Ritalin User Reviews & Ratings (Page 5)

• jez...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 4, 2017

For Narcolepsy "When I was first diagnosed with narcolepsy at 13, I started with Ritalin and was taking about 40 mg per day and definitely helped with my narcolepsy but wasn't strong enough to keep me fully awake and repress my cataplexy. I now take 81 mg of Concerta and 10 mg of Ritalin in the mornings and, if needed, another 10-20 mg of Ritalin in the afternoons or when feeling tired. It's definitely been a lifesaver, especially during class or when I'm out. Didn't have or had any significant side effects and am so glad to have been introduced to it."

• Aki...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 10, 2021

For ADHD "38 years old male, diagnosed with ADHD at age 37. Took Ritalin for the first time, and it made me feel awful. At first, I just felt like my blood circulation was weird, but then I felt fatigued, anxious, and stressed. I had difficulty spelling correctly when typing. I had difficulty focusing, both figuratively and literally. For about an hour, I had to concentrate to focus my vision when I was reading something. It basically was a slightly less worse reaction than what I had to Strattera."

• Kad...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 26, 2021

For ADHD "I have taken Adderall for years and made the switch to Ritalin. Adderall just wasn’t cutting it for me and was actually affecting me negatively (it only lasted a couple of hours, and the comedown was terrible). It also affected my ability to think after the effects took place 30 minutes prior. Ritalin may not last as long, but splitting the dose into 3 different times lasts me 10-14 hours. With the Adderall, I would take 20 mg twice daily, it affected my appetite, which caused its effectiveness to perish. With Ritalin, I take it first thing in the morning, eat about 3 hours later, take the second dose, eat about 4-5 hours later, then take the third dose (I wake up at 7 am). It starts to wear off around 6-7 pm, which I’ll then eat dinner, and it kind of reactivates it, lasting until it’s ready for bed (which would be after dinner or 1 am, it doesn’t keep me awake like Adderall). Take it 10-15 minutes before a meal for maximum effectiveness. I take 60 mg a day, but 40 mg is just as effective."

• Not...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• September 7, 2020

For Narcolepsy "I was diagnosed with excessive daytime sleepiness in the '90s. I took Ritalin twice a day for more than a decade. I found it was like being on a roller coaster. My first dose was mid-morning, and it would take at least 30 minutes before it started kicking in. It 'peaked' about 2 hours after consuming the dose, where I felt awake, alert, and full of energy for a very short time. Then its effects slowly wore off, leaving me feeling completely out of it, depressed, slow, and unmotivated. I took the 2nd dose mid-afternoon, and its effectiveness ran the same course. It was a struggle getting through every day."

• ano...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• September 12, 2021

For ADHD "I struggled for years, doubting my mental capacity, while people around me described me as brilliant but apathetic, smart but utterly distracted. I behaved in erratic ways, dropped out from my academic path due to verbal violence, being unable to tolerate people and abusing substances. At this point, I was 21, non-diagnosed, and lost. My social relations were tense, and my behavior hurt everyone around me. I thought about rehab, but I found something better: a good psychiatrist. He explained to me that the aggressive behaviors, self-harm, research for substances were all signs of a severe dopamine deficiency. We started at 30 mg a day and raised up to 60 mg daily over three years. I am now 27 and a different person. I collected the pieces and started again. In one year, I have the exams I missed, found the backbone to apologize to the ones I hurt. I never felt the urge to do drugs ever again. For me, it was and it is a life changer. For the ones around me, deserved peace."

• fin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 9, 2023

For ADHD "After dropping out of college for the third time at 23, I felt like a failure. I went to seek a second opinion and got diagnosed with ADHD. I was prescribed 10 mg of Ritalin. It made me mentally present and focused. However, I noticed a crash at 2 p.m. So the doctor told me to take 5 mg twice, once in the morning and the afternoon. Each pill lasts for 4 hours. If I need to be working for more than 8 hours, I need to add another 5 mg. Overall, this medication really helps my ADHD. I'm optimistic about what life has in store for me. I want to work on relationships, education, and financial state, which I really struggled with due to attention issues."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 3, 2017

