Methylphenidate User Reviews & Ratings (Page 2)

• Juj...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 1, 2019

For Depression "I have had such an AMAZING CHANGE since I restarted my Ritalin 20 mg. Before being back on Ritalin, I had actually been battling SEVERE suicidal attempts since my son passed away. And when I'm on my medicine, I'm also able to concentrate wonderfully. The most important thing is that my depression is now very minimal, sometimes almost non-existent, and I also can speak and think clearly again. Thank God for this medication."

• Jad...
• June 28, 2019

Methylphenidate for ADHD "First off, it was horrible for me. I will never go back to Ritalin ever again. I was on 10mg of Ritalin and it lasted around 2 hours. It was the weirdest experience. I felt simultaneously euphoric, jittery and stimulated, but also lazy and just wanted to sleep (???). It did give me a strong boost of energy which lasted throughout the day. After 2 hours was when things got really bad. I guess this is the 'crash'. It made me horribly depressed, anxious, and filled with rage. The anxiety was so bad that every single thing I set eyes on would trigger me, like looking at the laundry basket filled with laundry. I also felt extremely anti-social and didn't want to talk to anyone, not even my husband. Finally towards the end of the night I would return to my normal self again, but you can imagine the emotional roller-coaster I experienced the entire day. I tried to brush it off and chalked it down to stress. But looking back now, I am 100% certain that it was all due to the Ritalin."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• April 4, 2021

Methylphenidate for ADHD "I have been taking Ritalin for 8 years. It worked great for the first 5 years. Then I switched to Vyvanse, which was a massive mistake and damaged my heart. So now I'm back on Ritalin for 2.5 years. My dosage at the beginning was 10-20 mg Ritalin per day. It increased over the years to 60-80 mg per day. But 2 years ago, something weird happened, and I became more sensitive to it again. So now I'm back at 20 mg per day, and it works great. Some side effects I experienced are tachycardia and slight dizziness in the evening. But I really have to say, this drug is a life-changer. Without it, I would have never been able to go to med school and become a doctor now."

• Scr...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 10, 2019

For Depression "This medication and the people who fought for me to get it saved my life. I have had treatment-resistant depression for my entire adult life and have had SSRI after SSRI thrown at me but they always made things worse. This, from the very first dose, made me feel like what normal people must feel like. It gives me a steady level of energy, the ability to see humans without running home to cry, and took away that urge to throw myself in front of a train. All with no side effects! I never feel high or jumpy, just 'ok'--which is amazing for me. This needs to be approved by the FDA for depression--it could literally save lives. (Please note--the issues with generics are REAL for this drug. The yellow KVK brand in particular is like taking nothing. I have had a month of despair because of them!)"

• 28a...
• March 7, 2010

Methylphenidate for ADHD "I've used Concerta for 5 years and loved the improvements at first - I became successful, in perfect shape, and did most things extraordinarily well. My life did a complete 180. Once unfocused, unmotivated, and disorganized, I transformed to near perfection in everything I did. The price you pay for perfection - I've lost my friends and my social abilities. I used to be fun and full of life! You begin to seclude yourself because you are too focused, too mechanical. You lose weight because your appetite goes away and you are indeed anorexic. I couldn't sleep, had extreme anxiety, headaches, dry mouth, highs and lows....I can go on and on. It changes you and you may think it's great but ultimately you lose yourself in the process."

• rai...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 10, 2025

Methylphenidate for ADHD "I want to make sure everyone here gets to see this medication from a teenage girl’s view, that's why I'm writing this. Many parents look pleased with their child obeying them when they started the medication, but they don't know what that child feels inside; let me tell you. They feel nothing. Concerta is a type of drug that helps the brain ignore feelings and focus more. Your child isn't healed; they just don't feel. I have been using this drug for over two months now; I started on 28 mg and now I am taking 36 mg. Yes, it helps improve your classes and other things, but I don't think that matters unless you don't feel anything. I am having horrible side effects like weight loss, aggressiveness, and more. But most importantly for me, I can't eat. I can't eat anything I used to love, and I feel terrible. The drug may work for you, but when your child uses this, I think you should have a talk with them about their feelings; they will tell you if they can find one ;)"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 29, 2013

Methylphenidate for ADHD "I'm in my mid 30s & was diagnosed with ADHD approx 4 months ago. I started on 10 mg 2x a day & am currently on 20 mg 3x a day. I tried Daytrana, the Ritalin patch, but it made me aggressive & hungry! In less than a month, I had gained 20 lbs. I'm back on the pill & so far I love it! I wish I had this back in school! Unfortunately, my mom wasn't a believer in ADHD. I am calmer, can think rationally vs. going straight off emotions, the racing thoughts have ceased & I can complete tasks I start now. It's also given me more motivation in my life. Before Ritalin, I was ready to give up on life & did nothing. I can now take care of responsibilities! My mood has even improved & my patience with my children & people in general has vastly improved."

