diagnosed with ADHD at 8. started ritalin 20mg at 10-11. stopped taking medication for a few years. started concerta (18mg then 36mg) about a month ago, and on my medication ive been getting a lot less sleep without being tired afterwards, ive been VERY irritable, and frankly, paranoid as well. i think it may have something to do with the pressures of a new school year, and my familys recent trauma, but i cant help to ask
can ADHD medications increase irritability and/or paranoia?
also, my eye twitches, should i bring that up at my next appointment?
2007-10-24 16:51:22 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Mental Health
Definitely bring that up with your doctor. You may want to call and talk to him as soon as possible and not wait for your next appointment. Sleep deprivation can cause serious problems.
When my daughter was diagnosed with ADHD, she was put on Concerta. Although it helped her to function during the day, her sleep became very restless.
She was then prescribed a nighttime pill called Clonodine. It's a common sleep aid for people with ADHD. It's really blood-pressure medication, but the dose is small for ADHD patients that it simply calms the body but is too minimal to do anything to the heart.
My daughter now sleeps soundly at night and wakes up refreshed.
Good luck to you. I hope your doctor can find the right treatment for you.
2007-10-24 19:23:34 · answer #1 · answered by thezaylady 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
hello... keep a daily log (kinda like a diary) track your sleep, your meals, time of day you took med. take this with you to your next Dr. appointment. i am adhd, many years ago, i was on Ritalin, then the long lasting Ritalin came out (Concetta)tried that too... Now,10 yrs on adderall , and it delivers so much easier...(I'm not saying its for you) but just for your 411, its almost a given that anyone taking these kinds of meds, have to so alot of adjustments, just to see what med and dosing works best with your body/mind... PLEASe, know that these medications are not the CURE, its a tool... Pills don't =skills. Dr. see you , write a script ( often don't read up on the "new" wonder drugs, and trust their peddle pushing drug reps for the "info"..not all , but many do this. so please be pro-active and look info up, ask pharmacist (they have a wealth of info, and most don't allow the Drug reps in the store...I'm rattling, but the best way to go into the Doc. is with your log and questions...peace to you..
2007-10-25 11:54:48 · answer #2 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes it can have certain effects, and I know irritability and loss of sleep is definitely connected (you are probably irritable because you aren't sleeping). Let your doc know that you have been having insomnia since taking the new meds. Reactions don't always happen right away, they can develop later on.
2007-10-24 23:56:58 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
My son took concerta for bout month and he was way worse.
His Dr. tried a few more non narcotic meds but they all erither didn't herlp or made him more irritable than he was already. Finally he started on adderall. Much better on that.
2007-10-24 23:58:20 · answer #4 · answered by Susan B 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It is a powerful and addictive/habituating stimulant: you may be suffering from side effects/withdrawals. See ADHD treatments, at http://www.ezy-build.net.nz/~shaneris on pages 22 - 25, and check them out at www.drugs.com.
2007-10-25 00:42:17 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Bring all of this up at your next appointment.
2007-10-24 23:55:05 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes you should bring that up and ask for adderal because Ritalin is to strong and adderal will solve your sleeping problem and you being paranoid
2007-10-25 00:06:44 · answer #7 · answered by saniya w 1 · 1⤊ 2⤋