Quite often people mistake the loss of side effects as evidence that the med is no longer working. Side effects similar to ingesting a substantial amount of caffeine will dissipate over time. However, with continued use the focus should remain and can be drawn upon during high periods of focus and concentration. If you do build a tolerance, i.e. the med is no longer working as before, then talk with your provider. He/she might suggest a complete change in med or an alternative ADHD med different in structure (other than Methylphenidate) for a “honeymoon period”- and then return to Ritalin. I’ve seen a physician do this with a few of my patients and it was effective.