I've been diagnosed with add

[sayoun]

hei mates,

I need some info on ritalin, I've noticed that there has much been written in the forum and I got lost trying to search for my specific case.

I was diagnosed with severe add case, I did lots of tests, and my doc prescribed me ritalin, 10mg at morning and 10mg at afternoon.

as I see here ritalin is commonly used for recreational stuff, so I'd like to ask your sincere opinion on this:

I don't smoke, I don't drink, and now I have a jar of 50 ritalin pills in front of me.

so what the fuck do I do?

has anyone used ritalin for this purpose? I can't even read now, I can't drive.. well I can drive but I'll just get lost.. I'm having no other way so I'm really thinking to go with it..

if someone could tell me how it is for this cases, I'd be so thankful.
I'm also thinking about writing here how it goes after the first times so I have someone to talk about it, no one that I know has been diagnosed with add or is on ritalin.. it's not very common in portugal..

so be cool yall.. and thanks in advance

Reputation Comments on this post:

take them as prescribed and it's much different than people who abuse them

[sayoun]

Ok, I'm really sorry, haven't read the swim's adventures..

[dutch-marshal]

good that you have read the rules now ^^

but sorry i never have taken ritalin.. i did take concerta 2 times..
i am going to the docter next week for a ADD test myself...pretty sure i have it..

and plz write down your experience as it goes (about the effects of ritalin) and the entire proces that goes allong with it

[sayoun]

hm, I'll write down exactly how it goes after swim takes it.. swim's thinking about only taking it near the exams (in 2 weeks) if no other opinions show up...

if ur going to the doctor the first time it may take a while for him to do the tests.. I took lots of tests, IQ, personality, all that shit, I was on tests for like 3 weeks..

I hope u have a good doctor..

be cool mate..

[dutch-marshal]

i have a good doctor..

actually i have allready been there and now i have to go to the neurologic docter of some sort....

but yea i was expecting a load of bullshit test...docters love those

i will also keep this updated if i know more..


btw a weird tip maybe... but just a small amount of weed aso keeps me concentrated for a while... just don't get stoned :P because your mind goes in a million places at once... atleast that's what my brain does..

[Psych0naut]

Self-incrimination is indeed against the rules, but self-incrimination means admitting one has, is or is going to perform illegal activities. Taking resctricted medication as prescribed is not illegal, thought using SWIM when discussing legal matters is always preffered.

[trptamene]

If you truly have ADD, I think you should take your medication as prescribed. Though, swim has found adderall to be a much better drug than ritalin, so swim would try to get this changed...not by saying one would rather have a different drug, but by saying it isn't working or the side-effects are too much and asking if there are any alternatives. This is of course unless one really finds the ritalin effects theraputic.

[Bajeda]

Originally Posted by trptamene

If you truly have ADD, I think you should take your medication as prescribed. Though, swim has found adderall to be a much better drug than ritalin, so swim would try to get this changed...not by saying one would rather have a different drug, but by saying it isn't working or the side-effects are too much and asking if there are any alternatives. This is of course unless one really finds the ritalin effects theraputic.

Focalin is excellent if you are sensitive to the side effects of racemic methylphenidate and/or adderall distracts you excessively or you have trouble with getting motivated to work. Then again, thats just swim.

[sayoun]

Originally Posted by dutch-marshal

btw a weird tip maybe... but just a small amount of weed aso keeps me concentrated for a while...

I didn't mention because I didn't find it relevant in the case, but swim occasionally smokes weed, the effects vary a lot depending where it comes from, but however, swim never pulled a joint and actually tried to do much more than just hang out the rest of the night laughing his ass out

I don't think swim's up to get some weed and waste it alone.. But thanks for the tip anyway,

[tranquillike]

SWIM has recently received the same prescription, for 10mg in the AM and again in the afternoon. It really does help for school. Improves concentration, increases motivation, and perhaps slightly better mood. For SWIM there is no let-down or such when it wears off. Years ago, long before getting it prescribed... SWIM illegally obtained some and abused it. It wasn't SWIM's cup of tea, although it was fun at the time, it is not something SWIM wishes to repeat.

SWIM was diagnosed with ADD as a child but not prescribed medicine for it until he was an adult. SWIM wonders how his life might have been different, better or worse, had he been given it way back then.

Reputation Comments on this post:

good example of use vs. abuse

[sayoun]

thanks dude, I appreciate your reply...

I still, don't understand some of the stuff u said, like metaphors and stuff, my english isnot that cool...

what does swiy mean with "let-down" ? and "cup of tea"?


be cool, and thanks again.

