Opinions - Maximizing Ritalin Effectiveness for an important Exam next Wednesday

[agnieszka]

SWIM has ADD and has been taking Ritalin (both Long Action 40mg and also short action 10mg tabs) for about a year. SWIM visited 6 psychiatrists the last 6 years, and the first diagnose was always depression or maybe depression + anxiety.

So it happens to be that SWIM's depression was dopaminergic (Bupropion was helpful for a while, but not so much) and she just felt good, energized and focused when put on Ritalin. Concerta and Provigil were also tested - the first one made SWIM moody, and somewhat focused. Provigil was a total waste. Adderall is not comercialized in my country.

Now SWIM has a very important Grad School exam, and she would like to know the best way to use the pills. SWIM takes both Ritalin LA 40mg (really good in the morning, helps her to get up and not stay in bed) and the regular tabs, usuallu by the end of the day when she still needs some energy to write papers and stuff.

Also, SWIM has already snorted Ritalin. Felt really good and she is aware it's something not to do on a regular basis, but would it help the test? The duration is 4 hours, it'll probably bring a comedown before the time ends, right?

Also, any other tips? Which one to take, and how many hours/minutes before to have a real brain gain? A espresso, a Red Bull, any energy drinks... would any of those things combined with Ritalin help?

Hope to hear some opinions soon.