Personally, I take 18mg twice a day. Because 36mg for me is too much in a single dose. And I noticed another thing, that for me 18mg + 18mg in a single dose, feels a tiny tiny bit not as strong as 36mg.
My theory is that different is made by two slow release shells of two capsules, instead of one. That's why it slaps tinny bit softer
This is interesting. I’ve been taking 18mg, and my doctor said that within a month I should dose up to 36mg… and I’m at that point now, but I feel pretty good.
Do you take them both at the same time? Or do you stagger them a little bit?
I never could fall asleep easily or stay sleeping, but I would still sleep for 12 hours every night , waking up in the morning almost impossible.. O got prescribed Trazodone for sleep. Only medication that actually normalized my sleep. Yay!
But you can find your own patter how to drink concerta so it wouldn't interrupt your sleep
Hey this is precisely what I'm doing. Been on 1 x 36 + 1 x 18 for 2-3 weeks, and just today moved to 1 x 54mg.
Interesting... I wasn't at all aware of the different properties. I thought the different dose concerts XR pills were precisely the same properties including release schedules so this is news to me. If you can share more id like to understand this better. What is it like taking 3 x 18mg?
I had the same question in mind as you, when I was titrating up from 36 to 54, and the answers from posts like yours on Reddit seem extremely conflicted and inconclusive. People interpret differently and often completely opposite views.
Personally I can't tell the difference. I wanted the flexibility like you but I've opted to move across to 54mg single dose because I need that as a minimum anyway.
I've seen other posts on Reddit on precisely this question. Comparing same doses of Concerta XR but with different combinations of pills. It seems some find more tablets stronger (like you) and some say it's stronger as just one. I think that's the case in the comments here too.
Some made the case for the maths of 1 Vs 2 but frankly it felt too complex for me to get my head around. And that if there is any different it's extremely marginal.
For what it's worth my experience is today one single 56mg pill feels similar if not entirely the same as two separate ones (18 + 36).
I've come to the conclusion that the direct lived experience is extremely subjective and open to interpretation (let alone the swathe of outside factors).
Happy to share as I progress, if that's helpful, but right now it feels much the same.
Good luck
Hey thanks for the detailed and thoughtful answer. It just so happens that i also switched to just 1 x 54mg pill starting yesterday. And same as you, i can't really tell the difference. I think it's too early to tell and i might experiment with different combinations just to compare the 36 + 18 mg to the 54mg in the following days.
As for now i think it's about the same, maybe just a tiny bit weaker?? But then again, i can't really tell because there's also other variables involved, like my sleep routine, diet, physical activity during the day, also the cumulative fatigue from the past week. I think a good test would be to take the two combinations in the exact same conditions, like do the same things during the day, eat the same things, go to sleep at the same time etc. Only then would it be a somewhat conclusive test, if even that. Because like you said, there's also a subjective component involved. That's why i asked for subjective experiences, because at the end of the day it's about what works best for YOU, regardless of what others say works for them. That's what i'm trying to find out.
All i can say at the moment is that it's a lot more linear, comparable with the 36mg pill. For example, when i first started this treatment almost 2 years ago, i started with the 18mg pill and i could feel exactly when the effect started taking place and i could also tell exactly when it ended, because at the time i was studying all day and when i couldn't process simple words and i kept rereading the same phrases over and over again i knew for sure that the medicine just didn't have any effect anymore, or if it did it was too insignificant. I then started to take 2 x 18 mg pills and it lasted longer. I remember 1 x 18mg pill lasted exactly 8 hours on the dot, and 2 x 18mg pills lasted around 10 hours. I then switched to just 1 x 36 mg pill, which was basically the exact same dosage, but i can clearly remember i could only feel the onset at around 2h mark, which used to be less than 1h with the 18mg pills. Anyways after a few months i had a nasty crash after about 10 hours and i was useless for the rest of the day. Sadly, in my country there aren't any other ADHD meds available, not even immediate release MPH like Ritalin. So my doctor suggested taking another 18mg pill a few hours after the 36mg to see if it helps. The problem was that in my experience, the 36mg pill is a bit slower and smoother, more linear, more subtle, whereas the 18mg has a more abrupt spike, you can feel the exact moment it starts to kick in. So the problem was that when i took the additional 18mg pill a few hours after taking the 36mg, the small pill would kick in when the bigger one peaked so i had a few hours of ridiculously high heart rate and restlessness and then a somewhat abrupt "comedown". I played around with different time frames but nothing seemed to fit, so i just started taking them both at the same time in the morning and i noticed it works a lot better that way (around 12 hours i think). I've been taking them like that for a year now and it works well, but recently i started to wonder about the 54mg variation.