Reputation Comments on this post:

thanks for pointing that out

[sayoun]

Ok, so today was a different day for swim, he took the pills and went to college.

Things didn't go spectacular, but as far as the concentration is concerned, this shit really helped swim, he tried a lot of stuff he wasn't able to do before, read long texts, texts really describy, like a few pages describing an apartment, he felt like he could even touch the sofas.

But swim felt an uncontrolable need to be in talk to people, he has a lot of people with him in college, and he argued A LOT.
Swim was so foccused in a calculus class that he argued with the teacher and was asked to leave the class, I think Swim told him to go fuck off or something. So swim enjoyed it at most, the interaction with people is very very clear, but swim would prefer it to be cooler and slower (well this is speed, but swim can't be thrown out of classes everyday by arguing with teachers, at this time things really were out of control).

Swim needs something to cool off a bit, he's thinking about smoking some weed after the pills, the effect is not instantaneous, it takes a while to feel something different in your head, but I think that with some puffs of weed it would be much better and slower. As anyone tried ritalin and pull a joint? Swim's never been that much of a talky guy, he likes to be low-profiled, and today was not at all like that, he constantly felt the need to be in communication.


He's cooler now, the effects of the 10mg pill don't last very long, and he's thinking about saving something for other times, not gonna do it everyday (that would ruin his wallet).

But next time swim is really considering to smoke something to make it a little cooler and slower, or if you know of another way to administrate it, he would be very thankful to hear it.


Swim thinks this is the most relevant from the experience, it's not much, he doesn't know if it has something to do with the add, but he really didn't feel much more to be pointed.


So be cool, and I'd appreciate if someone experienced the combination of ritalin and weed, to post it here or if it's somewhere else, I'm gonna look for it.

[Metomni]

Since SWIY asked...

SWIM does have pretty bad ADHD, some days it is ridiculous and on those days he has to take his meds. He doesn't normally enjoy taking them because they don't do anything theurapeutic for him unless he's having a bad day.

Now then, when he does wake up and can't even gather the attention to do his normal morning routine, he'll pop some and smoke a bowl and then is able to function the rest of the day. When he takes it on days where he does not need it, he feels depressed. Ironically though, on days where he needs it and takes it, he is typically in a very good mood all day and it even lasts sometimes.

With most people these meds will just speed them up so smoking weed with them is going to differ in the effects it gives people. For SWIM, both substances mellow him out, so together they are wonderful on certain days, but for others the contrast in effects may not be pleasant.

"Focalin is excellent if you are sensitive to the side effects of racemic methylphenidate and/or adderall distracts you excessively or you have trouble with getting motivated to work. Then again, thats just swim."

Thank you for that piece of advice, SWIM may look into it, he has been looking for a medicine that he can take every day, even on the days he doesn't need it, without the bad feelings and effects.

[dutch-marshal]

smoking it helps a bit (don't smoke to much) and what is even better.. eating it!
like bake some cookies with just a little bit of weed in them you will probebly get the edge of the pills.. it's verry easy to make to

[Shampoo]

Cannabis is now commonly prescribed, where legal, to assist and complement the functions of amphetamine-based ADHD medication. Cognitively, the effects are complementary in a a sense that amph-based meds increase thought capacity through stimulation of "pleasure-centers", creating a reward system for work. Cannabis keeps this process from excessive dosing of chemistry in either direction. Stimulation cannot be too high or too low when under the influence of small amounts of cannabanoids, due to its occupation of many of the "pleasure-centers" of the brain. SWIM is currently prescribed both of these medications, and finds that cannabis does more than cognitively compliment the effects of amph-based meds. The physical side-effects are also drastically reduced. The first few months on ADHD meds led to an unprecedented decrease in appetite that refused to respond to common stimulation, even appetite-stimulant based medications. With cannabis however, a healthy balance that now includes a full lunch is a regular staple of the work-day. The headaches initially caused by amphetamine ingestion are also curbed by the use of cannabis. As for a "state-of-mind" reading, cannabis has been commonly linked with a state of consciousness known as "hyper-focus". This manifests itself greatly in late-jazz and "jam-band" music, in which players find this state of consciousness and apply it to music. The state however can also be applied to o-chem homework, stock-broking, or whatever SWIY needs to concentrate on. Finding this state of "hyper-focus" on a regular basis provides a psychological baseline for SWIMs return. Conclusively, the use of amphetamine-based medications has been greatly reduced as a result of SWIMs cannabis consumption, with consistently positive results.

