Hi all - I was prescribed concerta about a year ago at the 18 mg level to start; I had no side effects and while the medication was working, I found myself able to LISTEN and FOCUS on the people around me and hold meaningful conversations that before I struggled to pay any attention to. I bumped up to 36 mg 3 months later, and stayed on that for about 9 months.
I am 5'8 female, who weighed 160 prior to Concerta and currently weigh 140 - I lost about 20 lbs in the first 4 months on Concerta, and have maintained at that weight over the past 5 months. I would not agree that it has suppressed my appetite so much that I do want to eat, but I would agree that it has suppressed my appetite enough that I am better able to make healthy, conscious decisions of what I'm eating - I definitely feel more in control over the choices I make - it's increased my will power! :-) Of note, I am also active - exercising 3-5 days a week. Again, I credit this to an attention benefit; I used to eat without really being "aware" - snacking in front of the TV, etc.
A HUGE note - if you have any problems with anxiety, Concerta can really stimulate bigger ones, especially if you take it with caffeine. You can also become irritable on this medication if taken at a too high a dose. Your doctor will monitor you and your bodies' responses to it - the truth of the matter is, if you're not taking it for the right reasons or abusing it, the side effects of this drug are too strong for someone who does not have ADD or depression. You won't WANT to take it.
Last note - Concerta is EXPENSIVE - if you want a pill for weight loss, be honest with your doctor. They'll hear you! There are cheaper (and safer) medications on the market that will be more helpful to your needs! Good luck! :-)
I am 5'8 female, who weighed 160 prior to Concerta and currently weigh 140 - I lost about 20 lbs in the first 4 months on Concerta, and have maintained at that weight over the past 5 months. I would not agree that it has suppressed my appetite so much that I do want to eat, but I would agree that it has suppressed my appetite enough that I am better able to make healthy, conscious decisions of what I'm eating - I definitely feel more in control over the choices I make - it's increased my will power! :-) Of note, I am also active - exercising 3-5 days a week. Again, I credit this to an attention benefit; I used to eat without really being "aware" - snacking in front of the TV, etc.
A HUGE note - if you have any problems with anxiety, Concerta can really stimulate bigger ones, especially if you take it with caffeine. You can also become irritable on this medication if taken at a too high a dose. Your doctor will monitor you and your bodies' responses to it - the truth of the matter is, if you're not taking it for the right reasons or abusing it, the side effects of this drug are too strong for someone who does not have ADD or depression. You won't WANT to take it.
Last note - Concerta is EXPENSIVE - if you want a pill for weight loss, be honest with your doctor. They'll hear you! There are cheaper (and safer) medications on the market that will be more helpful to your needs! Good luck! :-)
I really don't know how to use this website and I’m hoping this goes to the person who thinks it’s a good idea to use concerta as a diet pill. I was just looking up how to fix the fact that it DOES make you drop weight. I have had a huge problem with concerta. I love the fact it corrects my ADD, but I'm 5'3 and weighed a 127 before I was placed on concerta, however now I've dropped to 109 and the problem is I AM eating and still losing. The side effects aren't worth it, it can make some peoples heart stop, however for others it may cause a constant ringing, or tics or blurred vision…or any of the other side effects mentioned above. The one side effect that people notice most often is the increased aggression. You are very quick to anger and may feel anxious. PLEASE do NOT use this med. for a dietary supplement. Try vitamin b complex. It’s a natural vitamin that will allow you to have energy, it's also known for MANY other things, none of which are dangerous. However, I work at a gym/ go to college for nursing right now. This vitamin will give you the energy to work out. No one can help you lose weight except yourself. You feel more accomplished if you lose it your self also.
i have ADHD and have been taking concerta since i was in 5th grade. I am now in 11th grade and no it does not make you lose weight. Some side affects are Loss of appetite, headaches, Nausea, mood swings, dizziness and although many people say lack of sleep it makes me very sleepy. Since being on the medication it has caused to me to lose weight from time time; but if you do no have ADD or ADDHD it is very harmful and unsafe, its not a diet pill i would not suggest taking it as that. and i have to say if you start going on concerta once you stop your weight will go back up.
takin concerta makes me feeeel so hungry and i feel like i have a appetite for everything, so dont think it will make you lose weight everybody's body works differently.
