Page 1 of 1 1

active forum Post Reply

Thread : Anxiety/Aggression From too Much Concerta?  
5 Sep 2008 @ 8:31 PM
Storygirl Join Date: Wed 3rd Sep 2008
Threads: Posts:
Anxiety/Aggression From too Much Concerta?

D.S. (almost 7) takes Concerta, which works well for him. He was taking 45 mg last year in Kindergarten and doing okay....he'd take a 5 mg Ritalin around lunch if needed. Over the summer we dropped him to 36 mg Concerta and a 5 mg Ritalin if needed and he did okay - the daycare was unstructured and he had bad days with misbehaving, but no anxiety/aggression.

He's back in school this week and we moved him back to 45 with a booster and then to 54. Since school started he has had HORRIBLE days! Very sensitive to being embarrassed, laughed at, hurt feelings, etc. It seems like the hurt feelings and being laughed at are coming from no where, but then of course he has his meltdown so the kids stare so he gets more upset. Today a boy kept smiling at him and D.S. was convinced the child was "making fun of me" instead of maybe thinking he was being nice or wanted to be friends.

I talked to his ped tonight and he suggested that the meds may be too high and that was causing the emotional part of his struggle. He wants to bring him back to 36 and the ritalin booster next week and I'm fine following this.

The question: does this happen? Is this a common side effect? Can a child go from being happy and carefree to anxious and suspicious from too much meds?

Thanks for any feedback - it has been SUCH a bad week, I am in tears every night and I just want my baby to be happy and okay.

Quote

10 Sep 2008 @ 12:55 PM Reply # 1
CTmom Join Date: Wed 10th Sep 2008
Threads: 1 Posts: 3
Re: Anxiety/Aggression from too much Concerta?

I'm with you there on the tears. My 8 y/o daughter has the same sensitivity to those around her as your son. If someone laughs near her, she automatically assumes they are laughing AT her. A boy was teasing another boy on her school bus, and she came home upset thinking she was the target.

Right now she takes 20mg of long acting Ritalin every morning. She has a 5mg short acting for any extra curricular activities after school if needed. Her meds take her through the school day and wear off just as school ends. The bus ride home can be tough. I notice she is much more sensitive to imagined teasing after her meds wear off than she is while they are working.

We did try Concerta once when she was first diagnosed. It scared me. She turned into a little zombie; all her emotions were directed inward and she only spoke if asked a direct question, and even then she would just nod or shake her head. To say I was alarmed is an understatement. I immedately threw away the Concerta and put her back on Ritalin. With the Rit, she's infinitely more expressive, able to start and hold conversations and interact with the world around her.

I guess I am getting a little off-topic. My main point is that we had a bad experience with Concerta. Maybe talk to your doctor and see if there are other meds your son can try?

Quote

6 Feb 2009 @ 7:10 PM Reply # 2
Jef Gazley, LMFT Join Date: Wed 28th Jan 2009
Threads: 1 Posts: 30
anger

Yes, it can happen with any stimulant either over time or simply due to dosage. The amount and timing and the kind of stimulant are all crucial for real success with the stimulants. It is even important with ADD-care and the other non-stimulants although the side effects are usually absent or very minimal.

Quote

17 Jul 2009 @ 10:41 PM Reply # 3
DLShonts Join Date: Fri 17th Jul 2009
Threads: 0 Posts: 0
Ritalin and Concerta

My oldest was diagnosed in first grade with ADD they put him on Ritalin that he took in morning, afternoon and at dinner worked for him. He is now 18 graduated from high school.

Now my Sam is total opposite was on ritalin then nurse was saying i didnt give her enough for month if she dropped someone esles she gave em sams then he was short. So we changed to Conserta where I have control he take one in morning 36 mg and 18mg when he gets off bus to help concentrate on homework and football and other activites. He was just recently told he has bi-polar traits or tendencies and on Depakote for that It worked wonders like a new kid but after awhile doesnt seem to do anything. Right looking for new doctor due to change in insurance. But neither had side affects except weight the hate the crazy wouldnt gain a pound.

since oldest has been off meds since 15 he is now 6'5" 205 lbs still looks like bean pole with muscles

got lots of questions with youngest and dont know where to turn so i am trying this people in same situations

Quote

22 Apr 2010 @ 4:51 AM Reply # 4
Fedric Join Date: Thu 15th Apr 2010
Threads: 0 Posts: 1
RE :

Hi,

My friend is a specialist professor in childcare.He will better clarify your queries. So please contact him newdoctor.com

http://www.newdoctor.com/

Quote

Last edited by Fedric : 22 Apr 2010 @ 4:52 AM. Reason:
10 May 2010 @ 6:50 PM Reply # 5
Skyer1210 Join Date: Mon 10th May 2010
Threads: Posts:
helpless

My son is 7. he is not able to take any stimulant do to getting very aggressive. we tried a non simulant strattera it worked for about a year. Now his body out grew that med. Tried abilify also. he gets over heated very easlyan was very hard to cool off. now we are going to try Intuniv. What can you do when you child is very med sensitive.

Quote

Page 1 of 1 1

active forum Post Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Local Time : 9 Feb 2012 9:39 PM
(Fri, 10 Feb 2012 02:39:55 GMT)

Copyright © 1998 - 2011 New Hope Media LLC. All rights reserved. Your use of this site is governed by our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
ADDitude does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The material on this web site is provided for educational purposes only. See additional information.
New Hope Media, 39 W. 37th Street, 15th Floor, New York, NY 10018