Re: Tolerance to Ritalin ?

Posted By Webmaster on June 24, 1999 at 12:44:38
I am 22 year old male and about a month and a half ago, I was diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed Ritalin. For the first four days I was taking one 10mg Ritalin tablet per day. I felt very able to concentrate on tasks and not daydreaming, and to sit down. Also doing things such as reading etc.., gave me a strong satisfaction (reward) for the first time in my life. I also felt having a very good mood when taking Ritalin. Tben after the fourth day I took a 10mg Ritalin tablet but twice daily this time. From the follwowing day Ritalin did not have any effect anymore. I tried higher and lower doses but in vain. Then I stopped it for a week and restarted taking it on Wednesday of last week when I took two tablets together (20mg dose). It still had no or little effect. Then two days later, on Friday of last week, I took two tablets again and I started feeling euphoric. Then after Friday it again stopped having any effect even after taking larger doses such as 4 tablets (40 mg dose) together. Now I ' ll stop it for a week again so hopefully this tolerance reverses.I would like to know why is Ritalin having an inconsistent effect on me. I thought it could be due to depletion of dopamine since I don't think postsynaptic receptors downregulate that fast. I read that under such conditions tyrosine hydroxylase is usually not saturated and maybe taking a tyrosine supplement might help ? Also the improvement in mood etc..., could this mean that I am very sensitive to Ritalin ?
I haven't talked to my psychiatrist yet, because I am afraid he might withdraw Ritalin which is the only thing which has ever gave me such a tremendous improvement. I am a medical student so you can use techical words etc...
Thanks

[PamD__0__0]

Posted By PamD on June 24, 1999 at 15:32:28
Are you saying that you are changing your dosages/frequencies yourself or on doctor's advice?  It sounds to me like your dosage regimen is inconsistent which in itself could yield inconsistent or seemingly nonexistent results.
Talk to your doctor and stick to the orders no matter how you feel.  Only through working with your doctor can you hope to achieve consistent results.










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