30 with ADD. Having trouble

Hello,

My name is Brandon. I am a 30 year old male. I am self employed and a pretty well liked guy. In school I was the kid who couldn't sit still. When I was in 5th grade I was diagnosed with Add / Hyperactivity. I was on 10mg. Ritilin for 2 years. After that time I have not used it since. A friend suggested I read a book lately called driven to distraction. This really opened my eyes.

When I was younger I thought the ritilin was just to calm me down. I never really realized that how unfocused I really am until I read that book. I just though this is the way I am.

Anyways, As of lately I went back to see my family doctor to let him know that I thought medication could help. He reviewed my chart from the previous years and saw that Ritilin was prescribed back then so he prescribed it for me now. It's been 2 weeks.

My problem is the effects of it. ( Ritilin SR ) The first 2 days were excellent. I could really concentrate and focus. I was so excited. Not so now. I take the pill at 7:00 a.m I feel a mono tone feeling until about 10:00 am. I'm Not happy, I'm not sad, just kind of blaaaah sort of. But between 10:00 and 11:30 I feel the effects of being able to concentrate and have the ability to focus. This only lasts for about an hour or so then I go back into the mono tone mode again. I feel sort of cranky after this.

My doctor is not an expert in this field. I am currently taking 20mg 2 times a day. I have been taking 3 times a day. The effects were the same. They just seemed to be a little smoother.

My doctor wants to try Dexedrine. Has anyone had the " Feelings " I quess you could say, That I am talking about. It seems as though I need more mg. but he says that's as high as it goes. Any information as what to what I can let my doctor know would be greatly appreciated.

I have always liked myself and been well liked ,I am a naturally happy guy. Now that I know what it's like to feel clear headed and focused ( Even if it's only for an hour or so )I really hate the thought of not being able to find the right combination to make my thoughts clear and focused.

Thank you Brandon


[This message has been edited by Brandon (edited 01-03-2001).]

[Kista]

Hi Brandon,
I have not had the experiences with Ritlin that you have, because I cannot get a Dr. to diagnose me. I have read enough and I know that ADD is what I am dealing with. It is frustrating but I can't tell you what a relief it is to know that these things happen for a reason and that I am not just a buffoon.
I would suggest that you go to a Dr. who is experienced in these matters. That way you don't have to wade thru your current Dr's trials and errors. You sound like a smart, cool guy and I wish you lots of luck.

Email me if you want.
Frances

[agteach]

I would recommend a therapist. I was resently diagnised and wasplaced on adderall. I am very pleased with my results. I am extremely hyperactive. I am a middle school teacher who needs to be alert. I had a great morning yesterday on my adderall. I would recommend getting away from a family phyician and seeking professional help from people who deal specifically with this everyday. If i can be of any assistance, please email me at agteachsls@aol.com. I am new but I am doing my research on adult adhd everyday. Sherrie

[AJI]

Brandon,

It's good to hear that you sought treatment, however,it may have not been the right one. I have ADD without the Hyperactivity, therefore Ritalin would not really be the drug for me. My doctor has me on Zoloft, which is for chemical depression, but also affects the part of the brain that focuses. It helps me alot without giving me a "zombie" like personality. Talk to your Dr. Chances are that you may have grown out of the Hyper side of ADHD, and may not need treatment for that, just the ADD.

Hope this helps,
AJI

Hey Guys,

Thank you for the replys. To fill you in a little,some things have changed. I feel for the better. I spoke with my doctor last week on the issues I mentioned with the " Mono tone " feelings I have been having since I was on the Ritilin. As I said, He mentioned possibly trying Dexedrine. ( I was a little skepticle at first. From what I have read, Dexedrine and Ritilin are very simular but can work in different ways ) We'll, It's working!! and very well at that. He has me on Dexedrine Spansil 15mg( 10 hr time release capsules )

I have no sensations of ups and downs. Just focused. I am very clear headed all day. I actually only realize that it's worn off around 7:00 p.m. Not because of a letdown feeling, but because I can feel myself getting sort of "Pent up inside " I quess you could say. ( That's when I turn on the radio and put the t.v. on mute and just watch and listen ) Ha, Ha. Not really though. ( Those of you with the HD, I'm sure you know what I mean.)Or something simular to this.

But really, It's working for now. Hopefully things will continue.

I just cant believe how much better things are going. It's amazing. One example: I have never been able to talk on the phone without pacing. Not the kind of call where those telemarketers are trying to sell you something, Nobody really listens to them anyways, So I can sit thru those ) I'm saying a conversation that is important. I think the pacing around helped me to expel some energy so as I could actually stay focused on the conversation. We'll, I notice that I can retain and stay within the conversation weather I'm sitting or pacing! I am so excited.

Oh, By the way. I agree on the therapist. When I was in 5th grade, My teachers had me evaluated by the school councelor. They weren't sure If I was smart and just not interested and working up to potential or If they simply assumed I capable of more and I really wasn't. We'll the councelor made a mention that I should be tested for hyperactivity ( ADHD wasn't known widely back then )

The school had a specialists come in and I had to do a bunch of test type stuff. I think it took about a week or 2 to complete. It was him who read the results as being hyper. ( I dont know if it was ever said as being ADHD ) I'm not sure.

So from there he requested or mentioned the possibility of medication. That's when it all started. I really dont know why it was stopped. I think I had alot to do with it. I hated going to the nurse to get my pill.

We'll guys, It's getting late. I just wanted to say thank you for the replys and help. I will stay in touch and keep you posted.

The first post below mine ( I cant remember the name.) mentioned getting diagnosed. I think you are probably going to have to see a neurologists or therapist. Something along those lines. My doctor in no way would have prescribed this for me if it had not been for the evaluations in the years past.

As I said I am self employed ( Construction to be exact ) I do not have medical insurance for myself, which is why I skipped the recent evaluation and went strait for the medication route. I figured it would either work or it wouldn't with relatively little money involved.

We'll guys, Good-Nite and thank you.