Expert: Dr Billy Levin - 4/30/2010

Question
Dear Dr I wrote back to you earlier. On the 4th of MArch I had a horrible reaction after taking my ritalin. It felt as if all my brain signals were sending in messages too fast and my mind was going too fast for my surroundings. This reaction has utterly ruined my life and I panic each time I take the ritalin. I am affraid that this is due to the fact that I have been on Ritalin too long but I just cant seem to be able to do anything without it. I get depressed and extremely anxious when I try to go cold turkey. I am working with my doctor but I am getting no where. Please do not ignore me I am trying so hard under terrible conditions to fight and I am with a government hospital because I am poor. What worries me the most is that these adverse reactions are due to many years of using Ritalin. Is there no guarantee than an adverse reaction will happen each time I take Ritalin. Please can you work with me here as I am trying so hard not to end my life. I feel sad because I do not know what else can help me if I stop Ritalin. I was forced to go cold turkey in a rehab and I got very sick and did not feel like doing anything.

Answer
Whatever your tragic circumstances are, and you have my sympathy, it is absolutely impossible for me to help you without actually examining you. There is only one thing to do and nothing else. You have to go and see a doctor. Your comments do not make any medical sense whatsoever. Ritalin is not addictive and has no long term side effects.  The reactions you claim to be getting are not from Ritalin. Who ever is prescribing to you must be consulted. Sorry I cannot help you and that I am afraid is FINAL!