I was diagnosed four years ago with ADD and started on Ritalin. I was amazed at the benefits of this medication. For the first time in my life I was able to stay on task and constant boredom wasn't a major problem. After about 18 months, I noticed that I was developing a bit of agitation so I went to my Doctor and asked him if it might be necessary to increase the dosage since I'd been at a dosage that was the same as my 12 year old son for the last 18 months.
My doctor stated he didn't believe in treating adults with ADD with Ritalin so he moved me to Wellbutrin SR. The effect was similar however, it was accompanied with signficant sleep disturbances and sexual disfunction.

I've been on Wellbutrin for a couple of years and my ability to concentrate has declined steadily, my sleep disturbances have increased steadily and my sexual disfunction increased steadily.

Is there any reason why an adult should NOT be on Ritalin? I had no sleep, concentration or sexual disfunction issues when I took it, it just seemed to start losing it's effectiveness and a mild agitation was setting in.

Any feedback would be appreciated?

I'd like to find a Doctor in the Dallas, TX area who doesn't rule out using Ritalin for adults. I think it's silly that this Doctor doesn't consider it a viable treatment when it worked so well for me.

[This message has been edited by Inquisitive (edited 11-25-2002).]

See a different psychiatrist that deals with adult ADD regularly. I take wellbutrin SR and adderall, and the the wellbutrin after about a year started to lose it's effectiveness. I started to take Adderall XR @ 10mg and it has increased the effects again. It's actually better with the added adderall than it was with just wellbutrin.

I've noticed that taking DLPA and L-tyrosine really increases the effects of the meds. You may want to look into adding those also since they are precursors to the neurotransmitters that ADD meds work with.

Can you tell me what is DLPA and L-Tyrosine?

Thanks

They are amino acid supplements that can be bought at any healthfood store. Also try adding omega-3 fish oil.

OMG, ditch that doctor fast. Ritalin is a simple stimulant with no bad long terms effects that anyone knows about. I used to take Ritalin but I found that I get about the same effect from Excedrin for migraines. Ritalin was a bit too strong for me.

The long term effects of Wellbutrin and all the other antidepressants are totally unknown. I personally think prescribing a stronger medicine for something when a lesser one works fine is totally irresponsible.

[This message has been edited by gerbilsnout (edited 11-30-2002).]

find another doctor!

I am taking ritalin for 7 years and it saved my life!

The only thing I would sugest is to ask you NEW doctor to let you try Ritalin LA (Log Acting), and the farmacutical company gives away a free 30 days trial.
It comes in 20/30/40mg and you take one in the mornning and figeddabouddit.. it provides a leved drip of the med, and it does not have the ups and downs you get with the regular ritalin..

I'm pleasantly surprised at all the replies I've recieved.
I have an appointment with a different Doctor this week.
During the inbetween time I'm trying some of your recommendations and I'll let you know how it goes. I'll appreciate any further advice and thanks for getting involved.

I also am taking Ritalin LA 40mg X 2. Seems to help, my neurolgist says it is much better then the generic. How can I recieve 1 month trial? My understanding is that because this type of drug is (Scheualed) No samples are avaiable. It is expensive, but since it helps...

Hey, if you cant get anywhere with any of the DRs let me know and I can ask my ADD DR about any DRs in your area that can help you, I just love my DR who treats my ADD, anyway, let me know what you find out with the new DR
Beckie

Inquisitive, we have the same problem where we live. They believe treating adult ADD with Prozac, etc. Like to have never found a doctor who would give Ritalin, especially your regular family physicians. We couldn't understand because it helped so much and the only thing that helped, but they wouldn't listen. Do not give up trying. We called around until we found one. They told us that adults were more prone to get addicted than children. Also resale. Good luck, badgirl.

What is the cost of Ritalin? Do most insurances cover it?

most insurance co should cover ritlian.

I am a 52 year old man diagnosed with ADD 7 years ago. For the first year I tried every combination of ADD meds imaginable. I believe the reason why your doctor may be against perscribing Ritalin is because it was basically developed for children with ADD.

