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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 10 of 10. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by SteelyDan on January 29, 2008, at 20:16:35
I've been on ritalin with a combination of remeron and effexor for tr depression for 2 weeks now, just bumped the dose up to 10 mgs. today and still haven't noticed any help. Am i expecting too much too soon or is the dose too small? Is ritalin a type of drug that needs to build up in your system over time? I'm tired of being depressed.
Dan
Posted by Phillipa on January 29, 2008, at 23:48:10
In reply to Ritalin not helping yet., posted by SteelyDan on January 29, 2008, at 20:16:35
Dan any relief at all? I'm with you . Love Phillipa
Posted by SteelyDan on January 30, 2008, at 13:44:17
In reply to Re: Ritalin not helping yet. » SteelyDan, posted by Phillipa on January 29, 2008, at 23:48:10
> Dan any relief at all? I'm with you . Love Phillipa
No, not really.
Posted by linkadge on January 30, 2008, at 14:41:47
In reply to Re: Ritalin not helping yet. » Phillipa, posted by SteelyDan on January 30, 2008, at 13:44:17
Typically if ritalin is going to work it does so fairly rapidly.
Linkadge
Posted by bleauberry on January 30, 2008, at 18:24:02
In reply to Ritalin not helping yet., posted by SteelyDan on January 29, 2008, at 20:16:35
Ritalin works fast. As far as I know it does not build up and need time like ssris do. I mean, sure, it could get better with time, but it is more of an instant hitter compared to the delayed effects of antidepressants.
Even as super sensitive to meds as I am, my doctored instructed me to start at 10mg and take up to 3 doses per day. I think your dose is probably too low?
Posted by SteelyDan on January 30, 2008, at 18:30:37
In reply to Re: Ritalin not helping yet., posted by bleauberry on January 30, 2008, at 18:24:02
> Ritalin works fast. As far as I know it does not build up and need time like ssris do. I mean, sure, it could get better with time, but it is more of an instant hitter compared to the delayed effects of antidepressants.
>
> Even as super sensitive to meds as I am, my doctored instructed me to start at 10mg and take up to 3 doses per day. I think your dose is probably too low?Thanks for your imput..that's what i was thinking also.
Posted by cumulative on January 30, 2008, at 23:04:47
In reply to Re: Ritalin not helping yet., posted by bleauberry on January 30, 2008, at 18:24:02
It's a low dose, and a single methylphenidate dose will not last long.
It can be fairly sedating at the lower doses as well.
Posted by cumulative on January 30, 2008, at 23:08:37
In reply to Re: Ritalin not helping yet., posted by cumulative on January 30, 2008, at 23:04:47
I will also reinput my suggestion of the highest dose (30 mg/9 hours) of the Daytrana methylphenidate patch, as one can rebound from the drug's mood-elevating properties.
Posted by Phillipa on January 30, 2008, at 23:36:34
In reply to Re: Ritalin not helping yet., posted by cumulative on January 30, 2008, at 23:08:37
I e-mail with a girl that love vyvanase as it lasts all day for her. Phillipa
Posted by Molybdenum on January 30, 2008, at 23:36:42
In reply to Ritalin not helping yet., posted by SteelyDan on January 29, 2008, at 20:16:35
Hi,
I've been on the same mix, albeit the Ritalin was for narcolepsy from sleep apoena.
The Ritalin should reach peak blood concentration in about 1 hour & then slowly taper off over the next 24. If you don't feel better after 1 hour, you need to increase the dose.
It's not like the anti-depressants that have an accumulated effect over time. Ritalin is like gasoline. It burns fast & when it's gone, it's gone & you're down again. :(
Hence I wouldn't recommend taking it in the afternoon as you may have trouble sleeping.
I used to take up to 80mg a day in total - which I broke up into several doses (assuming you have the little 10mg pills). Say take 20mg to wake up at 7am & another 20mg at 10am. Maybe another 20mg midday. Your day will be a "bumpy" ride though.
I'd feel outgoing & optimistic on the highs & then when it wore off, realized I only felt good 'cos I was high. Not what I really needed...not sure anyone needs that. Not a good mix with work, driving, well - anything really.
Anyway, if Ritalin works well for you then you might want to try Ritalin-SR (slow release). From the graph at =>
http://www.medscape.com/content/2003/00/46/27/462703/art-pharm462703.fig6.gif
...you can see it looks like a smoother ride. It's likely a bit more expensive in this preparation though.If stimulants are right for you as a short term thing, then I would ask your Dr if they would prescribe you modafinil instead. I found it much more mood-brightening than Ritalin. It's not a bumpy "high then low" ride like the Ritalin either. I used to "regret what I'd said earlier" much less often with the modafinil. ;)
It's definitely more expensive though. :(
Good Luck :)
This is the end of the thread.
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