Side Effects of Ritalin

[cannoli31]

Has anyone found that a side effect of Ritalin is having suicidal thoughts throughout the day? Concentration is better but negative thoughts about myself have become pretty constant, more so it seems after starting Ritalin. Anyone have this experience?

thanks,

Dave

[addprogrammer]

Originally Posted by cannoli31

Has anyone found that a side effect of Ritalin is having suicidal thoughts throughout the day? Concentration is better but negative thoughts about myself have become pretty constant, more so it seems after starting Ritalin. Anyone have this experience?

Dave,

Your words I put in bold sound like Ritalin is worsening a preexisting condition. It is not at all uncommon for ADHD to coexist with other disorders. My shrink gave me a ballpark figure of 80%. That is, 80% of everyone with ADHD also suffers from one or more other disorders.

The brain/mind mechanism is complex and does require specialist medical intervention when things go awry. See a shrink or report to your shrink the increase in negative thoughts. If you are really thinking about "checking out" quit the Rit immediately. Only you know whether you really mean it or not. If you feel your judgement isn't in jeopardy, decide if the benefits of more concentration exceed the nuisance of more negative thoughts. Good idea to give doc a heads up anyway.

Bob

PS Good ol ADHD. To answer your question, "No, I haven't ever experienced an increase in negative thoughts because of Ritalin. Quit the contrary, actually. Lot less of the little buggers."

[cannoli31]

Thanks. I did tell tell my doc and have stopped the Ritalin to see if the thoughts stop.

[janart]

I started ritalin about a mth ago and I am not feeling well at all. But these feelings did not happen right away and I do have depression also. I have been in a very bad place this week. Just want to cry all the time, can't stop worrying about everything etc. I'm thinking the ritalin is not for me.

[cannoli31]

Hey Janart,

I know what you mean about feeling like crying and worrying. I have Depression also. My doc agreed that I stop the Ritalin for a while to see if the thoughts go away. I also just started Cymbalta. Hopefully that will help.

Feel Better,

Dave