Methylphenidate and Depression: What Users Say (Page 3)

• mdi...
• July 11, 2013

Methylphenidate for ADHD "I was diagnosed with ADHD in 2nd grade. I have been on medication ever since (I'm 31 now). I started Concerta in high school, and I must say it did very well to get me through class in college. I was even in my major's honor society. Now I have to say I think the years of various medicines have caused some real adverse reactions. I'm very depressed and moody. I've gone from being the big go-getter in my company to borderline at best. Worst of all, I have a new son, and my anxiety is really getting in the way of me enjoying him."

• Wha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 13, 2018

Methylphenidate for ADHD "I hated this medication. It was so hard for me to sleep in the evening on the day I had taken it. Also, I would hear random things and see random things, and I would overthink. My eating went from eating just fine to maybe a banana and some chips a day. When you take this, protein shakes will help. Also, drink a lot of water. The good thing about it is it kept me focused. I got stuff done, unlike some other ADHD medicines that made me just sit there. Also, a little depression and overthinking did occur. The only real complaint I got is ZERO sleep, and you may become paranoid."

• Not...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• September 7, 2020

Methylphenidate for Narcolepsy "I was diagnosed with excessive daytime sleepiness in the '90s. I took Ritalin twice a day for more than a decade. I found it was like being on a roller coaster. My first dose was mid-morning, and it would take at least 30 minutes before it started kicking in. It 'peaked' about 2 hours after consuming the dose, where I felt awake, alert, and full of energy for a very short time. Then its effects slowly wore off, leaving me feeling completely out of it, depressed, slow, and unmotivated. I took the 2nd dose mid-afternoon, and its effectiveness ran the same course. It was a struggle getting through every day."

• Anonymous
• August 20, 2009

Methylphenidate for ADHD "Since I've been on Concerta, I've lost 9 1/2 pounds within the three months. So far, I've had to go to the hospital because it has caused me to have bad anxiety. Also, I can't eat, I can't sleep. Although it makes me sick every day and I have depression, my grades have gone up. So, I guess it helps with something."

• Ang...
• May 9, 2011

Methylphenidate for ADHD "My son has been on Concerta for about 4 years now. He started when he was 6 years and will be 11 years in 2 weeks. He was put on this medicine starting with 18 mg. Over time, he was gradually put on a higher dose as his age and weight increased. He is now on 54 mg. Since my son has been on this medicine, he has developed seizures because Concerta lowers the seizure threshold. He was diagnosed last year, 2010. He has paranoia, fearfulness, psychosis, headaches, nervousness, aggression, mood swings, trouble going to sleep, and doesn't want to eat a lot. He has had suicidal thoughts and depression."

• Jen...
• April 1, 2016

Methylphenidate for ADHD "I've been on this medication since I was 9, I'm 21 now. I've always had trouble in school, and it has helped me a lot to concentrate, but without it, I can't focus at all. I became too dependent on it, so now that I am in college, I cannot study or find any kind of motivation to stay focused if I'm not on it. It wouldn't be a bad thing if it didn't make me depressed. Recently, in this past year, I've been taking it almost every day again and have been feeling sad for no reason, always thinking negatively and very irritable until I put two and two together. Now trying to get off once I am done with school next month for good."

• Jen...
• April 1, 2016

Methylphenidate for ADHD "I've been on this medication since I was 9, I'm 21 now. I've always had trouble in school, and it has helped me a lot to concentrate, but without it, I can't focus at all. I became too dependent on it, so now that I am in college, I cannot study or find any kind of motivation to stay focused if I'm not on it. It wouldn't be a bad thing if it didn't make me depressed. Recently, in this past year, I've been taking it almost every day again and have been feeling sad for no reason, always thinking negatively and very irritable until I put two and two together. Now trying to get off once I am done with school next month for good."

• Liv...
• August 6, 2016

Methylphenidate for ADHD "I've been on Concerta XL for 3 years now. I have two large (36 mg, the highest dose for my age) every morning. I suffer from ADHD, well, ADD, and it really helps me feel motivated and helps me look forward to things. I lost 4-ish stone and went from 16.7 stone to 12 in 4 years as my ADHD made me eat when I was bored/sad/happy, and it really ruined my life. I don't have an appetite anymore and only eat in the afternoon once it's worn off. I do drink a lot of fluids, as on the tablets, I get thirsty. I'm more social, and I enjoy everyday activities a lot more, including chores. Negatives: the come down is awful and I usually slip into a depression, but it is worth it! I'd recommend it to anyone!"

