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Methylphenidate Comedown (self.ADHD)

submitted by the_mac97

Hi, this is my first post on Reddit, so in case I break any rules just let me know. I have been diagnosed with ADD and I am currently prescribed 40mg Ritalin XR a day which I take in the morning. The only problem is that everytime after 6-7 hours, I crash. I feel really tired and get irritable, which is not good due to my short temper. I have tried eating regularly and staying hydrated when I take my meds but it doesn't help that much, any advice?

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[–]Diogenes71 2 points3 points  (1 child)

I have found that Concerta helps with this some because the time release mechanism is different. It's still the same drug. I have to make sure I get the generic manufactured by Watson. The others have a different time release mechanism.

[–]the_mac97[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the advice, but Concerta gives me like 10 times the nausea of Ritalin. Maybe I'll ask my doctor for the generic one, Ritalin costs too much either way.

[–]LMAO0 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I take the same thing. I don't crash from my meds when they wear off. Maybe you need a lower dosage, but yeah this is something you'll want to talk to your doctor about.

[–]buckyroo 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The crash is fairly normal. I take 20mg SR methylphenidate in the am and than around 1-2pm I take a 10mg of IR, this seems to help the crash or at least push it later in the evening. Also a little bit of caffine can help depending on the time of day. take the crash as great moment to meditate, nap, lay down and watch tv in a zombie way. But at the end of the day talk to your Dr about it, see if there are other options for medications that will help lessen that crash.

[–]sneakygingertroll 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Talk to your doc of its a problem.

[–]disgruntled_tomato 0 points1 point  (3 children)

we all go through this. matter fact, its happening to me right now w/ my adderall. maybe nap? thats what I'm bout to try

[–]the_mac97[S] 0 points1 point  (2 children)

Thanks, I was wondering if you have also tried Methylphenidate. If yes how do you compare the comedown of one vs the other?

[–]disgruntled_tomato 0 points1 point  (0 children)

sorry I've never tried it

[–]narwhaleicorn 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Coming down from Dexedrine, I'm feeling tired and sad/lonely mostly (but Im also diagnosed with GAD and am currently fighting depression). I go back into overanalysis mode. Often I get headaches too, depends on the day.

[–]the_mac97[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Also, I get crazy munchies when I crash and I eat almost nothing when I take my meds.

[–]burgesj7ADHD 0 points1 point  (2 children)

This might not be of interest to you, but I take Kratom for pain and anxiety. I have found that late in the day it can take the edge off the 'comedown' and give a small boost in my Ritalin effect. I take 20mg XR. If you have a question feel free to ask me.

[–]the_mac97[S] 0 points1 point  (1 child)

I have been prescribed zolpidem for my insomnia before, but my doc says it's really addictive and I should use it only for emergencies (exam the next day, etc). Currently, I'm trying to use a nightcap to get to sleep. I have never tried Kratom for a Ritalin comedown, how is it?

[–]burgesj7ADHD 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Everyone tends to be different of course. Kratom has a mild-medium opiate effect that seems to balance those symptoms for me. This is entirely my experience and not a science based explanation.

[–]the_mac97[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Would Clonidine be a good idea? I read that it is prescribed for ADD and can have hypnotic effects. Do the effects persist onto the next day?

[–]hushnowonlydreams 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I used to crash with Adderall and Vyvanse (the Vyvanse gave me a horrible headache). Loved Vyvsanse but the headache was unbearable. My doctor allowed me to dose myself somewhat - I get a 60 mg capsule each day. I open it up and take about half in the AM (around 6:30). Then I take most of what's left around noon. I take the last very little bit of remaining powder around 2. Tapering it down during the day made it (1) last longer since my workday is long and (2) completely avoided the crash at the end of the day. No more headaches, no more anger..

I took Ritalin as a child and I remember having a crash with that but at the time the doctor I saw didn't make any recommendations to avoid that.