What I found works best for me is Dexedrine. I've self lowered my dose from about 65 mgs per day when I started out to 30 - 40 mgs. I find this to be the best maintenance level. I take 150 (SR) of Wellbutrin per day as this keeps the Dexedrine at a smooth consistant level. Dexedrine has many peaks and valleys because of its short half life. My doctor has found Dexedrine to be the most effective med for ADD. Almost 50% of his practice is adult ADD.

Hope this helps
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flsandman - http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

My doc lectures about ADD/ADHD across the country and is well up on treating adults as well as children.

I've been taking Ritalin, and I love it. I, too, feel the quality of my life has been improved dramatically. I cannot take generic, however, because I had a reaction to it.

I've been on the same dose, my body has not developed a tolerance to it, I have not needed to increase medication or add any other medications to it, and the effectiveness has been quite steady.

Perhaps because I responded so swiftly and positively (and so dramatically) to it, we're just leaving everything alone specifically because it works. Why they'd treat adults differently than children is unknown to me....unless some doctors feel adult disorders are more related to depression and they feel children are too young to manifest signs of depression? I'm not sure.

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Life isn't what happens to you -- it's how you react to it!

Hello.
I'm new to this site, but I would suggest you see about trying Concerta. I am an ADHD adult and was on Ritalin for about a year. The Ritalin helped but I became immune to it in addition to having blood problems. I had a major drop in iron and an increase of triple the amount of red blood cells I shove have ( in other words, anemia ). I was treated for the blood problems and the situation has improved. I also went to a new psychiatrist, Dr. John Steffek in Houston, who is a leader in his field. I think you mentioned trying to find a psychiatrist in Dallas. It's too bad you're not in the Houston area, because I highly reccommend Dr. Steffek.

Anyway, he did some tests on my daughter and I, ( something our last psychiatrist didn't do ) and explained alot of things to me that me understand many things about myself and my daughter. He also explained that Ritalin only lasts about 4 hours. There is a high point for a couple hours, then it crashes. This is what I was experiencing while on Ritalin. Constant fatigue was a major part of being on it. He started me on Concerta, which has the same medication as Ritalin, but unlike Ritalin, it is an extended release medication which gives you the benefit of the medication throughout the day with ONE DOSE in the morning, unlike Ritalin as I have said which you have to take at lease twice a day.

I am doing MUCH BETTER with Concerta. It might be an option for you. I will pray for you for continued good health and that your questions about ADHD will be answered as mine have been.

Be blessed.

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Have a Blessed Day! 3 John 2




[This message has been edited by mstreye (edited 03-15-2003).]

Merrida,
Maybe THAT was the problem! I was taking generic Ritalin (methylphenidate) too! I do like Concerta though as I stated in the first post.

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[This message has been edited by mstreye (edited 03-15-2003).]

Inquisitive

I started about 7 years ago on Ritalin and have since switched to Conserta. I like the Conserta, because with the 4 hour Ritalin, I got peeks and valleys, like was mentioned here before. Get a new Dr. If he will not help you.

I was interested in what you said about the Wellbutrine and sexual problems. In addition to the ADHD, I also have depression. I was taking Serzone, but it had the usual sexual side effects, nearly impossible to climax during sex. I switched to Wellbutrine, and now I can achieve an orgasm, but I am having a problem with impotency. I am able to climax, but I have a difficult time getting or maintaining an erection. Viagra works, but I am still wondering if the Wellbutrine, or the combination of Wellbutrine and Conserta are having an effect on my erection (or lack there of). I know that when ever you take a cold pill that is one of the non-drowsy types with a stimulant in it, that will effect your ability to get an erection, and I am wondering if the Ritalin and Conserta, being stimulants may have some effect.

Also, I do get irritable and sometimes have a problem with anger. Note sure if any of my meds are contributing to that or not. I may just have the usually frustrating life.

Any help anyone can lend would be appreciated.

I just wanted to say that, even though I did not post a question, etc., I really got a lot of useful information from all of your posts. Thanks!

JessP

Hello, Gerbilsnout-

I am wondering if it's the caffeine in the Exedrin for Migraines that helps you. Do other products that contain caffeine help you, or just the Exedrin?

