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I've been on slow-release methylphenidate for a while but am starting to question whether it's right for me.

The positive effects became apparent very quickly: It helps me getting started with things and finishing them, as well as being more aware of what needs to be done (i.e. taking out the trash). Instead of making me wanting to put chores and errands off it makes me almost eager for tasks and responsibilities, I suddenly want to get things done and be more reliable than I usually am.

So far so good. But I have also noticed that it sort of "untangles" my emotions in general. It makes me feel more "emotionally confident" as in: Instead of ignoring things that I need to work on regarding my mental or emotional state I'm able to perceive / feel more clearly how I feel and it also makes me less reluctant to tackle more difficult emotional matters.

Sometimes it feels like a light is being switched on inside of me and I feel like I can suddenly be or become more easily the best possible version of myself.

Which sounds great but I've also noticed that it makes me want to take my meds more often than I should. I'm on 2x20mg atm but I've noticed that I'm starting to develop a craving for my meds because of the good feeling they give me.

This makes me worry if these meds are really a good idea for me or if I should switch to something else. Has anyone else had similar experiences?

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[-] rowinxavier@lemmy.world 7 points 1 day ago

Yep, when you have life with a major block and then experience a significant reduction in it you will definitely feel the pull to have even less. There is a sweet spot for meds and it can be different than you initially think.

I find that having my morning dose of 40mg Ritalin LA and my afternoon dose of 20mg Ritalin standard release works really well, but if I am just doing stuff like dinner and hanging out I may actually split that 20mg dose into two sequential 10mg doses a couple of hours apart. That gives me relief from some of the sensory issues for much more time but doesn't give me as much help with the motivation and activity level stuff.

So for you it may be worth considering an adjunct of lower dose Ritalin for after the big dose wears off, obviously depending on how it worka for you. I would recommend speaking to your prescribing doctor about trying a few different dose schedules for their recommendations, and really to use the language of testing so they understand you mean to experiment within safe bounds to understand how it works best. That means the same overall dose but tweaking the delivery timing and measuring the outcome.

Some psychiatrists will be uncomfortable with this. Some may be reluctant to have you try things and experiment. Some may think you are heading towards abuse. For that reason I would also recommend saying you want to optimise the dose you currently have, not increase, and also be open to other things like modafinil or similar non-stimulant meds.

Also, consider non-medication interventions. A great one is hard, heavy exercise, for example powerlifting. You burn a bunch of calories in a short time and release some of the body tension that builds over time and eventually causes issues. I find that lifting heavy things helps settle me and makes the next 3-5 days way better. Cardio never does the same for me, but maybe it would work for you.

this post was submitted on 15 Apr 2026
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