I agree with twinmom, see if using a smaller dose at 4pm helps. Seeing as you have had problems with drug addictions in the past, you definatly want to cut back on medication if needed rather than add more.
Good luck and let us know how things go!
you could also try taking less at the 4pm dose and that may be enough to get thru your class, and still get to sleep.how long does is take for the ritalin to wear off enough to sleep
Hi Jada.....if your taking short acting ritilan, it can be effective for up to four hours but after that, it flushes right out of your system. As far as OTC sleep aides, I would first discuss it with my doctor as it is very common for those with ADHD to have sleeping problems due to sometimes racing thoughts in the head which would prevent one from falling asleep or also anxiety which is also very common for ADHD'rs. Your doctor could best advise you on this issue.
Hello everyone,my name is Jada and this is my first vist here.I really need some advice FAST!I started taking ritalin for add,I am 23 and I was diagnosed when I was 12 but I would'nt take my meds because they made me feel funny so I was untreated all through high school and I suffered,I tried self medicating and ended up with drug addictions and everything else but back to the point,I started college a year ago and decided it was time to do something so for the last year I have been trying different meds,ritalin works pretty good.For the last 6 mths I have been taking 20mgs in morning and 20 at noon up until yesterday and my doctor added 20mg at 4 in the afternoon because I have an evening class and really needed something.Well I never closed my eyes last night,I tossed and turned,I was miserable!Is there anything 0TC that will help this?Also how long does is take for the ritalin to wear off enough to sleep?One last thing,I read somewhere that zyrtec counteracts the stimulant,is this true?If so how much do you take and when?Please someone help me.Any advice!Please Hurry! ~Jada
I don't know much about the meds but it sounds like you are getting too much. I wouldn't take any more 4pm doses until I saw the dr. In the meantime, I've heard melatonin works good to help you get sleepy. Some people have used benedryl also.
You need to go to your dr for this because if it is too much, it can cause major health issues. If you feel a rapid heart beat go to the emergency room immediately!
It might help to read the posts about adhd meds. Someone else may have experienced the same thing.