Methylphenidate User Reviews & Ratings (Page 3)

• 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."

• ADH...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• October 13, 2013

Methylphenidate for ADHD "I'm 31 and diagnosed with ADHD for 23 years. When my parents started me on Ritalin in 3rd grade, their only regret was letting me struggle for so long. I was always being sent home from school for playing in the mud, walking out of class, etc. I was talkative and happy, but my grades were well below satisfactory. I had very few teachers encourage me, rather, I was written off as a disruption. My first year on medication was hard, I had no appetite and trouble sleeping. After about 6 months, all the side effects went away. I could eat and sleep with no problem. I have been on Adderall now for 17 years. I graduated college, have an amazing job - not sure where I would be if nobody saw the signs and helped."

• Kat...
• January 6, 2015

Methylphenidate for ADHD "My son is in 4th grade and just started taking Concerta two days ago. So far, so good! He is dealing with severe ADHD. He was a very angry child, and since he started taking it, the teachers have sent notes home saying how well he is doing! School is easier so far, which means a happier boy! He hugs me and kisses me, and we have had fewer fights about getting homework done. We are very pleased!"

• Sad...
• July 12, 2015

For Depression "DX was major depression at age 20 (now 40). I spent 20 years trying every med available. All of these drugs had side effects (lethargy, apathy, no sex drive, no pleasure, weight gain, sleep problems). None made a big improvement. Fast forward 20 years... Told a new doctor about main symptoms: oversleeping, hopelessness, social isolation, no interest in activities, emotional blunting, etc. He prescribed Ritalin. I tried 10mg then went up to 20 mg and immediately noticed I was able to get out of bed early!!! No lying around doing nothing, ruminating/wasting time all day. I became extremely motivated. Ritalin makes me feel just calm, motivated, positive, and I sleep better in the evenings. I take 20mg Ritalin and 20mg Prozac."

• rig...
• September 3, 2015

For Depression "It was twenty years ago that I read a newspaper article of scientific nature. The article described me - depressed and having to push myself to get up in the morning. My energy level was low and my motivation almost non-existent. I took the article to my G.P. and she agreed to give me Ritalin. When my doctor left her practice without providing a new G.P., I had a lot of difficulty getting a new doctor who would prescribe the Ritalin. The first doctor I tried would not prescribe it. After slipping backward to my old non-productive life, I found a doctor willing to give it to me on a limited basis. I had to take a test for ADD. Then he gave me 10mg a day. It didn't help me. Finally, I found a doctor who gave me what I needed - 20mg twice a day."

• Van...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 23, 2014

Methylphenidate for ADHD "My son started on Concerta about a year ago. It has transformed his life. I don't like giving medicine, but I have tried absolutely everything else - swimming, brain gymnastics, etc. Nothing really helped. He is naturally bright but just couldn't concentrate - particularly when it came to classroom work and focusing on a project involving writing. The transformation has been incredible. He had an excellent school report in every area. His teachers are thrilled, he is confident and happy, and enjoys school. He doesn't take Concerta in the holidays or at weekends and manages fine going back on it on a Monday morning. Only one side effect which is a lack of appetite. We ensure he goes to school with a good breakfast, and then he has a huge meal when he gets home."

• Mik...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 6, 2019

For Depression "Methylphenidate works well to help alleviate my symptoms of depression. I’m calm and focused while on the medication. It has also helped my anxiety by eliminating racing thoughts and rumination. It allows me to cope with stress a lot better. I am able to focus on an issue, task, or problem and deal with it appropriately. Whereas off the med, I would get overwhelmed and start becoming stressed. I highly recommend it for someone with ADHD, anxiety, and/or mild depression. I also take Benadryl at night to help me sleep. This combination has really helped me out. Please talk to your doctor before taking this medication if you have Major Depressive Disorder."

• Max...
• September 28, 2011

Methylphenidate for Depression "I was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder from the Iraq War, which also goes along with adult ADHD and depression. They say it has a lot to do with my mind, having so many thoughts of what happened and what is happening racing through it that I guess it basically just gets worn out like exercising. But once they started me on Ritalin 20 mg three times a day, it helped a lot. I felt more focused, less worried, and in time, just felt more rested and calm. I did have to force myself to eat at first as I lost my appetite until I got used to it."

• D3n...
• December 22, 2014

For Depression "This is the first time in over 18 years that I haven't had to change antidepressants every 3 months, or end up nearly suicidal. Now my downs are not nearly as far down and they only last a day or two now. This should be used for depression more often. I had to convince my doctor that I was ADD to get it. But what it does for my depression is worth it. I know others who use it for the same."

