Ritalin caused a mood outburst in my cousin?!
Question: Ritalin caused a mood outburst in my cousin?
The first time he took Ritalin he was able to work for 5 hours straight.
The second time he took Ritalin he started punching holes in walls, screaming, and crying for the first 30 minutes; but then he was able to do school for the remaining 3 hours.
The third day he was able to do 2 hours without Ritalin.
The fourth day he didn't take Ritalin and was nervous while doing school and couldn't do more than 30 minutes.
What's going on here? He is only on 5mg of amphetamines.
He is going back to the psychiatrist in 1 month. Should he take more Ritalin until then or sotp?
Answers:
Behavior shifts under psychiatric medication should be subtle and gradual. If you're seeing pronounced and erratic behavior changes it's a sign that a) the dose is excessive and b) the doctor should be consulted at the earliest opportunity. So, yes, I think whoever is responsible for your cousin's medical care should discontinue the medication and call the doctor for further advice. If they don't have the balls to discontinue the meds, then at least that person should call the doctor.
Well I'm not a doctor but I think this warrants going back to the psychiatrist as soon as possible and not taking any more ritalin until the doctor says its safe. Sometimes stimulants can trigger mood and anxiety disorders in people often irreversibly.