|
So I probably have ADD, and am in a test program where I take 1 tablet of some knock-off ritalin brand (10mg m.phenidate) 3 times a day for a week, which I have, and as of today I take 3x2 tablets a day instead. Those of you with ADD or related diagnoses: How long did it take for you to feel a change for the better, if the mp treatment worked for you? I come from a background of anxiety, depression and substance abuse, but as of today I've been clear from everything but the ritalin and the occasional alcohol binge (yes, I am aware that this may keep me from feeling the effects of the ritalin, and yes, I do everything in my power to do it as little as possible.) for nearly a month. I seem to feel much more able to 'think on my feet' and do some of the things I plan to do, which sounds lame but it is a pretty big improvement in my life. I guess I primarily wonder if I am going to feel MUCH better in the two weeks of treatment (I have to tell my psych if I feel it works or not in a week, and it seems like a really hard and odd question), and what side effects I can experience? I have some sleep issues and a bit of over-stimulation if I don't eat enough while taking it, but other than that I seem like myself.
|
#
¿
Nov 18, 2011 18:22
|
|
|
|
| # ¿ Apr 25, 2024 20:21 |
|
|
I feel as if it easier to think about my chores and make plans, but I still don't get them done - It is easier to concentrate and think about doing some of them, and I just feel better. I don't know, though, I've always heard stories like yours and assumed it was either a great improvement or the wrong med for me..
|
|
#
¿
Nov 18, 2011 20:12
|
|
|
2508084 posted:I posted this in the MH thread, but I'll add a bit here. I was in a similar spot when I started taking adderall, told my doctor what I told you to say, and he upped me. The upped dosage did help, but its still a lot of footwork to get all my stuff done because doing boring adult stuff is still boring. I don't, and I know I should, but I'm not even at the place where I can stop being depressed I can't do anything and find the energy to write them. And as I said the ritalin hasn't changed that although I concentrate somewhat better and feel a little happier on it - however, that could just be an amphetamine buzz, could it not? I used to abuse speed because it improved my mood or to get out of bed.
|
|
#
¿
Nov 20, 2011 17:18
|
|
|
I thought about getting back into antidepressives, but yeah, I've been there and it really really sucked (tried a regimen of citalopram and cymbalta, and both hosed me up horribly - put on weight, got painful boils and rashes all over and got even more depressed to the point of suicide thoughts and great lethargy), so I swore never to do it again, and with my personal trainer (who's a dietist and kinesiologist and all-around awesome) I got off it cold turkey and had a full three months of horrible withdrawals. Been off meds (save ritalin and the drug/alcohol abuse) for almost a year and I feel much better off for it. However, I am coming to embrace the fact that I might have to take other meds of some sort, especially when I start therapy in january. In my experience, starting to work with depression and past trauma make me abuse and feel sadsacky a lot more than usual. Tias fucked around with this message at 16:42 on Nov 21, 2011 |
|
#
¿
Nov 21, 2011 14:14
|
|
|
Gave me hope too, thanks. I know being anywhere near correct medication, people who enable my functioning and taking care of a study or job at the same time, but I don't care right now, and that's a lot more sane than I've felt the entire year 
|
|
#
¿
Nov 22, 2011 18:15
|
|
|
signalnoise posted:I don't get bummed out when I make small mistakes, so long as they only involve me, unless they feel like serious personal failures. I got blackout drunk and had to be taken to the hospital once over this past summer, and that hit me really hard. I am largely supported by my fiancee's family (so is she) and they paid for a large chunk of that. They are well off and could easily afford to pay that bill, but despite how much they said they were just glad I was okay and not to worry, I never stopped feeling like an enormous shitheel about it, even now. Wow, you're me :-/ I still get twinges of pain and shame when I recall things I did years ago, but I don't care too much about everyday problems. I also cannot forgive myself for not functioning or doing anything with my life up until now. I wish there was a quick fix, but there probably isn't. You have my sympathies, for what it's worth
|
|
#
¿
Nov 23, 2011 15:23
|
|
|
If I try to dry swallow it tastes like loving rear end because it dissolves in the mouth or top of the neck, just place it on the tongue and throw back some water and swallow immediately.
|
|
#
¿
Nov 24, 2011 21:30
|
|
|
This, totally ^^^ - I had some sort of expectation that I'd immediately become rational, disciplined and 'odd' after getting on meds, but all it does is helping me concentrate and remember things, so my creative output has actually gone up.
|
|
#
¿
Nov 30, 2011 12:18
|
|
|
CBT and mindfulness have definitely helped be "get off the ground" and started acting towards learning structure and seeking help (in the case of CBT), and helped me control the anxiety and wild mood swings that had me abusing drugs/alcohol and setting my entire treatment process back (in the case of mindfulness). You should definitely look into it, but perhaps with a guide or councilor who knows more about the subject - I definitely couldn't help myself in your situation :-/ Best of luck!
|
|
#
¿
Dec 4, 2011 21:09
|
|
|
Wartime Consigliere posted:
This hit home, for whatever reason. I'm less depressed about my recovery prospects now, thanks 
|
|
#
¿
Jan 16, 2012 14:39
|
|
of awesome
|
Finally bloody got a new psych that agrees I may have ADHD/ADD and will test for it, after 2 years of a always-too-busy crusty old idiot who'd jerk me around and said I just had a depression and giving me meds that destroyed my body and mind. Gah, it's a relief. So, med question: I've been on Motiron (instant release methylphenidate) for half a year, and it's really helping me remember things, concentrate and function socially, but at the required dose it gives me mad clammy/cold limbs, anxiety and elevated pulse. New doc said that was ER kinds that could help, or other meds that might work as strong without the stimulant anxiety. If you have been in my situation, what did you do?
