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Mental Health > ADD and ADHD Forum > Ritalin/cocaine Interference
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Q: Ritalin/cocaine Interference
asked by: jacksonjlp on November 17th, 2007
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I am a 28 year old male. I was prescribed Ritalin LA 30 mg around 6 months ago. I was always aware that I had difficulty focusing. After 30 minutes of taking the Ritalin in the morning I would receive a pretty great high. It lasts about an hour. I have had many experiences with cocaine in my youth and this is the exact same high. The morning buzz is no longer that strong but there is still a little energy push 30 minutes after taking the pill. Before I ask my question I must first state the following:
1) I don’t know how they can prescribe this to children. This is a powerful drug.
2) I don’t condone the irresponsible use of any prescribed drug or the use of any illegal narcotic.

Now for my question. On occasion, there is a presence of cocaine within my circle of friends. In the past, I would do a line or a bump and receive the typical cocaine high. Ever since being on the Ritalin, cocaine has Zero effect on me. I mean nothing. I have tried different batches and it is almost as if my brain is completely immune to it. I know this sounds as if I am some addict wanting to get a buzz. That is not the case at all. I am concerned that I somehow either burnt out any receptors that are triggered by cocaine or if the Ritalin acts as some sort of blocker. I just hope it is nothing serious. Please assist me in any knowledge that might shed some light on this concern of mine.

I thank you in advance.
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ladylee70
replied on November 17th, 2007
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For most individuals that truly have ADHD and use Ritalin, it doesn't give them a high feeling. I wonder if you difficulty focusing is due to your previous drug use. Stimulants like cocaine can have permanently alter your brain chemistry. Meth is the worst.

You do pose an interesting question, though.
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sandyallen
replied on November 17th, 2007
Extremely eHealthy
Maybe you should talk to your Dr. about this.
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ladylee70
replied on November 17th, 2007
Extremely eHealthy
Did you tell your doctor you get a high feeling from Ritalin?
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jacksonjlp
replied on November 17th, 2007
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I have mentioned this to my doctor. She was confused by the reaction and didn't exactly understand it. I have no intentions on using illegal substances again and I am slowly coming off the ritalin.
This is just very odd and I would love if to know if anyone had a similar situation.
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la2211
replied on June 1st, 2009
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JACKSONJLP-
I am expierencing the EXACT same reaction with the only difference being that i am prescribed adderall XR30 mg. I enjoyed cocaine on occasion years prior to the adderall. The rush was typical. I began adderall and after a few months got re introduced to cocaine. The effect was completly different. I felt no rush, nothing at all. Cocaine then had the complete adverse effect, making me extremely tired and almost "in a cloud".. I can only think that my prolonged use of adderall somehow blocked the receptors linking the cocaine to the feeling of a rush. I have not been able to find much information explaining this and everyone i explain this to is at a loss as well. any luck finding any answers?

-thanks
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Sophie_Fatal
replied on June 6th, 2009
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My best guess is that you've conditioned yourself to the dose- cocaine and most add meds are amphetamines- the more you do, the more tolerance you have- which is why people get so severely addicted because they have to increase the amount they take if they have built up an immunity- same goes for any of the "caines" novacaine at the dentist (if they even still use it) would have to be administered in a high enough dose to supersede any immunity in order to have an effect.
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Cocaine
replied on July 8th, 2009
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About the 1) I dunno how doctors... prescribe ritalin to children... pwerful drug. (Don't feel lile typin' it all out.) I think they (doctor) have done some sort of testing with it. So, it should be safe.
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tournhtid
replied on August 5th, 2009
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Maybe because you really dont have add. It is possible, that since meth and cocaine are similar in their effects to the brain that you have possiblly made your tolerance high. Therefore your body needs more to feel the same effects.
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lookabug
replied on August 31st, 2009
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You may not have ADD. When I was younger (prior to diagnosis) I tried cocaine (on 2 separate occasions - quite a bit too), and it did absolutely NOTHING. ADD is caused by faulty neurotransmitters (specifically epinephrine which is a byproduct of dopamine). Cocaine works by increasing dopamine. If you get a buzz from Ritalin and/or cocaine, then it would appear that there is nothing faulty with your neurotransmitters, and therefore you probably do not have ADD.
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jusme1974
replied on August 31st, 2009
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I myself have been on Adderall, 30mg 3x/day. I just started it, but I know I have ADD, cuz when I take my meds, I am normal, thoughts are straight and not bouncing here, there, and everywhere... Like for me on cocaine tho.. I am the complete opposite. Non stop jibber jabber, cant sleep... etc. The Adderall helps me focus, and I can fall straight asleep if I have nothing to do, or be in the greatest mood ever, less on edge. So... I am definitely not a DR!! But, I get what ur saying.. I don't know, my doctors don't get me either.. ~34yr old Female~ Doubt I helped u any, but just thought U'd like to know ur not alone... (and I don't do coke all the time... It also shows up in our circle of friends...) I don't judge, I listen and give my honest opinion...
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ttoonnyy
replied on October 5th, 2009
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i have ADHD, and having ritalin as a kid did have an obvious effect when i think back. the same as the effect speed and base have on me. though those drugs dont affect me anywhere near as much as they do other people. I cant ever feel a buzz or anything, but i usually wake up in slightly stranger and further away places from home than usual. (i was drunk for the 6 years that included all those times)
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