Expert: Dr Billy Levin - 7/20/2010

Question
Dear Doctor Levine. I have a real problem that is troubling me with Methylphenidate. After about 2 hours i feel irritated and it feels as if I feel tense.This is when I get so uptight I need to take a clonozam. I have been on it for 5 years and never experienced this. Does the 4 hour dose eventually just not work anymore. I have discussed this with my pschiatrist but he is having problems getting me on the correct medication because I find some of the newer drugs have a few bad side effects. Its just that I am tense all day. I am ADD and struggle terribly. Ritalin works so well but why is this happening? I am also very depressed and unhappy.

Answer
We have spoken before. your treatment can only make you worse. Merthylphenidate is a stimulant and Clonozam a suppressant. They work against eash other. Taking it "if and when" YOU think you need it is medical ABUSE. If you have depression possibly caused by negelect of ADHD or abuse of sedatives an antidepressant might be needed. Obviously you will have to talk to YOUR doctor as I cannot help you via the internet!