. Older and taking Ritalin

[Nov1962]

My new psych tells me that because I'm fifty-eight I should not really be taking Ritalin, that it causes stroke and heart attack the older I get. She also says I shouldn't be taking it every day. First of all if it wasn't for Ritalin I could not hold a job. And second, I like to feel normal, accomplish my laundry and other responsibilities, I and I prefer not to annoy people. Has anyone else heard about dangerous side effects as we get into our fifties and older? I'd really like to find some more information on this subject. Thanks so much ya'll.

[Pratyboy]

Sounds like it is time to find a new provider. I am with you on everything you mentioned. No ritalin, no job.

It is funny you mentioned laundry. If you want to know if I am doing ok or down /depressed, check my laundry. It will be clean and in an (ADHD pile) or on hangers if all is good. Dirty and disorganized, if I am not ok.

FYI, I started taking a low dose of Ritalin at 6yrs old and now in the age range you mentioned. I mostly take it on work days but being self employed and working from home, most days are work days.

[Alan0127]

I heard the same concern from my doctor. I’m68 and taking Adderall every day. I asked her to set me up to see a cardiologist to specifically diagnose if I am at risk. Doctors often treat us from a statistical basis, which has validity, but it is equally important to treat us from a symptomatic basis a well, that allows that we may not fit the worst case statistical probabilities. Our world is over confident in statistical analysis. We only interpret the statistics to to validate our fears or persuade us in our fantasies. The same person who believes they can win the lottery at 10,000 to 1 odds will jump in their car and drive to the store to purchase a ticket, defying the far more likely odds of being hit by another car.