I have been on ritalin for 18 years?

uberifrit · #1 (**permalink**) 06-13-2008

I have been on Ritalin for 18 years. I was taking 60 mg a day now i only take 10 mg. However I also take tranquilizers during the day because I suffer from GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder). The problem is that when i wake up in the morning I take my Ritalin (1/2 a tab) and i feel very woozy and disorientated. When I take the 2nd 1/2 at noon I also feel the same way. Is Ritalin damaging my brain and why do i get pain inside my ears followed by dizziness. The funny thing is. I sometimes have a good day with non of these symptoms. I feel there is no hope for me anymore because I need the Ritalin to concentrate because unfortunately i also have ADD. I'm so sad. Can anyone out there give me any suggestions on what is going on? Thank you

SwayGirl · #2 (**permalink**) 06-13-2008

Hi,
How long ago was your dose at 60 mg?
If its been sudden
and not gradually decreased, you may be experiencing
some withdrawal.
I myself have a few questions.
First, I strongly feel you should contact your Doctor and
explain your symptoms.

What kind of tranquilizer are you taking? Dose?
When you take your dose in the morning, how long before
did you take a tranquilizer?
You say you have pain in your ears and you get dizzy.
I'm no M.D. but it COULD be signs of an inner ear infection.
Can you explain what happens with your GAD? Is it bad?
Can you deal without it?

Seriously, contact your Doctor.
18 years is a long time to be on this drug.
I'd love to help, I am interested because one of my clients
is having similar symptoms but we found out that the mix of
an upper and downer is not helping her at all. She's since had
to go back to her Doctor and get different medication and
dosage.
Love to hear back from you. You can also E-mail me if you
feel more comfortable. (SwayGirl2008@aol.com)
(I am a drug and alcohol counselor, so I have a pretty
good grasp on the effects of drugs with people.
Long term, short, side effects, basic pharmacology)

Hope this helps.

uberifrit · #3 (**permalink**) 06-14-2008

Thank you for your kind reply. I really appreciate your help. I will follow your advice to contact my dr and inform him everything.