Concerta and meltdowns

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I was put on Concerta recently as I was forgetting to take my Ritalin throughout the day. Over the past month my mood has been very erratic and I am easily overwhelmed by stimuli. For a couple of weeks my mood was extremely low and I stayed in bed for most of the days. Other times I was irritable and feeling a sense of urgency in the things I wanted to get done. I need a lot more time away from people than I used to and I seem to meltdown more easily. Noises that I could otherwise grin and bear would easily send me off into a meltdown. It's making my home life pretty crummy for all parties involved.

Feels like a big setback. I'm seeing the shrink this week to discuss the matter. I just wonder if other aspies had any similar issues with Concerta.

Do stimulants speed you up or slow you down? They sped me up and I had all the same problems you described and more. Rollercoasting mood, irritable, no appetite, wired etc. Some with ADHD are sedated by stimulants, others are sped up.

Is the Concerta really that different to how you felt on Ritalin? They are the same active ingredient. There is Biphentin or Daytrana long acting versions of Ritalin you could try. There is also Ritalin SR but it is generally crap and doesn't give a very consistent delivery.

Honestly, first time I started the Ritalin I felt quite chill and relaxed. I generally don't feel sped up on stimulants.

I am aware that the Concerta is essentially the same drug so it would be strange for me to react differently to this one. I reckon it could very well be an issue with my antidepressants and not the Concerta.

Incidentally my psychiatrist increased the Concerta dose thinking that the current dose might not be high enough. I'll see how that works out for me. I'll see about switching my anti depressants because I've been on citalopram for years and it's losing its efficacy.

Honestly, first time I started the Ritalin I felt quite chill and relaxed. I generally don't feel sped up on stimulants. When I started on Concerta it was fine.

I am aware that the Concerta is essentially the same drug so it would be strange for me to react differently to this one. I reckon it could very well be an issue with my antidepressants and not the Concerta. It's just that my mood was getting really bad throughout last month and the only thing that was different about my life at that point was that I started this new drug. I wanted to rule that one out before considering trying any new meds for my depression.

Incidentally my psychiatrist increased the Concerta dose thinking that the current dose might not be high enough. I'll see how that works out for me. I'll see about switching my anti depressants because I've been on citalopram for years and it's losing its efficacy.