My first 12 hours on RITALIN

My experience of taking Ritalin Adult (methylphenidat) for the first time since my ADHD diagnosis. It gave me an incredible focus but also had its downsides. More updates on my medication learnings soon. Where are you right now in your ADHD journey?

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[AlexLernt]

Small mistake: Ritalin (Methylphenidate) is a stimulant but not an amphetamine.

[mnmlst]

Before Ritalin, that only came after my ADHD diagnosis, I couldn't focus on anything at all, literally anything. I was basically disabled, unproductive, I couldn't finish a single task, there is no way to explain how my life was before, it goes way beyond that. After Ritalin I could talk an entire sentence without getting overwhelmed by my thoughts. I could think "I need to shower" and take a shower. Do the dishes. Write a text. Do things. Actually do things, and finish them. Finishing things.

I got my diagnosis in 2021 at 39 years old. Before, I was unemployed for most of my life. Now I have a job, I'm finishing University, it's like having a second chance to live. I could go on and on, to explain how much my entire life has improved and I'm only beginning to live my life now, at 40 years old.

It's sad to look back and see an entire life wasted away, but I'm glad I'm in a better place now. I'm also autistic, diagnosed at the same time, but the ADHD diagnosis was the one that really changed my life.

[akosuakoranteng]

I can so relate to having tears in your eyes after the experience of just doing something you set out to do! ADHD is a serious condition and I'm glad there is medical help for it

[baltoen_]

I was hit with similar feelings.
I got diagnosed in January ("ADD", so inattentive ADHD) and had decided to take my first pill on a day with no plans, cause I was nervous about how I'd react.

I just sat there on the couch waiting, after 30 min I felt the calm in my body and my brain.
It was like I could "take in the room" - I noticed details but it wasn't the bouncing from one impression to the next. I could sort of dwell on it a bit.
I was still nervous thinking "Is this just placebo? Am I faking it? Has it even had time to kick in yet?" and continued to sit for another 30 min.

And then I started crying.. For many reasons but most of all it was a relief.

The calm was a relief.
The focus and dwelling on details.
The confirmation that my diagnosis was right. That my experience was real.
The sadness or grief of all years of help I've missed. All the times I've been mean towards myself for being "lazy".
And then I thought "No wonder I'm so mentally exhausted and tired all the time". All that energy spend in my brain bouncing around.

We're slowly trying to find the right dose for me. At first I didn't find a big change in "motivation" or "organizing" tasks. So far fairly limited side effects like headache and lower appetite.

But my partner notices when the meds stops working in the evening. He sees how I am getting easily distracted again, talking faster or incoherent speech/sentences and more "hyper".
Especially when cooking dinner is about when it wears off. Cooking with that scattered brain makes it very obvious lol

It was especially tough at first when I was only on a morning pill and had to take the train home from university as the effect was gone.
So overwhelming to go from calm to a no-meds, restless brain and get a bunch of stimuli and impressions. I just went into a shut down, looking down at the floor and was grateful for my earplugs.

[cathybaker]

Recently diagnosed with ADHD at 62. I totally understand what you mean by wondering what your life would have been like if you did not have ADHD. I am really afraid to start the medication but then I wondered what it would be like to think “like a normal person “. Thank you for sharing your experience. Good luck!

[designthedays]

Thanks for making this! It was great to hear another person's perspective on ADHD meds

[indiandude]

I got diagnosed a couple of days and back and started the meds. Omg can't believe this is how NTs exist 24/7. And yes, I 100% relate to that what my life would have been without ADHD. You aren't alone ❤ and thanks a ton for the channel, makes me feel less lonely.

[KennedyOurCountry]

'The energy to start.'
Exactly.
Great video...going to turn on notifications bc I'm looking forward to an update.

[pemachoedon]

I am watching your video as I take my first dose of Ritalin. Everything looks very clear in my head, no distraction...

[justinwest]

I'm recently diagnosed at age 41. Haven't had the motivation yet to take steps toward medication, but that's my goal. I really look forward to the feeling you described.

[aboolowoaa]

I am having my first experience with ritalin today. Specifically 10 mg ER methylphenidate. I found and started watching your video after about the 4 hour mark because I was experiencing the same drop that you did after a very similar successful morning of strong focus and motivation. Interesting how we had a very similar experience. I subbed to watch more :)

[ADHDForever]

Great insights. Thanks for sharing:) I’m 48 and have struggled with all of theses things and so many more my whole life. Simple tasks are always so hard. Have always beaten myself up for not getting important shit done. My son was recently diagnosed and through that I’ve come to see that I’ve got the “gift” to. Have an appointment for assessment etc in 1 months time. Counting down the days, mins hours. Seams like an eternity. You’re ahead of me slightly so will keep an eye on your progress. Hope to trade stories with you in future;)

[letiziaciancarini]

This is the first time I ever seen one of your videos but I'm so happy for you!! I get the crying part, I have been on Ritalin since last May and I remember I crying too when I found out it was working. I was diagnosed with ADHD and some learning disalbilities when I was around 8 but, even with the right support, it has been hard! Ritalin has really helped me (not cured me unlickily :/), especially with university and I hope it can do the same thing for you! It feels nice to see that there are people out there going through similar things!
A not required suggestion I can give you is: be mindfull of your eating!! I lost a lot of weight and apparently losing too much weight in a short amount of time is not good for you health... who knew! Anyways, I wish you the best! Have a nice day :)

[johnminster]

I'm diagnosed ADD and the Ritalin helps me tremendously, I feel so calm and focused. It also decreases my anxiety and depression.

[lukaaaa]

I got diagnosed with adhd this year and also got medicated with ritalin and it was a miracle for me, still is. I can do whatever I put my mind to and I can also process whatever I want and it’s much easier to plan, execute and contemplate. Now I understand what part of me is because of ADHD and what part is me unshackled from adhd. I don’t feel any emotional stunting either, just greater control over them meaning that I still feel a great range of emotions like most adhd people, but I can control and process them much much easier now. It’s like I’m starting a new life and I could not be happier :3

[ThomwoththeWeather]

I just finished one month of that medication, 10mg, and similar results. For certain I had focus, more patience, and emotional balance, where I was not talking anything personally... I too cried, as I am 51, and had the chance to do this many times, once when it wan up to my parents, and they chose not to medicate me at 7, in 1978. If this is this same meds, I know I missed a different life, and cannot help but wonder how much easier it could have been.

But I am satisfied, hopefully 2023 is a good year...

[dragothefiercedragon]

Am starting my meds from ADHD. This video makes me excited ! Can't wait

[CountZer]

Looking forward to the update, found this very informative!

[bellaluce]

1:40/2:05 and 4:41were deep for me. Suddenly being able to do the bike task (and taxes, etc.) because of the meds is such a good illustration of how real and life-alteringly HARD having ADHD is. I wish I could infuse that knowledge into all the disbelieving doctors, bosses, teachers, etc. who choose not to believe this is a real disability. And I'm going to try to remember it myself. I KNOW I have ADHD, yet after a lifetime of internalized shame, I still frequently fall into self-blame for not being able to just DO things like other people. ❤Thank you for this. ❤

[deltastripes]

Great video, I hope you continue making more :)