On Ritalin, wondering if it has stopped working

[AltoSax72]

Hi, folks,

I was diagnosed with adult ADD about 2 years ago at the age of 50. I was prescribed Ritalin 30 mg a day. Ritalin gave me my life back in so many ways and I finally felt motivated to do the things I previously struggled to do.

But lately, I've been in a bit of a funk and I can't seem to concentrate on anything, especially my work. At home, I am finding it hard to motivate myself to do simple tasks like washing the dishes or doing the washing.

For context, I broke my ankle whilst doing my job (remote work) and that was 5 months ago. I've had ankle reconstruction surgery and only just recently got out of my moon boot. So I spent a lot of days sitting on the couch watching TV or reading

That has taken the wind out of me a bit too. I'm only just now walking around normally and without pain.

I was also diagnosed with Bipolar II around 20 years ago but ive been pretty stable since thanks to med combo that finally worked.

anyway, to get to the point. I'm concerned that some of ADD symptoms have returned and I can feel the old me sneaking back in to stuff things up.

Has anyone else been through similar? Am I just feeling flat?

Should I go back to my psychiatrist?

Thanks for reading

Adrian

[Gettingittogether]

Sounds like some bit of depression to me. And just lethargy from your injury and being homebound ... Also, covid is affecting us all, whether we admit it or not. It's a stressor out there in society.

You sat a lot watching tv and reading. Now reading (as in print books) is one thing. That can be energizing and challenge the brain. Watching TV (even good tv) can be demoralizing and de-energizing over time.

Set some goals for getting out more. See if you can get out for walks and exercising. Gradually curtail your tv watching. Also consider telling your provider about your low energy. You might benefit from an increase in the Ritalin, at least temporarily. And if that doesn't help, think about whether you need some depression treatment, meds and/or therapy.

Tell what you just said to your provider. That's the main step and by the way the most important ongoing step: update your provider, especially when you're struggling. A few months back, my provider realized I was struggling and she increased my Ritalin does (the idea didn't cross my mind). And oh man, that increase really helped! ... She's quite attentive to covid and its impact on her patients, whether we vocalize it or not. Certainly my social life has been curtailed.

[AltoSax72]

Thank you for your reply. I actually agree that too much TV has been an issue. I took up the saxophone late last year and I've found that a great mindful thing to do. I made a conscious effort to watch less TV last night. When I got home from work, instead of bingeing Modern Family (soooooooooo Funny!!) I took my dog for a run and then practiced my saxophone. I went to bed early and read my book. So I think that is good progress.I feel more focused today even though I'm working from home.

Thank you for the advice

cheers

Adrian

[Gettingittogether in reply to AltoSax72]

Lots of folks are struggling with structure right now ... and paying a price when we don't have it. The thing that "relaxes" us (like hours of tv watching) ends up biting us in the behind.

[PATSEY999]

Gosh, what a sigh of relief. TU for sharing your posts. I'm taking some of this advice into consideration for sure