Posted by Mark H. on March 27, 2000, at 18:25:21
In reply to Side effects of ritalin, posted by Tom on March 27, 2000, at 12:09:09
My experience suggests that you might want to start with LESS than whatever amount is prescribed and build up slowly until it begins to help.
I originally was started at 40 mg a day -- hahahaha! I took 2-1/2 mg a day to begin (one quarter tablet) and that was PLENTY!
Recently, I have started requiring 40 to 60mg a day to stay awake, but I can't imagine how awful it would have been with my system to start with that high an amount (almost three years later now).
Force yourself to relax and drive the speed limit with consideration for others (and for yourself). Cass and I were telling stories off-forum about our shared tendency to push the pedal on stimulants -- not a good thing! Likewise, you might get a little irritable. Again, if you make a conscious effort, you can be more patient and less cranky with others by realizing that you are affected by the drug.
For me, Ritalin is so much more gentle, predictable and smooth than caffeine that I think espresso should be a controlled substance and Ritalin should be sold over the counter -- but I realize that it is abused by those who treat it as "speed."
Don't worry too much about side effects, just start small and listen to your body. Good luck and let us know how you do!
poster:Mark H.
thread:28238
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000321/msgs/28265.html