Newbie here. Scanned posts & haven’t seen as much for Ritalin…..

My story: 25 year history of depression (along with some anxiety & PTSD). Spent 25 years trying all the SSRIs, SNRIs, A/Ps, with no complete remission of low mood & residual anhedonia (no interest, pleasure, motivation.

Until I was prescribed Ritalin (as add-on) to Effexor about 3 years ago. I responded extremely well & snapped out of the low anhedonia. Was functioning really well for about a year. Didn’t abuse, was taking as prescribed 30-40mg per day.

Then of course efficacy wore off, tolerance, I tried taking long breaks…different formulations.

Now getting very little benefit if any. When I do take it, Im still anhedonic, lethargic with no pleasure/ motivation. But at least I can shower/ take out trash/ go outside (versus lay in bed)!

1.) I know everyone’s different. But is this fatigue/anhedonia/no pleasure permanent in most cases? How soon might I feel relief?

2.) Is it true that Ritalin is much safer/ less physically addictive/damaging than Adderall? As its a DRI (not a dopamine agonist).

3.) What supplements helped you the most when quitting?

4.) Has anyone successfully switched to a non-stimulant drug (like MAOI) for anhedonic depression? With longterm success??

I’m literally disabled from this & not able to work due to fatigue. And lifestyle things (healthy eating, exercise) aren’t helping. I feel dead.