Ptsd And Ritalin

[Marc0101]

Are there any side effects of taking ritalin while one has complex ptsd and is already on strong anti depressants?
Thanks

 

[Samantha Francis]

Well im on strong anti-depressants, and i took ritalin a few months back, it just made me feel really mellow, like i didnt have a care in the world. Im sure it couldnt hurt, but id probably ask your doctor first :)

 

[Marc0101]

thanks

 

[Roger]

I was also on Ritalin and anti depressants. My doctor switched me over to adderal and it has been a huge difference. He actually said that sometimes PTSD can bring on ADHD in adults. I have been on it for 2 months now and it is definitely working.

 

[Deleted member 1860]

Are you asking as someone who has ADD/ADHD or someone who doesn't?

I don't have ADD but some stupid dr gave me a script (long story) and it sent me skyrocketing. Remember, it IS a stimulant and we are already overstimulated...

 

[Deleted member 10686]

I just started taking Vyvanse, and must say that I haven't felt this close to normal in a very, very long time. I have never been diagnosed with ADD or ADHD... I was diagnosed with major depression when I was 12, and have had PTSD for a few years (diagnosed, 6 months) Since I was 12 and up, I have tried pretty much every anti depressant that I can think of. Nothing ever worked, and often had terrible side effects. my psychiatrist had pretty much given up on treating the depression, and then i remembered one occasion a friend had given me adderal, and it had made me feel normalish, not speedy or skyrocketing.

Just starting the vyvanse, I actually feel decent. This morning I was able to enjoy some things again. Little things, simple thoughts like "the mountains look really pretty today," or simple things like that. I'm not speedy or high or anything, I feel calm, and mellow. Everything is not perfect, but I can see some positives and in a way, feel like i'm seeing the world for the first time.

Its been up in the air what I rogress. have, besides the PTSD (meaning...what I've had since way before) Depression, Bipolar, ADD, I really don't know. All I know is i feel...okay :) This underlying problem, whatever it is, has really been hindering much progression with therapy. I finally feel hopeful that I might be able to make some progress.

 

[Ketamine Dreams]

Bump
I just wanted to see if anyone else has experience with Ritalin and would like to share. My sufferer is really dependent on it and I'd like to be able to understand it better. She says it gets rid of the emotional pain she feels.

 

[Harry Osborn]

I don't know how it would affect PTSD-specific symptoms (it didn't trigger any for me), but amphetamines of any kind (such as adderall/ritalin) are trouble for people with anxiety/panic attacks.

If you fit the above description, stay away.

 

[Caterpillar]

Because I have ADD, the stimulant medication I take makes me feel calmer and more focused rather than actually stimulated. It doesn't raise my anxiety at all. But it would probably be very different for someone without ADD.

 

[Harry Osborn]

Because I have ADD, the stimulant medication I take makes me feel calmer and more focused rather than actually stimulated. It doesn't raise my anxiety at all. But it would probably be very different for someone without ADD.

That's true--those with ADD/ADHD do find stimulants calming, from what I understand. Though I am unsure of how someone with a co-morbidity of ADD/ADHD and anxiety would react to an amphetamine, since I'm not yet a psychiatrist (what I want to be, but have a long way to go--just changed majors) and it is not my own personal experience.

 

[michael82]

That's true--those with ADD/ADHD do find stimulants calming, from what I understand. Though I am un...

You should not be making any comment on a drug if you are not a licensed psychiatrist nor someone who has taken medication for the symptoms being discussed. I am the later and yes, vyvanse works to mitigate tendencies associated with PTSD. It decreased my residual anxiety levels, inhibited the trigger for anger tendencies and it helps me have a level head, thought process and emotions. I am just one person and the drug is still in medical trials for its potential multi-faceted application to not just ADD and ADHD but also PTSD, Anxiety and Anger Disorder and other psychosocial applications.

 

[MoMc]

I've been diagnosed w/ cPTSD Andnmy counselor sent me to an ADD specialist all w/in the last 6 months. The specialist explained several to me.

1. The reason why woman are the highest pop being diagnosed. It's always been there but the extra energy for ADD usually shows up as depression & anxiety.

2. In people w/ ADD, there is new research showing that there may be some structural diffferences in our brains that don't allow for the same "feel good" chemicals in our brains (seratonin, dopamine, etc).

3. Stimulants like adderrol & vyvanse actually help our brains in the long run deliver theses chemicals and have better and almost healing like tendencies.

4. If you have ADD, the meds work to calm you down. I can nap & think. This is the most normal I've ever felt. They also help me block out external and mostly INTERNAL distracters & thoughts.

5. I switched from Adderrol to Vyvanse b/c there is a big shift for me in energy level when it wears off and if I forget to take it until too late in the day, my anxiety comes back. Trying vyvanse XR right now and seems to be much smoother.

6. There are some theories & early studies that PTSD and cPTSD could cause similar brain structure changes as ADD.

Chicken, egg - I don't really care. But this is working. And seems counterintuitive until you understand some of the things he explained to me. I'm just glad I tried it.