I've been taking concerta for the past ten years. It's not the same for everyone but yes i have lost weight on the pill. Don't take it to just loose weight though or it can really screw up your body. When i don't take my pill i am really hungry and always eat but when I do take it then i dont have much of an appetite. It's not good to go back and forth like this so make sure if your planning on taking it then it is for other reasons, not just to loose weight.
i have been on concerta for a month now i was 30 pds over weight and not i am 20 you do the math it doese work..
but please dont take it unless you need it it can have a reverse effect only take it if you have adhd or add if you dont dont be stupid and take it try alli and some good old fashion working out
but please dont take it unless you need it it can have a reverse effect only take it if you have adhd or add if you dont dont be stupid and take it try alli and some good old fashion working out
I've spent an awful amount of time reading the 5+ pages of responses to the above question "Can Concerta help me lose weight?" I'm hoping this response will be the final one in this thread on the correlation between the drug and weight loss. Here, I'll be referring to adults (18+) taking Concerta, not children.
First, some background information. I'm a 19 year old female, standing 5 feet, 4 inches tall, and originally weighing in at 177 pounds. At this weight, I felt miserable. I was self conscious, couldn't fit into my clothes, was constantly tired, and suffered from terrible anxiety attacks. As a college student in the Pre-Med program, I've done a large amount of reading and research on the subject, including studying articles in the New England Journal of Medicine, and Biological Psychiatry. But, obviously - by no means am I a replacement for your doctor.
Although I obtain the drug legally, I admit I abuse Concerta.
But I feel as though in someone who could gain from losing weight, this is more of a help, than a harm. I do not just take Concerta and not eat - that would be counter-productive. Along with a very low calorie restrictive diet and exercise, I feel Concerta can help people stay away from unhealthy foods, fight food cravings, and be more aware of what they put in their mouths. In ten days, on 27 mgs of Concerta, I've gone from 177 pounds, to 166. This includes major calorie restrictions, and intensive exercise.
Keep in mind, using this drug for weight loss is NOT for people who are already slim & slender. You'll end up fighting to keep weight on in the end, and that's worse than having a few extra pounds. It is also dangerous for anyone with a current, or previous heart condition, abnormality, or dysfunction. Naturally, your doctor will tell you this, and should be aware of any drugs that may interfere with or negatively interact with your body and your other medications.
Another thing to keep in mind; Concerta is of the amphetamine class of stimulant drugs, and is a distant cousin of Cocaine. Dependancy should be seen as a very real possibility if not taken correctly.
Using Concerta as a weight loss aid should be considered a stepping - stone, and not a complete fix. If you can use it to ease into a major lifestyle change, such as exercising regularly, and eating smaller, healthier meals, than good for you. If you've got a history of dependency and serious abuse with other drugs, steer clear. It could lead to the development of an eating disorder, or major addiction.
Concerta is a Schedule II controlled substance. Meaning that by obtaining this drug by any means other than a prescription, including selling or trading, is grounds for a serious legal b***h-slap.
Common sense. If you're considering taking Concerta as an 'easy' way to lose weight, think again. Everyone's body is different, and thus, will react to the medication differently. Concerta has an extensive list of side-effects, including insomnia. Do not take Concerta after 12:00 noon, as this will create insomnia. If you're of a healthy, or low weight, do not take Concerta.
Lastly, remember that losing weight is a lifestyle change. Without accepting this fact you will regain your weight. You cannot be on Concerta forever, and will eventually have to slowly taper off your dose over a period of weeks, preferably months, to avoid serious complications and withdrawal effects. NEVER abruptly stop taking Concerta, as this too could cause serious physical, and psychological effects. Be prepared to experience aggravation, nervousness, hostility, and sadness in the first few weeks of taking Concerta, and most importantly, be sure the benefits outweigh the risks.
Be smart, and good luck.
First, some background information. I'm a 19 year old female, standing 5 feet, 4 inches tall, and originally weighing in at 177 pounds. At this weight, I felt miserable. I was self conscious, couldn't fit into my clothes, was constantly tired, and suffered from terrible anxiety attacks. As a college student in the Pre-Med program, I've done a large amount of reading and research on the subject, including studying articles in the New England Journal of Medicine, and Biological Psychiatry. But, obviously - by no means am I a replacement for your doctor.
