I have been diagnosed with ADHD recently. I am 22 now and have always known I had "something". I dropped out of school and have had so much trouble focusing on any one thing. My doctor told me that I probably would have breezed through High school if I was on medication, but my dad thought he was doing me a favor by not putting me anything. He didn’t want me to turn in to a “zombie”. Oh well...

(Parents… At least have your kids try medicine. Your child can always stop taking the medicine if the side effects are too strong.)

I am going to talk to my doctor about starting medicine on Thursday the 24th. I am very worried about some of the side effects I have been reading about, especially Strattera. I was thinking about asking him about trying Ritalin first. Please give me some input on what you feel would be the best for me.

I like having lot's of energy ad(H)d. I want to be able to GET THINGS DONE. I want to be able to GET STARTED! I want to see VAST IMPROVMENTS! Thanks for the input!

Matt

It's never too late to start a new chapter in your life -- a chapter that should be greatly enhanced through the assistance of medication to funnel all the great energy and creativity that comes with our condition of ADhD.

Ritalin/Adderall/Dextro worked best for me. But everyone has a unique reaction to each type of med.

Best of luck.

I have been diagnosed with ADHD recently. I am 22 now and have always known I had "something". I dropped out of school and have had so much trouble focusing on any one thing. My doctor told me that I probably would have breezed through High school if I was on medication, but my dad thought he was doing me a favor by not putting me anything. He didn’t want me to turn in to a “zombie”. Oh well...

(Parents… At least have your kids try medicine. Your child can always stop taking the medicine if the side effects are too strong.)

I am going to talk to my doctor about starting medicine on Thursday the 24th. I am very worried about some of the side effects I have been reading about, especially Strattera. I was thinking about asking him about trying Ritalin first. Please give me some input on what you feel would be the best for me.


I like having lot's of energy ad(H)d. I want to be able to GET THINGS DONE. I want to be able to GET STARTED! I want to see VAST IMPROVMENTS! Thanks for the input!

Matt

Sorry, I have to say your dad had your best interest at heart. Ampetamines have many ill health/side/adverse effects.

And guess what? They are no guarentee. You may not have breezed through high school, sometimes the meds don't work, or sometimes they work then poop out after awhile. Sometimes there are underlying social or emotional issues associated with lack of motivation for school.

Lots of people on these boards have complained about that. Also, breezing through high school isn't the end all be all of life. My son struggled through it, barely, but I never expected anything from him however, but a passing grade, I wasn't that worried about his getting A's, so he never felt any pressure. But despite all his difficulty, he finally found something that turned him on...computer programming....suddenly, not only is he signed up for college(after years of putting it off) but he is getting those A's.

From what I've read about ADD, he surely has it. But he's managed just fine without pharmaceuticals (they really are drugs, aka "uppers") and already, even while still in school, has landed a job that in less than 6 months he will be making more than anyone in the office other than the bosses because of his skill-warrented pay raise comming in 3 months...

So don't blame your dad and lack of meds. People can do fine without the meds, my son did.

My nephew, however, did not do well on meds when he was diagnoised. School grades did improve, but he started to have mood swings, sleep problems and fatigue after a few months on the meds. When his parents took him off, they feared the worst school -wise but strangly enough he later improved in that area without meds, in fact, he's actually very intellegent they've discovered....

IMHO, meds are not the entire answer, the entire end-all-be-all of it.

Also, Your doctor should not have made you look down on your dad for not giving you meds....he has planted the notion your father was not a good father by saying what he did, and it helped him sell you on medication(actually, it's really pharmaceutical speed)

My mother-in-law once studied psychology, and the usual first line approach in that profession is to blame or scutinize the parent. That's why she didn't pursue her studies in it any futher , as she respected the efforts of her own parents in raising her and thought it was disrespectful and brainwashing.

Hi Matt --

There is no need to be so worried. ALL MEDICATIONS HAVE SIDE EFFECTS!!!

I am a 21/F (with ADHD) and have been taking Adderall XR since last year. It has done wonders for me!!! So don't believe all the hype you hear about how "dangerous" these meds are. It seems that a lot of people like to blow things out of proportion... ahem....

Anyway, before getting on Adderall I was highly impulsive (acted w/o thinking first), I had an extremely difficult time concentrating, made careless mistakes, procrastinated, I interupted people constantly & could not sit still for the life of me. I didn't even have the attention span to sit through a 2-hour movie (even if I was interested in it). I was doing poorly in my classes & just had a complete lack of focus in general.

Then Adderall came into my life.....

