Has anyone had experience making this swap?  I currently take 10mg Dextrostat in the morning, 10mg in the afternoon. I know Dex is rarely prescribed, it's one of the two ingredients in Adderall and swapping is probably the same experience. If I don't take it, the effect is immediate and I can't really wake up.

 

I'm leaving in just a few days- only just realized I can't take my meds and got a substitute prescription for instant releases Ritalin (methylphenidate) 10mg am, 10mg noon.  Plus two extra per day if/as needed.  I'm worried though- Ritalin works differently.  Will I be able to get up in the mornings?  Should I add coffee/vivarin? Definitely not?

 

I'd love to hear if anyone has experience making the temporary swap.

Even related to an air trip (?), I think this is better in the health/medicine forum.

 

Moved.

 

You did not explain what you condition are taking this for, which makes a big difference. In any case the doctor who prescribed it is the best placed to advice on whether, for your specific condition, Ritalin will work just as well.   While they are different drugs, action is similiar so a lot depends on having the correct equivalent dose and right dosing schedule. I can't advise re caffeine etc not knowing why you are on this drug and your general medical history. 

 

But I can say that it is probably not wise to make such a change immediately before travelling abroad, especially to a country like Thailand where the quality of psychiatry is not very good and drugs of this class are strictly regulated/hard to get rpescribed. Would be better to stabilize on the new drug at home first

 

Be advised that  Ritalin  is a strictly controlled substance in Thailand (dextrostat is altogether banned) . Have a doctor's letter with you.

 

"Travellers may carry for personal use: Limited quantities are allowed for personal use (30 days of prescribed  usage).  A medical treatment letter/prescription from the prescribing physician

is required."

http://permitfortraveler.fda.moph.go.th/Upload/Restrictions on psychotropic substances.pdf