Occasional Focalin use

[Blue_Phlame]

I've been prescribed Focalin XR(dexmethylphenidate) along with sertraline(Zoloft) for daily use. I've already cut my sertraline dose in half (12.5mg from 25 mg) [I know, it's less than the minimum therapeutic dose, but I have my reasons for that].
But i've been wondering whether taking Focalin only on the days that I'd actually need to remain focused, as opposed to daily use as prescribed by my doctor.

I've been worrying about [long-term & short term] side effects of taking an amphetamine-like substance and an SSRI everyday. Would a constant concentration of dexmethylphenidate in the brain do more or less stress/harm than varying fluctuations of taking a break from the chemical over 2 days to 1 week?

I hear that if I was to be taking Focalin on a daily basis, i'd become dependent, and stopping for a period would cause withdrawal symptoms which also stress the neurons.

 

[Oxide]

I think that it would be just fine, even recommended to take the dexmethylphenidate as needed instead of every day.

Like you mentioned, you will indeed become dependent if you take dexmethylphenidate on a daily basis. There is much more harm done by keeping steady levels of the drug in your bloodstream as opposed to just taking the drug when you need to remain focused.

I'm of course not telling you to disobey your doctors directions, I just think if you should have a right to decide whether or not you want become dependent on a substance.

 

[effie]

^ I agree - I would recommend letting your doctor know what you are doing, as in general it's not wise to take medication in a way that is not prescribed, but I feel meds should only be taken if they are needed - and if you don't need it every day, then that's great! You'll get less side effects, less tolerance and it won't be so tricky if/when you want to stop taking it

Focalin might not cause the same physical dependence that opioids or benzos can, but you can certainly become psychologically dependent and it can give you unpleasant physical and psychological side effects when you stop taking it. I'm not too sure about the "shocking neurons" bit - but I agree entirely with Oxide that the less you take, the less damage it can do

 

[Alex000]

I'd recommend taking it only as needed, dexmethylphenidate is a toxic drug (tons of drugs are, but still). Prolonged daily use could fuck with your brain and/or heart in irreversible ways. I know daily use of these types of substances is extremely common to treat "ADHD" (personally I don't believe it exists like dr's do), but it is still unhealthy. Binges here and there, not that big of a deal, use as needed, not that big of a deal, but daily use 8(, not the best idea. BTW why do you even take the Zoloft?

 

[Louis CK]

I had a long fling with Focalin (due to easy access) and honestly the dependency isn't too bad. A lot better than adderall at least. But you do develop a tolerance pretty quick, and soon find it's not as effective in keeping you focused. If you're getting it prescribed, it's a lot better to just use it when you need it, because it wears out fairly quickly.

A lot of times focalin is prescribed in lieu of adderall when the person is also taking an SSRI. I currently know two people who get zoloft and focalin prescribed. Since your doc is giving them to you, I'm sure you'll be fine. The side effects are actually very mild if you don't have any pre-existing conditions.

 

[opiatekrzy]

my doctor has always urged me to take my adderall when i "need" to