[sideblinded]

Hi guys

I was finally diagnosed with ADHD (hyperactive-impulsive type). A pdoc prescribed Ritalin IR. I was also taking doxepin (tricyclic) at night. The IR form has a short duration of effectiveness and I crashed just after 4 hours as it only last approx. 4 hours. My heart rate was elevated on Ritalin IR and so I am wondering if (1) did the doxepin help to make me jittery? or (2) could another stimulant be smoother and by it lasting longer eliminate the jittery feeling and drops I had from Ritalin IR?

Main question is.... just because I didn't do well on Ritalin IR, does this mean that stimulants are not right for me?

[-jimi-]

Yea, it is worth trying the XR and also other stimulants. Ritalin is the only one that is good for me and some others I hated so the opposite must also be possible. Ritalin is seen as quite harsh actually when it comes to stimulation and crashes.

[Miswimmy1]

It's definitely worth trying other drugs. I started out on concerta but I have such a fast metabolism that even the XR capsule was in and out of my system in about 4-5 hours. I also crashed really badly (headaches, grumpiness, nausea) and I had a super high heart rate. I ended up switching to Strattera. I didn't have any of the side effects but it was less effective for me, even on the highest recommended dose. My advice is to try different meds and then see. If it comes down to it, you might have to weigh the side effects versus the benefit of the medication. But there are tons of meds out there- don't give up until you've tried them all or the one that works best for you.

[sonnynotsunny]

I had a friend who was taking Ritalin, his psychiatrist told him if it doesn’t work in about 4 days he will change, I guess they should work right after you take them.

[sideblinded]

Originally Posted by -jimi-

Yea, it is worth trying the XR and also other stimulants. Ritalin is the only one that is good for me and some others I hated so the opposite must also be possible. Ritalin is seen as quite harsh actually when it comes to stimulation and crashes.

Thanks so much -jimi-

It is helpful to know that on stimulants everyone has a different reaction so maybe we will have to tune in the right med, stimulant or not.

Take care!

[sideblinded]

Originally Posted by Miswimmy1

It's definitely worth trying other drugs. I started out on concerta but I have such a fast metabolism that even the XR capsule was in and out of my system in about 4-5 hours. I also crashed really badly (headaches, grumpiness, nausea) and I had a super high heart rate. I ended up switching to Strattera. I didn't have any of the side effects but it was less effective for me, even on the highest recommended dose. My advice is to try different meds and then see. If it comes down to it, you might have to weigh the side effects versus the benefit of the medication. But there are tons of meds out there- don't give up until you've tried them all or the one that works best for you.

I am older now and my metabolism has slowed down significantly. I also had a rise in heart rate on Ritalin IR but not too badly. I am actually afraid of taking Strattera because for some reason I had bad side effects from another SNRI. I also have insomnia and Strattera might interfere with that. So I could be wrong about my hesitancy with it, I dunno.... I will definitely be willing to try different meds.

Thanks so much for the information!

[sideblinded]

Originally Posted by sonnynotsunny

I had a friend who was taking Ritalin, his psychiatrist told him if it doesn’t work in about 4 days he will change, I guess they should work right after you take them.

Yeah, I may or may not be a candidate for a stimulant. There is always wellbutrin to try as I also have depression. I do think I need to try a few more stims as they say they work the best.

Thanks!

[-jimi-]

I have friends in your situation and most of them ended up on dextroamphetamines. Which is the smooth stimulant I'm told.

I've tried it and it was a bit rough on me, but they are the majority so there is hope I say.