The effects began almost immediately. Suddenly I was able to concentrate on anything (boring or not), I could sit perfectly still for once, I became *extremely* motivated & my grades rose drastically (from low Cs to As). I can now sit through an entire 3-hour lecture on pathophysiology (I am a nursing student) without my mind drifting off for even a second. It's like I am just as motivated to wash the dishes as I am to go out & party. I feel like a new person!!!

Now, I am not going to lie, I have experienced a few side effects from this miracle drug. I sometimes have trouble falling asleep at night (amphetamines can cause insomnia), but nothing I can't handle. I also went through a period of depressive-like symptoms which is uncharacteristic of me (possibly in relation to the fluctuating dopamine levels caused by stimulants). That has now cleared up, however & I am back to being my perky self. The only other side effect I've experienced is weight loss. Before starting the drug I was at my ideal weight of 125 lbs (I am 5'6"). I now weigh in at a scrawny 100 lbs. This is due to the fact that Adderall speeds the metabolism and depresses appetite. I am currently trying to put on some weight.

If you are an all-around healthy individual, I wouldn't worry about possible side effects. If you truly have ADD/HD that is impacting your life in a negative way, these drugs may be the answer to your problems!!!

Oh, as a side note, there have been rumors floating around about how the reason behind Canada's (maybe temporary) ban of Adderall is because "it killed a bunch of people". Know what? That has been blown COMPLETELY out of proportion, thanks to the internet (don't believe everything you read). Just to set things straight, here is an excerpt of what the FDA had to say:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Of 12 total cases of sudden death, five occurred in patients with underlying structural heart defects (abnormal arteries or valves, abnormally thickened walls, etc.), all conditions that increase the risk for sudden death. Several of the remaining cases presented problems of interpretation, including a family history of ventricular tachycardia, association of death with heat exhaustion, dehydration and near-drowning, very rigorous exercise, fatty liver, heart attack, and type 1 diabetes mellitus. One case was reported three to four years after the event and another had above-toxic blood levels of amphetamine. The duration of treatment varied from one day to 8 years. The number of cases of sudden deaths reported for Adderall is only slightly greater, per million prescriptions, than the number reported for methylphenidate products, which are also commonly used to treat pediatric patients with ADHD.

When one considers the rate of sudden death in pediatric patients treated with Adderall products based on the approximately 30 million prescriptions written between 1999 and 2003 (the period of time in which these deaths occurred), IT DOES NOT APPEAR THAT THE NUMBER OF DEATHS REPORTED IS GREATER THAN THE NUMBER OF SUDDEN DEATHS THAT WOULD BE EXPECTED TO OCCUR IN THIS POPULATION WITHOUT TREATMENT. For this reason, the FDA has not decided to take any further regulatory action at this time. However, because it appeared that patients with underlying heart defects might be at increased risk for sudden death, the labeling for Adderall XR was changed in August 2004 to include a warning that these patients might be at particular risk, and that these patients should ordinarily not be treated with Adderall products.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

As you see, these cases of sudden death occured in CHILDREN. Not adults. And about half had underlying/unrelated medical conditions.

If you're a healthy person, there is probably no need to worry. Talk to your doctor about your concerns & good luck!!! I hope you find the treatment that works for you :)

Sorry, I have to say your dad had your best interest at heart. Ampetamines have many ill health/side/adverse effects.

And guess what? They are no guarentee. You may not have breezed through high school, sometimes the meds don't work, or sometimes they work then poop out after awhile. Sometimes there are underlying social or emotional issues associated with lack of motivation for school.

Lots of people on these boards have complained about that. Also, breezing through high school isn't the end all be all of life. My son struggled through it, barely, but I never expected anything from him however, but a passing grade, I wasn't that worried about his getting A's, so he never felt any pressure. But despite all his difficulty, he finally found something that turned him on...computer programming....suddenly, not only is he signed up for college(after years of putting it off) but he is getting those A's.

From what I've read about ADD, he surely has it. But he's managed just fine without pharmaceuticals (they really are drugs, aka "uppers") and already, even while still in school, has landed a job that in less than 6 months he will be making more than anyone in the office other than the bosses because of his skill-warrented pay raise comming in 3 months...

So don't blame your dad and lack of meds. People can do fine without the meds, my son did.

My nephew, however, did not do well on meds when he was diagnoised. School grades did improve, but he started to have mood swings, sleep problems and fatigue after a few months on the meds. When his parents took him off, they feared the worst school -wise but strangly enough he later improved in that area without meds, in fact, he's actually very intellegent they've discovered....

IMHO, meds are not the entire answer, the entire end-all-be-all of it.

