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Re: CHEMIST-YOUR EXPERT ADVICE PLEASE » paulbwell

Posted by chemist on August 23, 2004, at 6:34:43

In reply to Re: CHEMIST-YOUR EXPERT ADVICE PLEASE, posted by paulbwell on August 22, 2004, at 23:53:26

> Hi
> I take Ritalin 20mgs 3x for ADD. this is working less well after 4 months. Would Dextroamphetamine be a better option for me? and what are the differences?
>
> Thanks

hello there, chemist here...i am far from an expert, and if methylphenidate is working for you, stick with it. however, 60 mg/day is pushing the upper limit, and you report that it is not working as well. my first suggestion for you would be to ask your doctor to switch you over to Focalin, the more active (and enantiomerically pure) dexmethylphenidate (ritalin is a racemate of methylphenidate stereomers). i mention this for ease of crossover, although switching to an amphetamine such as adderall or dexedrine would not be an uncomfortable alternative. i have been prescribed dexedrine - and perhaps for the wrong reason(s) yet it does add to quality of life, thus it will be on-board until further notice by me/my psychiatrist - at the 30 mg/day (divided doses) range for almost 2 years now. i almost invariably err on the 15 to 25 mg/day side, and have had little occasion to raise the dose, and more occasion to lower it. i am able to use the crude method of adding some caffeine to my diet via a couple of cups of coffee or tea in times where i feel that extra stimulation is warranted. this is not in keeping with the back-and-forth about stimulant tolerence/DXM/etc. on other threads on this board, just my personal experience. i did have a short run with ritalin years ago, and it was in the low-dose regime, and not for long, as for whatever reason it was of little utility for me. the dexedrine has been quite a helpful addition, and i have managed to keep it under control along with monitoring from my psychiatrist and therapist (which has been little, in that i invariably have leftovers at the end of each month) and a good splash of coffee/tea when needed. do keep us apprised, and do mention Focalin as a first-line option....all the best, chemist


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