• gos...
• November 26, 2016

For Depression "I have suffered from major treatment-resistant depression for 32 years. I've tried so many medications along with polypharmacy for this, and almost nothing helps. The only antidepressants that are of any use are citalopram, bupropion, and Abilify. Even this combination doesn't always work--usually the citalopram stops working after a number of months, and I have to switch it out for sertraline. A few years ago, my psychiatrist tried adding 20 mg of methylphenidate twice a day. What a difference! I am now able to get out of bed, work, focus, smile, and have something that approximates a normal life. The only problem with this is that I am now completely dependent on the methylphenidate in order to function."

• Tog...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 27, 2020

Methylphenidate for ADHD "Since starting on Concerta, I have been able to effectively get my life together. I am no longer impulsive, hyper, inattentive, or anxious. The last two years have been the best I've ever experienced. I struggled with procrastination and mood issues prior to being medicated for ADHD. Past inaccurate diagnosis caused doctors to label my ADHD-I with a number of false mental health issues. The wrong medications caused a lot of damage in my personal life. Now, I have finally been able to get my life together. Concerta is a very good medication for those with ADHD/ADHD-I."

• Zig...
• April 20, 2013

Methylphenidate for ADHD "Concerta has made me more focused and things seem to be easier to understand for me. I am 36 years old and was diagnosed with ADHD. This is a wonderful medication and for me, life-changing. I now know I needed this medication for many, many years now. And so far no side effects, sleep better and still have my appetite. I have more energy and I don't procrastinate anymore when I need to do something, I just do it without procrastinating about it. Exercise is also easier, which is good because I am overweight and need to lose some weight. I seem to be able to interact with people a lot easier and now I can have a conversation with people without blurting out things before I forget what I want to say and having to pause in between sentences."

• nur...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 18, 2014

Methylphenidate for ADHD "My 4th grade son began taking Concerta 2 1/2 weeks ago. It has been the best decision I ever made. His teacher says he is a completely different child. His funny personality remains but he is on task, finishes all his homework in class, and actually tells other children to quiet down. I lamented for many, many months about whether or not to have him begin a stimulant. It is obvious that it was the right decision. I make sure he eats a hearty breakfast. He knows he needs to push himself to eat something at lunch and drink plenty of fluids. He did tell me he felt 'prickles in his head' for the first 2 days. His teacher reported he was a little tired for a couple of days as well. He says his mind is more clear and 'not so jumbled'. We're thrilled."

• Anonymous
• September 9, 2009

Methylphenidate for ADHD "My son is 10 years old. I suspected he had ADD when he was 6, and the teacher kept telling me he was spacing out in school, but he is also so smart. I decided maybe the work was just too easy, and he was bored. In 4th grade, I couldn't take the complaints (almost daily) and had him tested. He was diagnosed with ADD and given Concerta. I can only tell you that his math teacher sent me home a note on the day he started medication to ask where I got my new son from, she could not believe it. She said he even went in during his lunch break to catch up on some work. He lost his appetite for the first week or so, but regained it and hasn't had trouble sleeping at all. He is happier, his teachers are happier, and I am HAPPIER! Thank you, CONCERTA."

