Can Concerta Be Discontinued Abruptly?
Question: dear doctor
i take concerta 18 mg daily since XXXXXXX . I want to stop and my doctor does not have a problem with it. I have time off of school and I'd like to give my body a break. however , I have been extremely anxious for the last several days since i stopped and my pharmacist told me to take concerta at least 2-3 times a week so not to shock the system. is this withdrawl? i f so how long can it take? I run everyday to offset anxiety and I take b complex and omega 3. do you have any other suggestions for me? can you give me.a second opinion on whether or not it is a good idea to stop. my main concern is psychological dependance.
thank you
i take concerta 18 mg daily since XXXXXXX . I want to stop and my doctor does not have a problem with it. I have time off of school and I'd like to give my body a break. however , I have been extremely anxious for the last several days since i stopped and my pharmacist told me to take concerta at least 2-3 times a week so not to shock the system. is this withdrawl? i f so how long can it take? I run everyday to offset anxiety and I take b complex and omega 3. do you have any other suggestions for me? can you give me.a second opinion on whether or not it is a good idea to stop. my main concern is psychological dependance.
thank you
Brief Answer:
Reduce the dose gradually
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Welcome to HCM.
Abruptly stopping concerta can cause withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, restlessness and relapse of your symptoms.
It should be stopped gradually. One idea would be to take drug holidays on weekends. Or you can reduce the dose by 25% every week and then stop.
The duration of withdrawal symptoms can be from 1 week to 1 month in different individuals.
You can practice deep breathing exercises to combat anxiety.
Keep your doctor informed about this.
Hope this helps.
Thanks.
Reduce the dose gradually
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Welcome to HCM.
Abruptly stopping concerta can cause withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, restlessness and relapse of your symptoms.
It should be stopped gradually. One idea would be to take drug holidays on weekends. Or you can reduce the dose by 25% every week and then stop.
The duration of withdrawal symptoms can be from 1 week to 1 month in different individuals.
You can practice deep breathing exercises to combat anxiety.
Keep your doctor informed about this.
Hope this helps.
Thanks.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar