A member asked:

Can ritalin (methylphenidate) help with depression?

3 doctors weighed in across 2 answers

Dr. David Hoffman answered

Specializes in Clinical Psychology

Some related sxs: Ritalin (methylphenidate) is not considered a significant mood enhancer. However, it is used in depressed patients when issues of concentration/attention are an issue and when neuro-vegetative sxs are pronounced like excessive sleep, tiredness and fatigue. Myth that Ritalin (methylphenidate) only worked w/ ADHD is not true. Can help people with any of the sxs described here. All the best on your quest for answers & health!

Dr Haghighat agreed

Answered 7/16/2019

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Dr. Kathy Robinson answered

No: Ritalin (methylphenidate) is for attention deficit disorder. It may temporarily help with depression by increasing energy but may even make it worse in the long-term. It is best to be on a medication that is proven to treat depression if that is the diagnosis.

Answered 3/22/2018

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A member asked:

Can ritalin (methylphenidate) help with depression?

3 doctors weighed in across 2 answers

Dr. David Hoffman answered

Dr Haghighat agreed

Dr. Kathy Robinson answered

Related Questions

A member asked:

Hi docs, my son is 16, ADHD and depression on 1mg abilify, 17mg methylphenidate, 112.5 venlafaxine. Took abilify for 3-4 weeks gained 8 pounds and always feel hungry. But abilify worked a lot for his depression but he is already overweight, whatto do?

A member asked:

I got diagnosed with ADHD and depression and currently on methylphenidate and prozac, I have taken prozac for 5 months and methylphenidate for 2 weeks. And after I have a really low sex drive and I can't maintain an erection? Is it caused by it?

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Can long term use of methylphenidate in adults cause depression as a side effect? Would antidepressants help with that?

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My son is 15 and was diagnosed with depression 6 months ago, and yesterday he was diagnosed with ADHD.My physiatrist prescribed prozac 20mg and 18mg methylphenidate and will gradually increase the dosage of methylphenidateAre there any issues?

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Interaction between Aripiprazole(@low dose) with Methylphenidate(antipsychotic &stimulant) in Treatment-resistant atypical depression?

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