I have been using Ritalin on and off for the past two months. At first it was stimulating and energizing. As of late, I feel drowsy as soon as it kicks in. No matter the dose, 10mg, 20mg, or formulation, IR, XR, I feel sleepy as soon as I take it. This drowsiness persists until the medication wears off. I still reap the benefit on mental energy and improved focus but the sleepiness makes me have to take a nap. As an interesting aside, antipsychotics seem stimulate me but impair my cognition.
I had similar reactions to SSRIs and NRIs. The first month or so they were very stimulating and promoting of wakefullness. Over time the exact opposite occured and they would induce drowsiness. Can anyone elucidate a mechanism as to why this is occuring?
