Expert: Libby Bonner - 3/21/2010

Question
My life is now being ruined by worry over an incedent that happened to me. Please I beg of you to give me peace of mind so i can move on. After taking my morning dose of Ritalin I got a horrible overstimulated feeling where it actually felt like my mind was moving to fast for my environment. I looked all around the room and didnt know what to do with myself. It felt like a million thoughts shooting though my head and I got all confused and disorientated. It is very hard to explain and I know you going to just ignore me but I have spoken to my psychiatrist and he said this was a classic panic attack. I have been on Ritalin for years and have never had this before. My concern is that this is going to happen each time I take them. I actually cant believe this is happening to me. Have you heard of Ritalin causing such a horrible reaction? Please doctor I need my Ritalin.It really helps me but I just cannot shake this horrible insident.My eyes also feel like they taking in information too fast. Dear God no. I need my ritalin but now im going to have to go to rehab.

Answer
Panic attacks, if it was one, are horrible experiences.  And Ritalin can be a cause.  [I, by the way, am NOT a doctor.]

Have you not had this entire conversation with your own doctor?  Does s/he think it will happen again, w/ every dose??  After how many years on Ritalin?  Can some other med be substituted for Ritalin?  You will have to go to rehab because you have stopped taking Ritalin???

Do try other experts, or use search engines: ritalin AND "panic attacks."

Are there other who help you?  Social workers?  A nurse?  Other patients whom you respect?  Try to gather some good info and have another go at the doc.

Terribly sorry not to have THE answer.