My doc said that It should hit your system somewhat within 30 minutes, but also that most people describe gradually increasing efficacy, like the 3-4 week thing you were talking about.
I experienced side effects but almost negligable positive effects, over, like, 8 months.
I am now four weeks on Ritalin. Ten minutes after my very first dose, I just felt my brain come into focus. It has not since been as dramatic as the first day, but that's because the greater focus is consistent. (Though it wears off every night, you still don't wake up feeling "fully ADD"--though I don't think I'd want to skip a dose anymore than I want to skip my morning cup of coffee).
Background: 25mg 4 days, 40mg 4 days, then 60mg as final dose. Had side effects like everyone but want to give the drug a fair chance. Had urinary probs at 2nd day at 60mg and had to step down to 25mg again so I've only been on it for 12 days total thus far. Will stay at 25mg until Doc follow-up in 2 weeks. I had 3-4 days of an "awakening" (clarity, focus, follow-thru, etc...) early on then have reverted back to old self much to the chagrin of my wife.
Question: Is the drug a "lights on" drug where you know right away if it works for you or does it take a while for your body to get accustomed to it and the benefits appear 3-4 weeks into it? Have others experienced brief "awakenings" on their way? I really want to give the treatment a fair shot.
More background: 39yr old male, MOSTLY inattentive with some hyperactivity thrown in for good measure. A guys got to have balance.