Rx Ritalin/methylphenidate - potentiated (accidentally) by orange juice?

[Mariposa]

Hi BDD,

I can't seem to find a thread on this or anything other than conflicting information.

Last month, I had a very candid conversation with my longtime psychiatrist about AD(H)D. I described my symptoms and we decided to give Ritalin a go for me to improve my concentration, motivation, and ability to learn.

I'm on 10 mg per day and not abusing it. So far, so good. It has given me the pep I was lacking. I know a lot of people think it's a sh*t drug, but it's working for its intended purpose.

Yesterday I had a giant glass of fresh orange juice with a small breakfast, which is the time I take my dose. It was delicious and refreshing. About an hour after, though, I noticed that I felt really speedy. I had to lay down for about 1/2 hour before the speediness stopped.

The only other thing in my system at the time was 5 mg of Valium. I have taken Valium for panic/anxiety/PTSD for many years; that's not what did it. There was nothing else active in my system at the time, including alcohol and cannabis.

Has anyone else on Ritalin experienced this? Orange juice, of all things, right? A friend who has been on Adderall for a long time for really severe adult ADHD thinks I am nuts, but I think there may be something to this.

I would appreciate any insight any of you may have. I am familiar with the potentiation of grapefruit juice (another favorite) as to opiates and certain benzodiazepines, but orange juice? I don't want to give up fresh OJ for breakfast. I get panicky from caffeine and OJ wakes me up without making me feel hyper-caffeinated; I drink the occasional coffee/tea but have to have it half-caf at best.

Many thanks! Hope everyone is staying safe and well.

~Mariposa

 

[joezraptor]

How long ago did you start taking ritalin? It's possible you just really felt it that morning. The first month or so I started taking wellbutrin I would randomly feel speedy sometimes. Usually if I hadn't had anything to eat for a while, which doesn't seem to be the case here.
Other than that I have no idea, I've never heard of OJ potentiating stimulants.

 

[oddballs]

Using a drug to fix a condition is a lot different than using it to get high. Trazadone has practically no recreational value, but it will really help some people with depression and insomnia.

Anyways, my opinion is the orange juice isn't actually potentiating the ritalin, but it may very well be melting the pill faster, especially if it's a time release. Not sure on how the ph compares to the stomach's, but since it gives me heartburn, I guess it's lower, which is counter-intuitively more acidic. This may be solved by taking some Tums, or even by eating/drinking something basic. Just be careful not to have too much base, or it will hurt your stomach and stop you from digesting.

IDexedrine!!!

 

[Mariposa]

Thanks very much for the responses.

I have been on Ritalin for about 3 weeks. It's the instant release formulation - not XR. My insurance won't cover XR. I swallow the pill; no crushing or snorting or whatever. I do not engage in addictive behavior with my scripts, as I need them. I don't notice any heartburn; I eat spicy food with no problems. I do not have a strong stomach - I'd notice that right away.

I've been eating a lot more regularly than before I was on Ritalin. Unmedicated, I *literally* forget to eat. Now I can concentrate on eating a (mostly) healthy diet. I eat small meals and snack on healthy things. I'm not into sugar/sweet things, and I'm not diabetic. I feel a lot healthier.

The only thing I can think of is that the magnesium in orange juice could possibly accelerate the metabolic rate of Ritalin.

@joesraptor - I was on Wellbutrin for 3 courses. The IR formulation did not agree with me; the XR and XL did. I haven't been on it in well over a year. IR made me feel a bit speedy. XR and XL, less so. It would not be a good idea for me to take both. As my depression (formal diagnosis) is mostly in remission, I'm doing what I can to get on point with educational and work goals. I would consider switching back to Wellbutrin, but Ritalin just seems to be more effective.

@oddballs - trazodone was the first sleeping pill/antidepressant I took for sedation when I was having terrible panic attacks and insomnia. I felt like it made me flat and oversedated. It was useless as to depression. Dexedrine is not a first-line treatment for AD(H)D, though it would be an option after Adderall if the Ritalin doesn't cut it. I am already on benzos - I have to be very careful. I don't think my AD(H)D is severe enough to need Dexedrine.

Hence, my concern about the speediness. I don't have to drive today so I am having a glass of OJ after taking the morning dose of Ritalin. I'm going to see if this pattern repeats, and I'll talk to my psychiatrist about this possible side effect when I see him in a couple weeks.

Again, many thanks for your responses. I am still quite confused about this; it could just be that I'm not depressed and (in general) a lot less anxious lately.

 

[laCster]

actually, the orange juice is slightly less acidic than stomach acid and won't effect the rate at which the drug is metabolized and eliminated by much if at all....acidity can be combated with tums, simple and effective..and if you took too much ammps a good dose of Vitamin C and a benzo will help alot...