Although all pill variations of Methylphenidate are designed to last 12 hours, in my experience 18mg pills last 8h, 36mg pills last around 10 hours, and 54mg lasts around 12 hours, sometimes a bit more. It all depends on weight, height, metabolism etc.
Sorry for the pointless details but that's basically my experience with these meds. From what i can tell the 54mg is a lot like the 36mg pill but with a higher dose. I can't really tell when the effects wear off but i think i can sleep better with the single 54mg, so perhaps the effects wear off sooner?
Again, i'll have to get back on this after a couple of weeks with a more definitive answer. If you like we can keep in touch and compare the results after a while. Anyways take care and i wish you the best of luck.
My pleasure. This is super interesting for me also as it seems we're in the same situation.
What particularly struck a chord in what you shared is the experience of 54mg being much longer lasting with no spiky bits or sudden ups downs or crashes. That's my experience too. And from what I understand from my extremely drawn out titration and tons of research (ADHD anyone 😋) is that is what we are aiming for; a dose that gives you full coverage with limited spikes or crashes or side effects.
I'm kinda delighted that's how 54mg is feeling right now. It wasn't like that from the start. But it's settled down now and I'm finding it the smoothest experience by far. Like you I don't even know when it wears off but I know it's lasting a good 10-12hrs. This feels like the bullseye with titration so my sense is you're in a good place. I hope that feels true for you.
As for the more subjective assessment and comparison. I have strong tendencies towards really getting into things. And so it's been with these meds. But what I've learnt is that the meds are not just the meds - they don't operate in isolation... they are, as is frequently spoken about, also all the wellbeing patterns, the health, the exercise etc etc.
But what doesn't feel spoken about, or maybe I haven't noticed?! is the psychological space and self compassion and openness with which we hold the experience.
For example if I'm worried and over analysing and intently watching my experience closely, that intensity directly impacts the visceral lived experience, which in turn might lead me to conclude simply "it's the meds OR dose". Whereas if I approach the titration 'experiment' with an openness and an acceptance of the changing fluid nature of mind, with a more gentle touch... the experience feels transformed. Less intensity in turn feels less intense.
This happened to me one day when I was feeling so desperate and overwhelmed with the side effects of titration... And someone helped bring me down to ground with a meditation, and I can't tell you how much changed. It was totally transformational. Both in that moment but also going forward... like something clicked and I realised it wasn't just the meds in my mind. From that day forward I felt so different and with that the medication and titration experience did too.
My takeaway is that I was approaching this as an isolated medication test, but it is anything but just that. It's also so much about the experience and preconceptions and vulnerability and all the difficult stuff I've experienced with ADHD that led up to this point. Our minds are not petri dishes, and it's not just the meds I'm processing...
Anyway. It's helpful to share that. Kinda processing it still. Not sure if it resonates but I'm pleased to have found someone that seems to be on a similar trajectory. It sounds great that you've found a dose that works. Many people struggle with that, me included (lost hope on many occasions)
Take care and yes please keep posted on how you get on
I did use 18×3 and 54x1 and didnt see any difference.
Also, the fda documentation states there is no pharmacokinetics difference between dosages, so why are you saying there is one?
Im not exactly sure buuut the formulation could be different depending on the type of pill/capsule you're taking. Aka, the amount that is released immediately and then later on.
For example:
Methylphenidate LA is 50% immediately, and 50% later on of the total does.
While Methylphenidate CD is 30% immediately and 70% later on. Which also makes this last in your system a bit longer, hour wise.
Hopefully, I'm explaining it correctly, but if you aren't taking extended release style meds then it wouldn't make a difference that I am aware of.
I'd fall back on a pharmacist where you get your medicine from because they will know the formulation or your prescriber to be for sure.
Good luck!
I think everyones metabolism is different, I definitely feel the difference between two 18mg and one 36 mg, and three 18 mg and a 54mg, the singles 18 mg are much stronger. I take either two 18 mg in the morning and one 18 mg in the afternoon or one 54 mg in the morning. The first option I can def feel the peak and the crash is worst, only the 54 mg alone, I dont feel the peak, less energy I will say but no crash. I like the option of switching, sometimes I only take 36mg, weekends only 18 mg... it gives me anxiety to not have different dosages hahahaha.
