How to Get a Ritalin Prescription: 10 Steps

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How to Get a Ritalin Prescription: 10 Steps
How to Get a Ritalin Prescription: 10 Steps

Video: How to Get a Ritalin Prescription: 10 Steps

Video: How to Get a Ritalin Prescription: 10 Steps
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If you've been diagnosed with ADHD or believe you have the disorder, chances are you've already considered taking Ritalin. The drug is a stimulant that increases concentration and organization capacity, reducing hyperactivity caused by ADHD. Read this article to learn how to get started with Ritalin and how the drug can contribute to your mental health.

Steps

Part 1 of 10: List your symptoms

Get an Adderall Prescription Step 1
Get an Adderall Prescription Step 1

Step 1. Prepare for your psychiatrist appointment

ADHD sufferers experience at least some of the symptoms below on a daily basis. Although the particularities of the disorder vary from person to person, the most common symptoms include:

  • Reduced attention span.
  • Frequent oversights.
  • Forgetting or losing things frequently.
  • Inability to stick to tasks for long periods of time.
  • Inability to be quiet.
  • Talking or moving too much.
  • Little or no notion of danger.
  • Impulsiveness.

Part 2 of 10: Make an appointment with a doctor

Get an Adderall Prescription Step 2
Get an Adderall Prescription Step 2

Step 1. Any doctor can prescribe Ritalin for patients

However, the ideal is to make an appointment with a psychiatrist. Talk openly about your symptoms so that you can discuss the possibility of drug treatment.

Physicians in other specialties are not equipped to identify and treat psychiatric disorders in the same way as a psychiatrist

Part 3 of 10: Describe the symptoms with examples

Get an Adderall Prescription Step 3
Get an Adderall Prescription Step 3

Step 1. Talk about the aspects you are most concerned about

Explain how symptoms affect your life and how often they appear. Make it very clear how much your memory, attention and concentration problems make it difficult for you to perform at work or at school.

Be honest and don't skimp on details when talking to the doctor. The more you talk about your symptoms, the more it can help

Part 4 of 10: Answer Doctor's Questions Honestly

Get an Adderall Prescription Step 4
Get an Adderall Prescription Step 4

Step 1. Your doctor is likely to have questions about your symptoms

If you can't remember something, take a look at your list. You will probably need to answer questions about your memory, your level of hyperactivity and your impulsivity.

Don't overdo it, but don't lessen your symptoms either

Part 5 of 10: Make it clear that you are open to taking medications

Get an Adderall Prescription Step 5
Get an Adderall Prescription Step 5

Step 1. Some people prefer not to treat ADHD with medication

However, if you are willing to try a Ritalin treatment, make this clear to your doctor. Depending on your symptoms, he may recommend another medication or suggest that you stick to therapy for now.

  • Other medications used to treat ADHD include Concerta, Venvanse and Strattera.
  • Tell your doctor about other medications you are taking and if you have a history of drug abuse.

Part 6 of 10: Follow the dosage prescribed by the doctor

Get an Adderall Prescription Step 6
Get an Adderall Prescription Step 6

Step 1. If you get a prescription for Ritalin, don't abuse the medicine

Just take the prescribed dosage and monitor your symptoms throughout the day. The dosage will depend on your age, weight, medical history and other medications you take.

  • The milligram dosage of Ritalin normally prescribed varies between 5 mg and 20 mg.
  • The effects of Ritalin last from three to five hours. The medicine is usually taken two or three times a day.

Part 7 of 10: Watch for Side Effects During the Adaptation Period

Get an Adderall Prescription Step 7
Get an Adderall Prescription Step 7

Step 1. All ADHD medications come with a range of side effects

Anyone taking Ritalin may suffer from loss of appetite, insomnia, headache, dizziness, nausea and nervousness. Effects may improve over time, but it is essential that you report them to your doctor.

If you suffer from any serious side effects such as muscle spasms, hallucinations, high blood pressure, or depressed mood, call your doctor right away

Part 8 of 10: Make your next appointment to talk about your progress

Get an Adderall Prescription Step 8
Get an Adderall Prescription Step 8

Step 1. Make an appointment about a month after the first one

After this time, you will have an idea of how much Ritalin can help you. Talk to your doctor about your concentration, your ability to pay attention and your hyperactivity levels.

Try recording your symptoms in a diary

Part 9 of 10: Ask Doctor to Adjust Dosage

Get an Adderall Prescription Step 9
Get an Adderall Prescription Step 9

Step 1. Ritalin does not work the same for everyone

You may need a higher or lower dosage, or even a completely different medication. If you want to stop taking Ritalin, talk to your doctor about stopping the medication safely. Follow his instructions to the letter.

Stopping Ritalin from scratch can cause health problems such as tremors, headaches and suicidal thoughts. Always talk to your doctor before you stop using a prescription drug

Part 10 of 10: Go to the doctor monthly to get a new prescription

Get an Adderall Prescription Step 10
Get an Adderall Prescription Step 10

Step 1. Ritalin is a prescription drug, so it is not possible to buy it over-the-counter

Make monthly appointments with your doctor to discuss your symptoms and medication dosage. You will also need to leave some information at the pharmacy when you buy the medicine, such as your name, address, telephone number and identification card number.

You may be able to make an appointment by video or by phone

Notices

  • Never buy Ritalin online or from people who are not doctors. Without control, the medicine can be dangerous. Also, you should never take a controlled medication without medical advice.
  • Although it does not contain amphetamine like other ADHD medications, which are not sold in Brazil or Portugal, Ritalin does contain methylphenidate. The compound is related to amphetamines and can lead to addiction. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about your Ritalin consumption.

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