HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Concerta for FM

Support Forums
>
Fibromyalgia
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 3/11/2012 4:33 PM (GMT 0)

Hi all! New here and can't wait to look around at all the info posted. But what brought me here is that I was trying to find some facts on Concerta.

I have read some studies that Concerta was helpful in FM patience for attention and focus issues as well as fatigue. The only reason I even looked into it was because my dr. had mentioned it several months back that it was something we could try if these symptoms did not improve. We have the pain under control, for the most part, and now I wanted to address the attention issues. When I emailed my request to my dr. her response was that I would have to see a psychologist and be evaluated for ADD and other cognitive issues. That Concerta can only be prescribed for ADHD.

So what I am wondering is if anyone with FM has been prescribed Concerta for their FM symptoms? I can't help but think that this could very well be just what I need, after everything I've read.

Curious to know what others have to say about it!

Thanks!!  

Posted 3/11/2012 7:05 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Kaddie,

I took concerta for awhile prescribed by my psychiatrist for fatigue. It worked well. I now take vyvanse but will be back on adderall this week as the vyvanse doesn't work as well. The concerta didn't always get into by blood stream. It comes in a wierd form. You have to have a lot of stomache acid to break it down. And I don't think I had that because it wasn't consistant. But when it worked, it worked wonderful. I could think good and I had a lot of energy. It was a beginning for me basically. I went off adderall because of the shortage scare. Wish I would have never had done that. I am going on adderall xr this time. I hope I can find a dose that helps.

I hope that you get the concerta, and that it works for you. It is so nice to not be fatigued. I am not in bed now, but I am awake. I can hold a conversation, and do a few things. But not like on the adderall. I wish you the best.

By the way... Weelcome to the fibromyalgia forum. I am very happy that you have joined us. I hope you read a lot. A wonderful thread is the second one on the forum. It is called "fibro 101". Please take a look at it. I am sure you will find it useful...

Keep posting...

Hugs, Karen
Posted 3/11/2012 7:24 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome Kaddie

I was prescribed Adderall also for excessive fatigue, because it is effective and cheaper than Concerta, Vyvanse and Strattera. I do not have ADHD. Concerta can be prescribed off-label for excessive daytime fatigue. Maybe your doc forgot youor discussion?

There are alot of meds to help with fog including provigil or nuvigil, the stimulants like adderall, concerta etc.

The adderall does help...my brain and outlook just seem lighter and more focused...I can actually complete a task now-lol...I hope you can work this out with your doc

Welcome and let us know

Take care
Maggie
Posted 3/11/2012 7:40 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome kaddie- I don't take any meds for focus or fatigue. I just wanted to welcome you to the fibro site. My health history keeps me from trying one of those drugs. Sounds. Like you are on the right path on educating yourself with Fibromalgia treatments. I read other post at first and got great ideas on how to manage my fibro. I have been here a year and I am happy to say that my health improved so much. I mostly went to natural remedies due to other medical problems. I hope you can get as much as I have from this fibro site. I hope to see you around.
Posted 3/11/2012 8:33 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you for the warm welcome! And sharing your stories.

This has not been a fun journey so far and it just seems like I've had to fight almost every step with my dr. I mean she really seems to understand and is supportive but as far as what meds. I should be taking I always have to keep insisting and jump through a couple hoops get what I want. I've thought of finding another dr. but I'm afraid they won't be as supportive.

How wonderful it is to find a place where there are people who truly do 'get it'! My husband, mother, kids etc. are supportive as well but they REALLY don't understand what it can be like for me to live with this everyday.

I guess I'll go send her another email and see what happens. I've already checked with ins. and the evaluation for ADD would not be covered.

Thanks again!
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply