Concerta is speed like. It reduces one's appetite. Steroids increase your appetite. No, get control of your eating. Research all meds before taking them. I am taking Concerta (since May 2002). I am 33 yo, and was not diagnosed with ADD until recently, while testing my daughter for it. The med helps my focus, my moods, and I really haven't noticed an affect on loss of appetite (now). The best thing to do is eat before medicating, and drinking nutritious beverages to feed yourself throughout the day if possible. If all else fails, eat smaller things which are more water-based such as grapes or possibly carrots (you'd have to chew well, but are great for stemming hunger). I've been taking Concerta (which is nearly the same drug) since I was young, and I've noticed my appetite changes whenever I take my meds. If I were you I would eat BEFORE taking it. If I were you I would eat BEFORE taking it. Re: Ritalin Timing Question If you take it and wait an hour to eat, then you won't be hungry anymore! I don't really get that side effect (or any others for that matter), and now that I have tried waiting longer before food, I have definitely noticead a smoother absorption (food seems to speed it up). When you stop taking Concerta, many different things, both good and bad, can happen. Concerta is one of the medications that can be used to treat ADHD. It’s best to take the drug 45 minutes before eating to make sure your body fully absorbs it. Concerta has a long, steady release pattern, while the short-acting Ritalin releases more quickly and. For these reasons, you should talk to your doctor before taking Concerta if you have a personal or family history of heart problems or mental disorders. What you can do I am taking concerta now and I am just turning 25 and I wish I had been diagnosed early luike most hyperactive kids. If your daughter is only medicated to quiet him down and they do not suffer from ADHD then that's not right. Just wondering if anyone gives/takes concerta before breakfast. Mornings are a terrible distraction for our DS6. We give it after breakfast so that school sees the benefits.