Ritalin query urgent!!

[BCBG]

Hi I would really appreciate some urgent responses from anyone with experience of a teen starting Ritalin. DD (17) has had severe mood disorder for two years which is treated with Sertraline. Two weeks ago she w as formally diagnosed with ASD and ASHD and prescribed Ritalin to take on a task-focused basis. She has had two doses so far and the effect is a marked downward spiral in her mood Last night she was really low and cried herself to sleep. Her psychiatrist is now on holiday for three weeks. Question is not so much is this a side effect - as I'm certain it is - but what would you do, continue to take it and see if side effects ease off, or not? at the moment she is meant to take it three to four times a week when settling down to study or other task needing focus. She's in her last year of A levels. Thanks in advance for any replies.

[HollyBollyBooBoo]

Surely you'd be better off talking to your GP urgently?

[BCBG]

No. I wouldn't. My GP surgery is in crisis and a non emergency appointment take five weeks. This is not currently an emergency. If necessary I can simply not give her the Ritalin. I would just like to know if other MNers have experience of side effects when starting Ritalin.

[greathat]

Not personal experience but as a teacher I've taught lots of kids who take Ritalin. Getting the dose right often seems to be trial and error and we are normally given a heads up that they might not be themself. Crying to sleep doesn't seem good though. Is there a specialist adhd helpline you could call?

[MPForFlydaleNorth]

If the psychiatrist is part of CAMHS (assuming based on your DD being 17) you could ring them when they open and ask one of the other psychiatrists (or nurse prescribers if they have them) to call you back to advise next steps and book in to see her regular doctor after their leave.
If your psychiatrist is private, they may also work as part of a team who could advise you similarly? Best to get advice from a professional if you can

[tothefareast80]

My 11 year old takes the lowest possible dose of this and it affects his mood for a few days when he first started and also if he has a break of more than a week, but it settled down quite quickly. He doesn't get teary but is rather stroppy and quick to anger. I'd say if you can persevere then do, and it should settle down. If your DD is going back to school soon, then it makes sense to give her the next few weeks to adjust so that she can get the benefit. It's been fantastic for my son - has helped his focus and ability to complete tasks tremendously. It affects appetite though so be aware of that. Best of luck.

[BCBG]

Thanks for replies. Psychiatrist is private and sole practitioner unfortunately which I am finding very difficult tbh but now doesn't seem to be the time to rock the boat. CAMHS referral was taking too long and school was concerned that we had reached a crisis point - it was private or having to drop out of A levels altogether. It is helpful to know that it takes time to settle down. The psych told her to take it as and when rather than daily.

[Lauren850]

Hi BCBG, dont know if you're still around but just read this and wanted to say my dd is same. Ritalin (other adhd medicatIon she's tried) really affects her mood - she ssys it feels like there's no point to life ant more and she cant feel any reason to be alive which j5s actually terrifying. She's not on other meds so its just the ritalin that creates this feeling. Its so bad she doesn't even like taking the short acting version though occasionally she'll do so for a specific purpose. Always ends up in a lot of distress though

[BCBG]

Thanks Lauren850 do you mind me asking how old your DD is? Also we only got diagnosis at beginning of August but it's like all of a siren she's got much more autistic and today has her first full shutdown at school which terrifies her. Why would/how can autism get worse???????