I don't understand this about ritalin...can someone help me?!
Question: I read about adult adhd and I was shocked that all of it sounded just like me, to a tee. It's not that I WANT this horrible problem, but it just seems like me. My world has fallen apart lately because of other mental and health crap. (OCD, Hypochondria, and health scares)....but that's beside the point.
Here is my question: If ritalin is somewhat of a stimulant then how in the world would it HELP someone who has hyperactivity and can't focus anyway? Someone who is always, always tapping their feet, can't sit still to watch a movie, etc....how in the world would a stimulant help that? It makes no sense to me. Also, I've been taking Zoloft (doesn't seem to be working) and I read that you aren't supposed to take those things together. What other kinds of OCD medications/anxiety meds are out there that won't contradict the ritalin? Any mental health professionals out there? Even if you aren't, I would love to hear your advice.
Thank you so much. :)
Answers: I read about adult adhd and I was shocked that all of it sounded just like me, to a tee. It's not that I WANT this horrible problem, but it just seems like me. My world has fallen apart lately because of other mental and health crap. (OCD, Hypochondria, and health scares)....but that's beside the point.
Here is my question: If ritalin is somewhat of a stimulant then how in the world would it HELP someone who has hyperactivity and can't focus anyway? Someone who is always, always tapping their feet, can't sit still to watch a movie, etc....how in the world would a stimulant help that? It makes no sense to me. Also, I've been taking Zoloft (doesn't seem to be working) and I read that you aren't supposed to take those things together. What other kinds of OCD medications/anxiety meds are out there that won't contradict the ritalin? Any mental health professionals out there? Even if you aren't, I would love to hear your advice.
Thank you so much. :)
I was diagnosed w/ adult add w/in the past three months, & it is a shock. I have been taking Adderall XR, and the 1st day I couldn't believe how normal I felt! I'm taking Wellebutrin w/ it, so that antidepressant is okay. You won't see any effect from an antidepressant for a few weeks.
The stimulants used to treat add stimulate areas of the brain that control attention and impulses, giving a feeling of alertness (able to focus) and awakefulness. You are not supposed to take an SSRI (Zoloft) with a stimulant, or the SSRI dosage needs to be decreased.
Ritalin & Concerta are from the amphetamin family & produce a milder response.
Amphetamine stimulants (like Adderall) cause a release of norepinephrine & dopamine into the synapse, and prevent their reuptake.
I scoured my school books and that's all I found. I emailed my psych instructor asking if she could tell me more, I'll let you know.
What is hard to understand is that with ADD / ADHD your brain is working a bit differently. Some people that have ADD drink a lot of coffee, this is your bodies way of self medicating itself. The stimulant is used to help your brain fire right and make the right connections.
My son has ADD, and no I didn't just go to the doctor and get him on meds. We went to a child psychologist and actually had him tested.
If Ritalin has too many side affects there are many other medications that work well. Concerta works really well and there are less side affects in my opinion.
Talk to your HCP to make sure they are right for you. Don't be afraid to ask questions, they are there to help you.
Hello,
I am diagnosed with ADHD, so are two of my kids. We have a little friend here who stays with us a lot and he is supposed to have ADD.
My kids and I do not take pharmaceutical drugs for it. We do take caffeine. This the doctor said if it is working keep it up.
These drugs have a opposite effect on our bodies. I refuse to take that speed, which if you have been doing reading this is what that ridilan and aderal is.
We all have other medical problems, therefor these drugs... I am flat out afraid of.
The little friend here is on blood thinners for his add. His parents have a hard time with him, he is a great little boy and we have no problems with him what so ever!! Hence why he is at are home so much.....
Go get diagnosed then worry about the meds. for ADHD. Heck people do not need meds for this.....diet, environment and constant dealings with the public school system who want every kid drugged.
The "happy" pill you are taking I tuned down for I did not want to be high all the time. This is a personal choice and in no way putting you down ok.
Wish you well.