Ritalin for ADHD User Reviews (Page 5)

• Mik...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 11, 2018

"I think it's a very good medication, and it can help a lot! I have been taking this drug since I was 14-15 years old, and at the beginning it worked well, but then, because I took a high dosage of Ritalin (around 60-80 mg daily), I experienced a few side effects (just like increased heart rate, weight loss, and insomnia). So I stopped taking this drug, and after that, I took Strattera (atomoxetine) for a year, but that was terrible. I had insomnia so bad I couldn't sleep for 36-60 hours, maybe twice a week, and besides that, I usually slept 3-4 hours. I also had increased heart rate (maybe 100-130 in the morning), increased blood pressure (100/190), headache, and stomach problems. So I stopped taking this medication too. Now I am 18 years old and started to take Ritalin, but not every day-only when I have to learn a lot, and just 10 mg twice a day. I think it works very well and has no side effects. So I think it's a very good and useful medication, just the 'normal' dosage is very important!"

• cad...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 17, 2017

"I was prescribed the 10mg IR Ritalin to be taken three times a day a few weeks ago. To say the least, I have developed a tolerance to the drug. It has a bad comedown 2-3 hours after I take the drug. But it has done wonders for my depression and ADHD symptoms. The only downside I found is that it makes me feel like a zombie, too focused, much nervous, and has nasty after-effects. But so far it has been a revolutionary step in my life. I will try switching to the LA version, though."

• ali...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 19, 2017

"I started taking Ritalin recently, and it has already dramatically changed my life. I was diagnosed with nervous depression last year and prescribed Zoloft, which significantly drew me out of my depression. But Ritalin made me understand what it is like to be highly functioning. I cried after the first day I took it out of pure elation. I was able to stay awake at school the whole day (a huge personal rarity for me), and I stayed on topic and could hold conversations way easier after the first week. I stopped being so scatterbrained. My only complaint would be slight nausea and insomnia. I just wish it helped with my hyperspaces, as I am still jittery, but I am on a low dose."

• Lil...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 8, 2023

"I’m in Australia and was diagnosed 4 years ago with high-functioning autism and depression (53 years old). Antidepressants have never really worked for me - I have tried many different brands over 15 years. However, since taking Ritalin, I feel more in control of my responses, even during stressful times at work and socializing with family (which I always dread due to noise and conversations I need to keep up with). I feel more confident. 30 mg slow release is fantastic! I love it so much. However, my heartbeat can be erratic, so I also take metoprolol (half tablet) morning and evening, which is perfect for me. When it wears off by mid-afternoon, I take a quick release of 10 mg. However, I’d really like to increase the dose. It doesn’t affect my sleep (I’ve never been a good sleeper anyway). If Ritalin doesn’t work for you (even after increasing the dose), I’d suggest seeing your doctor for another diagnosis. It definitely works for those who need it - I can promise that."

• Stu...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 1, 2016

"I started on 10 mg short-acting. I'm in the process of finding something different. I'm a student and in a competitive field studying nursing. I'm a busy person, and this didn't help me in any way except for test cramming and homework. It would last about 2 hours, and if I wasn't done with my work, I needed to take another. The doctor said to use it on an as-needed basis. But I want something that will help me through the day. Help me focus on everything I need to do in the day. I can't take this short-acting stuff because when it wears off, I'm nervous, and I feel cloudy-minded and weird. I don't want to be around people at this time because I feel off. I'm going back to the doc on Monday. I heard Adderall doesn't have the nervousness side effects."

• vol...
• May 14, 2011

"I've been taking Ritalin (extended release) at 20 mg for almost a year now. I take it for ADHD. (I also have bipolar disorder type I.) This medication doesn't help with me when it comes to being hyper and full of energy all the time, but it does help with concentration. The only side effect I have experienced so far is loss of appetite, but not significantly."

• Nic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 18, 2018

"It's something that is useful. It helps me focus and gives me energy to help get my day started. The only thing that bugs me is a suppressed appetite and, at times, it makes my depression worse until it wears off. It also makes me have to urinate more frequently."

• wan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 19, 2016

"I take 10 mg of generic Ritalin as needed. It gets me moving, and I can focus a little better. I already have hair thinning, and the doc warned me that this is a known side effect for some. However, I don't know if the Ritalin contributes to my hair loss or not. For me, I need to take it about 2 hours after breakfast for it to work. Then it lasts about 4 hours. I probably need a script to take this twice a day instead of once."

• JoA...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 4, 2023

"I am a 51-year-old woman who struggled since university. Ritalin has given me my life back. I feel calm, focused, and just me again. No more being overwhelmed constantly and anxious. The side effects were mild for me, a headache. But that has passed now, and I feel like I can get my life back on track! I take Ritalin LA 10 mg twice a day. It’s amazing!"

