Changed meds, now getting irrationally angry on downtime (lemmy.world)

submitted 9 months ago by ABCDE@lemmy.world to c/adhd@lemmy.world

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I was initially given Ritalin (10mg pills) to try out; I cut them into four pieces each and spread it over the next month and a half. It worked well, allowed me to work, and felt 'smooth'.

I ran out, found that they are expensive here (I was diagnosed and prescribed a week of pills - 14 - initially in Taiwan), and went to Thailand (neighbouring country) to get more. Turns out the place I went to only had Rubifen, a generic variant. It was about the same as I paid for Ritalin so I thought why not, and got enough to get me through the next year.

Fast forward a month and a half... when I am on my 'off' days (Sat & Sun, when I don't need to work or study), I am now reacting to things pretty badly. I snapped at my partner very easily, I almost put a window through because I knocked a bottle over, and generally had a miserable weekend. With Rubifen, I feel fine, able to complete tasks, work and whatnot. Without it I'm not sure I should be around other people. Is this normal? Will it level off or should I go and get something else instead?

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[-] themoonisacheese@sh.itjust.works 1 points 9 months ago

That's common withdrawal symptoms for amphetamines (what Ritalin is). Taking more will obviously alleviate the effects short term but make you more dependant and worsen when you'll stop, and taking less will eventually run into tolerance and stop working.

For the immediate future I suggest to take less if you can manage, and to take other, lighter stimulants on your off days ( caffeine is the big one, also try simply exercising for an hour to let out all the frustration and produce dopamine on your own).

[-] frogfruit@slrpnk.net 16 points 9 months ago

FYI, Ritalin (methylphenidate HCl) is not an amphetamine. Methylphenidates and amphetamines are considered separate drug classes for treating ADHD. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/11766-adhd-medication

[-] ABCDE@lemmy.world 3 points 9 months ago

Thanks, good ideas. I didn't exercise much outside of cycling (and some idiot managed to bump into me by not indicating so I snapped at them pretty badly), will make time for it this week.

this post was submitted on 19 Feb 2024

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