[Bajeda]

Originally Posted by Shampoo

Cannabis is now commonly prescribed, where legal, to assist and complement the functions of amphetamine-based ADHD medication. Cognitively, the effects are complementary in a a sense that amph-based meds increase thought capacity through stimulation of "pleasure-centers", creating a reward system for work. Cannabis keeps this process from excessive dosing of chemistry in either direction. Stimulation cannot be too high or too low when under the influence of small amounts of cannabanoids, due to its occupation of many of the "pleasure-centers" of the brain. SWIM is currently prescribed both of these medications, and finds that cannabis does more than cognitively compliment the effects of amph-based meds. The physical side-effects are also drastically reduced. The first few months on ADHD meds led to an unprecedented decrease in appetite that refused to respond to common stimulation, even appetite-stimulant based medications. With cannabis however, a healthy balance that now includes a full lunch is a regular staple of the work-day. The headaches initially caused by amphetamine ingestion are also curbed by the use of cannabis. As for a "state-of-mind" reading, cannabis has been commonly linked with a state of consciousness known as "hyper-focus". This manifests itself greatly in late-jazz and "jam-band" music, in which players find this state of consciousness and apply it to music. The state however can also be applied to o-chem homework, stock-broking, or whatever SWIY needs to concentrate on. Finding this state of "hyper-focus" on a regular basis provides a psychological baseline for SWIMs return. Conclusively, the use of amphetamine-based medications has been greatly reduced as a result of SWIMs cannabis consumption, with consistently positive results.

Lucky for swiy. My Zebra finds that very small amounts of cannabis may help diminish negative effects from amphetamines, it very easily overwhelms the positive effects of the stimulant medication, making his mind hazy and slower. Minimal doses of benzos or better yet, Kava, are much more effective for making amphetamines more tolerable without reducing their efficacy. If you are a person who can smoke cannabis and get work done and not feel cognitively impaired, perhaps it would be useful with ADHD meds, but otherwise it is likely that if cannabis doesn't help when sober it may not be the optimal supplement to the prescribed meds.

[Shampoo]

Though many simply react this way to all cannabis stimulation, some may not realize the potential of cannabis due to their lack of access to consistent genetics. Common street cannabis, though at one time was made up of what are commonly refered to as sativas, geneologically indicas, which contain higher concentration of THC in ratio to the CBN & CBD content, the common street sample being marketed in major cities has risen dramatically to increase Indica (afghanica) consumption. (see D. Perrine 1996/2006) This increase in "downer" cannabis consumption leads many to disregard the breadth of the cannabis genus. The higher concentrations of CBN & CBD in Indicas (afghanicas) lead not only to a more intense physical stimulation, which can result in a "cloudy high", but also an increase in THC intake, caused by the bi-modal relationship CBN has in revitalizing cannabanoid receptors while allowing for maximum intake. The sativa or "speedy" high, and more namely the "diesel" family kafiristanica. The "high" produced by ingestion of these families of cannabis provides a manageable and productive sensation, usually accompanied in an increase in the aforementioned "hyper-focus". Though SWIM understands that not everybody has access to consistent genetic menus to choose from when selecting their cannabis-based medication, growing at home, or acquiring the legal right to consume cannabis as medication, would benefit many in finding their niche in the spectrum of the cannabis genus.

[Bajeda]

Indicas and Sativas may have a generally distinguishable pattern of effects, but the ratio and existence of various cannabinoids can vary greatly between strains. Swim has found, especially with hash, that the strain of the plant often doesn't help predict the effects that will be experienced.

Swim had access to some of the best hash for quite some time, and has sampled a healthy variety of cannabis leaf (though he invariably prefers hash most of the time), and would say that for him only some hard to find types of hash would leave him with the energy and required focus to do much work of a productive and intellectual nature, though perhaps manual tasks wouldn't be too much of a problem depending on the level and nature of intoxication.

I guess you could said that swim prefers cannabis as a recreational rather than medical substance, given he hasn't experienced much benefit other than short-term anxiety relief from his extensive use. Access to a wide selection of strains would be nice (depends on swim's location), but cannabis simply doesn't do it for him. All I was saying in the last post was that for people who don't realize much enhancement of cognitive faculties from cannabis (for instance, those people who find cannabis inevitably suppresses their ability to function efficiently, circumstantial factors notwithstanding), it probably won't be as worthwhile to attempt combing cannabis with ADHD meds, especially considering that they are on the meds for a reason in the first place. I do acknowledge that particular strains of cannabis may be more tolerable or effective than others in this regard, but feel that the personal physiology/psychology of the individual is a more influential aspect for determining the benefit derived from the cannabis/stimulant combo. For people without much experience with cannabis it could be worth a shot experimenting around a bit though, should they feel the need for moderation of stimulant effects.

