Help. Husband not doing good on ritalin. What do I do?

My husband recently decided that he had ADD so he went to his doctor and got prescribed Ritalin. Ever since he's been on it, he's been a zombie and emotionless. We barely make love anymore and he's also very sensative about things. Now I've heard that sometimes if you really don't have ADD, the medication will affect you different then for someone who really has it. I've discussed this problem several times with my husband but nothing has changed. Help me before my relationship goes in the pit!

[Nicoljane]

The SENCO at my sons junior school told me that once, that these drugs won't work if the person doesn't have adhd/add. I know my son didn't have side effects with ritalin but does with concerta.

Also a doctor told me once there are 7 kinds of adhd. from very hyper to very withdrawn.

[margypops]

Try some good supplements instead but ask your Doctor how your husband should come off it, if that is a way he wants to go, the symptoms you mention do sound like side effects of the Ritalin,

[tiggerbottomak]

So then ritalin will make you remember things and concentrate but will also make you blaaah and emotionless?

[margypops]

Makes some hostile and aggressive but not everyone, mostly children have side effects,and a recent study suggested that Food supplement has equal efficacy of Ritalin, a multiple vitamin with antioxidants B Complex and Vit C would benifit those diagnosed with ADD  and wont nhave the same effects as Ritalin.

[margypops]

and I guess Yes is the answer to your question, try the supplements he may get vitality back.

[tiggerbottomak]

Thank you!!!

[nunu1977]

I agree with margypops to try supplements. Ritalin is not something I would ever suggest for anyone to try even if it  definitely is ADD/ADHD!

[SeriousSam]

Their is a special diet (feingold?) for adhd that would probably work better. Ritalin destroys the liver, and I have been told the effect is like having your personality stuffed in a bottle.  Can't he just drink more caffiene? that helps me?

Before anybody thinks I am being a smart aleck most add/adhd people are smarter on the bell curve anf if you have adhd usually stimulants have the reverse effect on you.  Caffiene can actually put some people asleep.

[Sandman2]

I agree with serious sam.  Talk with his doctor.  It sounds like he is being overmedicated. Try cutting back on the dosage with your doctors advice. If your husband did not have ADHD, the meds should have wired him.

[rayna11]

Have him try Concerta, done nothing for me, but ritilan was better.  Adderall (adderrall), i have been taking for 3 yrs and it works for me.

[thisisbull]

try starting off on a low dose of adderall (adderrall) itll do wonders for when he needs to focus and no long side effects