JessP

Hey, this post has taken on a life of it's own. My system crashed and I've just now recovered all of my old email and here I am.
I finally found a psychologist who referred me to a Doctor who has no problem with dispensing medications to properly diagnosed patients.
I'm currently taking Concerta 36MG a day. I'm under a lot of pressure and experiencing some anxiety right now so my ADD is not a concern.
I'm sleeping much better. My new Doctor is great, communication is excellent.

I was 38 when I was diaganosed with ADD, and was on Ritalin for 2 yrs, my body started needing more and more Ritalin so I was switched to Dexedrine. have been on it at almost the same dose for 5 years. Dexedrine is also an old drug more mellow on the system. Then about 2 years ago I started on Fish Oil (omega 3 fatty acids) and have been able to reduce my meds by 50%.
Wish you the best of luck.

How does your current treatment affect your sex life?
I tried Omega 3 for a month and didn't notice anything different, does it take a while to be effective?

Hi,
i live in Arlington Texas and have never taken anything but anti-dep for add. can you tell me what doctor in garland or dallas that you use. are the medication that you guys discuss any better?? the anti-dep do not do much for me

This reply is for flsandman...

I'm not even sure if this is the right place to ask...

I am 21 and i was 'diagnosed' with ADD when i was younger, however my mother didn't beleive in ADD and of course her son doesnt have it, right!. Anyway, i never was on medication and never was admitted to that i have ADD... i had sort of figured it out along the way.

Anyway... back to point, I am looking for a Doctor in Coral Springs, Fl who someone has used so i am not just going blindly into an office. Any suggestion?

Thanks

I was diagnosed with ADHD when I was 10 and I am now 33. I stopped taking Ritalin when I went to college and never went back. After getting married, having two small children and now expecting twins...I am reliving all of the symptoms of why I started taking Ritalin in the beggining. I can not finish anything I start, I am constantly distracted by my kids and the list goes on. I want to go back on some form of medication after the pregnancy to get my life back. I feel like I have lost myself in all the frustrations and stress of life.

Does anyone know anything about taking a stimulant drug during pregnancy? I have an appointment with my OB next week, so I plan on asking him.

Thanks for any suggestions! SUsan

Do NOT take a stimulant when your pregnant. Wait until after before you restart ritalin.

My husband and two of my sons, aged 7 and 13 have been diagnosed with ADD. They have all been on Concerta for the last two years (one year for my 7 year old). It was life changing for my husband and sons - we have had very postive results. My huband recently switched to Straterra with mixed results. The meds. are costing my family a fortune! Have any of you tried straterra? What are the differences between that and Concerta? I am concerned because I have heard that your body builds a tolerance for the ritalin/concerta; do any of you know if this is true? What do you do when you've exhausted that option? I know I'm full of questions. I was thrilled to see someplace like this that I can get input from others who are in the same boat. Thanks, Lisa Mc

I've know I've had ADD since from the moment I 1st heard the phrase 5 years ago, but at the time i thought its affects where limited to my bad memory for faces and inability to finish a book. When for the 1000th time i couldn't finish a book i WANTED to read i decided to research this ADD, no call ADHD.

Over the past few days I've been amazed at what I've dicovered. I'm a classic inattentive ADHD suffer. The failure to finish projects, the under achiving, disorganisation, heyperactivity. And all these years I've thought I was just ecentric.

Right now I dont even have the ability to read some of your longer post but I've found a great sense of kinship with you all, and I am a little more hopeful and hope my next post will be when I'm feeling a little bit better.

Problems I created for myself mean I dont have any Health Insurance now so it'll be a little while B4 I get myself straighted out. But this is the year I turn things around.

Thank you All.

---I'm Not Crazy, I'm just a little Unwell---



[This message has been edited by SnowDa5_9 (edited 04-29-2003).]

Is Dexedrine a form of methylphenidate (Ritalin)? I love Concerta but it doesn't seem to love me. I started out on Ritalin and had reactions to it and now I seem to be doing the same thing with Concerta. I'm trying not to go to Adderal because my insurance is very "proud" of it.

Someone please let me know. Thanks!

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Have a Blessed Day! 3 John 2