• Oak...
• September 8, 2015

Methylphenidate for ADHD "I'm actually an adult on the patch. I am 28, female. I've been trying to find the right stimulant with bearable side effects since I was in high school. Please excuse the lengthy review, I just know the search can be tough and long. I have depression, ADD, GA & SA, and OCD skin (cuticle) picking tendencies. It's been very hard finding a stimulant that didn't worsen my anxiety-related symptoms. I could tolerate 5mg Adderall XR, but my body burned through both the XR and IR in about 3 hours. Then I would crash for the rest of the day (depressed, irritable, anxious). Vyvanse gave me zero motivation and made me calm but in a weird way. For example, I didn't care or worry about anything... I didn't even want to talk to people. I would just want to sit there alone and stare at a wall or something. It was nice to be that relaxed but too weird. But the real problem was the crash! It was the most extreme of all the stimulants I've tried by far! I took it only twice and threw it out. I almost didn't try Daytrana patch because Ritalin was actually the first stimulant I tried, which was over 10 years ago, and I remember similar symptoms to that I had on Adderall. I ended up giving it a try with the logic that it might be smoother since it was for children, and I was also desperate since I'm working and studying for the GRE. I'm so happy I gave Daytrana a shot!! I'm telling you if you suffer from anxiety, can't tolerate the crashes, and metabolize the other stimulants too fast, you have got to try this one!! I've only been on it for a week, but I can't believe it! I leave it in for the whole 9 hours, and I never crash. In comparison to Adderall, it is still the best stimulant for getting you motivated. I have to motivate myself a little, but unlike Adderall, I can stay focused ALL day with Daytrana. I'm also less likely to do something 'stimulanty' like start reorganizing my closet for no reason, but I do get the necessary cleaning, errands, bills, etc., done effortlessly. And the best part is that it doubles as an antidepressant since, what I assume is the increased dopamine, stays in my system pretty much all day and night. The 'happiness' doesn't feel like a high, it feels more like an absence of depression. I don't have any more of the repetitive negative thoughts. The constant emotions of hopelessness, guilt, embarrassment, you name it, just aren't there anymore. There is still a mild degree of sadness I carry with me, but I have major depression so I feel like it's only normal and I can handle that! As far as the negative side effects: Like all the stimulants I've been on, I still have insomnia, loss of appetite, and increased urge to pick at my cuticles at night when it's wearing off. But there is not a 'crash,' no evenings being completely drained of energy, fits of irritation, major anxiety, or depression. Also, the patch is applied to your hip and I'm experiencing some muscle tension in my legs, which I think might be slowly subsiding. I'm drinking a lot of water and taking vitamins in precaution of cramps. Advice on taking the patch off: It's easier for me to take it off when it's wet. I do it in the shower/bath or rub it off with a warm washcloth. Good luck!"

• FET...
• October 4, 2014

For Depression "I have suffered from severe depression most of my life (I am 58). Twenty years ago, I was put on Ritalin. It changed my outlook and life virtually overnight. In these 20 years, I also took a variety of antidepressants. None were very effective. Psychotherapy and Ritalin were together the cornerstone of my care and made a normal life possible."

• Mor...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 20, 2013

Methylphenidate for ADHD "This medicine is incredible. I've had ADD for about 20 years, as long as I've been alive, and college has exacerbated the condition, so my neurologist prescribed Ritalin to me. This starts to wear off after about 2.5-3.0 hours, but it works absolute miracles. The whole time before, whenever I tried to work, it was like I was seeing the world through warped glasses and my mind was just foggy, like it was full of ice and cotton, but now the entire world is beautifully, wonderfully clear! This is truly an amazing medicine, but be sure to follow your doctor's orders with it, as it can have side effects."

• Cor...
• June 10, 2015

Methylphenidate for ADHD "Ok, this is where I am after two weeks. I'm turning 54 one of these days, Managing Director of my company, and self-diagnosed with ADHD about a month ago. I matched ALL the criteria. Went to see a doctor and he confirmed my suspicions. I relayed my struggles with studies at University and he referred to me attaining two degrees as a 'miracle.' I cannot begin to explain how difficult studying was, not to mention having to sit through hours of lectures. There was no - and I stress - NO filter between my brain, mind, and my mouth. Anger, profanity, and impulse behavior was only curbed by my life-long ability to fall asleep anywhere, anytime. Imagine an alien being in charge for 53 years. It's all gone. Why did no one help me with this before?"

• Dog...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 11, 2013

For Depression "I have ADD and depression. After several changes in medications the psychiatrist decided to try methylphenidate, and I have not felt this good in years! I am organized, can concentrate, and follow through on one thing at a time. I have had no problems with my blood pressure at all, it is the same as it was before I started this medication, and all my blood work has been normal every time. I no longer have to take anything to help me sleep. I no longer have a billion things racing in my head, like 'you need to do this and that,' and never following through on anything. I used to do crafts, such as sewing, crocheting, working in the yard, etc. I can finally do that again! Before, I was sleeping a lot in the afternoon, so then I'd have a hard time sleeping at night, but no more!"

• Lea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 17, 2023

Methylphenidate for ADHD "I have ADHD, fibromyalgia, and osteoarthritis. I have tried most ADHD medications, both stimulants and non-stimulants. I found that the side effects were outweighing the benefits. My psychologist recommended Jornay PM. I started on 40 mg. I was so surprised to wake up on day one feeling rested and motivated for the first time in 10 years. After one week, I was up to 80 mg. I have been on 80 mg for the last 3 months. I had a headache during the second week while I adjusted to the increase of 80 mg. My rollercoaster of mood swings, sleepless nights, zoning out, being paralyzed or frozen, and emotional imbalances has improved. I have had major life-changing improvements since switching to Jornay PM. I am so relieved to have found an ADHD medication that really works after 50 years. Thank you, Jornay PM."