Also, Your doctor should not have made you look down on your dad for not giving you meds....he has planted the notion your father was not a good father by saying what he did, and it helped him sell you on medication(actually, it's really pharmaceutical speed)

My mother-in-law once studied psychology, and the usual first line approach in that profession is to blame or scutinize the parent. That's why she didn't pursue her studies in it any futher , as she respected the efforts of her own parents in raising her and thought it was disrespectful and brainwashing.

Well, I thank your for your comments. I do have to say I am a little on edge from the "tone" I received from your over all message. I love my parents and I am not angry that they did not try to get me medication. All I was trying to say was that it could not hurt to at least let your children try using mediation for a short amount of time. At least know for sure if it would help them more than hurt them.

I understand that a lot of people no *** have ADD that doctors might think have it. A lot of people just have a lack of motivation in order to actually apply themselves. I have to say that is NOT me. I am always trying something new, but I can never stick to it. I jump from place to place, frustrated with the lack of results. I want to get back to school in the worst way, but I just can't yet....

I understand that medication might not be "THE ANSWER", but I have to try. A lot of people who have add grow to be a little compulsive. Seeing that I know I DO have ADD, I am finding it hard to get back in to my daily routine of life. Knowing that there is a SMALL possibility that medication could be the answer I am looking for has clouded my brain like no other. I HAVE to at least try. Once I know for sure if medication works or NOT I will be able to move on....

Hi Matt --

There is no need to be so worried. ALL MEDICATIONS HAVE SIDE EFFECTS!!!

I am a 21/F (with ADHD) and have been taking Adderall XR since last year. It has done wonders for me!!! So don't believe all the hype you hear about how "dangerous" these meds are. It seems that a lot of people like to blow things out of proportion... ahem....

Anyway, before getting on Adderall I was highly impulsive (acted w/o thinking first), I had an extremely difficult time concentrating, made careless mistakes, procrastinated, I interupted people constantly & could not sit still for the life of me. I didn't even have the attention span to sit through a 2-hour movie (even if I was interested in it). I was doing poorly in my classes & just had a complete lack of focus in general.

Then Adderall came into my life.....

The effects began almost immediately. Suddenly I was able to concentrate on anything (boring or not), I could sit perfectly still for once, I became *extremely* motivated & my grades rose drastically (from low Cs to As). I can now sit through an entire 3-hour lecture on pathophysiology (I am a nursing student) without my mind drifting off for even a second. It's like I am just as motivated to wash the dishes as I am to go out & party. I feel like a new person!!!

Now, I am not going to lie, I have experienced a few side effects from this miracle drug. I sometimes have trouble falling asleep at night (amphetamines can cause insomnia), but nothing I can't handle. I also went through a period of depressive-like symptoms which is uncharacteristic of me (possibly in relation to the fluctuating dopamine levels caused by stimulants). That has now cleared up, however & I am back to being my perky self. The only other side effect I've experienced is weight loss. Before starting the drug I was at my ideal weight of 125 lbs (I am 5'6"). I now weigh in at a scrawny 100 lbs. This is due to the fact that Adderall speeds the metabolism and depresses appetite. I am currently trying to put on some weight.

If you are an all-around healthy individual, I wouldn't worry about possible side effects. If you truly have ADD/HD that is impacting your life in a negative way, these drugs may be the answer to your problems!!!

Oh, as a side note, there have been rumors floating around about how the reason behind Canada's (maybe temporary) ban of Adderall is because "it killed a bunch of people". Know what? That has been blown COMPLETELY out of proportion, thanks to the internet (don't believe everything you read). Just to set things straight, here is an excerpt of what the FDA had to say:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Of 12 total cases of sudden death, five occurred in patients with underlying structural heart defects (abnormal arteries or valves, abnormally thickened walls, etc.), all conditions that increase the risk for sudden death. Several of the remaining cases presented problems of interpretation, including a family history of ventricular tachycardia, association of death with heat exhaustion, dehydration and near-drowning, very rigorous exercise, fatty liver, heart attack, and type 1 diabetes mellitus. One case was reported three to four years after the event and another had above-toxic blood levels of amphetamine. The duration of treatment varied from one day to 8 years. The number of cases of sudden deaths reported for Adderall is only slightly greater, per million prescriptions, than the number reported for methylphenidate products, which are also commonly used to treat pediatric patients with ADHD.

