Concerta (Ritalin) sensitivity, other options?

Recently I was diagnosed with adult ADD. I was never tested as a kid or anything, I had lots of friends who had ADD but never really knew too much about it. I heard lots of stuff about how it's a made up disorder so not 100% sure if I even really have it. However I read that when people who have ADD or ADHD take these stimulant medications they tend to have a quasi-calming effect rather than actually getting "high". That seems to be the case with me so far.

I was given a 54mg script of concerta this week. My doctor told me that dosage is on the larger side. Instead of giving me the single 54mg pill I was given a bunch of 18mg pills so I could adjust my dosage as I see fit. 18mg didn't do anything at all, 36mg was very subtle, and 54mg was closer to what I need, although I still find it subtle. When I take a larger dose like 54mg I tend to get hives, not very many, but hives nonetheless. I never get hives usually so it's obviously the medication. I'm thinking about switching to a different medication because of this, but I'm not sure if I should expect the same reaction from ALL stimulants. Concerta is Methylphenidate.

I've tried a friend's adderall XR a few years ago. I'm not sure the dosage but it was much more powerful than my 54mg concerta. I didn't have any bad reactions to it back then but maybe my body has changed? Do any of you know if I should expect the same reactions with Adderall or any other ADD medication? What are some other options out there?

 

All concerta did for me was make me anxious. I switched to vyvanse and i like it alot better. Not too sure about the hyves situation tho