Although I obtain the drug legally, I admit I abuse Concerta.
But I feel as though in someone who could gain from losing weight, this is more of a help, than a harm. I do not just take Concerta and not eat - that would be counter-productive. Along with a very low calorie restrictive diet and exercise, I feel Concerta can help people stay away from unhealthy foods, fight food cravings, and be more aware of what they put in their mouths. In ten days, on 27 mgs of Concerta, I've gone from 177 pounds, to 166. This includes major calorie restrictions, and intensive exercise.
Keep in mind, using this drug for weight loss is NOT for people who are already slim & slender. You'll end up fighting to keep weight on in the end, and that's worse than having a few extra pounds. It is also dangerous for anyone with a current, or previous heart condition, abnormality, or dysfunction. Naturally, your doctor will tell you this, and should be aware of any drugs that may interfere with or negatively interact with your body and your other medications.
Another thing to keep in mind; Concerta is of the amphetamine class of stimulant drugs, and is a distant cousin of Cocaine. Dependancy should be seen as a very real possibility if not taken correctly.
Using Concerta as a weight loss aid should be considered a stepping - stone, and not a complete fix. If you can use it to ease into a major lifestyle change, such as exercising regularly, and eating smaller, healthier meals, than good for you. If you've got a history of dependency and serious abuse with other drugs, steer clear. It could lead to the development of an eating disorder, or major addiction.
Concerta is a Schedule II controlled substance. Meaning that by obtaining this drug by any means other than a prescription, including selling or trading, is grounds for a serious legal b***h-slap.
Common sense. If you're considering taking Concerta as an 'easy' way to lose weight, think again. Everyone's body is different, and thus, will react to the medication differently. Concerta has an extensive list of side-effects, including insomnia. Do not take Concerta after 12:00 noon, as this will create insomnia. If you're of a healthy, or low weight, do not take Concerta.
Lastly, remember that losing weight is a lifestyle change. Without accepting this fact you will regain your weight. You cannot be on Concerta forever, and will eventually have to slowly taper off your dose over a period of weeks, preferably months, to avoid serious complications and withdrawal effects. NEVER abruptly stop taking Concerta, as this too could cause serious physical, and psychological effects. Be prepared to experience aggravation, nervousness, hostility, and sadness in the first few weeks of taking Concerta, and most importantly, be sure the benefits outweigh the risks.
Be smart, and good luck.
I was put on concerta 3 weeks ago and have lost 15lbs. I am 17 and weighted at 265 at the drs. and now 250lbs. I started at 36 now at 72 for the dose!
If I take it to late I am up all night and cannot sleep.
If I take it to late I am up all night and cannot sleep.
Concerta contains METHYLPHENIDATE which often leads to weight loss.
BUT, all humans differ, as do the side-effects each individual experiences...
Naturally, MANY concerta users GAIN weight as a side-effect -which cannot be controlled.
You have no idea how the medication will react with your system, and I doubt that risking excessive weight gain is a smart option for someone who merely wants to lose weight, and has no problems with ADD/ADHD...
Also, coming off the medication has even more side effects because of the addictive nature of the medication...
Which can easily result in excessive weight gain or binge eating!
The medication is also quite pricey.
Plus, if you were to use concerta purely with the hope of losing weight, you would be abusing the drug...
Drug abusing is frowned upon for obvious reasons.
Ofcourse, it comes bubbled wrapped with list of other side effects, but I'm sure you don't care much about those, hence informing you of the weight issues surrounding the medication.
I've been on concerta for almost 7 months (ADD), I honestly recommend a healthy diet and decent workout plan...
Or just accepting yourself as you are.
Good luck and don't abuse drugs.
BUT, all humans differ, as do the side-effects each individual experiences...
Naturally, MANY concerta users GAIN weight as a side-effect -which cannot be controlled.
You have no idea how the medication will react with your system, and I doubt that risking excessive weight gain is a smart option for someone who merely wants to lose weight, and has no problems with ADD/ADHD...
Also, coming off the medication has even more side effects because of the addictive nature of the medication...
Which can easily result in excessive weight gain or binge eating!
The medication is also quite pricey.