For ADHD "There are some things I love about this medicine, like my ability to focus and get things done. But I really hate the side effect of having no appetite because I'm skinny to begin with. It also increases my heart rate, which can make me feel anxious. It also gives me diarrhea, which my doctor said does happen to some people. It's super effective, but I wish I could get rid of those side effects. It may be better for people who do not need to focus 12 hours a day like I do because I require 3 doses a day."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 3, 2017

For ADHD "I have only been on Ritalin for a couple of days now, and the results are great. My concentration and focus have improved, I can get more things done, and I feel more motivated and self-assured. My social life is better, and I can keep a conversation going. The downsides for me were a fast heart rate, which made me feel anxious, a bad headache when I first took it, and a decrease in appetite. Overall, this is working for me so far, and I would say to not abuse this drug, combine it with alcohol or anything else, and to eat well before taking medicine. Hope this helps."

• Mic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 10, 2022

For ADHD "I went to the doctor for depression, and she told me to my face that it isn't depression. She recommended that I go to another doctor to get evaluated for ADHD. So I went to the new doctor, and she noticed how I couldn't stay on one topic, and how I was constantly playing with my fingers. When the doctor was talking to me, I got really bored and started to look around. She stated that I had 'severe' ADHD, and she asked me if I felt comfortable taking Ritalin. Of course, I said let's give it a shot. The first day I took it, it was amazing. All this talking inside my head, my feelings, my thoughts went away. I felt normal. After 2 weeks later, I started going back to my old ways, where Ritalin wasn't helping me whatsoever. The doctor then increased the dosage, and ever since that last increase, I can say it has helped me A LOT! I am in college right now, and I am doing so much better with my grades and studying. I am so glad that this was recommended to me."

• Pun...
• October 11, 2020

For Narcolepsy "In a single year, I was diagnosed with intracranial hypertension, narcolepsy, and severe sleep apnea. I use an ASV because my brain forgets to breathe at night. Before Ritalin, my ASV didn't help much. I'm a 35-year-old female and I've tried Provigil, Nuvigil, Adderall, Sunosi, and only 80 mg of Ritalin divided in doses of 40 mg twice a day has WORKED. My life is back, and my apnea scores are the lowest EVER. My neurologist can't believe it. Ritalin keeps my brain active so I breathe at night. Push through the side effects; they WILL GO AWAY!"

• Anonymous
• October 18, 2009

For ADHD "I felt very groggy and out of it for a while on this drug. I felt like I could barely form a thought and had great difficulty interacting with people while on it. I had no feelings, no emotions, it felt like if I had to choose an emotion, it would be disoriented."

• lit...
• January 22, 2012

For ADHD "This medicine made me feel zombie-like. I had hopes of focus and alertness, and I know achieving the level of focus intended for the medicine does take a couple of weeks to take effect. But I do not think I can tolerate the restlessness feeling to achieve the intended effect. Just my opinion."

• Pip...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 29, 2022

For ADHD "I'm a 42-year-old male who has struggled over the years with anxiety and depression. Researching ADHD and ultimately having Ritalin 3 times per day has been incredible. I feel calm, centered, and focused. I'm happier than I've ever been. I've had it for 5 months. I feel my functionality day-to-day has changed from about 45 to 60 percent to more like a constant 70 or 80. I feel that rather than bumbling along, I am really getting traction in my life. Having this medication mixed with learning about ADHD and how it plays out has been a real game changer. It's strange to not be able to imagine not having it now. It's not like it's a high, it's just that I feel like a solid, high-functioning individual for the first time. I will continue taking this medication. My work, my relationships, and overall well-being are better than they've ever been."

• Anonymous
• April 7, 2008

For ADHD "My doctor originally put me on Ritalin, and I stayed on it for 2 months. It made me very sick to my stomach, although it did improve my concentration. I have since switched to another medication and am doing much better."

• Hur...
• April 11, 2018

For ADHD "Ritalin works well for ADHD. It is not a long-lasting medication. Most of the time, it’s given in tablet form and does only last about 3-4 hours. So you will need to take it a couple of times throughout the day. I have been on Vyvanse and Adderall as well. Adderall works best for me. Vyvanse also works well, but it lasts for so long-12 hours or more. I can still eat and have an appetite on Adderall and Ritalin, but with Vyvanse, I could go all day without eating. Ritalin is a good medication when taken correctly that will help with ADHD."

