I'm looking for an idea of what I'm dealing with here, hopefully one of you can help :)
I take Ritalin (10 mg morning/5 mg afternoon) for my ADD (diagnosed as an adult just 3 years ago). I seem to be having a "rebound" effect from the medication. It seems like 6 hours or so after the first dose, I begin to get a dull headache that lasts until I go to bed pretty much. I've dealt with migraines in the past, and have lived with headaches for more than half of my life. I'm trying to figure out if this is an actual rebound effect of the medication or just a coincidence and its a regular headache. I see my doc again next week so I do plan on asking her then. FYI, I began taking this medication when I was diagnosed in August 2007, but shortly after becoming adjusted to the med, I found out I was pregnant and had to stop it. Then I nursed until I became pregnant again in March 2009. Delivery in November 2009 and more nursing until October 2010, which is when I restarted the medicine. My point is that it is a new medication, but at the same time, its not...if that makes sense, lol. Any thoughts?
Hi J.,
I took Ritalin for about a year and suffered from headaches many days when I was taking it. I ended up finding out I had sky high blood pressure. The doctor told me my high blood pressure may have been brought on by the Ritalin, so I discontinued using it. It might not hurt to go to CVS and check to see how your blood pressure is. Hope this helps and you feel better soon.
There are so many wonderful medications out there to help with ADHD, I personally wouldn't settle for unacceptable side effects. Too many options today to have to do that. Our son takes a long-acting form of Ritalin called Concerta and it's been life-changing and with no side effects; however, it took some trial and error before narrowing it to Concerta.
I would definitely talk about the side effects with your doctor and explore other medications with her if she thinks this is, in fact, a side effect.
Good luck!
I think that is a common side effect, you will have to decide if it's one you can live with or not. It's like a daily withdrawl. Also check your caffeine intake, that can make it worse. I used to take Dexedrine years ago, it was yummy, I got SO MUCH DONE and was SO FOCUSED and it was always so easy to stick to a diet and lose weight haha.
I had a gf who took ritalin for adult add, although its speed for someone without add, i guess it has an oposite effect on add sufferers. Personally you couldnt pay me enough to take that drug. I would look into dietary changes and natural supplements, askdrsears.com has articles on add/adhd being treated with omega 3's. Seriously, that stuff cannot be good to you in the long run. Doctors are paid to push drugs. I would do ALOT of research for alternatives.
Hi there!
I haven't been in Mamasource in a while and yours is the first question I see!
Well, I happen to be an adult with ADD too!diagnosed about 3 years ago. I started meds about a year ago. I was advised of the possible side effect and also told that maybe it would take a few trials and errors until I got the perfect medication and the perfect dosage.Thankfuly I hit the target right away and I am taking Vyvanse 30mg, once a day. I was told by my Dr to keep an eye on the blood pressure as it may be a side effect with any of these kinds of medications. I have kept a close eye on it and thankfuly, I have not have issues... SO, since headache is also one of the side effects, If I were you, I would stop the med for 2 days or so and see if the headaches go away, if they do then you know what it is, if not then you may want to talk to your dr about other reasons. Are you keeping hydrated enough? After all, you have a small baby running around and keeping you busy...sometimes we underestimate how much we have in our plate and how overextended we are and that definetely plays a roll when we get this headaches and so. Check your stress level in your dailly life, that may be a cause. How about your diet, any changes? caffeine intake? maybe not eating enough? if the headaches are in the afternoon, usualy means you just need a good rest and a good meal and lots of fluids through out the day...IF you you rule all of that out,then maybe yu need to look a the dosage and type of medication you are taking, and maybe you need to try somehing different. I chose Vyvanse because the minimum side effects it has, so maybe you can ask your Dr.
Wow...can you tell I am ADD? LOL I hope I didnt go around the bushes too much hehe!
Good Luck and hope thoses mean headaches go away soon!
A.
I am not a doctor, but through my job, I have interacted with many adults who are ADHD, predominately the inattentive type, and they take a multitude of medications for their symptoms. I have not, however, known of any of them to take Ritalin. In fact, very few children that I work with are now prescribed Ritalin. I would talk with your doctor about alternative medication options. There are so many different drugs available now. So many more than were available 10 years ago when Ritalin seemed to be the popular prescription choice.
I take an extended release in the morning.. it is a genric for ritilan.. then if needed in the evening if I am doing something that requires a lot of concentration.. then I will take a genric for ritialin that is not extend release.. sorry about ur headaches and maybe check into an extended release version for day time.
Lenc
That is a VERY normal side effect. I have the same side effect with my Ritalin (I take 20 mg extended release as the side effects of taking the normal stuff leave me with my head spinning). I have found my head hurts less if I drink plenty of water during the day and I drink coffee (not strong, more like 1/4 caf/3/4 decaf) about 30 minutes to an hour before the drugs wear off.
You have been on the meds long enough for a doctor to feel ok with changing some things up, so if you want to you can see about getting a different script.
Why wouldn't you call your doctor's office during the day and ask the nurse to ask the doctor about it. Why wait?
