What are side effects of Concerta?

Yikes – - – - You are taking these with or without a Doctor’s approval?

Without, but I seriously do need them.
I’ve gone to an appointment to the Doctor’s office where we’ve established that I do have trouble focusing, and I have ADHD. At the time, however, I did not wish to take concerta.

I do now though and I NEED to focus tomorrow.

You could have a reaction the you are not ready for while taking the test. This is potent stuff it is not like having a couple extra cups of coffee.

Well could you please explain what exactly the reaction is that you’re referring to?
What is the worst that could happen?

Your heart rate could accelerate to twice normal, your blood pressure could go high enough for you a brain bleed.

Oh and have a panic attack while taking the test…..

WOAH.

Now I’m screwed. There is no way I’m passing the test.

Drink two extra cups coffee and have a good night’s sleep

Won’t that just make me hyper though?
And unfortunately I can’t stand coffee.

Well just get a good nights sleep.

Concerta can make you depressed and suicidal. Please don’t take it without doctor’s supervision as well as the watchful eye of someone who cares about you nearby.

This is why you should not take something for the first time right before doing something important to you. If you had tested it out first, you wouldn’t have needed to ask this question. Also, drugs like Concerta are not “when you need them” pills. If you don’t take them in a regulated way, they can seriously alter the biochemical reactions in your brain.

The possible side-effects mentioned by @Tropical_Willie might not come about in your case, but at this point you don’t know. Go back to your doctor, say that you want to do something about (or take something for) your ADHD, and go from there. Like @linguaphile said: you need someone who knows you’re taking this to watch for bad side-effects.

As for test-taking tips, it’s a bit late for those now. I generally recommend using mnemonic devices and not studying the night before an exam. This latter bit of advice requires one to schedule study time in a way that typically prevents the unfortunate practice of “cramming” for the test. It also makes you more likely to guess correctly when you cannot consciously remember an answer.

I wish you luck on this exam. Maybe you’ll find you don’t even need the pills. But if the worst happens, you know some things to do now. I hope you do well, but it’s more important to be well. Good luck!

Thanks.

I didn’t take the Concerta, or the test.
(Testing at my Dmv closed yesterday, and now I have to go out of town to take the test)

But thanks for your input everyone!