I'm 33, was diagnosed with ADHD as a kid, but never treated as my grades were always good. I've been married for four months and my forgetfulness and inability to follow though has put a terrible strain on our relationship. After upping my anxiety medication to no effect, I've now been prescribed Ritalin. What should I expect? What should I plan for? What should I be worried about?
Appreciate the feedback,
Patrick
Hey Patrick! What is the dosage of ritalin? What other meds are you taking>
Not sure on the dosage. I don't have the prescription yet. I should know tomorrow. I've been on citalopram for a couple years to great effect.
Hi Patrick. Of course, everyone will react differently to medications, but my experience with Ritalin was very positive. I started with the lowest dose (5mg) of the short-acting and did have some nausea/vomiting initially, but it subsided after a few days. Also, I was exhausted after it wore off (regardless of how well I slept the previous night). My psychiatrist said it masks how tired you are while it's working, so that's to be expected. I also had some mild dry mouth and appetite suppression (both common with any of the stimulant medications), but I was still able to eat and my appetite returned (sometimes with a vengeance) after it wore off. Other than that, I found it to be subtle but effective in terms of helping me to get started on things and staying on task for longer periods of time. I just moved to Concerta, which is the extended release version, to try to get more coverage, and am experiencing similar side effects with the increased dosage, but hoping they will resolve soon. Reach out to your prescriber with any concerns about side effects. Also, being mindful of getting enough sleep is important with any medication. I've found that when I don't sleep well, the medication helps me feel more alert, but not necessarily more focused. Hope that helps. Good luck!
Ritalin is a stimulant, if you take it too close to bed it might keep you up (mind you, some people find it helps them sleep). It may mess with your appetite - if that's something you're worried about maybe eat a large breakfast before taking your meds.
Those are really the two main things. Don't try taking any sort of caffeine or another stimulant with it until you're more comfortable with your dosage and even then start in small amounts - since Ritalin is also a stimulant it might mess you up.
As I remember, Ritalin is short-acting, and you need to take two doses a day. I switched over to concerta because I kept forgetting to take the Ritalin in the middle of the day. Make sure you take your second dose ON TIME - if you take it too late it might mess with your sleep, and the longer you wait to take it the less likely you are to remember. Keep an emergency dose with you, if you're prone to forgetting things.
Also don't expect a quick fix. There's more to ADHD than just medication, look into other treatments - especially therapy and even meditation. ADHD becomes a habit after time, certain neural networks are strengthened the more you use them and if you've been undiagnosed for that long, you can't expect the meds to fix everything in one night. It will take time and work on your part to get better. Don't blame the meds for not fixing you overnight, and don't blame yourself for not getting better overnight - it takes time and practice just like everything.
I just started taking ritilin at 69 (!!!) , and having which I've needed all my life without knowing it. I have a very similar experience to Birdwatcher above; gradual increase of dosage and now steady on it. Very positive because I can focus and concentrate better. I don't get so easily overwhelmed. Friends say I'm easier to talk to as I don't get lost on different topics and distractions, and even my tennis is better! Try it , you'll like it.
About taking it close to bed time, I will tell you that my new psychiatrist (the best in my whole life) upped my anti depressant (sertraline which is generic zolof) dosage to go with the ritilin. I too did not understand how a stimulant could actually calm me down and clear my thinking, but the "combination therapy" (a real thing) does in fact do magic when combined. Who knew?
Switching from ritalin to concerta
Help with prescribing ritalin
Ritalin or Concerta advise please...?
Newly medicated, concerta, now Ritalin. 
Nervous about starting adderall!
