I've been on Ritalin for almost 6 years now I guess, on and off since I had to stop while pregnant...I'm prescribed 30mg/day, but someimes take 40, split into two 20mg doses. My GP had recommended changing around when I took them since I complained of a 30 minute "manic" period after I take it-I get YAPPY, my heart races, i get anxious and almost paranoid, with drastic happy/sad mood swings.

I've been considering asking my GP about switching drugs, but I'm not sure what to. He doesn't seem clueless regarding the ADD, but I'm not sure just how much he might know.

Has anyone else had the same response to Ritalin? And if so, what are you on now? It just doesn't seem to help as much...

Thordora, is it difficult to see a knowledgeable ADHD specialist where you live?

You've never been to New Brunswick then?....so far as I can tell, there are none here. I'm hoping my EAP can offer something when I call on Monday.

No, I haven't been to beautiful New Brunswick, but I have been to Nova Scotia. :D I live in rural B.C.. and was lucky to have a wonderful Adult ADHD psychiatrist here when I needed him, but he's gone, now. We need more specialists.

Thordora wrote:
I complained of a 30 minute "manic" period after I take it-I get YAPPY, my heart races, i get anxious and almost paranoid, with drastic happy/sad mood swings.

I have never had any of these symptoms when taking Ritalin, but perhaps others have?

I remember my doc telling me that people who are bipolar can get mood swings when on ritalin-- she said that they can feel on top of the world on min, and then really depressed-- i don't know what it would feel like, but you might want to check the bipolar forum section--good luck!

Hello There: ;) :)

You got somebody here that can say the same thing. Ritalin is not for me at all. I have had the same experience with Dexedrine. Stimulants all do that to me too. But with my moods, the rage and high lasts the whole duration of the drug. The rage that I experience is nasty. But that is a part of me if I am on the medication or not. Euphoria is deffinetly something that is extreme with me on Ritalin or Dexedrine. I had to go off of it because of the severity of the mood swings. Good luck to you with getting something that works. Thanks for reading.

Fast Talker. (Shannon) :)

I came across another posting about stimulants and Bipolar. Perhaps it's worth doing a search of Bipolar on the forums.

http://www.addforums.com/forums/showthread.php?p=229659&highlight=bipolar#post229659

If you are on the standard ritilan it can do that , it will peak and plane. There is a timed release ritilan that may work well for you. You get a steady even dose.

Good Luck Bri