Methylphenidate SR (extended release Ritalin) How long until I know if it works?

[Lookingforcommunity]

I was diagnosed back in June. I started off by taking Vyvanse and worked all the way up to 70mg, I liked it. I never experienced euphoria on it. No bad side effects. However, I only got about 5ish hours out of it. I asked my doc about dexamphetamine (I phrased it vyvanse without the lysine) but I was told he doesn't prescribe Adderall to adults. (I'm aware that d-amphetimine is NOT Adderall). I could have a form of Ritalin or try a non stimulate. Since I have no comorbid disorders I chose Ritalin as that's what was reccomend when I received my diagnosis. (I insisted on all of the mental health testing before I sought out a psychiatrist)

I tried 10mg methylphenidate IR 3x a day but it only made me sleepy and irritable. And left me feeling yucky the rest of the day. (After 40mg of vyvanse covered only 3 hours) Now the doc has me on 40mg it in an 8 hour version. Today is my first day on it. My head is feeling a little cottonie(?) And I'm having a hard time focusing. I really hope I didn't lose my tiny bit of cohesive thinking time. I still have school and another month before I can afford to try a different dosage.

Is there any lag time in effectiveness?

[rach1402]

Everyone is different, we all respond differently to different medications, especially ones that affect brain function. I'm in the UK and we don't get many treatment options as adults over here so I don't have a great deal of experience with different meds but I definitely find the extended release versions much better than instant release. I've only tried Concerta XL and Ritalin and even though neither of them are ideal for me, I definitely find the Concerta XL better than the Ritalin for me but even then it took me a long time to get used to it. It is often a case of trial and error to find out what works for you so good luck finding what works for you x

[happy_kitty]

I usually try to wait at least a week or two before trying to figure out if new meds are working. I personally think it's a good idea to keep a journal/diary during the first week at least (if you could start at least a few days beforehand and keep going at least the second week it would be better). That way when you're trying to figure out if it's working/what side effects it's causing you can have a more objective way of telling what's changed since you started it.