HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Can Concerta Be Discontinued Abruptly?

default
Posted on Fri, 11 Nov 2016
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
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shubham Mehta (1 hour later)
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.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Shubham Mehta

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 2144 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Can Concerta Be Discontinued Abruptly?

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.