Plus, if you were to use concerta purely with the hope of losing weight, you would be abusing the drug...
Drug abusing is frowned upon for obvious reasons.
Ofcourse, it comes bubbled wrapped with list of other side effects, but I'm sure you don't care much about those, hence informing you of the weight issues surrounding the medication.
I've been on concerta for almost 7 months (ADD), I honestly recommend a healthy diet and decent workout plan...
Or just accepting yourself as you are.
Good luck and don't abuse drugs.
Ya concerta does cause you to lose weight. I have really bad self esteem and I wont lie I also wanted to take it because I heard about it helping you lose weight. I also needed it for my ADD and it helped dramatically with my grades and my job. Im 18 now and I weigh about 145 lbs. and am very skinny. Its unhealthy. Not to mention once you get off of the medicine it instantly increases your appetite and you'll gain a sh*t load of weight. I've been taking ADD meds for like a year and for me they arent worth the high depression that comes with it or the insomnia and irritability. When I would be coming down from the medicine I would freak out at my parents and people who didn't deserve it at all. And when I would be home all day doing nothing I would get pissed off and depressed about it. Like other people have said before me the side effects are different with everyone. Still though it is highly addictive and just is not an overall good thing to be on unless you really need it.
I'm glad to hear that you did not enjoy your experience and can share with others how you're feeling so that they can benefit from your experience. I'm sorry that you had to go through it and I'm glad that you're done with it all. Thanks again!
actually a lot more drs. are prescribing it for obesity even though it is not FDA approved for weight loss. It depends on your dr.
I think that's pretty unfortunate if it isn't FDA approved for that because cymbalta can also be hard to quit too. Why do you think they're doing that?
So i was diagnosed with ADD and have been taking two capsules per day of Concerta (18mg) for about three weeks now and I have noticed that I do get the decreased appetite side effect, and will try to eat something small and feel really sick after and cant finish any meals. Ive also lost roughly 10 lbs and counting but I do eat little things throughout the day so I don't know if the weight loss is just a coincidence or the Concerta? Also I feel nervous, anxious and sick to my stomach at random times when Im not actually nervous or anxious and sometimes I get kinda dizzy and become clumsy. However, It is slowly helping me with my ADD. Does anyone else,prescribed to Concerta, experience the same side effects?
Please reply, thanks :-)
Please reply, thanks :-)
Reply to Sas7897...
It sounds like your dose of Concerta is too high.
This is how AD(H)D works:
The part of your brain that controls attention/focus -- is lacking dopamine, a neurotransmitter, so it's underactive. That can manifest in a lot of ways, from having trouble paying attention, to focusing on things that don't deserve your attention, to having trouble sitting still, to procrastinating, to lateness or memory problems, etc. Different for everyone.
Concerta (like Ritalin, a formulation of the stimulant drug Methylphenidate) increases the amount of dopamine. If it's the right dose, it balances you out. Adderall (another stimulant formula, D- and L-amphetamine) works the same way.
But here's the problem: these drugs are essentially "speed" - potent stimulants. Take enough, it'll calm your brain down by helping it regulate itself better. Take too much, and it'll speed your brain up. That 1. increases anxiety and stress, 2. decreases appetite and messes with digestion, 3. makes it hard to sleep, which has all the bad effects insomnia usually has. It can also increase your risk of a heart attack. Which is, you know, proverbially serious.
Here's my experience: I was on Adderall XR (similar-acting drug, though about twice as potent) 10mg dose 1/day. My doctor said "try it for a week, then increase to 20mg/day." (I'm F late 20s, 140lbs; weight doesn't matter much to this kind of drug though -- most people's brains are about the same size -- so other stuff determines the right dose.)
For the first week on 10mg, I felt great: I slept better than usual because I could just switch my brain off like a light bulb. I woke up feeling rested without hitting the snooze button even once. I woke early enough to get a good breakfast, didn't have much desire for snacks and lunch, but was starving by dinner and ate a good healthy meal.
The second week, I tried 20mg. My heart was pounding in the late morning and early afternoon. I felt focused and energetic, but almost too focused -- almost obsessive. I didn't eat anything all day until dinner, forgot to drink enough fluids, and I slept maybe 6 hours, badly. I woke up groggy and miserable. For 3 more days, I tried 20mg, and just got more and more sleep-deprived... which erased the benefits of the increased focus. My attention was basically back to (my) normal but I felt like c**p.
