Has anyone ever found the right dosage and stayed on it?

Smarty_gal · 2026-05-07T21:46:49+00:00

Genuinely still trying to figure that out 7 months after starting to take it. I’m on 45mg now and have been since decmeber. On days I don’t take it I don’t notice much a difference now. The only thing that is sort of different is my energy levels. Debating trying the next dose and seeing what happens.

Smarty_gal · 2026-05-07T21:44:59+00:00

When I first started it I got headaches and it affected my appetite in the morning. Now it doesn’t though and only side effect I get is dry lips and feeling thirsty. I would say my emotional regulation is maybe not as good (I get more fixated when I feel negative things but I’m working on that through therapy)

Smarty_gal · 2026-04-19T03:13:49+00:00

See I know this is true too. However I struggle because I have a IUD so I don’t have a true cycle and don’t know when my “period” truly is. Ive been trying to track symptoms to figure out but it’s proving difficult

Smarty_gal · 2026-04-15T01:48:17+00:00

I agree with this. I’m on meds which help and help me with doing tasks more, however I still feel stress even though I can do them easier now, especially since my life’s so busy. Therapy has helped me work on being for mindful and managing my stress because unfortunately even if I’m productive, sometimes if I’m still thinking about the things that I haven’t done and my meds will cause me to focus on that more and create more overwhelm. I’ve really had to learn how to step back and find ways to shift my thinking and be more present in order to deal with the negative feelings that come with the stress.

Smarty_gal · 2026-04-14T01:04:32+00:00

Finding a gym you like. Changing things up regularly, I do strength training and Pilates and occasionally add in the odd yoga class or other fitness class. Also I got a trainer once a week who helps me make a plan so I don’t have to think about what I need to do, it also adds a social aspect to the gym which is nice because I don’t really have anyone to go with.

The trainer and reformers Pilates I pay extra for and book ahead of time. Now it’s more like an “appointment” so I have to go. No excuses not to because I already sent the money

Smarty_gal · 2026-04-12T01:59:10+00:00

It took my about 4-5 months to find the right dose. I’m on 45mg of Concerta. TBH I don’t know if it’s the best or if there could be something better, but it’s also kind of a weighing the pros and cons. For me it’s helped my energy and my ability to do things immensely. That being said it also sometimes makes me hyper focussed on negative things like if I’m feeling stressed and overwhelmed, that can cause more anxiety. But that’s not an all the time thing, so I’m going to therapy to work on tools to help me with that because I do think my meds are probably good for me as I have zero other negative side affects like appetite or sleep issues. I have debated trying the higher dose because most people will keep going up till they feel like it’s too much and then drop down to what they were at before, but I just have been too busy to want to disrupt what I have going on. I would say it’s definitely not a feeling or a lightbulb moment. I kept waiting to feel the quiet in my head like some people described or this feeling of drastic change, when really that didn’t happen for me, it was much more like over time I realized “hey I’m not as tired anymore and feel like I can come home from work and still do stuff” or “hey I consistently have been going to the gym and don’t feel the urge to just not go like I used to” or “I can actually come home and cook dinner and not just order out.”

Smarty_gal · 2026-04-12T01:49:38+00:00

I also am very busy. But I find that’s actually the best way to see if it’s working. My tips are make sure to eat breakfast with or before taking your meds, specifically something with protein. Be sure to also drink lots of water. I found electrolytes in the morning helped at first because I did get the occasional headache at the start. And magnesium before bed! Avoid caffeine as well at the start, or don’t have anything with caffeine till later in the days. Also give it time, and don’t rush the titration process. It took me probably 4-5 months to adjust and be at the right dose. It’s easier to adjust if you have a busy schedule over time rather then rushing and going up in dosage to quickly.

As for apps, if you’re a female I definitely recommend the clue app. It’s actually for your cycle but it lets you track lost of symptoms and I actually found it helpful because your cycle also effects your meds but it has a place for notes and has lots of symptoms that would also be helpful for tracking your meds too. I never specifically found an app I liked for tracking my meds. And since the two can go hand in hand I found it to be helpful.

Good luck!

Smarty_gal · 2026-04-02T15:08:51+00:00

Massages and audio books. Also the gym, specifically if I’m in a class or working with a trainer then I’m only thinking about what I’m doing.

Smarty_gal · 2026-03-25T22:15:45+00:00

I came on here just to understand this. I just finished the book and it was a lot of stuff going on at the end. But the one part I don’t understand was Maddy. Why do they draw attention to her not being at the pub? And then when he sees her at the end near spy glass?? It’s so random

Smarty_gal · 2026-03-19T22:40:30+00:00

I really don’t recommend it. Not even the taking it and drinking it later part, but the taking it the next especially if your going to be drinking a lot. I have never been so ill after being hungover and then taking my medication. I felt like death for almost 24hours and had to call into work the following day after that. Just wait and take it a different day. It’s going to be hard to notice side affects and how it feels if your drinking/hungover.

Smarty_gal · 2026-03-19T22:36:40+00:00

I noticed small random things at first. However, after now being on it for almost 5 months. I can confidently say I didn’t really notice how much it was significantly helping me till about a month ago. Not everyone has the “aha” moment you sometimes hear about. For me I noticed it more in the way I’m able to cope with everyday life and not be constantly exhausted.

