16, Just started with meds. - ADD / ADHD Message Board

Bmwilliams210 · 06-18-2004, 11:13 PM

Hi, I am 16 years old and I just was taken to see somebody about my lack of focus. I have been getting bad grades from about 6-7th grade. Everyone thought it was because My parents got divorced when I was in 5th grade. My parents live within a mile from each other and it does not bother me at all. My dad heard on the radio about this condition and I knew about it through school (Known as the Daily Meds Kids who are retards (Dumb StereoType). I told my dad I wanted to get help as my parents refuse to let me get my license until I get a B average.

I always start a new semester by being organize and completing all Homework and studying. By the 3rd or 4th week I am in danger of failing and Only get the grades up because My parents ground me and sit on top of me to do homework. Even then I still barely get C's. I am not a dumb kid, I always score A's on tests, but never manage to complete homework. I always start the work but never finish it. I end up starting another homework assignment in the middle of something.

I went to the doctor on tuesday and he said I showed many symptoms of A.D.D. He gave me a sample of Strattera. I start with 25mg for 4 days (blister pack) and then move up to 40. I took my last 25mg pill tonight and will start 40mg tomorrow night.

So far I have experienced dizzyness and loss of appitite. I also have had very bad mood-swings. The first two days I woke up in a bad mood. I yelled at my dad and slammed doors and cabinets and threw things. It has not happened again today and I am feeling a little better.

I have not informed my friends because of the reputation ADD has. They wouldn't understand and wouldn't give me time to explain it. I have a few close friends that could understand, but things slip.

I just want to know any comments on my condition or the drug, straterra and its side-effects and Positive Effects. Also I was wondering if there are any more side effects when I go on the 40mg pills.

Thanks,
Brad
Contact me on aim at: bmwilliams2100

WILDDCHILDD75 · 06-19-2004, 09:27 AM

every one is different always keep that in mind. both of my boys took it one it did nothing for him, the other was on it for about a year. it seemed really good for the one but the other just wanted to sleep. give it a few weeks and see how your body reacts to it. keep notes on how you feel every day and anything you don't like and like so when you go back to the dr. you can show them your notes to help them keep you on the right meds and dose. if mood swing get really bad they can add something to help with that also. i've found that both of my boys need a mood stablizer because of the side effects. good luck with the meds and please always talk to your parents and dr. about how the meds. make you feel..

DoubleVision · 06-19-2004, 09:30 AM

Was this doctor a general practitioner or a psychologist/psychiatrist? I am just curious. When I wanted to get my son tested, we had to go through a psychologist/psychiatrist for more accurate testing before the concept of medication could be discussed. The tests took a couple of days to complete and some were to be sent out for results, so it took a couple of weeks to get everything and get it interpreted. It amazes me that some individuals are able to obtain medications so quickly. I am not saying it's inappropriate in this situation, just was wondering what the doc was basing the ADD off of. I hope the medications help you the way you would like them to.

msmars5188 · 06-19-2004, 10:50 AM

Wow, are you sure you're not typing my life story?!? I'm also 16(but im a girl), my 'rents got divorced when i was in 5th grade and my parents(actually just my mom) didnt really believe that i had it and didnt want me to get tested or help, and everything you said about school is like me(except im a perfectionist and im obsessed with grades so i freak if i even get a B on a report card). I know how you feel with your friends situation, i've only told like 4 of mine and 2 of them dont really think its real. I actually just started on concerta yesterday, so we're in a similar boat. Don't fret about everything, the side efffects SHOULD subside and all of the non-believers will get over themselves and if your friends think that you're wierd because you have add then they arent very good friends anyway. If you ever need someone who knows what you're going through, I'm here. I hope everything works out for you and good luck.

Bmwilliams210 · 06-19-2004, 03:03 PM

Thanks, Yea, we are in the same boat. I'm going to hang around here and post a bit. Thanks