How hard to get a ritalin script?

[Snowman Insight]

Hey, I've read the archived threads about scripting ADD meds, but I still have a couple questions. Statistically, many people have concurrent depression and ADD, so this probably applies to more than just me. I'm 18, started my freshman year a couple weeks ago, have a family history of depression and ADD, have been on several antidepressants, and have been hostpitalized for depression. I have an appointment with a new psychiatrist at a place without access to any of my records. I have some symptoms of ADD, which didn't present much of a problem in High-school, but I want a ritalin script now.
First, I know that ritalin is prescribed for ADD and depression. So what angle would be the most effective in a situation like this, and what would be the fastest way to get a script for ritalin, while being somewhat honest about my history? Should I say my antidepressant isn't working that well, and I would like to try adding ritalin, since I have tried so many other meds, but not ritalin? Or should I say that it is working great, and I only have ADD symptoms now?
How long will this take, and how does concurrent depression affect the information in the ADD scripting threads? Is there anything that I should bluff on to speed the proccess of getting ritalin?

 

[Good Friends and a bottle of pills]

it depends on where u live, and how much of a tightass ur doctor is. (some doctors dont "believe" in ADD)my brother just got represcribed to dexamphetamine and he's just starting uni and is 18. if u genuinely hav the symptoms i dont see why you wont be prescribed the ritalin.

 

[GentlemanLoser]

If you go to your family doctor it's more of a crapshoot. My psychiatrist though, after 1500$ in tests said "You've got ADD with Functionalized Severe Depression".
I got 10mg's of ritalin 3 times daily. But I recently switched to Focalin. I'd say get that instead. You'll probably like it better. Either that or Adderall. But since the focalin, I've "Seen The Light" and say no to ritalin.
Family doctors, if you have a history of ADD shouldn't have a problem giving you something. As long as it's in your records or what-not.

 

[MysteriousGrl]

You have to be diagnosed with ADD, by a fully licensed psychiatrist before you have any chance of being prescribed Ritalin. You wont get it simply by going to the doctor and asking for it, regardless if its present in your family medical history.
Good luck

 

[negrogesic]

Originally posted by Snowman Insight:
Should I say my antidepressant isn't working that well, and I would like to try adding ritalin, since I have tried so many other meds, but not ritalin? Or should I say that it is working great, and I only have ADD symptoms now?

Ritalin is no anti-depressant, so no, do not ask for it in this manner. Your doctor wont like your depressed ass to be reccomending meds right and left so:
Preferably, find a new doctor, and say you HAVE taken ritalin before. This is the fastest way to get a script. Say you were given.......10mg 3x or even 4x/day. If they ask for old records, say your old doctor is in a different state, and you think he is no longer practicing medicine. Don't tell him you are clinically depressed nor that you are currently taking anti-d's. You should be snorting those pills some 45 minutes later.
This should be fairly easy to accomplish.