Methylphenidate - starting soon

[Pinkchairs]

finally been approved to start methylphenidate, mental health reasons/new psychiatrist, after being diagnosed beginning of 2022.

so yay.

its quick release, as that pretty much seems to be the only type where there’s not a shortage. So we thought I’d try that first.

any tips or experiences?

I'm on the slow release one - I started on 18mg a few weeks ago and I'm going up to 36mg next week.

It's been fine so far. Definitely felt a subtle benefit for the first few days when I felt calmer and my thoughts / distractions / noise were still there but not as intrusive, That seems to have worn off though now hence upping the dose.

I only take it ion days when I'm working (so Mon-Fri).

I started 18mg slow release five days ago and I’ve noticed already I’m a bit lighter, calmer and more motivated. 35 years of taking different anti depressants and I’ve never felt like this. I speak to my psychiatrist on Wednesday about putting up to 36mg. 👍

I am on quick release. It is like going from 50,000 open tabs to one. Much less emotional disregulation. You just have to set reminders or remember to eat, as it wears off after 4 hours but you will be unlikely to feel hungry so lack of focus can set in regardless of whether you take another or not.
Personally I find making sure every meal has 20g protein minimum helps focus too.

Being unfocused on a stimulant bounce back is the worst as your brain will rake up every past situation and try and think of a solution in super fast succession 😂

This actually made me worse! Hope it helps you though. Don't forget to avoid caffeine or your blood pressure may increase a lot.

My tips are not to judge it in the first few days as it will take your body a few days to become acclimatised to the medication. Stay on it for a few weeks before making any snap judgements.

Yes, be prepared for the rebound when it wears off.

You have to combine the medication with trying to do stuff - whether that means trying to implement some kind of plan you've struggled with before, or trying something new.