When one considers the rate of sudden death in pediatric patients treated with Adderall products based on the approximately 30 million prescriptions written between 1999 and 2003 (the period of time in which these deaths occurred), IT DOES NOT APPEAR THAT THE NUMBER OF DEATHS REPORTED IS GREATER THAN THE NUMBER OF SUDDEN DEATHS THAT WOULD BE EXPECTED TO OCCUR IN THIS POPULATION WITHOUT TREATMENT. For this reason, the FDA has not decided to take any further regulatory action at this time. However, because it appeared that patients with underlying heart defects might be at increased risk for sudden death, the labeling for Adderall XR was changed in August 2004 to include a warning that these patients might be at particular risk, and that these patients should ordinarily not be treated with Adderall products.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

As you see, these cases of sudden death occured in CHILDREN. Not adults. And about half had underlying/unrelated medical conditions.

If you're a healthy person, there is probably no need to worry. Talk to your doctor about your concerns & good luck!!! I hope you find the treatment that works for you :)

Thank you SOOOO much for your reply! I was very VERY concerned about Adderall, but you helped ease my mind. I am exactly the same way you are except for I can sit through movies and I eat to medicate myself. Actually, the thought of Adderall sounds GREAT to me now. I am really hoping that I can stop eating as much once I start the medication. I eat when I am bored.... And that's a lot!

What I hope medication will do for me: I want to be able to READ A BOOK! I want to be able to sit at my desk and not have to get up every 20 minutes because I have to "move around". I want to be able to hold back some. I want to be able to keep my apartment organized and I WANT TO REMEMBER WHERE I LEFT THOSE STUPID KEYS! Plus a lot more.....

I really hope this stuff helps! Thanks for your help. I am looking forward to hearing from you again. I start medication tomorrow, not sure what yet, and I will update by Monday with my story so far! THANKS!

Well, I thank your for your comments. I do have to say I am a little on edge from the "tone" I received from your over all message. I love my parents and I am not angry that they did not try to get me medication. All I was trying to say was that it could not hurt to at least let your children try using mediation for a short amount of time. At least know for sure if it would help them more than hurt them.

I understand that a lot of people no *** have ADD that doctors might think have it. A lot of people just have a lack of motivation in order to actually apply themselves. I have to say that is NOT me. I am always trying something new, but I can never stick to it. I jump from place to place, frustrated with the lack of results. I want to get back to school in the worst way, but I just can't yet....

I understand that medication might not be "THE ANSWER", but I have to try. A lot of people who have add grow to be a little compulsive. Seeing that I know I DO have ADD, I am finding it hard to get back in to my daily routine of life. Knowing that there is a SMALL possibility that medication could be the answer I am looking for has clouded my brain like no other. I HAVE to at least try. Once I know for sure if medication works or NOT I will be able to move on....

Very sorry my tone caused you to be on edge, it's not my intention at all. I just felt bad because of what you said about your dad, apparently, I mistook your tone as well on that subject. We parents try hard, do our best, love our kids, but still make loads of mistakes anyway!

It's ok if you are trying the meds; please, I do hope you will be very vigilant on monitoring side effects, any loss of efficiancy or tolerance, etc. and always get a physical each year to make sure everything is ok.

Protect your health, without it, being smart won't matter so much....I know because I've seen alot of people with bad health/disorders and it is heartbreaking to witness the suffering.

I know other things besides drugs cause ill health, there are no guarentees in life, sure, but I would think alot of people would be more into preventing things from happening....not all, but some of it is in our control.

You may be just fine with the meds, I do hope so. Good luck in your venture to find a better way of life! :wave:

Thank you SOOOO much for your reply! I was very VERY concerned about Adderall, but you helped ease my mind. I am exactly the same way you are except for I can sit through movies and I eat to medicate myself. Actually, the thought of Adderall sounds GREAT to me now. I am really hoping that I can stop eating as much once I start the medication. I eat when I am bored.... And that's a lot!

What I hope medication will do for me: I want to be able to READ A BOOK! I want to be able to sit at my desk and not have to get up every 20 minutes because I have to "move around". I want to be able to hold back some. I want to be able to keep my apartment organized and I WANT TO REMEMBER WHERE I LEFT THOSE STUPID KEYS! Plus a lot more.....

I really hope this stuff helps! Thanks for your help. I am looking forward to hearing from you again. I start medication tomorrow, not sure what yet, and I will update by Monday with my story so far! THANKS!

Just a side note on this: The FDA's leaning towards drug companies' interests have increased due to the appointment of Daniel Troy, a former advocate of tobacco industry amoung others. He has reduced the number of letters of warning to drug co's about misleading advertising; now, all must have his approval before being sent; he delayed the investigation of ephedra despite the large amount of deaths, and numerous other things that involved public health safety he tried to block in favor of some manufacturers.

