Questions about methylphenidate

[Dante]

I'm just curious about a few things. I was recently diagnosed with ADD and chronic low grade prescription and they gave me methylphenidate to take care of it.

I've only been on it for 3 days now, and loving the results, but I'd like to know a couple things.

Effectiveness. The doctor told me the effects only last about 5-6 hours or so. Now, are other people taking it agree to this or is does it actually last longer. For me, it feels to last longer then 6 hours. As after I've taken my daily dosage, it seems to last closer to the whole day for me, not just 12 hours like it should last.

Addictiveness, how addictive is methylphenidate?

Will my body grow used to the effects of methylphenidate, requiring me to get an ever increasing dosage and/or switch to a new pill?

Any sexual side effects to methylphenidate? I've looked and don't really see much, but I want to make sure.

I also plan to ask my doctor this, but wanted to get a general opinion as well on it. Is it ok to take a "booster" dose if I feel I need it? Let's say that I woke at 5am or so, took the first dose at 6am, second dose at noon, but around 6pm or so I find out I'll be in an alnight programming season at work that will last me at least until midnight - is it ok to take a 3rd pill for the day to help sharpen my reflexes?


Thanks in advance, and thanks for the great forum!

[amiegrace]

Effectiveness -- Mine (20 mg. extended) seems to last fewer than 5 hours, but if I take more I get jittery and argumentative.

I have never heard of sexual side effects.

I would NOT, repeat not, "boost" yourself. First of all, you may run out of your prescription too fast and since it's a controlled substance you won't be able to get more. Second, you can make yourself "speedy" if you take too much, and you can get paranoid and even delusional. DON'T use it as a megaperformance drug!!

You may lose your appetite.

I have not had a problem with physical addiction to Ritalin. It is a stimulant, and I'm sure if used wrong for some people it may become a little compulsive. But I forget to take it and don't have any effect from that.

I have been on Ritalin for over a year and have never needed to up the dose.