• ajj...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 22, 2014

Methylphenidate for ADHD "I started Concerta when I was in 7th grade. I am now 14, and I started off with 36mg. Now I am on 54mg. At first, I had a big boost in my grades! I started getting A's! This year, I have been noticing in school that I have been more anxious, depressed, not hungry during the day, and a little bit socially awkward. I am trying to deal with my side effects. I am going to the doctor soon about Concerta. You are not alone."

• Ann...
• March 22, 2018

Methylphenidate for ADHD "I was diagnosed with severe ADHD - inattentive type, and Ritalin literally is the difference in me getting through my To-Do list or just wondering what in the world I have been doing all day. Over the years, I have run across multiple medical professionals who will not prescribe this medication. Like an idiot, I listened to them and tried other medications. ALL of these medications had worse side effects and did NOTHING to correct my ADHD. They tried all of the non-stimulant medications and Bupropion HCL - none worked and several had VERY bad side effects. Medical professionals who refuse to listen to their patients should lose their license to practice. You are messing with people's lives here, people! The worst side effects I had with Ritalin were appetite suppression and mild anxiety, specifically if I drank too much coffee with the medication. This is over a period of 15 years on the medication."

• Pri...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 9, 2019

Methylphenidate for ADHD "I'm a 47-year-old female and I was diagnosed with ADD and a few other illnesses after my only child was murdered. I am on 20mg three times a day. I have found that Ritalin works the best for me in staying focused and keeping my head together, not all over the place. It's not a 100% cure-all, but I can tell a difference for the good. The only bad experience I had was when I ran out and didn't have them for three days, it caused me to go through withdrawal. That wasn't a pleasant experience, so I make sure I fill them on time and take them like I'm supposed to."

• Meg...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 12, 2021

Methylphenidate for ADHD "I’m a female (I think ADHD affects us a little differently), and I was diagnosed 4 months ago at the age of 26. I always kind of knew I had ADHD, although I was always a good, quiet kid, so that bit didn't add up. I now take 15 mg of Ritalin in the morning and 10 mg in the afternoon. I haven’t noticed any “life-changing” things, although I am so much more talkative and confident, as if my social anxiety is gone. My head is also a lot quieter. I have energy to do things now, but this is all so exciting I end up doing the wrong things (finally buying new clothes instead of my uni work)."

• Lil...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 12, 2023

Methylphenidate for ADHD "Was diagnosed with ADHD (inattentive) & excessive daytime sleepiness at age 30 (cis woman) & was prescribed Concerta for it. Started out on 18mg as advised by my doctor since I had anxiety & they feared worsening it. But immediately noticed a huge improvement in focus as well as willingness to do tasks I originally avoided like a plague & feared all my life. It was like night & day, I sobbed that same day realizing this was that semblance of normalcy others experienced on a daily basis while being productive & getting things done. After being told all my life that I was either too lazy or easily distracted & rude, I now know it wasn't my fault. My anxiety even got better because that was the source of it. However, with the 16mg, the positive effects started to go away after a month, thus the bump to 27mg, and now currently 36mg, which is my sweet spot. It's been about 6 months & I would recommend giving it a try for adults! Remember it's not a 100% cure, you still need self-therapy/management. GL!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 3, 2019

Methylphenidate for ADHD "I'm a mid-fifties male that recently started taking Ritalin. I've been on it for about 3 months now and really like the changes. The ability to stay on task is amazing. I take the immediate release 2x per day (10mg/pill). It takes about 30 minutes for the effects to kick in, but it is subtle. Each dosage lasts about 4 hours. I take the first pill around 8:00 am and the second at 1:00 pm. I take it Monday - Friday, and sometimes on weekends, if I have a project I'd really like to get completed. At this point, I haven't experienced any noticeable side effects. Yes, it does kill your appetite during the 4-hour cycle, but it does return quickly thereafter. For anyone looking for the best vitamin/supplement for improved productivity due to ADHD, just go to your doctor and take something that's proven effective and regulated by the FDA."

• car...
• February 2, 2008

Methylphenidate for ADHD "My daughter just started taking Concerta for ADD about 3 weeks ago and she has made significant improvements. She is now able to stay on task and complete assignments, which she was having a hard time doing before. There has been no difference in her personality, which was a concern of mine. She also has developed a better sleeping pattern, whereas before she had a tendency to have insomnia."

• Kay...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 13, 2016

For Depression "Prescribed for depression and possible cataplexy/falling. Since taking this, I feel better and normal. It's great, and normal side effects. First few days, I was a little jittery and shaky, but that subsided. Helps me with fighting depression a lot. So glad something works since no antidepressant did."

