My psychologist diagnosed me with ADD about 5 years ago. My doctor has tried me on Adderall, Ritalin, and Dexadrine, none of which helped my symptoms. I just started a temp job recently and after not working for quite awhile, it's been a real change for me. I thought I'd lose it the first couple days, as I really was struggling to keep my composure. I went to my doctor and described the feelings I'd get, like my face getting hot, my hands sweating, feeling overwhelmed around people, etc. He said that it sounds like my inability to concentrate and get work done isn't so much caused by the ADD as much as it is by Panic Disorder, which I didn't know I have. He put me on Klonopin and Lexapro and they've made such a difference. At first I felt really tired on them and still do feel more tired than I did before I started taking them, but I'm willing to put up with the sleepy feeling rather than go back to the way I was before. So I just thought I'd tell this in case any of you have tried ADD meds with no luck. Consider the possiblity that you might be like me and have Panic Disorder. I'm not saying that I don't have ADD, but I do think that my bigger problem is the other one.

Not only do I feel better at work now and able to accomplish more, but I don't feel like such a scatterbrain around the house anymore. Before, I'd have lots of things laying around waiting to get done, but now I can actually focus and do the things instead of keep putting everything off. I feel like I've accomplished more here at the house in the past week than I have in the several months before that. I used to go from one room to another thinking, "Now what did I come in here for?" or "Oops, I forgot to bring the other thing along I wanted." I'd end up going back and forth, back and forth, but now it's like my whole brain pattern has changed and I can think ahead and put things in order in my head. My husband has noticed the change in me too. Klonopin and Lexapro have really made a huge difference for me!

I'm really glad that you've found something that helps you!

I guess you are maybe a prime example of anxiety/depression causing ADD symptoms. Would you say that's true?

comeonnow,

I am very happy for you. Brain debugging has got to be the most difficult thing going. There are so many variables. A good doctor is so important. A few months ago I switched to a lady doctor solely because I heard she has two ADHD kids. That was the best medical decision I have ever made. She is as smart as can be in detecting those all important nuances that separate one brain disorder from another. How terribly important that is when writing the prescription. I guess her skills come from natural intelligence, hard work and having a personal stake in the outcome.

Bob

I'm really glad that you've found something that helps you!

I guess you are maybe a prime example of anxiety/depression causing ADD symptoms. Would you say that's true?
Yes, pretty much. I have still have trouble being organized and working fast and accurately when I'm being rushed, but at least I don't feel panicky anymore when I'm being rushed and at least can think more clearly than I could if I'd be panicky. Just last evening I was telling my psychologist the difference that my new medication has made for me, but she's not happy that I'm on Klonopin and says that it's addictive. She's rather see me take something else and suggested Selexa.

comeonnow,

I am very happy for you. Brain debugging has got to be the most difficult thing going. There are so many variables. A good doctor is so important. A few months ago I switched to a lady doctor solely because I heard she has two ADHD kids. That was the best medical decision I have ever made. She is as smart as can be in detecting those all important nuances that separate one brain disorder from another. How terribly important that is when writing the prescription. I guess her skills come from natural intelligence, hard work and having a personal stake in the outcome.

Bob
It seems like not too many doctors out there know much about ADD. My doctor actually has ADD and I think he's a very good doctor. I used to go to a different one too but am glad that I switched to him.