I was diagnosed with ADD a year ago. The first medication my doctor prescribed was the brand Vyvanse. I'm not very drug-tolerant, so just 20 mg of it made me a little too wired. There's something about the brand name, I think they put some sort of extra chemical in it to make the effects stronger. 10 mg of generic Adderall XR was too little, and I often found myself getting distracted. Now I'm on 15 mg and it's just right. I've been taking it for almost a year now and it's helped me focus every day.
I highly suggest taking a look at a book called "The six types of ADD" by Dr. Daniel Amen. Different ADD medications affect the the different types of ADD in odd ways. What's good for one type is awful for another. He describes the different types, provides case studies, and what worked for them.
Good Luck!
Hi! yeah, I got that book! It's cool...I like the brain pics
today I'm distracted
10mg but...I blame PMS Lol...lots of excuses I have...
yesterday I was sooo productive and my afternoon (today) is so scheduled, I just can't bring myself to stay on task yet..oh well
Thanks for posting your experience with adderall....nice to meet you!
The following user gives a hug of support to LessStress38: gamergirlZimbar (12-15-2011)
The Following User Says Thank You to LessStress38 For This Useful Post: gamergirlZimbar (12-15-2011)
That sounds like a good next book for me to read since I'm still reading his book "Heal Your Brain, Heal Your Life". I've just barely read the first few chapters of it, and I've learned a lot. I've just got to set aside the time to read, and I'm not very good at that at all. Thanks for the recommendation.
That sounds like a good next book for me to read since I'm still reading his book "Heal Your Brain, Heal Your Life". I've just barely read the first few chapters of it, and I've learned a lot. I've just got to set aside the time to read, and I'm not very good at that at all. Thanks for the recommendation.
Aaron
Thanks for checking in! With books, my general rule is....hit the index first...see what interests me....then I browse the middle....Then I check out the table of contents! But that's just me
Bonus if the book has pictures and charts, numbered lists and short paragraphs/chapters
Last edited by LessStress38; 12-16-2011 at 05:15 AM.
So much for my BP ideal
well I did just have lunch....but
it's hanging around 135/85
not super but not 140/90
mood is good
motivation is good
still at 10mg adderall
side note:
I take a medication for chronic tension headaches and I have been able to decrease my dose remarkably within these past two months.
This is something I have been trying to do for 5 months without success until now.
I must say I have greatly reduced my stress. Realizing that my health is more important than over obligating myself. Not sweating the small stuff is not as easy as it sounds sometimes. Everyday has it's unique challenges. I can only do what I can for today.
Hi lessstress (boy that's a lot of s's!),
Are you saying that Adderall is causing your BP to increase? That was always something I watched, and it's a good reminder to me to keep an eye on it now that I've begun taking Focalin XR.
That's GREAT to hear about your tension headache medicine and kind of ironic considering that the stimulants I've tried have all given me bad headaches. I'm very glad for you though, as long as you keep a close eye on your BP. I have a heart condition so high BP to me is especially dangerous.
Actually my BP was improving....now it's hanging around still
mediocre.
I just have to keep up with the exercise.
Hitting the right intensity is key with the intervals.
When I do that I get a second wind later in the day.
Like an after burn effect. Especially if I have a really good strength training session.
Which I'm finally able to ease back into because I am finally finishing up with PT for my knee and back and neck...
I know I must sound like I have been through the ringer....but it has been a rough couple of years...
Stress and I'm sure untreated ADD has had much to do with my ails....
LessStress,
Out of curiosity and on a high level, what does your weekly exercise routine look like? Me, I'm just trying to get in some cardio on most days at this point. Strength training is on the back burner although I know it's important, too. I think I get burned out on weights because I don't keep a record of what I do. When I do try to track it I get too bogged down in details and never feel like my regiment is enough. I have to work out each and every muscle group and do it well and in perfect form. I seem to have an all-or-nothing mentality.
