So I’ve just picked up my ADHD meds, it’s called Methylphenidate Hydrochloride also branded as Ritalin, Concerta XL, Medikinet, Equasym XL.

It is described in the information leaflet I was supplied with as a ‘central nervous system stimulant’. The desired effect when taken with ADHD is to increase attention, reduce impulsiveness and hyperactivity, and improve focus and behaviour.

It works on the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine. When reuptake of those neurotransmitters is halted, its concentration and effects in the synapse increase and last longer, respectively. Therefore, methylphenidate is called a norepinephrine–dopamine reuptake inhibitor.

I had a consultation via video call yesterday late morning with a pharmacist working for Skylight Psychiatry and I was impressed with him. His knowledge and sense of humour made him good company and we’ll check in again in three weeks to see how it’s going

Due to other prescription meds I’m taking it was decided to go for these rather than amphetamines in the first place and over the next three weeks I’m meant to increase my dosage by the week.

I have to be careful with caffeine and opt for low/no caffeine alternative drinks and if I forget to take the meds I should leave it for the day if after midday as it may the chance of a decent sleep. It stays in your body for 8-12 hours as it’s a modified release version that is taken once a day in the morning.

Apparently I may experience a bit of a rush at first but need to take care not to chase that feeling as it wears off and settles a bit over time.

I’m curious to see if I feel any different from taking the meds. Equally I’m cautious not to lose myself in this and numb parts of who i am by taking these.

As with pretty much all drugs there are known side effects so I’ll need to look out for what changes I experience.

I hope that the impact is akin to going from watching an SD television all your life to changing to HD. So extra focus and better working memory would be nice.

I took my first tablet at 10.30am and am waiting to see if anything happens! It’s now almost two hours on and nothing to report yet.

In terms of cost, I have these through a private provider commissioned by the NHS so normal prescription charges apply. This was through the Right to Choose route and from the referral in early October 2025 it took around five weeks for assessment and then a further seven months for medication.

Let’s see eh? I’ll let you know how it goes.