• Pat...
• April 23, 2015

Methylphenidate "I'm a 58-year-old female and I've taken Ritalin for about 16 years. This drug changed my life. It wasn't until the 80s that it was determined that you could have ADD without being hyperactive. Consequently, growing up, I was considered an underachiever. I dropped out of college and worked low-level management positions until I was diagnosed. My life changed when I was prescribed Ritalin. I became focused and organized. I set goals and followed a plan to achieve them. I returned to college and graduated, helping me secure a wonderful job where I excel. If you have been prescribed this drug, do not hesitate to try it. It's never too late to be the person you always knew you could be."

• ele...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 13, 2019

Methylphenidate for ADHD "22, Male, ADD, Anxiety disorder. Ritalin (Methylphenidate) is amazing. However, there's a catch: it enhances focus but does not direct your focus towards a subject that you're not interested in. I experience extreme euphoria, confidence, and optimism for about 1 hour (it builds up gradually, peaking at the 2-hour mark with 10mg). If you use this daily, tolerance builds up quickly after every 2 weeks (for me). When I stop taking it, I feel depressed for days but it will wear off as 'naturally occurring chemicals' reach equilibrium again. I suggest cycling it according to your productive days: 3-4 days a week and the rest off (avoiding tolerance and dependence). It enhances your current focus, so start working/studying for 15-30 minutes THEN take it. I've researched the most irrelevant topics which excite me the most for hours, only to find that within 30 minutes the Ritalin's effects are going to wear off."

• mey...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 21, 2013

Methylphenidate for Depression "I've been diagnosed with ADD at the age of 42 and have struggled with major depression since adolescence. I currently take 10mg Methylin ER and 150mg bupropion XL in the morning. In the evenings, I take 50mg of trazodone for sleep. Three weeks now and I have never felt better. The adjustment period was pretty mild. Just a bit 'jazzed' in the morning and very mild nausea in the evening. This gradually faded over a week. My appetite is returning, my diet is improving and I am reconnecting socially. My sleep is good, and I awaken fully alert with the sunrise. I can't believe how dramatic this change is. I am optimistic that I will be able to dig myself out of the hole I've been in and re-build a life."

• Bee...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• March 26, 2016

For Depression "Doing fine after taking Ritalin since 1992. I no longer do soft drugs nor drink alcohol, and quit smoking all since 2003. Helps me focus better and helps me have a positive frame of mind. Before taking Ritalin, I couldn't focus long enough to get past the first page of a novel. Now, I read novels consistently. When I started taking it in '92, I lost my appetite and couldn't sleep much, but I eventually adjusted to it. I have tried Dexedrine, Concerta, fish oil, herbs, magnesium, etc., but nothing comes close to it. I invented a board game as well."

• Mac...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 8, 2019

For Depression "I have bipolar disorder and ADHD. I was put on this medication to treat the ADHD, but I’ve noticed a significant difference in my depressive episodes when I take Ritalin. Before, when I experienced my 'lows,' I wouldn’t be able to get out of bed, I couldn’t concentrate, my mind was foggy, I’d binge eat, put things off, and was miserable 24/7. Ritalin helps me focus, complete tasks, start my day, eat properly, and minimizes the depressive emotions in general. As of five months on the medication, I’ve watched it successfully treat the ADHD and fight back depression symptoms. I just want to clarify it doesn’t get rid of depression, but it does make it manageable. I am under the care of a psychiatrist, and we are monitoring the effects of Ritalin on both my ADHD and mood swings."

• Jac...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 18, 2019

Methylphenidate for ADHD "My 9-year-old son has struggled for years, in school and at home. Impulsive behavior, anger, inappropriateness. I always fear the worst and avoided medication for 2 years. It’s been one week since he has been on 18 mg Concerta, and it’s been a lifesaver. He enjoys school now, not getting in trouble, he’s so much better at home as well. No side effects so far, eating and sleeping no problem. So happy we chose this path. Hopefully self-esteem and relationships can be saved :)"

• Vin...
• September 17, 2014

Methylphenidate for ADHD "If you have ADHD, pills like Strattera (non-stimulant) do not seem to work. You do need a stimulant. Concerta is amazing medication. I used to be on it from 2nd grade all the way until 9th. Looking back now, at 21 years old, I see that after I stopped it in high school, my grades dropped. Just started taking the average adult dose of 36mgs and it has really helped me in class, although there isn't an insane change. MAKE SURE TO TAKE IT WITH A DECENT MEAL OR IMMEDIATELY AFTER. If you don't, you'll find yourself with an upset stomach for a lot of the day."