20min moderate-intense cardio (5-6days a week)
20min Strength training is 3 days a week.
stretch in between and after
I like a lifting routine that works more parts at once.
push ups ( work your arms and chest)
lat pull downs (work your arms and back)
Squats and/or lunges (works most all lower body)
Plank for 30sec to a min 3x's for abs
Then another strength day I would :
chest press with dumb bells
seated rows
leg extension machine and/or step ups
abs on swiss ball,crunches
P.S. I don't do bicep/tricep seperate takes to long to do small muscles seperate, I would rather work more together, ya know?
Every month it is important to change a strength program because our bodies get less challenged (we get stronger!!)..I would increase weight and lessen the reps also....
It's one thing I can get really passionate about...I guess because:
1. it's gets me to exert that pent up energy/stress..
2. I can (have to) mix it up enough that I don't get bored
3. (a) find that keeping a written log builds my confidence
(b) can see the gains in strength over time (on paper)
4. muscle fits in jeans easier
5. improves reflex (reaction) time in everyday activities
(really, personal experience, love it)
You could just see how it feels without writing it down....that's how I started out back in 2008
I did keep records for a year and a half and then fizzled out....I'm hoping to start an offical log soon.
Thanks for asking...this post should be just what I need to roll me into steady progress....I have the empty logs printed...I just gotta sharpen the pencils
Last edited by LessStress38; 12-18-2011 at 03:52 AM.
The Following User Says Thank You to LessStress38 For This Useful Post: addventurous (12-19-2011)
Today is a good day so far!
Yesterday was bad.
This rollercoaster is predictable yet not ideal.
My appointment is coming up, thankfully.
blood pressure good today too 109/79
And the sun is shinning!
Still warm for the end of Dec.
Time to get busy! have a great day all!
Ok it has been decided
No more adderall
*big exhale*
feels like a weight has been lifted
it just seems like it was a heavy med for me
had some Ritalin left and it was like cool water this morning
easy breezy, not a care in the world
could see what needed to get done and my nerves didn't budge
had instant insight, My executive office was open for business!
knowing I have only 4 hours stinks but oh well
I am going on Tuesday to pdoc
she will do what she needs to hopefully I can have something else
ritalin based that can last longer
I sent her a message last night
So glad to hear you're doing better. Sorry to hear the Adderall experiment didn't work out, but at least you know now. Does Ritalin affect you BP like Adderall did?
Focalin XR is very similar to Ritalin. You might do some reading up on it. I'm taking it now, but I'm pretty sure I need a higher dosage as 10 mg a day is not enough. (BTW, 10 mg of Focalin is roughly equivalent to 20 mg of Ritalin.) The downside is that it's an extended release pill though it's not truly extended release. It's more like two shots that are times a few hours apart.
So glad to hear you're doing better. Sorry to hear the Adderall experiment didn't work out, but at least you know now. Does Ritalin affect you BP like Adderall did?
Focalin XR is very similar to Ritalin. You might do some reading up on it. I'm taking it now, but I'm pretty sure I need a higher dosage as 10 mg a day is not enough. (BTW, 10 mg of Focalin is roughly equivalent to 20 mg of Ritalin.) The downside is that it's an extended release pill though it's not truly extended release. It's more like two shots that are times a few hours apart.
Good luck!
Aaron
Yeah, my BP is up right now, go figure, I'm not stressed
it's 140/90
I didn't get up to exercise because the adderall messed with my sleep last night..I couldn't fall asleep until 1:15a.m. and if I don't get to the gym before 8am It messes up my schedule...(I have to babysit today)...Anyway, I will watch my BP as the days go by...It can only get better...I'm determined
Thanks for asking
Did your doctor ever mention Intuniv? It's an ADD medication that was originally intended to treat high blood pressure. It's not a stimulant medication (perhaps not as effective as stimulants) and it's brand name ($$$), but it could potentially kill two birds with one stone for you. Knowing you I'm sure you probably know as much or more about it than I do.
Did you have high BP before you started taking ADD meds?
