mymilkshake

Hi everyone. I'm [a teenager] and my ADD is only in concentration. It's hard to concentrate in school, as well as read books. I also have trouble starting school work or projects at home and put it off to the last minute. I have no depression symptoms and am not hyperactive.

A few months ago, I started on ritalin, 20mg in the morning and an additional 10 in the afternoon if I have to read or do school work. It helps with the concentration in class, I can read more efficiently (still a slow reader), and I start homework/projects earlier, not waiting until the last minute.

But recently, I've been noticing a decrease in mood when the ritalin wears off. About 3 hours after taking it, when it starts to wear off, my good mood goes down significantly and I'm more irritable and grouchy. I go back to normal after an hour or two, but this still is an annoyance.

My doctor says it's normal and something I'll have to deal with if I want to continue with the success that ritalin has helped me with in school.

My question is, is there anything I can do to limit the the decrease in mood when it wears off? Just for clarification, I'm not addicted to it, only take it when school work is involved and have taken it sparsely throughout the summer.

Thanks.