By Savana Robinson
I am on a cocktail of drugs at all times, and a new flavor was recently added to the mix. Meet methylphenidate, also known as Ritalin: the stimulant used to treat ADHD. There’s only one problem, but it’s a big one. Having bipolar I and schizophrenia, taking this medication puts me at risk for having a manic episode.
Besides Ritalin, I take three medications: Vraylar, Vistaril, and Wellbutrin. They all work well together. Vraylar keeps me at a good baseline, Wellbutrin helps keep the lows from being too dramatic, and Vistaril helps keep my paranoia from spiking. Adding this new medication is supposed to help me stay focused on tasks for longer periods of time. To me, this sounds like the perfect plan. I’ve got something to keep me stable, something to keep me happy, something to keep me calm and now, something to keep me focused.
So far, it’s working out well. I still struggle to get started with tasks but once I get going, it’s easier to keep up the momentum and not get distracted. I’ve only had a couple of moments where I’ve needed to be mindful of how fast I’m talking, but I haven’t had any other symptoms of oncoming mania.
Other than my medication, my support system is my biggest helper. I have a great team of people who care about me and know when I’m not myself. If I’m ever not acting like myself, they tell me and I can do something about it.
I do want to leave you with one thing. Medication is not a cure; think of it as a tool. It can help you achieve your goals, but only if used correctly.