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I Have ADD And Currently Live In Mexico. Ritalin Is
Question: I have ADD and currently live in Mexico. Ritalin is over the counter, rather than prescription (although I still visit the doc to confirm). The doctor didn't seem to know much about ADD, mentioning that it wasn't very common in Mexico. He didn't really give any hard-line dosage instructions, so my questions are:
1. What should a dosage/schedule look like for someone Male, 28 years old, around 220lbs?
2. I almost never have an appetite. I understand this is pretty common- but how can I combat this? Am I doing something wrong?
3. I usually wake up with terrible headaches. Is this related?
4. A more recent doctors visit noted that I had high blood pressure. Is this a common symptom?
1. What should a dosage/schedule look like for someone Male, 28 years old, around 220lbs?
2. I almost never have an appetite. I understand this is pretty common- but how can I combat this? Am I doing something wrong?
3. I usually wake up with terrible headaches. Is this related?
4. A more recent doctors visit noted that I had high blood pressure. Is this a common symptom?
Brief Answer:
SIDE EFFECTS RITALIN
Detailed Answer:
HI...
Welcome to "Ask a Doctor"service.
I am Dr Ajeet XXXXXXX
I have gone through your query and here is my opinion.
1.Recommended dose of Ritalin is 10-60 mg daily,given in 2 or 3 divided doses.
For you,I think ,a dose of 20mgm twice daily should suffice.
Take it 30 to 45 minutes before meals.
It can be scheduled at 6AM and 6PM.
A late last dose may cause accelerated insomnia.
But it is better to take it under medical supervision because there is addiction potential and chances of misuse,dependence,addiction and withdrawal.
2.Loss of appetite is totally attributable to Ritalin.
Other common side effects are nausea,vomiting,headache,
dizziness,loss of appetite,weight loss,agitation,anxiety,insomnia,stomach pain,palpitation and psychosis.
3.Headaches is most commonly reported side effect while taking stimulants like Ritalin.
It usually starts early but weans off in few weeks.
If it is not improving,it would be good if you discuss this with your clinician and about the alternatives.
4.Being a CNS Stimulant,it raises body temperature,blood pressure and heart rate.
This may increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.
The dose of Ritalin should be readjusted in patients with hypertension.
Hope that I have answered your query.
If you have any doubts,please let me know.
Happy living.
Regards.
SIDE EFFECTS RITALIN
Detailed Answer:
HI...
Welcome to "Ask a Doctor"service.
I am Dr Ajeet XXXXXXX
I have gone through your query and here is my opinion.
1.Recommended dose of Ritalin is 10-60 mg daily,given in 2 or 3 divided doses.
For you,I think ,a dose of 20mgm twice daily should suffice.
Take it 30 to 45 minutes before meals.
It can be scheduled at 6AM and 6PM.
A late last dose may cause accelerated insomnia.
But it is better to take it under medical supervision because there is addiction potential and chances of misuse,dependence,addiction and withdrawal.
2.Loss of appetite is totally attributable to Ritalin.
Other common side effects are nausea,vomiting,headache,
dizziness,loss of appetite,weight loss,agitation,anxiety,insomnia,stomach pain,palpitation and psychosis.
3.Headaches is most commonly reported side effect while taking stimulants like Ritalin.
It usually starts early but weans off in few weeks.
If it is not improving,it would be good if you discuss this with your clinician and about the alternatives.
4.Being a CNS Stimulant,it raises body temperature,blood pressure and heart rate.
This may increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.
The dose of Ritalin should be readjusted in patients with hypertension.
Hope that I have answered your query.
If you have any doubts,please let me know.
Happy living.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Thank you for your answers.
Just a few follow-ups:
1. Is there any alternative to Ritalin that may not have as many side effects? The loss of appetite can be a pain, but the headaches are incredibly inconvenient.
2. Would you recommend any periods of non-use? For example: weekends, vacations, or just any general cycle that could help prevent any chance of future dependency?
3. Are there any safe, common ways (outside of dosage timing) to combat insomnia? Either naturally or supplementally? My insomnia spells have been like clockwork, and extremely difficult to overcome.
4. In terms of Adderall- I have always tried to avoid. I have heard (anecdotally) that it is much more effective, and tends to have less side effects. But I have also heard (again, anecdotally) that risk of dependency is much more likely.
Just a few follow-ups:
1. Is there any alternative to Ritalin that may not have as many side effects? The loss of appetite can be a pain, but the headaches are incredibly inconvenient.
2. Would you recommend any periods of non-use? For example: weekends, vacations, or just any general cycle that could help prevent any chance of future dependency?
3. Are there any safe, common ways (outside of dosage timing) to combat insomnia? Either naturally or supplementally? My insomnia spells have been like clockwork, and extremely difficult to overcome.
4. In terms of Adderall- I have always tried to avoid. I have heard (anecdotally) that it is much more effective, and tends to have less side effects. But I have also heard (again, anecdotally) that risk of dependency is much more likely.
Brief Answer:
SIDE EFFECTS RITALIN
Detailed Answer:
Hi...
1.Unfortunately there is no drug comparable to efficacy of Ritalin and free from side effects.
Adderall has an equal number of side effects.
Alternative treatments for ADD include elimination diets(restricting proteins), supplementation with commercially available omegas 3s fatty acids and multivitamins, counseling, neurofeedback mechanism and memory training.
2.No....I won't advise you to do so.
The drug should be taken as per advise of your clinician.
One of the major dangerous side effects of both Adderall and Ritalin is the potential for addiction and withdrawal symptoms.
3.Learn relaxation techniques,meditate,take your dinner early,refrain from caffeine,tea and alcohol,take a warm shower before sleep,switch off your gazettes and make the room ambience favorable.This would help you to sleep.
4.Methylphenidate(Ritalin)isn't an amphetamine and its effects tend to be milder than those of Adderall but addiction potential and dependence is more with Adderall.
Let your clinician tailor your treatment strategy.
Regards
SIDE EFFECTS RITALIN
Detailed Answer:
Hi...
1.Unfortunately there is no drug comparable to efficacy of Ritalin and free from side effects.
Adderall has an equal number of side effects.
Alternative treatments for ADD include elimination diets(restricting proteins), supplementation with commercially available omegas 3s fatty acids and multivitamins, counseling, neurofeedback mechanism and memory training.
2.No....I won't advise you to do so.
The drug should be taken as per advise of your clinician.
One of the major dangerous side effects of both Adderall and Ritalin is the potential for addiction and withdrawal symptoms.
3.Learn relaxation techniques,meditate,take your dinner early,refrain from caffeine,tea and alcohol,take a warm shower before sleep,switch off your gazettes and make the room ambience favorable.This would help you to sleep.
4.Methylphenidate(Ritalin)isn't an amphetamine and its effects tend to be milder than those of Adderall but addiction potential and dependence is more with Adderall.
Let your clinician tailor your treatment strategy.
Regards
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
Answered by
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