Does Ritalin make you "dumber" ??


Question:
Before I started taking my meds, no matter how hard I'd try, I would only get B-, but not because I didnt understand the material. I was always able to learn material quickly so I would tutor my friends.. .but they would get better grades than me! It was very frustrating to be the smart kid who got bad grades.

However, ever since I stated taking my meds, not only was I able to learn the material even quicker, I started getting great grades. However, I hear that ritalin cause brain damage. My DR assures me that's crap but I just dont want to take Ritalin, or any meds, anymore.

Unfortunately, it seems like I'm stuck because Ritalin made me "dumber." Maybe it's just in my imagination, but that's how I feel. Before, I was able to do my work, it would just take me a very long time and I would make some mistakes. Now, if I dont take Ritalin I make alot of STUPID mistakes.

Can any of you, in college, who used to take ritalin but then stopped tell me your experience? I would realy appreciate it. Thanks for reading.

Answers:
When I was in High School, I was prescribed Ritalin. I was able to understand the material, but never seemed to get good grades. After being on Ritalin for 4 years, I quit taking it and have gotten only A's since. It has been very difficult for me to concentrate and I have a harder time concentrating (as well as learning the material), but I wouldn't say that it makes you dumber. I feel like I have to work harder nowadays than I did when I was on Ritalin, but now I am free of all the terrible side effects the drug has.

Other Answers:
Smart enough to ask..
Doesnt make you dumber just much calmer.Some ive seen almost like a zombie.
Try another doctor.
It isnt working for you and now that you are in college you may be able to find other methods for concentrating and learning.
B- is not a bad grade either.
I dont think it caused brain damage.
You may need a little time to adjust if your not taking it anymore.
No. I doesn't make you dumber, so to speak.

I took something similar.

All it does it focuses you more, and calms you down a little.
You are right to discontinue it. Drugs can only treat symptoms not causes.

A natural Chinese herb might help you. It is known as Huperzine A. It increases the most abundant neurotransmitter in the brain that also is critical to memory.

It focuses me. And I don't need it that often.


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