• Anonymous
• March 26, 2009

Methylphenidate for ADHD "My son took 18 mgs for 2 days, and it was like there were five children wrapped up in him at one time. He was nasty, negative, unhappy, and would not stop moving for 3 days after his second dose. We and the doctors were shocked at this reaction."

• Anonymous
• November 21, 2011

Methylphenidate for ADHD "I am 16 years old, and I have ADHD. I have been taking Concerta since grade 6, and now I'm in grade 11. For almost 2 years, I stopped taking it because I didn't like the way it makes me feel. But just recently, my mother wanted me to take it for school, so I did, and I can concentrate and everything, and I feel more aware of my work, and I feel like I understand things better. Yet, here's the problem. Whenever I take them, I get very depressed, start thinking negatively, I never smile, never laugh, and make jokes like I always do. I've been trying to find answers for why this is, and I can't find any, so I came here to see if this was happening to anyone else."

• Hon...
• July 9, 2014

Methylphenidate for ADHD "Took 18 mg Concerta for 5 days. On day two, I woke up and cleaned and tidied the whole house, my partner thought something was wrong with me! Then the side effects came... nausea, depression, anxiety. By the time I was coming down at around 3 PM, I had to stay at home, I was unable to drive my car or even just go out. My doc wanted to try me on 5 mg Ritalin 3x a day quick release, but I refused. After reading the reviews on here about dexamphetamine, I started them this morning. 5 mg 3x a day. Hopefully, this will be the one for me."

• Eri...
• October 27, 2011

Methylphenidate for ADHD "I found Ritalin increased my alertness and concentration. I rate Ritalin 2/10 as I find it increased my depression, from which point I stopped taking it. Unsure whether the Ritalin interacted negatively with my usual small dose antidepressant Cymbalta or if increased depression is an unreported side effect."

• Pac...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 29, 2018

Methylphenidate for ADHD "I have a love-hate relationship with Concerta. The pros of the drug are that I can put two and two together, stick with mundane tasks (and look forward to them), read long, boring documents, and catch errors, etc. The cons are the side effects-no sex drive, (sometimes) anxiety, a weird 'aura' or buzz that lasts for a while, and depression. Lately, I've been using natural treatments that are effective. Overall, though, Concerta did help me."

• lad...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 9, 2016

Methylphenidate for ADHD "Yes, it helped a lot, and I love the fact that I can concentrate now because before, I couldn't concentrate at all. The thing is that after a few hours, I start to feel really depressed and really emotional, but I love the fact that I can express myself better now."

• ADH...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 3, 2018

Methylphenidate for ADHD "I was recently switched from my Adderall XR 10 mg to Concerta 18 mg because my insurance didn't want to cover my Adderall until I tried Concerta. The transition has been terrible. I've only been on the medication for 5 days, and it has been horrible. I was optimistic going in because I've never tried it before, but it has been a rough 5 days. On Concerta, my restlessness is worse, I have no desire to eat because the thought of food disgusts me, I get headaches, I have zero motivation to do anything, and I feel extremely down/apathetic. I've heard this medication works for some people, but it was horrible for me. I'm so glad I can switch back to Adderall."

• ADH...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 3, 2018

Methylphenidate for ADHD "I was recently switched from my Adderall XR 10 mg to Concerta 18 mg because my insurance didn't want to cover my Adderall until I tried Concerta. The transition has been terrible. I've only been on the medication for 5 days, and it has been horrible. I was optimistic going in because I've never tried it before, but it has been a rough 5 days. On Concerta, my restlessness is worse, I have no desire to eat because the thought of food disgusts me, I get headaches, I have zero motivation to do anything, and I feel extremely down/apathetic. I've heard this medication works for some people, but it was horrible for me. I'm so glad I can switch back to Adderall."

• Lau...
• August 21, 2015

Methylphenidate for ADHD "I first started with 27 mg of Concerta. When it was giving me no effect, my doctor increased it to 54 mg. At first, I loved it. So great... motivation, energy, concentration, etc. But then I realized how bad my anxiety was getting and that my Prozac was no longer controlling my anxiety and depression. Concerta caused me to have very severe migraines, which caused nausea and dizziness. I would have a migraine in the morning, and the only thing that would take it away was the Concerta, and as soon as it wore off around 5-6 PM, there came the migraine again! I obviously couldn't take the Concerta or I'd be up all night. I am now switched to Vyvanse but haven't tried it yet. If Concerta did not cause migraines and anxiety, then I would really recommend it."