Anyway, needless to say I switched back to 10mg, and I'm firmly of the opinion that it's better to take too little than too much. I lost about 3lbs in 3 weeks but that's because I wasn't pigging out on junk food quite as much. (And then Halloween happened and I gained it all back, but hey. Kit-Kat.) I've been trying to lose the last 10 lbs for a while, but I'm in no rush.
Looking around the blogs , it seems like a LOT of people are prescribed too high a dose. Take the highest dose where you still get a good night's sleep, and tolerable other side effects, and no higher. (Some people do need a lot more than me, because they have less dopamine to start with, or because the drugs become less potent over time. Again, different for everyone.)
Here's the trick: don't use Concerta (or any other drug) to reduce your appetite. Use it to increase your mindfulness -- that is, help you pay attention so you don't snack too much or eat without thinking first. A lot of people with ADHD become overweight because they just have trouble planning healthy meals (& keeping up with other good habits).
Take your time in overcoming the ADHD. Pills don't cure years of bad habits... and they shouldn't.
It sounds like your dose of Concerta is too high.
This is how AD(H)D works:
The part of your brain that controls attention/focus -- is lacking dopamine, a neurotransmitter, so it's underactive. That can manifest in a lot of ways, from having trouble paying attention, to focusing on things that don't deserve your attention, to having trouble sitting still, to procrastinating, to lateness or memory problems, etc. Different for everyone.
Concerta (like Ritalin, a formulation of the stimulant drug Methylphenidate) increases the amount of dopamine. If it's the right dose, it balances you out. Adderall (another stimulant formula, D- and L-amphetamine) works the same way.
But here's the problem: these drugs are essentially "speed" - potent stimulants. Take enough, it'll calm your brain down by helping it regulate itself better. Take too much, and it'll speed your brain up. That 1. increases anxiety and stress, 2. decreases appetite and messes with digestion, 3. makes it hard to sleep, which has all the bad effects insomnia usually has. It can also increase your risk of a heart attack. Which is, you know, proverbially serious.
Here's my experience: I was on Adderall XR (similar-acting drug, though about twice as potent) 10mg dose 1/day. My doctor said "try it for a week, then increase to 20mg/day." (I'm F late 20s, 140lbs; weight doesn't matter much to this kind of drug though -- most people's brains are about the same size -- so other stuff determines the right dose.)
For the first week on 10mg, I felt great: I slept better than usual because I could just switch my brain off like a light bulb. I woke up feeling rested without hitting the snooze button even once. I woke early enough to get a good breakfast, didn't have much desire for snacks and lunch, but was starving by dinner and ate a good healthy meal.
The second week, I tried 20mg. My heart was pounding in the late morning and early afternoon. I felt focused and energetic, but almost too focused -- almost obsessive. I didn't eat anything all day until dinner, forgot to drink enough fluids, and I slept maybe 6 hours, badly. I woke up groggy and miserable. For 3 more days, I tried 20mg, and just got more and more sleep-deprived... which erased the benefits of the increased focus. My attention was basically back to (my) normal but I felt like c**p.
Anyway, needless to say I switched back to 10mg, and I'm firmly of the opinion that it's better to take too little than too much. I lost about 3lbs in 3 weeks but that's because I wasn't pigging out on junk food quite as much. (And then Halloween happened and I gained it all back, but hey. Kit-Kat.) I've been trying to lose the last 10 lbs for a while, but I'm in no rush.
Looking around the blogs , it seems like a LOT of people are prescribed too high a dose. Take the highest dose where you still get a good night's sleep, and tolerable other side effects, and no higher. (Some people do need a lot more than me, because they have less dopamine to start with, or because the drugs become less potent over time. Again, different for everyone.)
Here's the trick: don't use Concerta (or any other drug) to reduce your appetite. Use it to increase your mindfulness -- that is, help you pay attention so you don't snack too much or eat without thinking first. A lot of people with ADHD become overweight because they just have trouble planning healthy meals (& keeping up with other good habits).
Take your time in overcoming the ADHD. Pills don't cure years of bad habits... and they shouldn't.