I guess I'm trying to point out we must scrutinize anything published by the FDA because of special interests with the drug co's. An FDA member recently went on T.V to expose the goings on there, he felt he was responsible and needed to set the record straight about the influence of drug cos. One interview on T.V and that's the last I heard of him, seems those things get buried and forgotten very soon.

Canada and the UK haven't the same interests because of their socialized form of medical care. I tend to listen more to their reports on drugs because it seems to come from a more honest place... in my own personal opinion anyway.

I'm not saying the FDA is completely wrong or twisted; I'm just saying we should not take everything they report/do as "gospel". After all, they are putting Vioxx back on the market despite all those deaths that were not judged as normal numbers.

Hi Matt --

Sorry it took me so long to reply, haven't been around the computer in awhile. So what meds did your doctor end up prescribing? Are they working as well as you'd hoped? I truly hope you find something that works. If the med you are now taking doesn't seem to do the trick, there are plenty of others out there. Don't give up!!!

I can completely relate with what you said about wanting to be able to read a book. Before I started on the Adderall, I would have so much trouble comprehending anything I read (especially uninteresting school books), reading had become a chore. I would have to read something 20 times before it'd sink in. My mind just wouldn't stay focused, my thoughts would always be drifting to other unrelated things. Adderall has given me that focus I so desperately needed. I not only read faster now, I comprehend everything the first time around, which saves me a lot of time. I can finally stay focused on what I'm reading, instead of on what I'm doing this weekend, who I need to call back, etc.

If you are taking stimulant medication (like Adderall, Dexedrine or Ritalin/Concerta), the weight loss will come naturally. Just make sure you're getting your proper nutrients. Maybe start taking a multivitamin. Also, drink plenty of fluids because stimulants are pretty dehydrating. You'll probably notice that after drinking something you'll be running to the bathroom 5 minutes later. So make sure you drink lots of water to stay hydrated!!!

I hope all is going well with you! Keep us up to date on your progress!

Take care :)

.-* Malibu Barbie *-.

MalibuBarbie,
I'd keep that "nursing student" thing on the down low here. Health Boards might kick you out for being in the medical profession, or move your posts to a different forum. It probably doesn't count yet, because you are still a student, but I know one other poster got moved for mentioning something (offhand) about being a nurse. They are pretty strict here. I got locked out for a few days, and I can't figure out why. I checked the posting rules, and I think it's because I quoted something out of a book. (I cited the book, but I think it's still against the rules, so I'm never gonna do that again, just in case!) I love this message board, and I never want to get locked out again. I almost cried. Everybody should check out the link at the top of the page about posting rules. There's some pretty strict rules that you don't normally see on other boards. It's more than just "no foul language" and "no web links." I was suprised at some of the stricter rules, and I accidentally got busted on one of them, so it pays to re-read them from time to time. Hope this helps. (Actually I hope it doesn't hurt. I really hope I'm not getting you or myself in trouble! They don't give you a warning or an explanation.)

Amy --

Thanks for the tip, I obviously wasn't thinking when I posted that message. I, too, got booted a couple of weeks ago for quoting something that was on a website. You're right -- the rules are pretty extreme (when compared to other message boards), but I think this board was really a great idea & it seems to run pretty smoothly, so...

Anyway, thanks again, have a good day!

The DR. put me on Adderall Xr 30 mg, but it was making me have some UNWANTED stomach problems.. If you really want to know I will tell you, but I won’t until someone asks. I REALLY liked the how it made me feel, but the side effect out weighed a little bit.

After a week I finally got a prescription to Concerta 36 MG. I hope it works the same, but I am worried that I will need a higher dose. I will start the medication tomorrow and I will post in a few days on how it makes me feel.

Thanks for the support!

The DR. put me on Adderall Xr 30 mg, but it was making me have some UNWANTED stomach problems.. If you really want to know I will tell you, but I won’t until someone asks. I REALLY liked the how it made me feel, but the side effect out weighed a little bit.

After a week I finally got a prescription to Concerta 36 MG. I hope it works the same, but I am worried that I will need a higher dose. I will start the medication tomorrow and I will post in a few days on how it makes me feel.

Thanks for the support!

Yes, my nephew had alot of stomach aches while on Adderall. His mother didn't know that was a side effect and accused him of faking it for attention. I brought it to her attention that stomach aches were indeed a side effect and he was not faking anything.

When they finally took him off of it due to the emergence of strange mood problems after being on it awhile ( unwarrented crying spells) both the stomach aches and mood problems left.

Both Adderall and the subsequent try at Strattera seemed to work at first for him but side effects ended up too much for him, now he's off all meds but school work has improved anyway for him this last year.