ritalin crash and non-motivation guilt- any ideas? - ADD / ADHD Message Board

carissaadder · 07-04-2005, 12:57 PM

hi- I am a 29 yo recently diagnosed woman, studying for the NY bar exam and started ritalin. I am finding it helpful for motivation, but at night, my agitation gets so bad that i wish i didn't take it at all...has anyone found a good way to avoid or mitigate the effects of this?

also, any advice anyone has about not feeling the guilt of non-motivation without the meds...it's a struggle and I think some of you understand.

thanks- carissa

Sylvia224 · 07-05-2005, 11:27 AM

Oh I understand completely, isn't it awful? Honestly I don't know how to get around it. When I feel that "crash" coming, I try to have a healthy snack, like yogurt and some almonds or something. I'm not sure how much good it does really, but I know it's worse if I am hungry or tired - I'm a complete wreck then - just agitated and chaotic and restless.
And yes, it really upsets me when I think "wow, I really don't want to get started on this project but if I take my ritalin everything will be OK soon." Very, very, very disturbing to me as I have a history of substance abuse. I think the key is to take breaks from it. It's hard though. Just want to let you know I sympathise.
Good luck on the bar exam! My husband is an attorney, also 29. The bar was far easier than he had expected.

carissaadder · 07-05-2005, 03:32 PM

thank you, all around. it is nice to get some ideas. i just hate feelign out of control of my reactions to every little sound! i have lately been taking 1/2 dose as my final and it seems to help the crash a bit. as studying goes late, I know that this won't always be the case.

and yes, i agree- the whole idea of a behavior being dependant upon a pill is hard for me to wrap my brain around, but I am trying to just do what works and not question it too much. I try to think of the benefit to myself and my clients when I am that focused and curious beyond simply surviving academia...

thanks again- carissa