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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by waterfall on February 24, 2012, at 19:11:37
My psych prescribed Ritalin for me as I was spending hours at work just staring out the window unable to concentrate or get anything done. I was feeling incompetent, stupid, and worried about my demanding, high-pressure job. I started taking 15 mg of Ritalin every day two weeks ago and it's completely changed my work life. I feel smart again, I'm productive, I don't feel like quitting or finding a less demanding job, I enjoy challenges, etc. I'm worried that I'm mis-using the Ritalin. Has anyone else had such positive results from it - and is it commonly prescribed in a situation like mine? I'll also be talking to my doctor about this next week. I haven't seen her since the turn-around.
I'm bi-polar and also take Depakote, Klonopin, and am making a switch from Risperdal to Zyprexa. I'm not noticing any symptoms of hypomania.
Thanks for any feedback.
Posted by Solstice on February 24, 2012, at 19:23:45
In reply to Ritalin ok for long-term use?, posted by waterfall on February 24, 2012, at 19:11:37
> My psych prescribed Ritalin for me as I was spending hours at work just staring out the window unable to concentrate or get anything done. I was feeling incompetent, stupid, and worried about my demanding, high-pressure job. I started taking 15 mg of Ritalin every day two weeks ago and it's completely changed my work life. I feel smart again, I'm productive, I don't feel like quitting or finding a less demanding job, I enjoy challenges, etc. I'm worried that I'm mis-using the Ritalin. Has anyone else had such positive results from it - and is it commonly prescribed in a situation like mine? I'll also be talking to my doctor about this next week. I haven't seen her since the turn-around.
>
> I'm bi-polar and also take Depakote, Klonopin, and am making a switch from Risperdal to Zyprexa. I'm not noticing any symptoms of hypomania.
>
> Thanks for any feedback.
Hi Waterfall..It would not be uncommon for someone with Bipolar to also have ADD. I don't know if you're hyperactive, but you certainly sound like you have the daydreaming variety. It can be hard to identify ADD when it is comorbid with bipolar because distractability is a core symptom for both.
My daughter(she has ADHD and Bipolar with hypomania), anyway, she has been taking stimulants for 13 years.. no problems. She is smart, creative, and an achiever.. but she cannot function without her stimulants (and bipolar meds).
As long as you take it as prescribed and don't try to sell it on the street, you aren't misusing it :-)
Solstice
Posted by Christ_empowered on February 24, 2012, at 22:18:07
In reply to Re: Ritalin ok for long-term use? » waterfall, posted by Solstice on February 24, 2012, at 19:23:45
I wouldn't worry about it. Ritalin and other stimulants aren't just for ADD. They can help with sedation from other meds, fatigue, lethargy, depression, some forms of brain damage...
15mgs is a low dose. With a sedating antipsychotic onboard, it might be just what you need to revv up a bit and get things done.
Posted by ed_uk2010 on February 25, 2012, at 3:54:54
In reply to Ritalin ok for long-term use?, posted by waterfall on February 24, 2012, at 19:11:37
>My psych prescribed Ritalin for me as I was spending hours at work just staring out the window unable to concentrate or get anything done. I was feeling incompetent, stupid....
Perhaps your doses of Depakote, Klonopin or antipsychotics are a bit high? Klonopin in particular can make it hard to concentrate.
Posted by torrid2 on February 27, 2012, at 20:34:36
In reply to Ritalin ok for long-term use?, posted by waterfall on February 24, 2012, at 19:11:37
That's a very low dose, I wouldn't worry about it. Your other meds are far more likely to be a problem when it comes to damaging the body long term.
This is the end of the thread.
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