• Anonymous
• November 3, 2011

Methylphenidate for ADHD "I took Concerta when I was in high school for 2 years. I am a very lively person; however, after the first year, I literally lost all my social abilities. I had no desire to speak to anybody or go out and have fun. I became IMMENSELY depressed, almost even suicidal. Additionally, I became so anorexic that I almost got hospitalized for low hemoglobin."

• Anonymous
• February 12, 2012

Methylphenidate for ADHD "I have been taking Concerta 54 mg for 10 years now. In early 2002, I was put on Adderall 10 mg. The first day of the 10 mg, I came home from school and said, 'I'm never taking this again.' Twice I tried to pick a fight with my classmates. Concerta was like a miracle. I could focus on my work (instead of splitting my attention between my work and drawings or books or video games), and I didn't feel any major side effects. A couple of years after starting it, the difference, minor at first, was remarkable between the days I would and would not take it. I've had increasing depression for the past 5 years, though, and I'm wondering if it's because of the Concerta..."

• Anonymous
• November 14, 2012

Methylphenidate for ADHD "I have been taking Concerta for ADHD about 3 months now. The effects have been both positive and negative. I started off with 36 mg, and my grades were increasing rapidly, and I was more focused, but I started to become more antisocial, angry, I didn't have an appetite, I had sleeping problems, and depression. Then, about two weeks ago, I switched to 54 mg due to lack of focus, and my stomach has been troubling me. I'm having twitching problems, and I am hearing voices."

• Arj...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 26, 2024

For ADHD "I have been diagnosed and taking this medicine for the treatment of ADHD as prescribed by the psychiatrist. I take 10 mg x 1 no. (morning - 9 AM) and 20 mg x 1 no. (afternoon - 2 PM). PROS: i) My mind becomes calm and quiet after ingestion. It helps me to focus and concentrate on my work. Like (getting out of my bed, waking up feeling refreshed, motivated, able to listen and remember, take decisions practically and think clearly, no more depression, I'm positive and good-minded. ii) Appetite suppression - weight loss, because I'm fat. CONS: i) All the above-mentioned positives last only for 6-7 hours only, not forever. This works only if you have legit ADHD. ii) Once the medication wears off, I become confused, abnormally hungry, depression kicks in, anxiety worsens, irritation slips back in, I stutter really bad, random negative thoughts flow through my mind. I begin to cry and feel inferior about myself. It's like my ADHD symptoms return back once again with full force."

• Car...
• February 13, 2018

Methylphenidate for ADHD "I've been on Ritalin for a little over a week now, and I have noticed that the mornings in first period are much easier to get through. But throughout the day, when I'm on it, I'll experience these low points of depression where I'm literally just sitting at my desk and not able to do anything. It works for calming me, and I'm a lot less restless, but once it wears off, it feels like a wave of ADHD hits me, and I start running around out of control, doing things like yelling and jumping."

• oni...
• November 28, 2013

For Narcolepsy "Works great. Took a long time to get it right. I use Nuvigil daily and Ritalin 20 mg three times a day. It is sad and depressing, but with the right dose and proper nutrition, things can get better. The bad part is, it's hard to do.... stop driving! I can't believe I drove! I am thankful I did not kill someone falling asleep. How could my loved ones let me drive? Don't drive until you are confident your meds are straight consistently."

• oni...
• November 28, 2013

For Narcolepsy "Works great. Took a long time to get it right. I use Nuvigil daily and Ritalin 20 mg three times a day. It is sad and depressing, but with the right dose and proper nutrition, things can get better. The bad part is, it's hard to do.... stop driving! I can't believe I drove! I am thankful I did not kill someone falling asleep. How could my loved ones let me drive? Don't drive until you are confident your meds are straight consistently."

• Cla...
• February 29, 2020

For ADHD "Getting off of methylphenidate sucks. I had terrible withdrawals, and while I was on it, I couldn’t eat and developed an eating disorder. Made me very depressed and made me not want to interact or do anything. I overall hated being on it."