Generic Concerta Lasted Only 2 Weeks

[Jen's Solitude]

I was really flying high for 2 weeks but then my Concerta dropped me like a hot potato which was totally unexpected. I guess in retrospect I should not have assumed it would last for at least a month . . . but I did.

These last six days have been the pits! I couldn't even celebrate my 37th anniversary because I couldn't get out of bed. Not that anything fancy was planned we were just looking forward to being out of the house together.

My doctor said he would be starting me on the lowest dosage 36 mgs and would increase from that starting point. I will be calling him next week so that I can start a higher dose by the first of September. This drug has the most expensive co-pay of all my meds so I am hoping my doctor will increase my dosage so that it will at least last a month before I need a stronger amount. I can't afford two refills per month.

So that is my update I will let you know how the next increased dosage works. I am assuming that along with the dosage increase will come increased side effects but I won't know for sure until I am actually taking a higher amount.

[agate]

Gee whiz. What a shame it didn't last longer. Maybe the doctor could be persuaded to increase the dosage just a tad before September 1?

On the other hand, maybe you can get through the next 5 days?

A postponed anniversary celebration is better than none. I hope you can have that celebration very soon--and happy anniversary!

[Lazarus]

Hello Dar,
I always feel that I have more control if I have a small dose of any pill. I learn how often and how much to take of my bladder pills, my baclofen and the Ritalin. Sometimes I need the pills every day and sometimes I need two.

But, I am rarely taking the amount of any pills that are prescribed for symptom management. Isn't the concerta the longer lasting form of Ritalin? How long is it supposed to last?

I remember when ditropan came out with a longer acting form of that bladder pill. It did not take me long to go back to the generic form, oxybutinin, and I had much better results. I vary between taking one or two pills. Many days I did not take Ritalin at all and then I would take it depending on my schedule.

I do not know what all this means but it may be the form of the pill and not the dosage which is letting you down.

Linda

[Virginia]

DAR, Happy Anniversary. As Agate said you can celebrate later, that is not such a bad thing. I just hope that you get your drug dosage straightened out so that you will feel better and more like doing things.

Keep us informed.

[Sunshine]

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FDA finds two generic versions of Concerta don't work. Concerta has a unique patented time release mechanisms. Only one generic successfully duplicates it. Yr bottle should have the generic company's name on it

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[stillstANNding]

Thank you, BBS.

ANN at the beach

[agate]

One of those unusual situations where a generic really isn't the exact equivalent of the brand name.

Hope you can get the Actavis, Dar.

[Jen's Solitude]

Thanks everyone for your helpful comments. I checked and I do have the Actavis generic brand. Hopefully increasing the dosage will enable it to last longer. The prescription info said not to increase or decrease the dosage and not to skip any dosages either. I have followed the directions but my pcp said he would increase it if need be. So I will call and let him know it needs to be. (smile)

[SalpalSally]

Concerta is for ADHD, oright?

[stillstANNding]

Yes, Sally. We get it "off label" for now.

[jendie]

DAR, good luck to you on getting your RX tweaked in a way that is helpful for you.

[Jen's Solitude]

I called my doctor and asked if I could take 2 pills instead of one but they said no. Curt will pick up my new prescription today and hopefully tomorrow I will have some added energy and it will least at least a month this time.

[SalpalSally]

I hope so for you!