Day 1- Just got on Ritalin

[leraven]

Alright, I just left the Family Practitioner and was perscribed Ritalin. 10mg twice a day. I am concerned that this amount may not be adequate and may result in a drop off at the end of the day. The Dr. was also stated the he doesn't ever prescribe any more that 10 mg twice a day because many people abuse it. So, we will just have to see what the effect is on this prescription.

I took the first one about 1 hour ago and so far I am having a difficult time determining any effect. I think I am able to concentrate a little bit more, but that could be a placebo affect. When should I expect to feel the results after the taking the first does? 1hr, 2hrs, 3 hrs?

Thanks

[leraven]

Ok two hours in the 10mg of Ritalin----- Relaxation at last.....I am almost a little tired, as if I have been having a crazy day it just sat down on the couch to relax. It's nice for a change. I am having no negative side effects at this point, just relaxation. The concentration is improved, and I can keep my attention of one thing at a time, but I wouldn't say the effect is astounding.... except that I just noticed that it sure is quite in my house. It's nice!!!

Hope!!!!

[The D]

Cool. Glad to hear it seems to be helping. Good luck!

[andyum]

Have you taken stimulant medication before? If not, why would you question if 10mg 2x per day would be enough? I think that is a reasonable amount to start on. It is better to start low and titrate up if you have to. FWIW, I have been on 20mg of ritalin per day for about 6 months now and it is plenty for me.

Don't expect any miracles, especially right out of the gate. IMHO, the effectiveness of ADD meds is best measured not by how they make you feel but if they are helping to mitigate (not necessarily eliminate) your symptoms (lack of focus, procrastination, interrupting others, etc..).

Good luck!

[lostranslation]

I agree with Andyum.

I was on 20mg Ritalin for over a year, and, although it was subtle, it worked well for me. Recently, I was prescribed more due to the interaction of another medication. Again, I don't feel particularly different, but I am once again better at paying attention, sitting still, not interrupting, etc.

My husband can tell when I forget a dose, but it's not very noticeable to me. (Probably because I lose the ability to notice or pay attention.)

Anyway, give it some time. 20mg a day might be exactly what you need.

[mijahe]

Originally Posted by leraven

Alright, I just left the Family Practitioner and was perscribed Ritalin. 10mg twice a day. I am concerned that this amount may not be adequate and may result in a drop off at the end of the day.

Give it some time. This was the dose I started on as well, and like you had the some concerns. But, just go along with the Doc. He undoubtedly has a plan, and he shouldn't really tell you, (to avoid the power of suggestion).

I had a rough ride with it at first - all because of anxiety. But I settled down into a good routine. My anxiety isn't related to the amount of Ritalin I take.

I started off on 2x10mg, then went to 2x10mg with a 10mg in the morning, then 4x10mg, then 40mg LA, then 40mg LA with 2x10mg on top.

I find that a 40mg LA is OK, sort of. If I don't have to actually sit down and do any work or listen to anyone. The extra 2x10mg just puts me into the zone - I slow down enough to be able to keep up with the world.

So keep going with what your Doc says, and be patient.

Originally Posted by leraven

The Dr. was also stated the he doesn't ever prescribe any more that 10 mg twice a day because many people abuse it.

And so he should. He sounds like a Dr with his head screwed on.