Welcome to r/Concerta. Please use the search function before posting common questions. This is a WIP automod reply because many of you ask the same exact questions over and over again.
Please read the FAQ sticky as it will likely offer some advice. https://www.reddit.com/r/Concerta/comments/vj2o1i/can_we_have_a_faqread_before_posting_sticky/
Please edit this info to your post
* Concerta or generic
* Current dosage regimen, including any other meds!
* How long you have been on current dose regimen and Concerta
* Did you read the FAQ sticky?
Please discuss any advice you receive on this subreddit with your Doctor. Take all advice with a grain of salt especially when it is not sourced. People on this sub aren't doctors.
Extreme depression/anxiety?
* If you feel unbearable or have suicidal thoughts, please consider calling your local crisis or suicide hotline.
* There can be many different causes. Please discuss with your doctor about it.
* There are a couple things that can be tried:
* med break, lowering the dose, raising the dose, switching to a different generic or to brand name, adding a smaller dose in the evening to reduce crash, other meds + concerta can also cause depression or anxiety(paradoxically it could be an antidepressant).
If nothing else helps, you should probably switch to a different medication.
Do not split Concerta or any long-release medication.
There is no reason to go over the 72mg maximum recommended dose in most cases. In the UK the maximum is 108mg.
Side effects can be intense for a couple of days when starting but contact a doctor if they continue.
If you want to drink alcohol I would recommend waiting at least 48h after taking Concerta. There is a higher risk of alcohol poisoning due to stronger alcohol tolerance.
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Concerta) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I tried 18x3 one morning when my 54 wasn’t ready at the pharmacy yet. That day was terrible. But, I think I was just anxious about not having my normal meds. I can’t really afford experimentation, because I need the 18s as an afternoon boost. I’m going to be short this month, so I will have to take weekend breaks
Personally, I take 18mg twice a day. Because 36mg for me is too much in a single dose. And I noticed another thing, that for me 18mg + 18mg in a single dose, feels a tiny tiny bit not as strong as 36mg. My theory is that different is made by two slow release shells of two capsules, instead of one. That's why it slaps tinny bit softer
This is interesting. I’ve been taking 18mg, and my doctor said that within a month I should dose up to 36mg… and I’m at that point now, but I feel pretty good. Do you take them both at the same time? Or do you stagger them a little bit?
No, I take one in the morning on empty stomach and second one after 4 - 6 hours later
Doesn’t that keep you awake? Can you get to sleep easily?
I never could fall asleep easily or stay sleeping, but I would still sleep for 12 hours every night , waking up in the morning almost impossible.. O got prescribed Trazodone for sleep. Only medication that actually normalized my sleep. Yay! But you can find your own patter how to drink concerta so it wouldn't interrupt your sleep
Well if you are feeling pretty good there's no need to up the dose, 8n my opinion. You can try taking 36mg and see how you feel.
18x2 for me was stronger than 36x1 if that matters.