• zza...
• December 20, 2017

For ADHD "I'm 18 years old and just got prescribed Ritalin for ADD. The first day I was studying for 5 hours and then felt completely drained mentally. In general, I can do a lot more than before, but I feel like it's losing effect very quickly, as I can't feel it anymore, so I don't take it when I don't have to study (so I don't get too high of a tolerance). I started on 10 mg once a day, and after a week, I upped to 10 mg 3 times a day. I drink a lot of coffee, guarana, and stuff, so the effects are better. If I finish high school, it will be because of Ritalin."

• Eri...
• October 27, 2011

For ADHD "I found Ritalin increased my alertness and concentration. I rate Ritalin 2/10 as I find it increased my depression, from which point I stopped taking it. Unsure whether the Ritalin interacted negatively with my usual small dose antidepressant Cymbalta or if increased depression is an unreported side effect."

• Anonymous
• December 16, 2011

For ADHD "I am a 20-year-old man, going to university and had or still have troubles concentrating with my ADHD, mostly staying on one subject. Started taking Dexedrine, first, it made me restless and gave me lots of anxiety. Could not hold up a normal conversation or sit still, it made me feel uncomfortable. Then tried Concerta, it was effective somewhat but did not help as much as I had hoped. Could not notice much of an effect. Ritalin gives me the concentration when I need it most."

• Mer...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 27, 2016

For ADHD "I was recently prescribed the generic form of Ritalin for Asperger's/lack of focus issues. I am in my low 40s and used meth recreationally for years, although I gave that up, thankfully, a while back. This is the third pill I have taken, and I assure you, the effects of this drug mimic, in many ways, taking a moderate amount of meth, although not as strong. However, I realize that it affects different people, in different ways based on their chemistry. I am not sure I will take it all the time, but it does give me energy and new focus I was lacking. I can see how this drug could be addictive to some people. But it is extremely expensive."

• Ric...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• January 12, 2024

For Narcolepsy "I was diagnosed in 1977 at the Mayo Clinic by Dr. Robert E Yoss. It changed my life! No one understood Narcolepsy like Dr. Yoss. He said some doctors will tell you to take a nap around noon for 15 minutes, that's when to look for a new doctor. Dr. Yoss said, 'I don't take my glasses off when I'm in the middle of reading something, so you should not be taking a nap in the middle of the day.' Dr. Yoss retired from the Mayo Clinic and had moved his practice to his home. He would only see people with Narcolepsy. He said most people with Narcolepsy are underdiagnosed and not being treated properly. When he said to take as needed, I asked, 'Well, how much and how often?' He explained that not every day is the same, some days you may be more tired and some days more alert, so take what you need when you need it."

• kco...
• March 11, 2011

For ADHD "Ritalin made me able to block out everything and focus on reading my boring, tedious nursing books. Take it at least 12 hours before you go to sleep, or else it will keep you up at night with thoughts racing. It suppresses appetite and makes most people lose weight, I actually gained weight because I would be starving and binge eat at the end of the night. I did like Ritalin, but it made me too irritable, so I switched to Adderall. That is much more pleasant and even more effective. Focalin 10 mg is good for people with mild ADHD symptoms."

• Fef...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 24, 2024

For ADHD "I am 30 years old and during all this time they told me that I had depression and anxiety. I couldn't hold a conversation, it was difficult for me to face daily life even with antidepressants. I set goals for myself, but they almost always fell apart, I couldn't maintain them over time. I started a career at the university and left after a month. I thought I had serious problems, that I was a person with the inability to face professional and social life. By chance, a psychiatrist prescribed me Ritalin... I can't explain the miracle it created for me. I could enjoy conversations, be witty, make friends. I could sustain work over time, have a routine at the gym... The truth is that it saved me from many years of frustration. Unfortunately, I had never been diagnosed with ADHD when I was a child. I love this feeling it generates in me since it takes away my anxiety, and I am 100% in the present. I am currently considering looking for another brand since when I take it long term it makes me ir."

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

For ADHD "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

For ADHD "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

For ADHD "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."