Methylphenidate User Reviews & Ratings (Page 3)

• Mack
• 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."

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

Ritalin (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 15mg of Ritalin in the morning and 10mg 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)."

• Vin
• September 17, 2014

Concerta (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."

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

Ritalin (methylphenidate) for ADHD "I'm 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 3 times a day, I have found that Ritalin works the best for me on staying focused and keeping my head together and 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 3 days and 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."

• Sadno...
• 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."

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

Concerta (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."

• Mike
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 6, 2019

For Depression "Methylphenidate works well to help elevate 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."

• right...
• 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 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."

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

Ritalin (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 hours. I take the first pill around 800am and the second at 1pm. 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."

• Anna...
• March 22, 2018

Ritalin (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 mediation. 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 Bupropn 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 worse side effects I had with Ritalin was appetite suppression and mild anxiety specifically if I drank too much of coffee with the medication. This is over a period of 15 years on the medication."

• Maximus
• September 28, 2011

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

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

Concerta (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 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 doctor soon about Concerta. You are not alone"

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

Concerta (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!"

• Sherie
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 22, 2019

Ritalin (methylphenidate) for ADHD "30, female, ADD, 95 lbs. Just to share what I have experienced for starting on Ritalin (5mg) today for the very first time. I did not feel anything on the first pill (at 1:10pm) and I took the second one around 7 hours later (around 7:50pm). The second one kicked in around 2 hours later. I was alert and could stay patient at one task before jumping onto the next one. I also felt talkative so I responded a couple of emails efficiently ( it usually takes me a while to draft an email) and got on the social media to greet friends (I do not chat on social media much I am never good at keeping in touch with people.) It was until 4am and I felt my body needed rest but my brain was still alert. I put myself to sleep but then I woke up with a fast heart rate just 1 hour and 10 min later. At this moment, I finally feel it is wearing off as I am typing. I know this because has taken me 20 min so far to write this comment - I am reverting to the attention-deficient and anxious myself."

• marie
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 13, 2023

Ritalin (methylphenidate) for ADHD "I had ADHD for many years. It already saved my life. Clarity, concentration, memory, work, focus, I stopped drinking, began to work, be stable, organized, serious, focused, had good work, and could pay my bills. A month ago a doctor I didn't know removed my life saver saying I didn't have ADHD and never had... which is false, multiple doctors in the past have confirmed I have ADHD. This random doctor ruined my life. I'm not functional, have apathy, anhedonia, memory loss, depression, can't drive, can't concentrate, can't focus, trouble paying things, narcolepsy, feel depressed, cant work, cant find initiative. I look forward to finding my Ritalin back. Depression sucks. Just need it to live. It was my lifesaver. Good luck."

• carly_t
• February 2, 2008

Concerta (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."

• John
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 20, 2020

Concerta (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 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."

• Daydr...
• October 29, 2016

Concerta (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 shit is getting done and everything is great. Less tired, less naps, did not take a nap since I started this. Now I'm at the 36mg step. 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."

• net
• December 13, 2019

Ritalin (methylphenidate) for ADHD "I have ADHD and today was my first day on Ritalin and it sucked! The effects lasted for an hour and when it did work I felt like a zombie and didn't want to move. It also made me tired and kinda sensitive to sound. And, it didn't even make me feel focused so really, whats the point?"

• D3n2n...
• December 22, 2014

For Depression "This is the first time in over 18 years that I haven't had to change anti-depressants every 3 months, or end up nearly suicidal. Now my downs rare 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 dr 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."

• Ziggy...
• 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 thru 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 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""

• 29 fe...
• April 15, 2018

Concerta (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!"

• Kay_22
• 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."

• Megoony
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 26, 2023

Concerta (methylphenidate) for ADHD "For most of my life, I have drifted in and out of employment. Being told I am a daydreamer and missing out on things most people would spot a mile off (dates, small details on forms, cleaning, rota, etc). A few months after starting this medication I also started a job! In immigration so a lot of paperwork, extensive training, long shifts, and difficult customers. Almost a month in and I’m getting appraisals, 100% on most of my work, always on time, and never miss a beat! I am 30 years old and I could cry. This has literally changed my life. In the first week, you will experience jaw clenching, etc but it settles. I am taking two tablets 18 mg a day. Sorry to those that have experienced bad side effects, it’s trial and error and maybe your chemistry does not align with the medicine, but that’s ok- keep trying!"

• Fuzzy
• June 6, 2019

Concerta (methylphenidate) for ADHD "My daughter was 9 when she was diagnosed with ADHD, but I always knew, but figured if it didn't effect her schoolwork, why treat it. Well, come 4th grade her teacher commented that her grades are okay, but she's much brighter than what she displays and is completely distracted. Just a week or so before the teacher meeting, I was just starting to think I would get her evaluated since she started to hate herself, getting in her own way (you ADHD folks know what I mean by that). She was put on Concerta and is now in honors math and a straight A student. The best part was seeing her go from hating herself to loving herself and her owning how bright she is. People would tell her she's bright, but she just didn't believe it until she was able to work up to her full potential. Also, afterwards I was diagnosed with ADHD and am having great success with Ritalin and will be switched to Concerta at my next visit."