ADHD meds, can anyone advise?

[SuffolkBargeWoman]

I've just started taking methylphenidate XL, 18mg, but find it too long lasting and also it seems too strong.
The patient leaflet says the tablets can't be cut up, I want to try halving the dose. If I cut the tablet up will it mess with the slow release ? Or will it just be half the dose?
Sorry for stupid question, just been diagnosed in my 50s and a complete beginner.

What makes you think the dose is too strong?

You need to call prescribing dr to look altering doseage

For my son we were told to absolutely not cut the tablets, for the reason you've stated above regarding messing with the slow release. How long have you been on them? Could it be your body getting used to them? There are multiple tablets and strengths you can try so I'd advise speaking to your Dr and exploring other options.

Thanks both, the effects lasted 15 hours for me and the come down another three hours, if I took them every day I wouldn't get much time to sleep.
I have only tried them for one day so maybe I could set an alarm and take on an hour or two before I get up.
I'll go back to the prescribing doctor, it's Psychiatry UK and their response times are long at the moment.

My ds has adhd.. the effects mean he is calmer. More focussed in fact the first time he had his dose upped. He went to sleep at school. Then had a panic attack as he wasn't used to sleeping or been tired.

If the meds are making you high it is possible you have been misdiagnosed as they only having calming effect on people with adhd.

My ds cannot take sedating meds they make him high

Hi @Starlightstarbright1 the meds did make me calmer and much more focussed, it was a revelation but they also made it difficult to sleep, which is a common side effect of methylphenidate. My reading suggests it's a bit of a myth that the meds only have a calming effect if you have ADHD.

My.son takes melatonin to help him sleep. I have been told it is a side effect of meds but only slept for the first 3 weeks of his life due to jaundice.. never slept well since so no idea if its true or not.

I take a different formulation (lisdexamfetamine). First few days I had insomnia and then this settled. Although the pharmaceutical industry claim no evidence of tolerance developing to ADHD stimulant meds, i'm not convinced given my knowledge of the area. Some people may well find that the side effects and also the potency decrease after some time.

If you cut it in half the 'extended release' coating is breached - you'll have both half the dose and to some degree a quicker release, so the effect is likely to peak quicker and also be shorter acting.

Hope that helps

There are alternative meds you can be given that are not long lasting. My son could not have long lasting meds as he could not eat as lost his appetite. He moved to as alternative meds not long lasting. They lasted about 4 hours then he ate, then had another dose. Then that dose wore off and he could sleep. He never slept well but did get some sleep that way.