Can Methylphenidate Make You Depressed?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common problem that affects children and young adults. ADHD can make focusing on tasks difficult, which can hinder your efforts at work or in school. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Trusted Source, about 6.1 million U.S. children ages 2 to 17 (or 9.4 percent of children) were diagnosed with ADHD as of 2016.

How Does ADHD Make You Feel?

ADHD often causes a problem in which your central nervous system is chronically underused or under aroused, which means there is low activity in certain parts of the brain. In addition,  ADHD often causes a lack of dopamine release in the brain, a chemical related to motivation and reward. Because people with ADHD have less dopamine released into their central nervous systems, they constantly seek more efficient dopamine sources through stimulation in their environment. 

For example, with low dopamine levels, writing a research paper or doing an in-class project may not provide a satisfying amount of reward and motivation. On the other hand, when you overhear people talking about a show or a movie you like in the hallway, your brain is distracted and finds that potential stimulation irresistible.

ADHD Is Most Commonly Treated With Stimulants

ADHD is most commonly treated with stimulants. Stimulants work by increasing the availability of certain chemicals in the brain, therefore making the pathways in the brain work more effectively. It is reported that stimulants lessen ADHD symptoms in 70% to 80% of people who take them. 

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What is Methylphenidate?

Methylphenidate hydrochloride—the generic for Ritalin, is a stimulant used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and to manage symptoms of narcolepsy. It’s a prescription medication that targets dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain to reduce common ADHD symptoms. Though Methylphenidate is a stimulant, when used in ADHD treatment, it may help with concentration, fidgeting, attention, and listening skills.

Can Methylphenidate Make You Depressed?

Although an individual taking Methylphenidate may be alert while taking it, it does wear off, and then you can feel the opposite – fatigue, and depression. 

People can take Methylphenidate once per day. However, when the stimulant starts to leave their system, ADHD symptoms may return stronger than before. This is called a medication rebound or the Methylphenidate crash.

Signs And Symptoms of Methylphenidate 

The most common symptoms of ADHD are hyperactivity, difficulty focusing or paying attention, and poor impulse control. However, variations of these symptoms may appear when a person’s medication starts to wear off. For example, in children with ADHD, a Methylphenidate crash might occur when they get home from school.

The symptoms of a Methylphenidate crash may include:

  • feeling sad or subdued
  • feeling tired or very wired
  • irritability
  • trouble concentrating
  • anxiety

Methylphenidate can be habit-forming, and those who take it are issued a warning that people with a history of drug or alcohol dependence should take the medication with caution.

Get Methylphenidate Addiction Help at Allure Detox

It is known that misusing Methylphenidate can lead to psychological dependence, behavior problems, and even psychotic episodes. Just like most medications, after stopping Methylphenidate, a person may experience significant withdrawal symptoms, such as severe depression. Detox involves 24-hour medically managed services that usually lasts for about a week to 10 days, depending on your needs, and Allure Detox can help. 

Overcome Stimulant Abuse Today!

We are a comfortable and evidence-based drug and alcohol detox in West Palm Beach, Florida. We can free you or your loved one from the physical symptoms of addiction and start you on the path to recovery. We offer detox from drugs and alcohol on a medical basis so that you can safely resume the life you once lived, the life you thought was lost forever.

Addicts emerge from Allure Detox healthy, sane, and prepared for a lifetime of recovery. Please contact us today if you or someone you love is suffering the pain of addiction.

FAQ

  • Can Methylphenidate make you Depressed?

Published on: 2021-08-27
Updated on: 2024-03-21