"i&#039;m 21 and i&#039;ve been taking 72mg (two 36mg barrels) a day since i was about 17. concerta changed my life. i was failing school and no matter how hard i tried, it didn&#039;t change anything. i became depressed, slept for 14+ hours a day, i gave up. then i was prescribed and it changed my life. it keeps me focused, motivated, and energized. though, the side effects are very real. i don&#039;t sleep much, which is why i usually don&#039;t take it on weekends to catch up on sleep. it kills my appetite, so i eat a big breakfast before i take it in the mornings. it does elevate my anxiety, and not saying it&#039;s something i suggest.. but i smoke cigarettes to help that. oh, and i don&#039;t know if this is common or not.. but it keeps my digestive track regular!"