I have side effects with Concerta, what should I do?

27-year-old woman2 years ago

Hello, I have been taking Concerta 27 mg for 10 months. Since I started taking Concerta, I have had side effects that I am able to tolerate such as loss of appetite (hunger has returned this summer) and increased heart rate. For the past week or so, I have noticed feeling dizzy all day and more tired than usual. When the medication stops working, my dizziness and fatigue disappear.

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Naji-tom Samaha · 2 years ago

Hello Mrs,

Are there any other possible causes for this dizziness and fatigue? Could warmer weather, a change in schedule or a different workload be the cause?

Given the possible side effects already noticed with this medication, has a dose reduction already been tried?

27-year-old woman · 2 years ago

The last few days, the temperature has been quite cool and I take the trouble to ventilate the rooms to lower the temperature or put on the air conditioner

I'm dreading going back to school since I'm a teacher, so there will be a change in my schedule and work, but it's not right away. For now, I'm at home.

I already lowered my dose last November. I had a prescription for 36 mg, but I had a lot of side effects with the feeling of being depressed. I don't have as many side effects as I did on the 36 mg, but doing simple tasks is starting to be difficult

Would drinking liquids constantly help? In school, I used to always have a large cup of coffee or tea on hand (450 ml) that I drank all day

Naji-tom Samaha · 2 years ago

Thanks for the information!

Yes, drinking plenty of fluids during the day is definitely advised, regardless of symptoms :) However, I would suggest liquids other than coffee or tea as these can act as diuretics and make the dizziness worse.

I suggest contacting your pharmacist: it would be good to consider a decrease in dose, if only temporarily, to see if it improves tolerance. If necessary, the dose can be readjusted in the future. Your pharmacist will be able to keep your doctor informed and follow up closely with you.

27-year-old woman · 2 years ago

Thank you for your advice

I will check with my pharmacist about lowering the dose and keep a bottle of water for myself in the future

Have a nice day!

Naji-tom Samaha · 2 years ago

It was my pleasure, please don't hesitate if there is anything!

Tom Samaha, pharmacist

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Naji-tom Samaha

Pharmacien depuis 2011, clinicien associé et tuteur de laboratoire de pratique professionnelle à l'Université de Montréal, j'ai développé un grand intérêt pour la communication en santé. Les gens recherchent plus d'informations que jamais sur Internet, ce site offre un accès innovant aux professionnels de la santé les plus accessibles du réseau, et j'y embarque sans hésitation pour aider à partager mes connaissances.

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