Reply To: Ritalin and the adventures of PigMonkey

[Patte Rosebank]

@Robbo, did they tell you WHY they don’t want to let you try Ritalin again?

If not, you need to know.  That way, you can discuss it with them, and perhaps answer their concerns in a way that will convince them to let you try it again, under close medical supervision.

The biggest issue with meds is that they require much more medical supervision than people (including most of the doctors who prescribe them) realize.  No wonder so many patients stop taking them—either because they don’t seem to be working, or because of side-effects, or because they seem to have worked so well that the patient decides they don’t need to take them any more.

A big part of this is unreasonable expectations and/or fears about meds.  If you don’t know what to expect, you won’t be able to tell if they’re working properly.  And if you’re afraid they’re going to change your personality or harm you, you’re more likely to stop taking them at the slightest hint of feeling differently—even if that’s not actually the case.

If your doctors are worried you might abuse the meds, that’s another matter.  In that case, Concerta (the real, branded version) could be the answer, because it cannot be crushed and abused.  It is expensive, but the manufacturer has a patient assistance plan to help people who otherwise couldn’t afford it.

If your doctors refuse to discuss this, then you may need to find different doctors who will better meet your needs.  Medical care is now more of a partnership between doctor and patient.  And you have the right to have doctors who will work *with* you, instead of treating you like a problem-child.

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