| |
You are here: Experts > Parenting/Family > Parenting Special Needs > Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) > Ritalin
Expert: Dr Billy Levin - 11/5/2009
Question
QUESTION: Hi Doctor. I have been on Ritalin for 20 years and I am with a psychiatrist but would like to get your opinion. Every now and then I get a terrible over-stimulated uncomfortable feeling in my head and it feels like my brain is moving and thinking too fast with my environment. It is hard to explain. It usually ends up with a panic attack and tight muscles in my head and whole body and it happens mostly in the afternoons. Even a tranquilizer does not get rid of this.Can ritalin cause this? I cant function without Ritalin and I get very scared when this happens
ANSWER: Firstly you have not stated your diagnosis or what doses you are taking. Ritalin is most unlikely to cause the problem Much more important tranquilizers are the worst thing to take while on a stimulant. They work against each other. A full neurological examination is indicated to establish a diagnosis.
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Hi Doctor. I have been diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome, ADHD, Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Obssesive Compulsive Disorder. I use Rivotrol (clonozapam) 1mg 3 times a day inbetween the doses of ritalin. I get terribly anxious during the day. I suppose you going to tell me that this is because of Ritalin. I am also on effexor 75 mg. I take 30 mg Ritalin a day. 1 and a half in the morning and 1 and a half at about 2 pm. At 12 pm i have to take my 1mg rivotrol or else im a wrech. I do not take rivotrol at the same time as ritalin. What am i supoosed to do? Its terrible because the ritalin helps me but once it wears off i get anxious and have to take a rivotrol. Oh i also take 100 mg solian and 7.5 mg zopilcone at night. But its that terrible over-stimulated uncomfortable feeling in my head and it feels like my brain is moving and thinking too fast with my environment. It is hard to explain. It usually ends up with a panic attack and tight muscles in my head and whole body and it happens mostly in the afternoons. How do I go about addressing this issue. I live in South Africa with very limited health care system. Only rich people can afford MRIs and neurologists. thank you for reading my problem. I just dont know how to have a happy life or whether i deserve one
ANSWER: You do not need an MRI or a Neurologist if the psychiatrist knows what he is doing. I cannot tell if the dose of Ritalin is optimal but I can say the time between doses in much toooooo long. Ritalin only works for 4 hours. Once again you have only given me half information. What time in the morning do you take the Ritalin? The second dose should be 4 hours later.Your 2pm dose is much to late. A third dose 4 hours after the 2nd is also needed. Rivotril is a sedative anti-epileptic mood stabilisor and Effexor is a stimulant anti depressant. They work against each other!It might be better to take Melatonin instead of Zolpilcone.(stillnox) With so many diagnoses it would be difficult to advise you more without examing you personally. If you are not satisfied speak to your Psychiatrist.
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: I have been on Ritalin for 20 years and my psychiatrist says that I can stay on it. But what if I am totally unique and it starts causing adverse side effects not yet documented. For example I tend to get pressure in my head and my eyes go funny when I take it. I cant live without it. What is the problem?
Answer
To state "what if I am totaly unique" is entirely speculative and beyound this discussion. I suggest you discuss this with your doctor. Without examining you I cannot advise, only make suggestions, which I have alreary made. Rivotril Ritalin Efexor Solium and Zolpicone is a lot of medication and perhaps another reason for talking to your doctor.
Add to this Answer Ask a Question
|
|