• Sle...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 2, 2021

"I switched from Modafinil to Ritalin this year. Every time I take this medicine in the morning, I stay awake. But with a lot of side effects. Fast heartbeat, morning sickness/nausea, dizziness, exhausted, trouble sleeping during the night, anxiety, decreased appetite, abdominal pain, often migraines or headaches. I try to avoid the medicine if I can. I like Modasomil more."

• Pet...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 23, 2018

"I'm 41 years old and just started Ritalin extended release three weeks ago. I have sleep apnea and have a lifelong history of daytime fatigue that wasn't being helped by the CPAP. After talking to my doctor about that and other symptoms, I began treatment for ADHD. The first week, I had some insomnia but noticed immediately that I was more awake during the day and getting a lot more done. I still felt tired at times, but nothing like before, where I was literally ready to collapse by mid-afternoon. It also suppressed my appetite a bit, which I need. I'm only taking 18 mg in the morning. Week 3, I don't feel it's working quite as well, and insomnia has subsided. Pretty sure we need to tweak the dosage."

• Sha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 22, 2016

"I've been taking Ritalin for about 4 months now, and it has helped me immensely. I'm a college student and suffer from ADD, Major Depressive Disorder, and OCD. I was put on this during a hospitalization because, in the past, I was on Concerta, and it worked wonders. So, being on this medication, I have been able to concentrate better on my schooling and other tasks. The downfall with this med is that it lasts for about 5 hours before it wears off. The other downfall is that I am recovering from an eating disorder, and the loss of appetite makes it hard to want to eat."

• Nls...
• July 23, 2021

"Recently diagnosed with ADHD. Also suffer anxiety and depression as well. Was a nice start. My mind was calmed. I have bad social anxiety. I was able to have a conversation with the barber without all of the intrusive thoughts, which was just amazing for me. But that’s all the good that came from it. By that evening, it was clearly worn off. I have sensory processing disorder too, and when this wore off, it felt like my senses came back with a crash. Everything was way too much. My anxiety was horrible. I called a friend around to come get me because I was having the worst panic attack ever. And on top of that, I kept humming and rocking. I couldn’t seem to control it. I felt absolutely crazy. I took an extra Xanax and was able to relax and calm enough to not feel panicked. So disappointing because it started out so good. Hopefully, I can find something that quiets my mind without the horrible come down. But I would never take Ritalin again. Absolute nightmare."

• Seb...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 27, 2022

"I was first diagnosed at 8 years old. I was prescribed Ritalin, and it helped me focus and be calm, but I’ve always remembered myself as the boring, uninteresting guy, and when I turned 16, I decided to quit. The first few weeks of quitting felt as if I was taking a happy pill. I was so much more energetic, happy, interested in stuff, and I was gaining passion for music and art. I feel like this drug has stolen way too many years of my life. Sure, it helped me when I was younger and I couldn’t manage my focus or hyperactivity, but I think after like 12-13 years, I should have been put off it. I rate it 4 because the drug, for me, took away happiness and a lot of years. The drug made me passive."

• Rae...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 26, 2019

"I'm 19, female, and I've been on this medication about 3 weeks and have slowly upped the dose from 10 mg twice a day to 20 mg. I feel like when I just started it, it worked wonders, but now I need more and more for it to help. My psychiatrist told me to take it every day. The last couple of days, I've been on 40 mg a day and it doesn't do anything for me anymore. Maybe my tolerance is high and I shouldn't be taking it every day. But I'm still figuring out what works for me. I find I am quite resistant to most drugs, like I need more than most people, but I only weigh 40 kg, so I'm a little disappointed at the moment. But I think it might just be a tolerance thing, and maybe I should only take it when I need it, like for university."

• Rac...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 14, 2022

"I have to say it has been absolutely life-changing. I’m only on 10 mg of methylphenidate, and a weight has been lifted. I’m no longer exhausted, and I don't get painfully starving like I used to. I can happily make the dinner. I won't be coming off of it. Life-changing. No side effects, but I am aware that I’m on a low dose and will soon be going up to 15 mg."

• Nol...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 15, 2024

"No longer fidgety and hyper, I’m feeling less restless and more focused on my work now. I was prescribed 20mg generic Ritalin and now I fidget less, get distracted less, have less crowded thoughts, I can get all of my work done in one day instead of task switching every 5 minutes. I still feel a little sleepy but I’m thankful for any good effects at all."

• JRa...
• May 31, 2010

"Took Ritalin when I was first diagnosed with ADHD. Because I was older (20s) and taking such a high dosage (60 mg morning, 60 mg afternoon, 20 mg late day), they changed me to a more sustained release drug."

