Expert: Dr Billy Levin - 3/3/2010

Question
I often ask myself as and adult with ADHD "What if I am on the incorrect medication" The best person to ask this to is my mom who said "Without a doubt" She saw my improvements over the years more than I did. Can I still use Ritalin if my doctor suggests I can. Unfortunately I developed more anxiety over the years and I have been put on antidepressants and psychotics due to tragic circumstances and just want to know if Ritalin can still have benefits throughout my life if I take 40 mg everyday. Could they aggrivate my anxiety?

Answer
The only way to be sure about any treatment is for the effect of treatment to be monitored using rating scales and the patients sincere feelings. Ritalin if correctly used for the right reason and used in the correct  may be used indeffinately. It is considered safe for long term use even in adults. If correctly used in effective doses it should not cause anxiety. 40mg a day tells me nothing! Like wise as you have given me no information about the other medication it is impossible to advise you.