Sleepy and slowed down on Ritalin...???? | ADHD Information

Our dd is on metdate school days only. the further into school week she gets, the more insomnia creeps in, then she's a bear to get up in the morning, although she never liked getting up for school. she can't ever and never has slept in on weekends either, even before diagnosid and meds. we are thinking of tring the patch to see if we notice anything different. a -pharmasist told me they had a customer who applied patch to child at bedtime with great results(it didn't wake the kid up or cause any sleep problems). anyone else hear of this?

Hello,

I was recently diagnosed as an adult. I've been on Ritalin for 3 weeks (up to 50 mg now). At first the effect was amazing--I felt calmer and could focus and get things done. But I also felt sleepy off and on. Now the sleepiness is getting worse. I feel almost like I'm sedated and I feel slowed down. Several times on the phone people have said I sound like I'm down, but I don't feel depressed, just slow. I'm speaking slower, and it takes me longer to get words out.

The med is being prescribed by my GP, who doesn't seem to know what she's doing. She is worried that if we up the dose it will cause insomnia (I've had a lot of problems with insomnia in the past) but in fact I'm sleeping extremely well at night. When the medication starts to wear off at night I get extremely sleepy and nothing can keep me awake--it's way better than a sleeping pill.

I'm a bit worried though, because this sleepiness and feeling slowed down is not listed as a common side effect on various sites that I've consulted. Has anyone experienced or heard of this?

hi , yes we have seen this on some stimulants. I suggest asking for a referral to psychiatrist. They are better able to manage ADHD meds and side effects. Look for some one who specializes in adult ADHD.

Good Luck,