similar experiences?

[blackbelt1997]

Hi,
I take 18mg of Concerta. When allergy season hits, I can't take my Concerta and allergy meds together because I get super drowsy. When I went off my Concerta a few weekends ago, my impulsivity/low frustration tolerance came through full force once after both weekends. I ended up tearing up some bread and ham one day and banged on my desk and hurt my hand the other time. Since taking my Concerta regularly (everyday) this behavior hasn't returned. The type of behavior I described was more intense and more frequent before I started the Concerta. Has anyone else experienced something similar when they stopped taking their stimulant med briefly?

[momster]

Hi Blackbelt. Nice to see you again!!!

My son became very impulsive when he went off the concerta. He was on a pretty high dose last winter (72 mg) and really needed an increase for attention. We originally pulled him off of it b/c it was making him really really flat. He was very impulsive off concerta, which prompted our exploits with straterra (another story, another post). We finally had to get him back on a smaller dose of concerta - 36 mg - and it helps tremendously with the impulsivity. My son was constantly banging into things, whacking himself by mistake, and also doing foolish things (like riding his bike in front of a car!).

BTW, he takes allegra for allergies (which have been terrible for the last month!!) and he hasn't had the problem that you spoke of with the antihistamines.

good luck.

momster

[blackbelt1997]

Momster,
Good to see you too. I wish I could take Allergra, but my insurance won't cover it. Zyrtec is the only one that my insurance will pay for. I asked my doctor about changing my allergy med, but he didn't want to. Maybe when I go in for a physical next year I'll mention that the impulsivity returns when the Concerta stops for a few days.

[PMM]

When my son took first ritalin and then adderall he was able to take an antihistamine/decongentant called Rinatin. It comes in both liquid and pill form. Maybe your insurance would cover this one.

PMM

[blackbelt1997]

Thanks. I'll check into that.