[sayoun]

hello everyone,

it's been awhile since swim wrote something here, in the meantime I hope everyone had a very nice christmas.

but talking about what really matters, swim's been trying with great success the combination of 20mg of ritalin and some weed, cooling levels are very good and attention levels are excellent (for what swim was habituated).
swim doesn't know the long term effects of this combo, swim's been smoking a joint or two and not changing the prescribed medication of ritalin.

so swim as to say as far as he is concerned (and his severe ADD case) that this really helped him in the short time, he doesn't know how it's going to be when off the pills, swim's considering to stop taking after the exams season, in that time swim will report how was the comedown, if it's helpful to everyone.

if someone is experiencing something alike swim would be very grateful to hear about it, other experiences.

obviously swim is thinking about quitting for the time he doesn't really need more attention than what he was used to have because ritalin and weed is not a cheap way of living.

best regards to everyone, and happy new year.

sayoun

[Laudaphun]

Originally Posted by sayoun

thanks dude, I appreciate your reply...

I still, don't understand some of the stuff u said, like metaphors and stuff, my english isnot that cool...

what does swiy mean with "let-down" ? and "cup of tea"?


be cool, and thanks again.

Yah, we've got to be careful when using old sayings and such on an international site. I keep catching myself doing it and it is good that you point these things out. I know I've probably used the exact term "cup of tea" in one of my own posts without thinking that people in other countries might find this a strange twist of words...

Anyways, when someone says that, "It's just not my cup of tea", it means that while the person does not find it particularly unpleasant, it is not their favorite thing to do... Kind of like saying, "it's ok, but I could do without it."

I think it's great to be able to learn subtle little things like this from this forum. This forum does a good job of educating people not only about harm reduction but also educates people about different cultures. After reading through this post, I know that I need to be more mindful when using "sayings" or "phrases" that might not be internationally understood. "Let-down" is something I would have assumed to be internationally understood but it simply means for the effects of a drug to wear off, whether it be a horrid crash, or a gentle more subtle dissipation.

[tranquillike]

To update SWIM's earlier post, dosage on methylphenidate has been raised to 10mg x3 daily. SWIM is starting to feel half immune to it already. Is this just a small dose or perhaps not the right medicine for SWIM? When the dr. gave SWIM 10mg x2 daily he said it was very small. But when he raised dose to 10mg x3 daily, he said that the most he puts people on is 60mg per day... so SWIM is already at half of that. Any other SWIMs out there found themselves in similar situation? Did you raise dose or try something different? Not much else seems real appealing, other than maybe dextroamphetamine... and it's highly doubtful of getting methamphetamine prescribed. Perhaps SWIM just needs higher dosage of methylphenidate? It's frustrating. Do people with ADD titrate the dose until the effect sort of levels off or will tolerance continue to increase without bound?

[staples]

Originally Posted by tranquillike

To update SWIM's earlier post, dosage on methylphenidate has been raised to 10mg x3 daily. SWIM is starting to feel half immune to it already. Is this just a small dose or perhaps not the right medicine for SWIM?

I started treatment on 18mg Concerta and increased to 54mg Concerta + 20mg Ritallin in the afternoon (2x10mg), which seemed like a stable point for me. I've recently switched to a different medication though, because methylphenidate just made me feel too sick most of the time, especially as I would get hungry.

Originally Posted by tranquillike

When the dr. gave SWIM 10mg x2 daily he said it was very small. But when he raised dose to 10mg x3 daily, he said that the most he puts people on is 60mg per day... so SWIM is already at half of that. Any other SWIMs out there found themselves in similar situation? Did you raise dose or try something different? Not much else seems real appealing, other than maybe dextroamphetamine... and it's highly doubtful of getting methamphetamine prescribed. Perhaps SWIM just needs higher dosage of methylphenidate? It's frustrating. Do people with ADD titrate the dose until the effect sort of levels off or will tolerance continue to increase without bound?

Taken without binging (that is, as prescribed), tolerance should only raise to a certain level, from what I understand. The medication that I switched to is vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine), which is a formulation of dextroamphetamine. I quite like the idea of taking one pill in the morning and forgetting about it. My dosage doesn't feel strong enough yet, but from what I can tell right now, the effects are very very smooth and I'd describe them as a little more "transparent", that is, it's not so obvious to me that I'm on something -- but this may change when the dose increases.

Are you having any side effects to methylphenidate? Increasing my dosage didn't seem like much of a concern for my doctor (in fact, she suggested going up to 72mg concerta), but if you start experiencing side effects at such doses, that is when I would consider something else.