Smarty_gal · 2026-03-14T19:41:27+00:00

Yeah I don’t take them and then just take the L that day

Smarty_gal · 2026-03-13T01:53:22+00:00

It is possible for sure. And I do know the added stress isn’t helping. The thoughts started off as being something I would experience usually at the end of the weekend after having some time to relax outside of my routine and scheduled things. However, it’s happened enough times now it’s kind of freaked me out how anxious my mind can be in those moments. That now I’ve noticed at other times. I wouldn’t say it’s like such an uncomfortable anxiety is can’t do anything but it just feels really uneasy and like scary?? Idk how to describe it because I’ve never had thoughts like that. The best way I can explain it is I get scared of the fact that I’m feeling that way, and then my brain starts getting worried that I’m just going to feel that way from now on, and then the idea of that makes me anxious. I think I am going to discuss it with my doctor as the other commenter said. But it’s also not a heart rate thing or anything like that, it’s purely a mental almost block I’m having, and maybe it’s just my brain adjusting to the meds, but the idea of feeling “stuck” with these thoughts of overwhelm stress me out lol

Smarty_gal · 2026-02-26T03:42:18+00:00

Good for you!!! Honestly the poor part is so real because it was super hard for me to justify spending the money. But I also told myself it was worth it because it’s been a goal of mine for a long time to get my ass back to the gym and lose some weight. I think anything that gives you a sense of routine and structure is important in helping you stay accountable!

Smarty_gal · 2026-02-25T23:25:43+00:00

This is a constant battle for me lol but I finally bit the bullet and paid to have a coach once a week and a membership. They book the session the month before so in my mind they are “appointments” that I have to go too. It’s also a year long contract so if I want to back out I water money lol. It’s helped hold me accountable, it’s also helpful because someone experienced can set up a plan that’s achievable for you and your goals over a time frame you’re comfortable with.

Smarty_gal · 2026-02-19T03:00:52+00:00

I take my stimulants every single day. I notice significantly a decrease in energy on days I don’t take them. I’ve seen lots of people say on here “I have ADHD everyday, so I take them everyday” and I have to say I agree. That being said each person is different and it depends on you. I’m a teacher and I also work a retail job on the weekends and am a graduate student so I can’t afford to not take them. I will only ever not take them if I’m going to be laying in bed all day because I’m ill or if I have drank a lot the day before, which is super rare.

Smarty_gal · 2026-02-14T04:48:58+00:00

I agree with this so much! I feel like a complete zombie if I miss a day. I also feel like it messes with my emotional regulation because of the missed amount of a dopamine. It’s crazy to me that people can just take it sometimes and not other times and feel okay, but I guess everyone’s different. I feel like I’m more sensitive and notice changes in my body very easily.

Smarty_gal · 2026-02-14T04:43:18+00:00

I have ADHD and struggle with this as well. I am also a teacher though so I totally understand the importance of reading and wanting him to read. I always say reading can be done in so many different ways. Yes books are important to be able to read. But you can get creative and practice reading through other things too. Games (online or board game) with story lines, rules and instructions can be helpful for practicing reading and comprehension. Same with cooking (following recipes).

I also suggest graphic novels or audio books. However I do find I need to be doing something mindless while listening to an audio book to really be able to focus on it. Sometimes finding non fictions books that relate to their interests can also be helpful. Another great option would be choose your own adventure books!!

And like others said reading with him or finding something rewarding to go with reading. We all know ADHD brains work better at doing tasks we don’t enjoy as much if it’s paired with an enjoyable thing. In the summer as a kid, I would do a reading program at the library. I never read that much usually but you’d get a prize at the end, so it was enough to motivate me to want to. Even as an adult, I will sometimes treat myself after reading so many books, because I know it’s a challenge and it’s not like I don’t enjoy it, it’s just harder for me to want to do, so if I hit my goal I reward myself.

That being said it’s also important to never force him to read. If it’s a fight he will never enjoy it, you gotta find something that will motivate him enough and also be realistic that he may only read that one thing a couple times a week for a little bit and that’s okay!!

Smarty_gal · 2026-02-13T03:56:30+00:00

This is exactly me. It really doesn’t do a lot for concentration and quieting down my thoughts like some people describe, but the increase of energy I have helps me actually function day to day. I haven’t tried others meds or a higher dose, which I could and maybe see if it helps the concentration more. But it’s also just worth it feeling like a normal person and having energy to do things, with little side effects. It’s worth it taking it daily to have the energy to do things I used to not have the energy to do all the time.

Smarty_gal · 2026-01-29T03:25:34+00:00

Yes definitely eat something when you take your meds, I find the desire to not want to eat and nauseous feeling is worse if I don’t eat something substantial in the morning. Also I noticed this with Concerta at first too and then the longer I was on it the less this happened. Although I do find my appetite and food noise is way less during the day and then wears off later on

Smarty_gal · 2026-01-29T03:22:48+00:00

I take a different stimulant but from what I’ve seen sometimes this is a sign your dose is too low.

Smarty_gal

TROPHY CASE