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How Long Does It Take for Ritalin to Work?

How Long Does It Take for Ritalin to Work?

How long after taking this ADHD medication will you start to feel the effects?

A Quick Look At ADHD

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, better known by its acronym ADHD, is a chronic condition that can cause hyperactivity and difficulty listening or focusing.
This condition often begins in childhood and can cause social problems in adulthood if not handled properly when diagnosed.
There are tons of ADHD medications out there; and each of them affect individuals differently. ADHD medications can fall into two categories: stimulants and non-stimulants. While non-stimulants can certainly calm the patient in the long-term, stimulants or more commonly prescribed and are known to be more immediately effective.
Confused medical practitioner in hospital office while working on laptop. Health care practitioner sitting at desk using computer in modern clinic looking at monitor, medicine.

What Is Ritalin?

Ritalin is known as one of the most commonly-used stimulants used in ADHD treatment. As a stimulant medication, its job is to act on the central nervous system and send neurotransmitters to the brain.
One of the main reasons Ritalin is so widely used is because it works quickly to reduce ADHD symptoms. Because of its fact-acting properties, Ritalin may cause some adverse side effects. The chemicals this drug releases increases slowly in level, so most patients are started off in a small dosage.
This medication has been known to cause euphoric feelings (due to its effect on the nervous system) if misused. Side effects can then become more severe; so Ritalin should only be used under medical supervision.

How Ritalin Works

Ritalin’s main job is to target dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain to reduce common ADHD symptoms. It is designed to relieve symptoms such as:
    • Attention span issues
    • Difficulty concentrating
    • Excessive fidgeting
    • Listening problems

And while it can noticeably improve these qualities, Ritalin can also cause some common side effects. When taking Ritalin, you may begin to experience: 

    • Headaches
    • Insomnia
    • Irritability
    • Moodiness
    • Circulation issues
    • And more

How Long Does It Take?

Many people on medication, especially those with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, may wonder, “when will this start to work?”
Ritalin, being the fast-acting stimulant that it is, usually takes about 20-30 minutes to kick into your system. There are multiple levels of Ritalin; the type you take will depend on your individual case of ADHD. Depending on which kind of Ritalin you use, the effects can last anywhere from 3-8 hours.

The Journey of ADHD Medication

Like with all medications, you may not notice the effects of Ritalin immediately. Especially when it comes to certain mental illnesses, you may not be able to spot improvement within yourself. However, that doesn’t mean it’s not working. Be patient, and contact your doctor if you don’t notice any changes in a few weeks. 

Ritalin works best when combined with therapy. It can also worsen anxiety, so it’s encouraged for ADHD patients to use medications such as this carefully. There are still plenty of ADHD medications out there, and it might take a few tries to find the one that’s right for you.

To learn more about ADHD and its treatment options, contact our team of medical professionals here. Visit here to learn more about ritalin and its side effects, or call 267.209.7313 for more information.

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