Ritalin

[Darren]

I was wondering if I should try ritalin since I've heard people report that when they take it, they can concentrate on homework for hours on end. And these people don't even have ADHD or concentration problems. However, we have concentration problems, so I was thinking of trying to get a prescription. The feeling of always being able to concentrate is a great feeling lol. Anyone here ever try ritalin? If so, how was it? 

[Annie]

Sorry Eretaia, didnt see your post. The antipsychotics didnt help with MD, well I least I dont believe so....

What I mean by that is, I was put on Risperdone 3mg. The moment I took it, I couldn't daydream but that was only because it made me into a complete zombie! See now I understand why most schizophrenics refuse to take their medication( since antiphycotics are usually prescribed for schizo) it makes you feel all numb and tired as hell!!!

Within only 5 mins of taking it, it completely sedated me, I was falling asleep, couldn't think straight, therefore couldn't even daydream because i was desperately trying to stay awake and get home. But I have to admit for a second I actually truly believed my daydreaming was gone! I tried daydreaming and I could not! It was so weird, I actually felt normal but extremely tired and disoriented. And unfortunately i was one of the few 3% of ppl who get a stuffy nose while on this medication. So, I couldn't even breathe right. 

I remember going home and just falling asleep. I didnt wake up till like within 24 hours! not kidding! So, over the next few day I tried lowering the dosage but still made me feel sedated. So, eventually i gave up on it. Sucks though because i had to pay for the meds and i only have them here sitting over my dresser for no use. 

But what suprises me is that there has been two ppl i have seen on the internet that claim they have tried seroquel and risperdone and their MD stopped completely, I quote them "cured their MD"! I guess maybe, this med just doesnt work for me but for others it does. For example, some say Prozac helps with their deppression and anxiety (the top drug right now) and when i was put on it....like dang! I was a mess! My anxiety sored through the roof and I felt all suicidal. But I guess I just weird in my genetics or brain chemistry =/

But yeah, i guess their is truth when ppl say some meds work and others dont, so no point in giving up all when one doesnt work. its all about trail and error. =)

[Eretaia]

Angie Sanchez, you took antipsychotics? How did your MD react?

[Annie]

I've never tried it but my doctor thinks I should. He has me on Exeffor right now...so far no effect whats so ever to stopping my MD. I've been put on prozac and antiphycotics, didnt help either. I usually drink heeps of coffee and helps with my concentration(coffee addict) otherwise my daydreams would get in my way and prevent me from doing anything.

I guess in a way I'm also curious about ritalin but then again ritalin increases dopamine levels and if you've read Eli Somers research study it says when they did a brain scan on MD patients it showed large portions of gray matter that means alot of dopamine.....so high dopamine levels are related to MD???? Not sue if ritalin is a good choice, but hey you never know........

Tell me how it goes for you =)

[Eretaia]

But what if MD has a compulsive component? Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but Ritalin usually worsens compulsive conditions, right?

There are people reporting that ADHD medicines did help them reduce MD, but I also heard that OCD medicines proved to be useful as well. In any case, don't try any medicines without discussing your problem with a professional in detail. Imbalance of dopamine levels most probably is involved in MD but it's not all that simple. Like Alexander said, you might want to avoid drugs if it's not too serious.

[Alexander Deprez]

As far as I know (from lessons as a student psychology) Ritalin works on the dopamine and noradrenaline system. ADHD patients have low dopamine production. Ritalin balances this. If you don't have ADHD (or low dopamine) you wil end up with high dopamine levels. This will help you concentrate for a while, but will also give you sleeplesness and nervousness. Also your body addapts. So your dopamine receptors will work less. This means, when you don't use ritalin anymore, you could actually have symptoms like people with ADHAD on top of MD. My conclusion: one day research might prove that MD is also linked with low dopamine levels and ten Ritalin could help. Until then, I would stay away from drugs. You don't want to end up being a ritalin junk.