Day 4- Ritalin Zombie

[leraven]

This is my fourth day on Ritalin and it certainly has eliminated the chaos of thoughts. I am able to concentrate and focus which was has always been difficult(Very Positive Results). However, a serious Zombie state is in full effect. I am aware that is a common side-effect of ADD/ADHD medication, but I would like to know if this could be temporary.

I am currently taking 10mg of Methylin twice a day. I have found that my appetite is greatly reduce which is a good thing and to be expected, although I find myself not eating for several hours after I notice that I am hungry(Apathy). This surely must affect blood glucose levels and I have since taken steps to regiment my eating schedule.

Has anyone found that their eating schedule may have contributed to the zombie symptoms?

Does this side-effect subside over time?( I don't not want to loose the benefits by having to quit the medication)

Could I benefit by cutting my cutting my pills in half and taking the halves 4 times a day?( Perhaps this would reduce the peak at the medications half life.)

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated?

Your Zombiefied Newbie

LERaven

[ADHDTigger]

You're only on day four. Many people report decreased side effects after a couple of weeks.

I'm going to ask that this thread be moved to the Ritalin section of the Medication forum. You should get better input there.

[leraven]

Sorry about that, I should have looked for that section. Thanks.

[trishcan]

Generally, loss of appetite diminishes over time as you adjust to the medication. I've found (and heard from many others) that forgetting to eat or delaying meals and snacks turns me into somewhat of a zombie. Eating often and drinking plenty of water can sometimes eliminate a host of strange effects when taking stimulant medications.

As far as taking a lower dose, you might want to check with your doc or pharmacist. But generally, if the pills are designed in a way that allows them to be cut or split as needed, most doctors wouldn't oppose it.

[Ploppicus]

I got the zombie effect a little when I first started. It subsided. Now I can still get it though if I take 3 Ritalin SR's (which is what I'm prescribed) instead of just 2. If it persists for longer than a few weeks you're probably on too high a dose. Speak to your doctor.

[Othala]

Alway's speak to your doctor if things feel strange.

People alway's act different on medications, my ex boyfriend had the same dosis as me and he felt like you, he was like a zombie.
Did'nt want to do anything, just sit and stare into the room..

As for me, all that i lost was my lust for food.
I didn't eat anything else then a sandwich on a whole day.

You can cut your pills in half and build it up slowly.

I started with half a pill in 4 hours then 1 every 4 hours.
Now i'm on 2 pills every 4 hours, 80 mg on a day.

[KDLMaj]

Be careful with lowering your dose of ritalin without doctor supervision.

Methylphenidate (ritalin) isn't scored- half a pill doesn't mean half the dose. Also, the effects of ritalin are very dose dependent. At lower doses it primarily targets norepinephrine, and at mid and high level doses it targets dopamine. Lowering the dose may have a very unexpected result. If anything, I would suggest trying a higher dose (with doc's supervision of course). 15-20 mg may have a different effect- though often the zombie state is made worse with higher doses.

Finally, as indicated by others, stick it out two weeks and eat!! The zombie/exhaustion state is often a lack of food and water- especially if it gets worse later in the day. High protein breakfasts will be your friend!

[leapofaith]

I have seen the zombie effect also at the begining of treatment. It will most likely get better over time. That is why most docs have you stay on a particular dose for 30 days. I do suggest taking a heavy duty daily vitamin at bed time. Your appetite should also get better with time. DRINK TONS OF WATER. One of the worst side effects of amphetamines is dehydration. Dehydration totally throws of your electrolyte balance and can cause side effects too. Being new to the medication it would be impossible to separate the side effects from the med and ones from dehydration. Hope this helps, good luck!

[Hello24]

Originally Posted by leraven

This is my fourth day on Ritalin and it certainly has eliminated the chaos of thoughts. I am able to concentrate and focus which was has always been difficult(Very Positive Results). However, a serious Zombie state is in full effect. I am aware that is a common side-effect of ADD/ADHD medication, but I would like to know if this could be temporary.

I am currently taking 10mg of Methylin twice a day. I have found that my appetite is greatly reduce which is a good thing and to be expected, although I find myself not eating for several hours after I notice that I am hungry(Apathy). This surely must affect blood glucose levels and I have since taken steps to regiment my eating schedule.

Has anyone found that their eating schedule may have contributed to the zombie symptoms?

Does this side-effect subside over time?( I don't not want to loose the benefits by having to quit the medication)

Could I benefit by cutting my cutting my pills in half and taking the halves 4 times a day?( Perhaps this would reduce the peak at the medications half life.)

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated?

Your Zombiefied Newbie

LERaven

Hi Leraven,

Your current dose is 10mg twice a day? ie 20mg a day?
The zombie effect can be a sign of too high a dosage but can also be due to not eating properly and your blood sugar levels dropping.

You could try and halve the dose, for example cut the pill in two and have 5mg twice a day, ie 10mg a day.

Don't do what you were suggesting which is 5mg 4 times a day. Ritalin lasts roughly 4 or 5 hours, so you dont want to be dosing every 2 hours with that stuff.

But ask your doctor before taking any advice in the forum please.

I hope you feel better soon hey