think that interview and the sadness that comes with it, is your senstive nature + pastevents(trauma) making it very distressing triggering the whole feeling of it all and i mean past and pressent. just too point out this would happen too people who have no adhd , adhd is know for increasing certain senosry and emotional mood as u probaly know meaning what u feel its likely alot more intense than most people can imagen but your feelings are yourown and nobody can dicide for u how important or how distressing they can be it doenst mean u are stuck with them but more like the past events and current are alreayd stiring up so much if too much gets added u just becomes a mess, so learning too manage that can help in feeling things less overwelmingly pushing them away will result in more stress later and can lead too burnout.
i am sorry if i am being realy deductive here or rude, honestly just wanne give insight into some prespectives i see in the hope it helps, just wanne be supportive.
aight byee
if only it only took a pill to make things as we would like them to be unfortunately it is not the case. .
I wish! Sigh.
hi emily! i was wondering how you went about getting concerta. did you go to a gp or a psychiatrist? if it was a psychiarist, how long did it take to get an appointment?
Hey Jake :) Thank you for your comment!
So I went to a private online clinic and from self-referral to getting a diagnosis it took around a month. Then I took a few months to get to grips with my diagnosis before trying out medication. You can find out more about my diagnosis journey in my "How much my ADHD diagnosis cost - and how I went about getting it!" video (available on my channel now) :)
@@adhdemily thank you so much!! this was really helpful.
Hi I'm starting concerta xl 18mg for one week, then increase to 27mg,, just wondering when the appetite suppression begins as I could really do with the help with impulsive eating and losing weight,, also with staying on task and sustained focus/less distractions etc...thank you
did it start eventually ? im on day one and im wondering when it will start
I'm still waiting for my treatment but did a lot of research (guess I'm not alone with that). One thing I noticed is that sometimes it is recommended to not drink coffee while taking stimulants. Did you notice any effects when also drinking coffee?
Hey there :)
Yes - think coffee does have an effect when combined with stimulant medication (from my personal experience anyway!).
I find that if I drink more than one cup (ie: more than two espressos) I tend to feel really jittery and anxious. I think that might be because caffeine is a stimulant too, so you get even more stimulant-effect, which is unpleasant.
I'm trying to keep it to one cup of coffee a day now!
When I found right dose coffee made me sleep 😮
Unfortunately I can’t afford to go private. God knows how long my diagnosis will take. Feeling extremely low and deflated
Hey there 08emily89,
I'm so sorry to hear you are in a low place right now. Please know that pursuing a diagnosis is the first step towards things getting better.
I really hope that you can get some clarity soon - we are all rooting for you!
how do you feel with alcohol ? i dont even feel like drinking and i dont even dare to drink yet
forget this comment, i diddnt finish listening to you then i heard you speak about it haha
Anyone have hair thinning or loss in add meds?
Does your heart not go wild when you combine iced coffee with 36 MG of Concerta? Any heart concerns?
Hi there Icipher4, thank you for your comment :)
I have noticed that if I have more than two shots of espresso on a day when I take Concerta XL that I do feel my heart beating faster, and sometimes I get a little sweaty! I only ever have one coffee a day to try to keep that under control.
Em x
@@adhdemily appreciate the response. One more question if you don't mind, what would you say affects your feeling of heart rate and pulse more, drinking coffee on its own, or taking the concerta on its own? Basically asking which one impacts your sensation of heartbeat more.
No worries - I would say that the Concerta probably impacts my heart rate more - only because I have never drunk enough coffee to have a racing heartbeat on its own (and I LOVE espresso martinis!).
Bin taking concerta for a week now , started on 18mg and yeah starting to feel normal but just started the 36mg today but feel numb, if anything it’s made my adhd worse , anyone experience this ? Will it get better as I go along ?
Hey there Adam,
I'm not a medical professions, but in my personal experience I found that it took a few weeks for me to really see any kind of impact from Concerta XL. I would be patient and review your progress with your doctor in a month or so :)
Hope this helps - thank you for your support of my channel!
Emily x
@@adhdemily thank you , that’s my plan I will asses the situation after the 3 week corse , keep doing what your doing :) your rocking it
Sometimes it can be undiagnosed autism the meds make it worse
I felt lightheaded on my first day too. It felt almost like waves of calm going through me, a bit similar to when you are about to faint 😅 but it stopped on the second day. Still not seeing any effects though
Hi Daniel,
What dosage are you on? I think it's normal to feel the effects on the first day, but then if the dosage is low then you might not feel any effect when your body gets used to it? I'm not a doctor, but it's worth following up with yours!
I want to buy this medicine but I can't reach it. I hope everything goes well for you.
I'm sorry to hear that, Eda.
Please speak to your doctor about how best to go about obtaining the medicine post-diagnosis. I wish you luck!
Thank you for your comment :)
I guess the 36 mg of Concerta is like Ndt tablet in the movie Limitless.
...but with hopefully less dramatic and violent consequences!
Where did you order from can you link me website
Hi there @mikewyatt3894
I do not order my medication, it is prescribed to me by a doctor and dispensed through an online pharmacy - if you need to get hold of meds this is the only way to do it safely and legally! Please talk to your doctor if you require more medication.
Emily
So you can take an antidepressant with this?
Hi there Boss Lady.
I am taking Sertraline alongside the Concerta XL under the supervision of my doctor - it is possible to take some sorts of SSRIs safely with methylphenidate, however, it is important to discuss the drugs and their interactions carefully before you take them at the same time.
Hope this helps!
@@adhdemily hey ❤ what dosage of sertraline do you take emily?
Do you think the 36mg worked so well because you are taking it together with anti depressants?
I don't think so - I think that my body is so used to taking anti-depressants (10 years) that it's just a baseline for me now. I think it's just a higher dosage of methylphenidate doing what it is meant to do :)
Today is my first day of increasing from 27 mg to 36 mg. Hoping it works and isn’t too much….. so far so good.
@@kellybuettner5216 please update us about your experience.
@@kellybuettner5216 and?
What made you decide to take bigger dose? Is the 18mg isnt enough or something else?
My doctor advised that, because I wasn't having any bad side effects from the 18mg and the effect wasn't really noticeable, that I increase my dosage.
You are really likeable.
Thank you! :)
Sounds like you're high
At least you can get your meds….