• 29 ...
• April 15, 2018

Methylphenidate for ADHD "I grew up with severe panic attacks. When I was 19, up until the age of 27, I stayed in my room. I couldn't leave my house. I had/have severe anxiety and depression. Years went by and I lost hope. I didn't have a job, I was a loser. I took a mindfulness class and after each mindfulness tape, I noticed I was in extreme pain, more so than the other people sitting around me. It was then that I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. I was prescribed Adderall and Vyvanse for my ADHD but they made me extremely tired. Currently, I am on Cymbalta, Concerta, and Remeron. With this combination, I began a full-time job. I have been employed for 7 months, and I would be lost without Concerta. If you're looking for a drug that is similar to Wellbutrin, Concerta is the answer. Do not give up hope. Never give up hope. Don't take 'no' for an answer, and if a doctor is diagnosing you incorrectly, leave and find a different doctor. There is a right combination of medication out there for you. Never give up!"

• Ric...
• May 5, 2009

Methylphenidate for ADHD "I love Ritalin. I have a wonderful peace that I never had before. I am 61 years old and have just started taking it for the last few weeks. I can actually concentrate now. I am not so fidgety. I wish I had this about 55 years ago. One thing I noticed, I am dreaming where I don't remember dreaming in years."

• Fel...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 12, 2013

Methylphenidate for ADHD "When I was about 13, the school psychologist who I was seeing for behavior problems suggested to my mother that I start taking Ritalin. I was hyperactive, could not focus, blurted things out, and was generally viewed as a weirdo by my peers. My mother refused to follow the psychologist's advice because she 'didn't want me on medicines'. The same diagnosis and suggested treatment followed the next year and the year after by the psychiatrist who I was referred to. Eventually, I dropped out of school, somehow managed to get my GED, and enroll in college. I decided a few years ago to see a doctor and he prescribed Concerta. I am now able to follow through on projects and not feel like a failure, frustrated all the time. It has really worked for me."

• Zig...
• June 14, 2018

For Depression "Well being bipolar type 1, PTSD, from childhood trauma, social anxiety, and I've tried every antidepressant, but was put on Latuda 80mg once daily. I was put on Vyvanse, Concerta, Strattera, and finally back on Ritalin IR 20mg a day. It helped but didn't get me through the day, started taking 20mg 2x a day, noticed my depressive episodes went away faster, wouldn't sleep 20+ hours when I was down, I could actually get up and go to work. Kept me out of my own head and dark thoughts, it just helps get me out of my funk. No longer fall asleep on the long ride home from work, can be more social, no longer think people are out to cause me harm. Yeah I still get in my funks but the hopelessness doesn't last as long. Truly is a Godsend for me and I thank my wife (soon to be ex) for reintroducing this to me. I'm also thankful that I had the time I did with her! (Even though she's divorcing me) 'Tis better to have loved and lost, than to have never loved at all."

• Day...
• October 29, 2016

Methylphenidate for ADHD "I am 30, started taking this due to excessive daydreaming and, quite frankly, not getting anything done. Could not focus for more than 10 minutes before a thought would come and get distracted by it. Apartment was in a mess. Priorities are all over the place. Wanted to do so many things and all at the same time. So I went to the doctor and left with a prescription for Concerta 18-27-36mg. I don't know if he had the right diagnosis, but stuff is getting done and everything is great. Less tired, fewer naps, did not take a nap since I started this. Now I'm at the 36mg step. The truth is the drug is only 10% of the solution. Once you know you can do something, you have to keep that mindset and go with it, or else you will take this drug forever and ever."

• Joh...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 20, 2020

Methylphenidate for ADHD "I am in my early thirties and very recently started drug trials for ADHD. After trying Vyvanse, which didn't work out, I moved to Concerta. On the lowest dose, I had concerns, as it seemed to make my ADHD symptoms worse. I became more irritable and more distracted. After a week, I moved the dose up to the next level and had a terrible day. Extremely irritable, so lethargic I could do almost nothing all day, difficult time sleeping... I had difficulty dealing with my children if they did the slightest thing wrong. Concerta is not for me, I will try something else."

• Ano...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 6, 2023

Methylphenidate for ADHD "It works amazing!!! I 110% recommend it. I can finally get up in the morning without the stress of actually getting up (if you know, you know). I feel so much more motivated and can actually do my work! My appetite doesn't seem affected too. I still eat good food during the day, hehe. Just make sure you make a habit of taking it by 7-8pm."

• Rob...
• June 2, 2015

For Depression "Heavy depression (black tar depression) for over two years. I have tried 7 or so antidepressants. Presently I am on an SNRI and an SSRI. I cannot formulate goals and I am totally isolated. I took 5 mg of Ritalin this morning (I am sensitive to these drugs) and I feel like formulating a goal. That is huge. Very encouraging reading about other people's experience with Ritalin and depression. I hope I have the same. Fingers crossed."