Did your doctor ever mention Intuniv? It's an ADD medication that was originally intended to treat high blood pressure. It's not a stimulant medication (perhaps not as effective as stimulants) and it's brand name ($$$), but it could potentially kill two birds with one stone for you. Knowing you I'm sure you probably know as much or more about it than I do.
Did you have high BP before you started taking ADD meds?
My BP has just started to hang around 140/90 this year.(yes before ADD meds) My last physical the doc said I was pre-hypertension. Nothing to warrant meds.
I did like how the adderall brought the BP down.
I just took my BP now and its still 140/90 blah
I haven't slept well these past two nights and skipped the gym, these past two days...so what can I expect...
I can only prepare for tomorrow to be better by making sure I have my workout clothes ready tonight.
Also....I need to ensure I get a good night sleep. I apparent slept through a thunderstorm last night from what my kids tell me. But I still over slept.
I think because the adderall is getting out of my system maybe?
Any kind of change? Who knows?
I tend to get depressed if I don't workout and it's two days....so today I am feeling not so great...
Upward and onward!!
The following user gives a hug of support to LessStress38: addventurous (12-22-2011)
I am taking what is called Medikinet here in Europe.
I think it is the same as Methylphenidate (Ritalin).
it comes in 10mg capsules and I have been told you can take as many as your body weight.
Meaning I can take up 9 capsules for My 98kg about 220lbs I think.
it is trial and error to find the right dose for yourself.(everyone is different as the Doc says.)
Still sleeping about 4-5 hours a night though.
it seems to stop the aggression but feel it creeping back after three hours.
Some times four
if you take it without eating anything before hand it is like taking speed.
So I am quiet pleased with the effects.
But am starting to see what sort of behaviour I have been using now!.
So it is a little scary.
The Following User Says Thank You to open2 For This Useful Post: LessStress38 (12-22-2011)
I am taking what is called Medikinet here in Europe.
I think it is the same as Methylphenidate (Ritalin).
it comes in 10mg capsules and I have been told you can take as many as your body weight.
Meaning I can take up 9 capsules for My 98kg about 220lbs I think.
it is trial and error to find the right dose for yourself.(everyone is different as the Doc says.)
Still sleeping about 4-5 hours a night though.
it seems to stop the aggression but feel it creeping back after three hours.
Some times four
if you take it without eating anything before hand it is like taking speed.
So I am quiet pleased with the effects.
But am starting to see what sort of behaviour I have been using now!.
So it is a little scary.
When the med wears off you can feel somewhat anxious...make sure you are having a healthy snack around that time...like an apple, some almonds, cheese sticks, yogurt etc. and keep hydrated....water is good...avoid too much sugary items...could make your feelings worse after
Ritalin
for me:
helps with staying on task
getting on task
planning ahead
not getting overwhelmed
not procrastinating
Adderall
for me:
still procrastinate
can't stay on task
difficult starting task
poor focus
at 10 mg some insomnia and moody issues, lazy
pretty much every other day...some days on adderall are ok..but that just means I feel normal, not improved....still struggling...so why bother with it at all...
I actually liked how adderall made me more assertive, I could make up my mind easier sometimes! I could be more decisive. because usually I'm kind of passive...But, that's not what I signed up for...exactly...
Anyone have Ritalin XR?
Last edited by LessStress38; 12-24-2011 at 12:08 PM.
Hi lessstress,
I've been off here for a few days with the holidays and all. I hope you (and everyone) had a very merry Christmas although I know it can be a very challenging time for some. Is the Ritalin still working for you? I hope so. Whenever one of us finds a med or combination of meds that helps them we should all celebrate!
Yesterday took my 20mg of Ritalin LA at 8a.m.
and it went for the 8 hours it's suppose to
so that was 4p.m.
Don't know how this week will go with kid's going back to school....
I need to be ready and able in the morning to get them to school and also after school I need to be ready to handle the influx of
life's wonders So...that being the case...8 hrs isn't going to be long enough!
I guess I need to plan ahead as to what I am going to do.
Last edited by LessStress38; 01-02-2012 at 10:01 AM.
)
because usually I'm kind of passive...But, that's not what I signed up for...exactly...
