Methylphenidate question

[dopa]

Hey guys,

I have got a quick question about methylphenidate. First of all I have to say that I am very sensitive to this nasty drug and even very very small doses like 5mg orally are enough to produce some pleasant effect. The only problem is that only the initial effect (first 40min) are pleasant and after these 40min I get some really nasty effects and it seems to worsen my depression... and the comedown is even worse. I take this drug against my ADD. So, as I already mentioned, the first 40min are really nice: I get lots of motivation, I am really interested in my work and I have enough concentration to focus on my work. However, when the first 40min are over I become more depressed, lose my interest, concentration, etc.

So here my question:

What happens in the brain during the first 40min? I understand that this initial kick-in effect is related to a sudden activation of certain brain areas (reward circuits?) but WHY do the effects subside so quickly? What is different in the brain after the first 40min?
When I take opioids, for example, the pleasant effects last much longer.

I know that 5mg is a very small dose but I also know that if I increase the dose the comedown is even worse. So I am very careful. Are there any ways to increase the duration of the positive effects?


Thanks in advance.

 

[ilikewater]

Hey,
Sorry for the non-knowledge, but I am very curious. I am also curious to know what the answers are, but someone very knowledgeable must answer them.
Why are you doing such a "nasty" drug in the first place? (sorry, don't answer if it's too personal)

 

[Alldaykk]

Think of it as synthetic cocaine. Dont believe me? Google search menthylphenidate and cocaine, and see what results you get. It basically binds to the dopamine receptors and inhibits its uptake temporarily, the only difference is it doesnt bind AS fast and dissipate AS fast as coke, but still pretty near it. Other than that its the same, crazy huh

 

[Keif' Richards]

You have a good point Alldaykk, the science is definitely there to support you're statement, but I think telling someone to expect effects real similar to cocaine when doing ritalin is a little unrealistic

As for the OP, methylphenidate is a pretty short acting drug compared to other prescription and non-prescription stims. You're gonna experience the same stages of effects you would with any other substance. The coming up, the plateau, the coming down phase and so on. I'd say it's just the nature of the beast that is Ritalin, and I'd recommend trying to find someone with d-amphetamine pills of some kind as they are just far superior