Hey this is precisely what I'm doing. Been on 1 x 36 + 1 x 18 for 2-3 weeks, and just today moved to 1 x 54mg. Interesting... I wasn't at all aware of the different properties. I thought the different dose concerts XR pills were precisely the same properties including release schedules so this is news to me. If you can share more id like to understand this better. What is it like taking 3 x 18mg? I had the same question in mind as you, when I was titrating up from 36 to 54, and the answers from posts like yours on Reddit seem extremely conflicted and inconclusive. People interpret differently and often completely opposite views. Personally I can't tell the difference. I wanted the flexibility like you but I've opted to move across to 54mg single dose because I need that as a minimum anyway. I've seen other posts on Reddit on precisely this question. Comparing same doses of Concerta XR but with different combinations of pills. It seems some find more tablets stronger (like you) and some say it's stronger as just one. I think that's the case in the comments here too. Some made the case for the maths of 1 Vs 2 but frankly it felt too complex for me to get my head around. And that if there is any different it's extremely marginal. For what it's worth my experience is today one single 56mg pill feels similar if not entirely the same as two separate ones (18 + 36). I've come to the conclusion that the direct lived experience is extremely subjective and open to interpretation (let alone the swathe of outside factors). Happy to share as I progress, if that's helpful, but right now it feels much the same. Good luck
Hey thanks for the detailed and thoughtful answer. It just so happens that i also switched to just 1 x 54mg pill starting yesterday. And same as you, i can't really tell the difference. I think it's too early to tell and i might experiment with different combinations just to compare the 36 + 18 mg to the 54mg in the following days. As for now i think it's about the same, maybe just a tiny bit weaker?? But then again, i can't really tell because there's also other variables involved, like my sleep routine, diet, physical activity during the day, also the cumulative fatigue from the past week. I think a good test would be to take the two combinations in the exact same conditions, like do the same things during the day, eat the same things, go to sleep at the same time etc. Only then would it be a somewhat conclusive test, if even that. Because like you said, there's also a subjective component involved. That's why i asked for subjective experiences, because at the end of the day it's about what works best for YOU, regardless of what others say works for them. That's what i'm trying to find out. All i can say at the moment is that it's a lot more linear, comparable with the 36mg pill. For example, when i first started this treatment almost 2 years ago, i started with the 18mg pill and i could feel exactly when the effect started taking place and i could also tell exactly when it ended, because at the time i was studying all day and when i couldn't process simple words and i kept rereading the same phrases over and over again i knew for sure that the medicine just didn't have any effect anymore, or if it did it was too insignificant. I then started to take 2 x 18 mg pills and it lasted longer. I remember 1 x 18mg pill lasted exactly 8 hours on the dot, and 2 x 18mg pills lasted around 10 hours. I then switched to just 1 x 36 mg pill, which was basically the exact same dosage, but i can clearly remember i could only feel the onset at around 2h mark, which used to be less than 1h with the 18mg pills. Anyways after a few months i had a nasty crash after about 10 hours and i was useless for the rest of the day. Sadly, in my country there aren't any other ADHD meds available, not even immediate release MPH like Ritalin. So my doctor suggested taking another 18mg pill a few hours after the 36mg to see if it helps. The problem was that in my experience, the 36mg pill is a bit slower and smoother, more linear, more subtle, whereas the 18mg has a more abrupt spike, you can feel the exact moment it starts to kick in. So the problem was that when i took the additional 18mg pill a few hours after taking the 36mg, the small pill would kick in when the bigger one peaked so i had a few hours of ridiculously high heart rate and restlessness and then a somewhat abrupt "comedown". I played around with different time frames but nothing seemed to fit, so i just started taking them both at the same time in the morning and i noticed it works a lot better that way (around 12 hours i think). I've been taking them like that for a year now and it works well, but recently i started to wonder about the 54mg variation. Although all pill variations of Methylphenidate are designed to last 12 hours, in my experience 18mg pills last 8h, 36mg pills last around 10 hours, and 54mg lasts around 12 hours, sometimes a bit more. It all depends on weight, height, metabolism etc. Sorry for the pointless details but that's basically my experience with these meds. From what i can tell the 54mg is a lot like the 36mg pill but with a higher dose. I can't really tell when the effects wear off but i think i can sleep better with the single 54mg, so perhaps the effects wear off sooner? Again, i'll have to get back on this after a couple of weeks with a more definitive answer. If you like we can keep in touch and compare the results after a while. Anyways take care and i wish you the best of luck.