• And...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 22, 2021

"I had a horrible experience with Ritalin. At first, it was fine when it was initially prescribed. I only took it during the weekdays or on some weekends when I had grad or teacher work to do. I was prescribed 5 mg. After a few months of taking it, I noticed my heart was racing; I would initially ignore it. But then it started to get worse, and I would get a little more concerned. I also noticed I was super irritable and would get frustrated easily. Finally, after taking it 3 days in a row, coupled with being super stressed about being quarantined and teaching from home, my heart raced super fast. My anxiety was also worse because I was freaking out about my heart rate. I ended up calling 911, and the paramedics wanted to take me to the ER to get further testing done. After a few tests, the cardiology team wanted me to stay overnight. They wanted to check if I had a heart attack at the age of 32; it was negative. I am a healthy female and always have been. That was scary and not worth it."

• liz...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 7, 2023

"26 (f) I was diagnosed with ADHD-inattentive since young. Over time, I finally decided to try Vyvanse and it completely changed my life. I went from special Ed to all honors classes/AP classes and graduated among the top in my class. I got a full ride to college, perfect GPA, learned a foreign language, and now live abroad where there is no Vyvanse. So the country I live in now only has Ritalin and Strattera. I have been taking Ritalin for 3 years now and some things are similar to Vyvanse (the loss of appetite, ability to sit still for 3-hour lectures, hyperfocus). So at first, I was optimistic, but over time, I realized I can't focus at all in class or on my readings or anything. I'm not doing great in my master's at all, which hurts my pride a little. :/ The Ritalin feels very rough compared to Vyvanse, like I drank 5 coffees but am drowsy too. I can't remember anything, still doze off. Everyone is different. I'm gonna try Strattera and see if it can help me."

• Car...
• February 13, 2018

"I've been on Ritalin for a little over a week now, and I have noticed that the mornings in first period are much easier to get through. But throughout the day, when I'm on it, I'll experience these low points of depression where I'm literally just sitting at my desk and not able to do anything. It works for calming me, and I'm a lot less restless, but once it wears off, it feels like a wave of ADHD hits me, and I start running around out of control, doing things like yelling and jumping."

• Nol...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 15, 2022

"I suspect I've had ADHD since childhood. Wasn't formally diagnosed until 5 years ago at 43. Was given 18 mg Concerta and, while it did help, it lasted far too long and made me irritable. I switched to 10 mg Ritalin and it's different. I have no idea why, as they're the same drug, but I feel calm and alert. Just as I feel I should be. I can read books again, complete tasks, and my depression has lifted for the first time in over a decade. I was diagnosed with a panic disorder, and my doctor was concerned that it might trigger it, but I feel very much the opposite of anxious when taking this. I LOVE LIFE AGAIN. The past 2 decades have been a downward spiral for me mentally. More and more antidepressants and mood stabilizers. I'd feel okay for a month or 2, but then slip right back into depression. I haven't experienced any negative effects, though it has decreased my appetite quite a bit, so I'll have to keep an eye on that. (ADHD often makes me forget to eat and stay hydrated). Other than that, I'm happy again!"

• myl...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• May 11, 2024

"Completely changed my life. I have always been obsessed with science, math, computer science, etc. But, even after spending hours every day staring at the textbooks and trying to force myself through it, I was making almost no progress! I had to drop out of uni in the first year, but I wasn't going to give up on my dream of mastering these subjects, so I continued in my own time. Almost two years went by, where I had studied every day for 8+ hours a day. My progress was pitiful, but cumulatively it was not nothing, so I kept going! Three months before the two-year mark, I was diagnosed (first by myself, then a doctor). I learned more in the subsequent *month* than I had in the TWO YEARS previous. It has only been up since then."

• Ant...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 11, 2022

"Ritalin gave me a horrible experience. In the morning, I seemed to be okay. For a couple of hours, it gave me focus, but after that, I became anxious and irritated throughout the day. I became confused, poor decision-making, and felt extremely weird. This works for some, but did not work for me. Horrible experience with this drug."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 30, 2017

"I’m a 19-year-old athletic kid, and when I was prescribed this 3 years ago, it did wonders. It was my junior year of high school, and I was prescribed 10 mg twice a day, once in the morning and once at lunch, with an optional one in the afternoon if I had a lot of homework or studying. My grades were much better, and it didn’t have any side effects. Now, 3 years later, I have a bad tolerance, and I had to up my dosage to 20 mg three times a day. I now take it to even make it to class, and if I don’t take it, I can barely stay awake. Like many people said, it makes you feel extremely sluggish, like a zombie, and it’s an absolutely awful feeling. I lose emotions, have mood swings, and even my sex drive with my girlfriend is completely destroyed."