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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by rainbowlight on September 17, 2002, at 1:44:09
Ritalin question for you guys. Pdoc switched me to Ritalin XR 20 mgs. For the first 4-5 hours I feel great, extremely focused, happy. Then I slump into a bored, tired/depressed person for the rest of the day. Even having crying bouts off and on. Should I ditch the extended release? I was taking Ritalin 2 x a day, 5 mgs. each. before the XR. I want to get that clarity and focus, but can't handle the depressed side effects. Any ideas?
Posted by katekite on September 17, 2002, at 6:41:56
In reply to Mitch/Kate/Fachad, posted by rainbowlight on September 17, 2002, at 1:44:09
It sounds like too high a dose. "Crying jags" and being withdrawn are side effects of giving too much in children. The only thing I can think of to do is try to alter its absorption, like drink acidic citrus beverages all day. Eat it with food etc. Probably wouldn't be enough of an effect.
kate
Posted by Phil on September 17, 2002, at 6:53:40
In reply to Re: Mitch/Kate/Fachad, posted by katekite on September 17, 2002, at 6:41:56
Check other meds, if you're taking some, on drug checker. Grapefruit juice is usually a no-no w/ lots of drugs.
If you feel good, you're just not getting enough of the drug to get you thru the day. Check w/ your doc or maybe switch to Adderall XR; a little longer action. No need for crashing like that.
Hope you get more replies.
Posted by Ritch on September 17, 2002, at 10:29:26
In reply to Mitch/Kate/Fachad, posted by rainbowlight on September 17, 2002, at 1:44:09
> Ritalin question for you guys. Pdoc switched me to Ritalin XR 20 mgs. For the first 4-5 hours I feel great, extremely focused, happy. Then I slump into a bored, tired/depressed person for the rest of the day. Even having crying bouts off and on. Should I ditch the extended release? I was taking Ritalin 2 x a day, 5 mgs. each. before the XR. I want to get that clarity and focus, but can't handle the depressed side effects. Any ideas?
The Ritalin sustained release preparations are notorious for uneven drug release, with the exception of Concerta. An excellent test would be to try a single 18mg tab of Concerta in the morning and then see what happens. If you run into the same problem, then the dose is too high as Kate suggested. If you don't have that problem, then it was the Ritalin XR releasing too much medication too soon. You should be able to get a sample of Concerta from your pdoc. They must have changed the law or something, because my pdoc has samples of all sorts of stimulants.
Mitch
Posted by rainbowlight on September 17, 2002, at 19:42:03
In reply to Re: Mitch/Kate/Fachad » rainbowlight, posted by Ritch on September 17, 2002, at 10:29:26
Thanks for the responses to all of you. Today I took 10 mgs. of the immediate release Ritalin. I didn't quite get the great clarity/focus of the XR, but then again it is 5:00 p.m. and I have not felt a crash, so that's a good thing. I am going to ask to try Concerta next time I see the pdoc.
Posted by fachad on September 17, 2002, at 21:05:37
In reply to Mitch/Kate/Fachad, posted by rainbowlight on September 17, 2002, at 1:44:09
I agree that the ritalin XR forms have a reputation for uneven absorbtion. My previous pdoc wouldn't even write for it, he thought it was so bad.
Maybe for you it all gets absorbed too fast, and then you crash.
I think the 18mg Concerta or 20 mg Metadate are considered to be reliable sustained release forms of ritalin.
Only one warning, those two are brand only, so they may cost considerably more, depending on your insurance.
> Ritalin question for you guys. Pdoc switched me to Ritalin XR 20 mgs. For the first 4-5 hours I feel great, extremely focused, happy. Then I slump into a bored, tired/depressed person for the rest of the day. Even having crying bouts off and on. Should I ditch the extended release? I was taking Ritalin 2 x a day, 5 mgs. each. before the XR. I want to get that clarity and focus, but can't handle the depressed side effects. Any ideas?
This is the end of the thread.
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