Are you familiar with Concerta?

[rockdalehome]

I was diagnosed with MS about 24 years ago.  My major problems all this time are fatigue and weakness in my legs.  My previous neurologist had suggested and prescribed Concerta for some temporary help for those symptoms.  I am currently taking a 54mg tablet each morning and I cannot tell that it really helps since I do have "good" and "bad" periods.  
Any information will be greatly appreciated.
...Bill

[Celery47]

Hi Bill!

Wow - 54 mg?  Did you start off on a lower dose?  That sounds awfully high...  I've been on methylphenidate for about three years. (I take the brand Ritalin, but I'm pretty sure Ritalin and Concerta are about the same thing.)  I started off on 5 mg, three times a day (of the non extended release) and I got a lot of benefit from it.  It helped a lot with my sleepiness, although it did tend to make me sleepier in the evenings (once it'd worn off), and then sometimes there would be days where it just wouldn't help at all.  But overall, it helped.

Currently I'm taking 20 mg extended release in the morning, and 10 mg non-ER in the afternoon.  I love this particular set-up.  Generally, it keeps me going through the day, although there still are times when I just need to sleep, even after taking the drugs.  I'm not totally familiar with the Concerta brand, but I'm guessing that what you're taking is extended release?  I really like the ER pills because then I don't forget to take the next dose - which happens all the time on the regular medicine, because by the time I need the next dose I am just starting to get sluggish and sleepy (and forgetful!) again.  But, my doctor was also telling me that the extended release can be a problem, because since you never get any little "breaks" from the medicine (like you would between doses of the regular stuff), your appetite stays suppressed throughout the day, and then you can get problems with maintaining your weight.

I'm curious about your good and bad periods on the drug.  Also, do you ever get that "jolt" feeling right after you've taken a pill?  

I hope it starts helping you with your symptoms!  Maybe it'd help to try tinkering with the dose?  I think taking too high a dose can actually be a bad thing - because the methylphenidate can make you spend all of your energy too quick, leaving you exhausted when the medicine wears off.  I am wishing you luck!

Louey

[rendean]

Hi Bill,

Welcome to our forum. I'm glad you found us . As rfor your specific question, I do not as yet take anything for fatigue. I do know several people on the forum take Provigil and Nuvigil and Adderall to help with the fatigue. Hopefully one of them will pop in here and help clarify the situation.

In the meantime, welcome! We're glad to have you.

Ren