Quitting Ritalin can feel like hitting a wall. Your energy crashes, the mood swings take over, and your body struggles to adjust. If you or a loved one is coming off of Ritalin, you may be wondering how long these feelings will last.

While everyone’s experience with the drug is different, there are a few things you can expect. In this article, we’ll cover:

If you or someone you love is going through Ritalin withdrawal or struggling with an addiction to the drug, you’re not alone. The team at Alamo Behavioral Health can guide you toward treatment programs to support long-term recovery. Contact us at any time to learn more about your options or to schedule an intake appointment.

What Is Ritalin?

Methylphenidate, also known as Ritalin, is a central nervous system stimulant that can be used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. The drug works by changing the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This can improve your ability to focus and give you more control over impulsive or problematic behaviors. It can also help you feel more alert and less fatigued.

While Ritalin can be helpful for some people, it can also be addictive, especially when taken in high doses. Since it’s classified as a Schedule II controlled substance, it’s important to tell your doctor if you’ve ever had a substance use disorder. They can help determine whether the drug is right for you.

What Is Ritalin Withdrawal?

Ritalin withdrawal happens when someone who has been regularly taking the drug stops taking it or reduces their dosage. Since Ritalin affects chemicals in the brain, when a person stops taking it, their body struggles to adjust, which can cause uncomfortable symptoms. While withdrawing from Ritalin isn’t life-threatening, the symptoms can make it difficult to do, and relapse is common.

Ritalin Side Effects vs. Withdrawal

It’s crucial to understand the difference between side effects of Ritalin and withdrawal symptoms that occur when stopping the drug. Although some of these may overlap, experiencing withdrawal is different from having side effects. Some common side effects are loss of appetite, nausea, and insomnia, while more serious ones include:

• Mood swings and behavioral changes
• Suicidal thoughts
• Irregular heartbeat
• High blood pressure
• Allergic reactions like hives, swelling, or itching
• Stroke
• Weight loss
• Vomiting
• Psychosis

If you experience any of these, reach out to your doctor right away.

Alamo Behavioral Health accepts many major insurance plans, including:

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Common Ritalin Withdrawal Symptoms

Withdrawal symptoms can vary from person to person, but may include:

• Increased appetite
• Fatigue
• Depression or anxiety
• Headaches
• Insomnia or hypersomnia
• Suicidal thoughts
• Hallucinations
• Nightmares or other sleep disturbances
• Irritability
• Dizziness
• Brain fog, confusion, or forgetfulness
• Trouble concentrating
• Hyperactivity
• Lack of motivation

How Long Does Ritalin Withdrawal Last?

How long Ritalin withdrawal symptoms last depends on factors such as:

• What dosage was being taken
• How long the drug was used
• How the individual’s body responds to the process
• Whether professional treatment is pursued

Certain people may be more sensitive, causing their symptoms to linger. Those who have been on the drug for a long time might also experience more intense, prolonged symptoms. For most people, symptoms subside within 1-3 weeks, but others may need a month or longer to feel fully recovered. However, those who choose not to follow a medical detox plan typically have more severe, longer-lasting symptoms.

Ritalin Withdrawal Timeline

Although the withdrawal experience varies by person, here is a general timeline you can use to understand how long it may take for your symptoms to subside:

• 72 Hours: After the person stops taking Ritalin, they often start to experience symptoms within the first three days. If they were taking a high dose, symptoms could start earlier. Sleeping difficulties, irritability, cravings, and headaches are among the common early symptoms.
• One Week: Ritalin withdrawal symptoms tend to get the worst by the end of the first week. Nausea, fatigue, depression, and mood swings make this stage increasingly uncomfortable.
• Two Weeks: Once the person reaches the second week of withdrawal, their symptoms tend to start to subside. However, cravings for the drug, along with psychological symptoms like anxiety or depression may persist longer than the physical symptoms.
• One Month: By the one month mark, most symptoms have usually disappeared, with the exception of depression, anxiety, and other mood changes. Professional support is critical during this time to prevent relapse.

How to Manage Ritalin Withdrawal

Medical professionals generally don’t advise someone who is addicted to Ritalin to quit cold turkey. Instead, it’s recommended that they gradually taper off the drug while being medically supervised, whether that’s in a treatment facility or through an outpatient program. Those who detox from Ritalin on a controlled schedule may find that they never experience withdrawal symptoms.

Other helpful methods for managing Ritalin withdrawal include therapy and self-care techniques like exercising and spending time with loved ones. Lifestyle changes like exercising regularly, getting plenty of sleep, and drinking enough water can also promote healing.

Finding Support for Ritalin Withdrawal

If you or a loved one is experiencing Ritalin withdrawal, you don’t have to work through it by yourself. Alamo Behavioral Health provides several support options for Ritalin withdrawal, including detox programs and addiction treatments like inpatient and outpatient rehab. If you’d like to learn more about what your insurance will cover or have more questions, don’t hesitate to reach out for help.

Resources:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482451/
2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/methylphenidate#:~:text=Methylphenidate%20(Ritalin)%20is%20a%20central,reuptake%20of%20dopamine%20and%20norepinephrine.
3. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2013/010187s077lbl.pdf