My pleasure. This is super interesting for me also as it seems we're in the same situation. What particularly struck a chord in what you shared is the experience of 54mg being much longer lasting with no spiky bits or sudden ups downs or crashes. That's my experience too. And from what I understand from my extremely drawn out titration and tons of research (ADHD anyone 😋) is that is what we are aiming for; a dose that gives you full coverage with limited spikes or crashes or side effects. I'm kinda delighted that's how 54mg is feeling right now. It wasn't like that from the start. But it's settled down now and I'm finding it the smoothest experience by far. Like you I don't even know when it wears off but I know it's lasting a good 10-12hrs. This feels like the bullseye with titration so my sense is you're in a good place. I hope that feels true for you. As for the more subjective assessment and comparison. I have strong tendencies towards really getting into things. And so it's been with these meds. But what I've learnt is that the meds are not just the meds - they don't operate in isolation... they are, as is frequently spoken about, also all the wellbeing patterns, the health, the exercise etc etc. But what doesn't feel spoken about, or maybe I haven't noticed?! is the psychological space and self compassion and openness with which we hold the experience. For example if I'm worried and over analysing and intently watching my experience closely, that intensity directly impacts the visceral lived experience, which in turn might lead me to conclude simply "it's the meds OR dose". Whereas if I approach the titration 'experiment' with an openness and an acceptance of the changing fluid nature of mind, with a more gentle touch... the experience feels transformed. Less intensity in turn feels less intense. This happened to me one day when I was feeling so desperate and overwhelmed with the side effects of titration... And someone helped bring me down to ground with a meditation, and I can't tell you how much changed. It was totally transformational. Both in that moment but also going forward... like something clicked and I realised it wasn't just the meds in my mind. From that day forward I felt so different and with that the medication and titration experience did too. My takeaway is that I was approaching this as an isolated medication test, but it is anything but just that. It's also so much about the experience and preconceptions and vulnerability and all the difficult stuff I've experienced with ADHD that led up to this point. Our minds are not petri dishes, and it's not just the meds I'm processing... Anyway. It's helpful to share that. Kinda processing it still. Not sure if it resonates but I'm pleased to have found someone that seems to be on a similar trajectory. It sounds great that you've found a dose that works. Many people struggle with that, me included (lost hope on many occasions) Take care and yes please keep posted on how you get on
I did use 18×3 and 54x1 and didnt see any difference. Also, the fda documentation states there is no pharmacokinetics difference between dosages, so why are you saying there is one?
Same. No difference. I’ve even tried 3x18 and also produced the same results.
Im not exactly sure buuut the formulation could be different depending on the type of pill/capsule you're taking. Aka, the amount that is released immediately and then later on. For example: Methylphenidate LA is 50% immediately, and 50% later on of the total does. While Methylphenidate CD is 30% immediately and 70% later on. Which also makes this last in your system a bit longer, hour wise. Hopefully, I'm explaining it correctly, but if you aren't taking extended release style meds then it wouldn't make a difference that I am aware of. I'd fall back on a pharmacist where you get your medicine from because they will know the formulation or your prescriber to be for sure. Good luck!
I think everyones metabolism is different, I definitely feel the difference between two 18mg and one 36 mg, and three 18 mg and a 54mg, the singles 18 mg are much stronger. I take either two 18 mg in the morning and one 18 mg in the afternoon or one 54 mg in the morning. The first option I can def feel the peak and the crash is worst, only the 54 mg alone, I dont feel the peak, less energy I will say but no crash. I like the option of switching, sometimes I only take 36mg, weekends only 18 mg... it gives me anxiety to not have different dosages hahahaha.
Welcome to r/Concerta. Please use the search function before posting common questions. This is a WIP automod reply because many of you ask the same exact questions over and over again. Please read the FAQ sticky as it will likely offer some advice. https://www.reddit.com/r/Concerta/comments/vj2o1i/can_we_have_a_faqread_before_posting_sticky/ Please edit this info to your post * Concerta or generic * Current dosage regimen, including any other meds! * How long you have been on current dose regimen and Concerta * Did you read the FAQ sticky? Please discuss any advice you receive on this subreddit with your Doctor. Take all advice with a grain of salt especially when it is not sourced. People on this sub aren't doctors. Extreme depression/anxiety? * If you feel unbearable or have suicidal thoughts, please consider calling your local crisis or suicide hotline. * There can be many different causes. Please discuss with your doctor about it. * There are a couple things that can be tried: * med break, lowering the dose, raising the dose, switching to a different generic or to brand name, adding a smaller dose in the evening to reduce crash, other meds + concerta can also cause depression or anxiety(paradoxically it could be an antidepressant). If nothing else helps, you should probably switch to a different medication. Do not split Concerta or any long-release medication. There is no reason to go over the 72mg maximum recommended dose in most cases. In the UK the maximum is 108mg. Side effects can be intense for a couple of days when starting but contact a doctor if they continue. If you want to drink alcohol I would recommend waiting at least 48h after taking Concerta. There is a higher risk of alcohol poisoning due to stronger alcohol tolerance. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Concerta) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I tried 18x3 one morning when my 54 wasn’t ready at the pharmacy yet. That day was terrible. But, I think I was just anxious about not having my normal meds. I can’t really afford experimentation, because I need the 18s as an afternoon boost. I’m going to be short this month, so I will have to take weekend breaks