Posted by Matt on September 04, 2000 at 13:25:44:

In Reply to: I am a 19 y/o female w/DD, and I feel I am too old to be taking Ritalin...any natural alternatives? posted by Anne on September 02, 2000 at 13:55:45:

Anne, you're right on. ADD DOES NOT MEAN STUPID. If you don't like taking medication I would talk to the doctor first about stopping. Sometimes you may need to gradually stop the medicine. Besides that, I would try seeing a therapist to maybe get some ideas about self-management of medication.

Assuming you are taking stimulants I would try stopping them for a week every few months. My doctor recommends that for me. See if your ADD behaviors interfere with your daily life, and if so, how much.

Lastly, 19 is not too old to be taking Ritalin. I am 19, in college, and still taking Ritalin. It probably saved me from a lifetime of failure and depression.

Hope this helps.

Matt