Withdrawal From Methylphenidate

[seamstress]

Has anyone ever tried to withdraw from metyhlphenidate for more than a month? I've been on an off methylphenidate for the past four months. This past week, I tried to lay off the ritalin because of the side effects. I have been off the ritalin for about a week now (the longest time so far). The rebound symptoms are starting to worry me. Maybe I should have slowly taperred off the meds. I was on a really low dose though (10 mg)...

I've always had sleeping problems, and I haven't experienced them for a while until I stopped taking the medication. I heard that in some cases methylphenidate withdrawal can lead to symptoms of depression and psychosis.

See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stimulant_psychosis.

I don't think I am going through psychosis, but I'm experiencing weird symptoms...like hearing someone call my name as I'm trying to sleep..Maybe I'm half awake and half asleep. I don't know, but I just want to know how common these symptoms are and if they will go away.

[jimijames85]

be careful. should definatly slowly dose down. i went throught a weeks withdrawal after 8 months of ritalin use when coming to turms with my add and my med usage. the withdrawal is quite disturbing and dangerous. my advice would be to taper of the medication but everyone reacts different.

[sarahsweets]

some people have a really tough time with this, would you consider any other type of med?

[Targaryen]

If at all possible you should slowly taper off of it. I had to suddenly quite taking Concerta after taking it for 1.5-2years (due to finances) and the withdrawal for me was not fun, I became quite depressed.