My younger brother has ADHD-inattentive type, for which he takes Concerta. He has been suffering from mood symptoms for quite some time. He claims that he feels "blah", his appetite is severely decreased, he doesn't find pleasure in anything but his video games, he is plagued with unnecessary guilt...

Whenever I express my concern, he tells me that these mood issues are side effects of his medication. Indeed, on the days when he doesn't take the Concerta, he definitely seems happier, more energetic, and not at all depressed.

So, my question is, has anyone here experienced depressive symptoms as a consequence of your Concerta (or other ADHD medication?) Also, how did you deal with such a disturbing side effect? I am not sure if he should try another medication or decrease his dose, because Concerta controls his attentional issues really well. At the same time, I'm equally concerned that therapy alone would not be enough to combat his secondary mood issues.

I have bipolar II, so he has a family history of mood disorders (which perhaps made him more susceptible to Concerta-induced depression).
Recurrent depression, in addition to being painful, made normal high school life very difficult for me. I have many regrets, especially concerning all of the social connections I failed to form. I do not want my brother suffer from a similar problem if he can avoid it.
Thanks!