Scared about Ritalin?

So, around a few months ago, I was diagnosed with ADD. My whole family and I are stil having doubts that about the diagnostic. Anyway, I've first off, been taking a different medication, I forgot the name of, but I stopped due to the bad side effect of appetite decrease which lead to weight decrease and- it wasn't healthy. But, ever since, I've been worse. So, I've started Ritalin. But the bad side effects are starting to show and I'm completely terrified of the other side-effects but I'm scared if I stop I'll become the person I was, that I hated, and I don't know what to do! Help, please!

The side effects may go away after taking it for a while, so I would keep taking it and see what happens.

Hi It's_Leslee.

Gaylegg is right, medications usually level out after several months. However it is important to keep an open dialogue with your treating doctor about any intrusive side effects. Your Doctor may need to adjust your dosage, or look at alternative brands.

hi. the stimulants used for add/adhd (ritalin, focalin, various amphetamines) can cause weight loss, agitation, anxiety, psychosis, etc. Having said that, most people tolerate carefully dosed stimulants fairly well.

Talk to your doctor. I don't know you or what your symptoms are, so I'm not going to act as if I can give intensive advice, lol. If you need/want prescription treatments, there are some non-stimulant options. I don't know if they're as effective as stimulants, but you might be able to tolerate them better. Some people end up on a couple drugs to get better results and fewer adverse effects. Again, I'm not a doctor, much less your doctor, so I don't have any specific advice.

Hope you find something that helps your problems.

I am on 60mg of Ritalin and it has made a massive, positive difference with few side effects. Mu mind is clearer, I can concrete and am less distractible. What bad side-effects are you experiencing?

I am really curious how Ritalin compares to Vyvanse. I have been taking Vyvance for about 10 months. I have been on 50mg/day and the scatter-brain feeling has been coming back. I work full time in a very demanding job, have an 11-year old child, and I manage all the finances/bills/med-insurance "stuff" (which is more complex than paying the bills). My psychiatrist has recommended I try 60mg/day of Vyvanse, effective tomorrow. I hope this will sharpen my focus. My latest challenge is that I seem to get interrupted so much that a 30-min task will take two hours, for example, because I'm starting-stopping-starting-etc. I'm realizing that if I were more focused and LESS distracted, i think most of the interruptions wouldn't impact me, let alone be noticed like they are today. I would be very interested in hearing from others who are on Vyvanse and how it has helped, esp in comparison to Ritalin or Adderal (sp?).

- MessyDesk
20mg Lexapro, 150mg Wellbutrin, 50mg Vyvanse

Ritalin has always been helpful to me, but as mentioned above, the dosage is key. It took me about a week to figure out what worked best for me. Just avoid all caffeine for a while, that was the one thing I had to give up when I took Ritalin - my beloved coffee. The only other negative thing I can say about it is that the half-life is very short which could lead to tolerance, then psychological dependence. I have pretty severe anxiety and I can honestly say Ritalin leveled me out and didn't make my anxiety any worse despite it being a "stimulant".
Good luck to you!

Individual response rates to medications for ADD/ADHD vary tremendously and many individuals do not respond at all. It's extremely important to find a doctor who just doesn't prescribe medications but monitors you continuously.

Responding to your concern and I understand where you are coming from I tried Ritalin once before and I did not like the way I felt on it. Therefore, I asked my Dr. and did some research of different types of meds that may work a little bit better so my Dr. put me on Adderall and since then I have been stable and it has truly helped me with staying in college feeling less distracted etc. However, I have heard of Strata fairly new non-simulant maybe it may help, but I am not sure I am only trying to give a little advise so I hope this reply helped you. Also, I suggest to speak to your Doctor the side effects do go away. I am sorry I wish I could truly help you and I will pray for you.
Thank you and I hope you have great day.

I'm an adult female taking two-20 mg tablets of generic Ritalin SR (white tablet) each day. Since I started taking that dosage, I have noticed some blurred vision and changes in my fingernails. Other than that, it really helps keep me from feeling so restless, bored and being prone to argue. My focus is much improved, but I still procrastinate with some things. My husband will ask me if I've remembered to take my med, if I start behaving badly! Usually, I've forgotten, or just turned off my phone alarm and not taken the afternoon dose. I have not found that it decreases my appetite. I'm very physically active, so I do work up an appetite. Make sure you get at least 30 min of walking, working out, etc each day. The medication also helps me get to sleep and stay asleep at night, even if only for 6 hours. That's far better than before I started taking generic Ritalin. I have bad reactions to other (ADHD) meds that contain food coloring. Not sure why ADHD meds contain food coloring, as many individuals are sensitive and have negative reactions. Keep a daily log of when you take the med; how you feel up to 6 hours after taking it - mentally and physically, etc. Share with your doctor. Don't give up!!