I just started on Ritalin two days ago. I'm taking a kind of Ritalin called Rubifen. I am prescribed one tablet a day then gradually go onto two. The first day I had my pill with a light meal. For the first 5 hours felt great, except couldnt eat anything just felt so full. I found I could concentrate alot better, remembered things and actually got things done. Then 6 hours into it had a peircing headache. Ive never really had a migrane before but I'm guessing this is what it feels like! It went on for about 5-6 hours, i was actually screaming out it hurt that much. The next day I rang the doctor and the nurse said that I should take half a pill til I get used to it and to eat a bigger meal with it and then gradually go onto one and then two as prescribed. Im taking the half at the moment and not geting the headaches and still doing ok, but can defnitely feel it wearing off.
any similar stories?

Sorry to hear about the headache:(

I am a migrainer, starting on Ritalin IR at first gave me headaches. Not really migraines, just headaches. I started at a low dose and went slow. Things improved with time as my body adjusted.

Eating on a regular schedule is a good idea, often on stimulants we do not feel hungry. However as the medication wears off we are raging with hunger; which can trigger headaches. Be sure to drink lots of water and watch caffeine.

Time will tell; hang in there!! Try not to worry about the headaches; I know that I do that. I worry about if I am going to get one or not, which can only trigger one with the anxiety of worrying about it. It should subside....if not then there are so many helpful medications that may be able to help.:)

Bikechic makes a great point.. you may feel really full, but make sure you are eating on a regular schedule. I've found that if I force myself to take the first few bites of a meal, my regular appetite will usually return, even if I felt completely unwilling to eat beforehand. Not eating will not help with headaches, especially if you are prone to them. If you absolutely can't eat, try fruit juices or milk, something to keep your bloodsugar normal. Avoid caffeine while on stims, you don't want to give yourself a caffeine overdose.