Posted by JayBTV2 on November 13, 2007, at 9:33:27
In reply to Just started RITALIN SR...generic...how long until, posted by sometimesblue on November 12, 2007, at 11:00:14
> I just started taking the generic ritalin sr [Methelyn ER] 20mg for inattentive ADD. A few questions for you babblers:
>
> 1. How long until the drug "works"?
> 2. Does it have to build up, or is it an immediate thing?
> 3. Is it any good?1) It's pretty immediate. Unlike reuptake inhibitors it goes to work an hour or so after you take a dose.
2) Immediate. Since you're taking extended release though you may find a few peaks through the day. I'm pretty sure Ritalin extended releases twice through the eight out period. A big burst at first and then a smaller burst four hours later. Concerta (also slow release Methylphenidate) has a more complex release system that gradually releases over the eight hours. Honestly I've tried both and didn't notice much of a difference.
3) Yes it can be very good :) Just make sure you stay on the dose prescribed. There is a tendency to build up a tolerance so you may need to increase your dose at somepoint (especially if you're taking 10mg or 20mg). The thing is you don't want to do that too quickly or it is possible to eventually hit the ceiling in terms of dosages. I learned the hard way by taking more than I was supposed to and eventually had to get off of it. This was with the immediate release.
A recent article sites the antidepressant effects of Methylphenidate:
http://www.currentpsychiatry.com/article_pages.asp?AID=5469&UID=
Also go easy on caffeine or any other stimulates as you can get heart racing issues.
Sometimes I wish I were still on it :)
Good luck,
-Jay
poster:JayBTV2
thread:794593
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20071104/msgs/794804.html