ADHD / ADD Support Group

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and attention deficit disorder (ADD) are more common than you might think. It is a syndrome that exhibits symptoms such as hyperactivity, forgetfulness, mood shifts, poor impulse control, and distractibility. Join others who suffer from these conditions and share your experiences.

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antjie 07/10/2012

Hi. I was diagnosed maybe 2 years ago but was unable to take medication for ADD until very recently. I was given ritalin which seems to be working well; however I am still figuring out the best dosage. I've been taking 10mg early in the morning, again later in the morning, then again after lunch. I felt that the second dose wasn't as effective as the others, so I increased it to 15 mg today. I felt quite jittery about half an hour after I took it - seems to have settled down slightly. (I.e. I am still feeling jittery but not as much as before)

What I want to ask is has anyone else had the same experience? Will it settle down? Is my dosage too high? I googled it and I get the impression that some stimulants make some people jittery and they have to live with it.

Anybody?

deleted_user 07/10/2012

Don't just settle for the effects of the drugs--those are side effects and and signs that your body doesnt like what's happening. I wouldn't keep taking that dose if it makes you jittery--who knows what it's actually doing to your system.

CAWriterMom 07/10/2012

I agree with Sowie. Don't settle for side effects like that. It definitely sounds like that dosage isn't right for you, so I'd stick with what's been prescribed.

Also, have you considered longer-acting forms of Ritalin like Concerta or Focalin? That might give you more consistent results during the day.

antjie 07/11/2012

thanks - will take this into account as I continue to tweak my dosage (doctor actually said I should play around, so I'm not going against her instructions.) Will also discuss concerta and other options with her when I see her again.
I have reduced the dosage - not only was I feeling jittery, but the positive effect of Ritalin was no better than on the lower dosage.

thanks again for your input.

deleted_user 07/25/2012

I have found that dexadrine has really helped me.I agree with these good people here. If you body is not reacting good, then you need to go back to your doctor and try another med. Sometimes, it takes a while to find out which meds. work for you. Hang in there...If you would like to talk, I am here . Hugs!

deleted_user 07/25/2012

HI ! I take Concerta, 27 mg a day (I take it 6 am and it works all day) I love it, i'm 47 and just recently been diagnosed, I am a forever changed person bc of this med, just 2 weeks ago I was (and I was in all my life til now) arrogant, unfocused, bad attitude, disorganized, aggresive (according to my boyfriend of 6 years....and i don't know how or why he put up with me ) ....when all said and done....since Concerta I'm NICE ! (lol) a better employee with much better performance, a better LISTENER (boyfriend again ! lol) and even my own Mother tells me that she sees major improvement in my attitude towards life, WOW if your own mother tells you that..... to me thats worth more than anyone's opinion. My suggestion to you is to always talk to your Doctor about your medication issues because HE or SHE is the PSCHYCIATRIST ....YOUR MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL....and NOT your friends, coworkers and neighbours.....I've seen it when people with medical issues got to THEM and not DOCTORS.....if you don't like your doc, than get a new one, just keep in mind your neighbours didn't go to medical school for 4 to 6+ years.. but the doctors did. Good Luck to YOU !!!! Smile !

deleted_user 07/26/2012

Also you have to weigh the benefits to slight side effects verses the benefits. My meds are not perfect, but it beats not taking them at all.

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