What should I do?! - ADD / ADHD Message Board

fcarea · 06-21-2004, 02:25 PM

I just joined the board today. This year I have gone through hell at school. I just finished grade 11 (my last exam was today). In both grade 9 and 10, I managed to pull of an 89% average. I don't know what it is this year yet, but I'm sure it's way lower. Last year my math mark was a 93%, this year I'll be lucky if I have a 60% on my report card.

What I am trying to get to is the fact that it wasn't until this year that my ADD has really affected me that much. I was diagnosed with it a long time ago (I think I was in about grade 4 or 5) and was medicated with Ritalin for a short period of time after that (a year at the most). For whatever reason, I wouldn't admit to having ADD to my parents. I would refuse to talk about, and eventually refused to take the medication completely. They eventually gave up and that was the end of it. I only had 60's and 70's throughout my elementary school years until grade 8 when my marks went way up for no apparent reason (I think they would have been this high the whole time if I had stayed on Ritalin). I almost convinced myself at this point that I didn't need the medication. That is until this year when my marks have rapidly deteriorated.

I can't stand the way I am right now. Before this year, I planned on going into medicine (probably psychiatry), and very well could have if I was able to maintain my marks. Now I can't concentrate on anything. I don't do my homework, study for tests (or exams!), and so on. The batch of exams I just finished writing I found particularly hard to study for. For Example, I had almost an entire day at home to study for math, and believe me, I tried, but I just could not concentrate. To make it worse, now I am beginning to get depressed about this whole situation. I just feel that I can't go on without help. I have a major problem with admitting weaknesses to my parents (I think it all started with denying my ADD diagnoses way back). I want to tell them about my ADD and other ADD-related disorders that I am sure I have, but it just never seems like the right time. I just can't get the words out of my mouth. If I did tell my Mom, she would probably be fully supportive (unlike a few parents that I have read about on this forum and others), but, as I said, I feel unable to.

Another concern of mine is what the right treatment is. Today I have read absolutely horrifying stories about children taking Ritalin. There have been cases of heart failure, veins constricting, and even death (to name a few of the extreme cases). I am not very concerned about these side-effects as I am sure they are quite rare, but one that I am very concerned about is the weight loss. I have a fairly high metabolism and probably can't afford to loose very much weight. I also workout regularly at a gym, so I am sure you can see my concern. I just don't know whether the advantages out-weigh the disadvantages. One thing is clear, though: I need help, and immediately.

Sorry for writing this extremely long post. Maybe it's not wise to write something of this length on an ADD forum! I'm just kidding. Anyway, any advice or input of some sort would be really appreciated

. I don't know what to do.

Thanks,
fcarea

Vintage Wine · 06-21-2004, 03:42 PM

Hi and welcome to the board! If you are worried about the weight loss, that's understandable. Take your medicine with meals. I have a high metabolism, too so I eat alot of carbs, starches and calories. Also take a good multi-vitamin, which sometimes will make you hungry. I also either skip the meds on the weekends or take a smaller dose.

Talk to your doctor and he should give you a good check-up before starting you on an amphetamine since you are concerned about what you have read.

If you still aren't comfortable going with an amphetamine, there are other options. I am not aware of what is as effective as an amphetamine but others on here might know.

dietcokefreak · 06-21-2004, 04:11 PM

All the medicine used for ADD can cause weight loss. Amphetamine is twice as strong as the same dose of ritalin, and dexidrine is twice a strong as the same dose of adderall. (20, 10, and 5mg respectivley). Straterra is non-stimulant and may not cause such an extreme appetite loss as amphetamines would; and wellbutrin-sr is also an option as it is used sometimes to treat add. You have a few options. Good luck!

Bmwilliams210 · 06-21-2004, 08:20 PM

Hi, I am 16 and just started taking Strattera for my newly Diagnosed ADD. Tomorrow will mark my first week. I have not noticed a change in behavior except for my moodswings and sleepyness (i take the pill at night!)
In reply to your weight loss concern I have noticed that I had no appitite for the first two days and now I am back to normal. In fact I just downed a Foot long sub from Subway and a bag of chips with a nice DR. Pibb. I usually could do that before Strattera and I do have a very high metabolism.. I still have no clue how those subs fit into my Stomach! Anyways... Ask your Doctor about Strattera or go to http://strattera.com

fcarea · 06-22-2004, 12:26 PM

I probably should have also mentioned the fact that I often experience a lot of anxiety over stupid things (probably an anxiety disorder). I have not talked to a doctor yet about this, but I do know that a side effect of Ritalin is increase anxiety. I also read that people with anxiety disorders should refrain from taking the medication itself. What options do I have?

Thanks!

fcarea