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

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.

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