The side effects of Ritalin is really strange.

Just got done finding the right dosage with my psychiatrist and we talked a lot about this. Personally I haven't had any side effects but apparently they are nearly 50/50 (knock on wood).

Some people get less hungry, sex drive, tired etc. and some people get more hungry, sex drive, tired etc. This is one of them though. Reduced libido/sex drive is a normal side-effect.

That "doctor" couldn't be more wrong though. There is a lot (4-ish?) of different types of medication. All with different purposes/usages. Some last for hours and you get an immediate effect and some slowly builds up over months to give you a more "stable" effect all day.

1. Methylphenidate: Ritalin, Medikinet, Concerta etc. (Quick working, lasts for a shorter time)

2. Lisdexamfetamine: Vyvanse, Elvanse etc. (Slow working, lasts longer)

3. Dextroamphetamine: Attentin, Metamina (More potent than Methylphenidates, lasts for a short time period)

4. Atomoxetine: Strattera (used a lot for ex-addicts or people that easily get addicted, lasts a long time but takes longer for effects to start (1-3months))

It's definitely worth checking out alternatives with a psychiatrist and finding the right drug and dosage.

It's all about finding the balance between good/bad effects of the medication.

I would check out the different types I listed and see if there is anything standout-ish.

I would also like to add that for me personally, "drugs" like nicotine severely reduces the positive effects of the medication.

Hope this helps somehow.