|
|
#
¿
Jun 7, 2012 16:22
|
|
|
Thanks! I have a good feeling about it too, will definitely discuss it with him.
|
|
#
¿
Jun 7, 2012 18:59
|
|
|
Doing 36mg Concerta at present, it feels like it works allright for helping my memory and concentration, but it does nothing to help (or exarebates) my apathy and anxiety. I spend much of my times sitting still and worrying, which didn't use to be as big a problem. I'm in an intensive government-sponsored program for psychiatric patients, so money and examinations are not really an issue, but I'm not sure what to do, save start taking anxiety medication and anti-depressants on top.
|
|
#
¿
Jul 11, 2012 14:36
|
|
|
Thanks, I'll bring it up with the psych, I think. He says next option is Strathera, do any of you lot know how that works?
|
|
#
¿
Jul 11, 2012 15:25
|
|
|
So I had a bad nightmare that had me waking up with full-on panic anxiety, thinking I was about to die, the works. I have a meeting tomorrow with my therapist and psychiatrist at once, where the subject will be switching me from concerta to stratera, and also going on seroquel for the (light) anxiety I had before tonight. Is stratera as good with anxiety as a side effect as they lead you to believe? I'm scared, and bone tired of trying new meds 
|
|
#
¿
Aug 27, 2012 15:38
|
|
|
Maybe it's a brand thing, but what is Focalin? Never heard of it. Also, I've been on Stratera for two weeks now, when is it supposed to 'kick in'? My treatment place says it can take 6-8 weeks, which seems a little much.. I'm on 36mg.
|
|
#
¿
Oct 1, 2013 06:55
|
|
|
Cnut the Great posted:So...people who've been on Strattera: It did smooth out somewhat when I was on it, but I eventually stopped, and when I did there was some ill effects for a time afterwards. I didn't like it, but it you find that it helps you, try to talk to your doc about it.
|
|
#
¿
Oct 15, 2015 09:12
|
|
|
Hey thread. ADHD/Assburger double diagnosis here, 33 years old. I'm supposed to start school in August, and the closer it gets, the more terrified I become. I don't have the money to pay for therapy or counceling, I have benefited from CBT and psychoanalysis earlier, but after we got a neo-con government in my countries, the usual subsidies have been cut, and I'm unemployed. I have always had a giant hassle with my executive functions, and have dropped out of all my prior studies because of not doing homework. So, questions: A) Medicine is very cheap here, and I have a cooperative doctor who would probably prescribe me whatever drug I thought could help me. I have formerly used Strattera, which didn't help, and methylphenidate, which gave me bad panic attacks. However, I was an active addict and alcoholic when I last tried medication( clean for nearly 4 years now), and so perhaps it could help at this point. Would going back on methylphenidate help in my case? I'm fearing the answer is no, because it's actually getting started on school things that is my primary challenge. To take a related example, I am extremely calm and happy when my apartment is clean and tidy, but I almost never take the initiative to clean/tidy thoroughly on my own. It's like there's no connection between knowing something is right for me, and getting the spark of initiative to do it. B) Are there any free or cheap means of exercising my executive functions? I've tried setting off 30 minutes to exercise and/or clean a day, but I can't seem to get off the ground. Thanks in advance!
|
|
#
¿
Jun 8, 2017 16:27
|
|
|
This is good stuff. Thanks, I know I have to break my habits in a big way. I've been unemployed for many years( long live scandi welfare states!?), and don't get me wrong, support saved my life, but it's also a wet blanket when you know you won't die or work a lovely job if you can't hack it in academy.
|
|
#
¿
Jun 8, 2017 18:54
|
|
|
I've been sober for 4 years, no other CNS abuse either. If it makes me crave a drink, that's obviously bad, but my doc will be following closely and I'm honest with him about the whole thing. Amazing advice, a lot of this I just never considered! Feel free to keep it coming  E: though I do take antidepressants, 15mg of citaloprame, am tapering off by about 2½-5mg a year, in the spring.
|
|
#
¿
Jun 9, 2017 14:59
|
|
|
Depends, i think. Many of us are adult children or alcoholics as well, so we attract partners with codependent anxiety, even after getting dry. Note that this is just my opinion, I have no actual data except for being a part of numerous recovery fellowships where the ratio of diagnoses to members for either ADHD, ADDand anxiety is very high.
|
|
#
¿
Oct 29, 2017 12:02
|
|
|
Geisladisk posted:Here in Iceland... technically, yes? It's a illegal narcotic, and as far as I know has not been approved as a doctor-prescribed medicine. Instead, doctors prescribe Concerta or (rarely) Ritalin. Same in the rest of Scandinavia, concerta is where it's at.
|
|
#
¿
Nov 10, 2017 15:28
|
|
|
Mechafunkzilla posted:Talk to a sleep specialist about your daytime sleepiness, ADHD has genetic polymorphism with some circadian rhythm disorders. My DSPD diagnosis and treatment was life-changing. Can you elaborate a bit on this? I have always had crushing fatigue in the daytime and seasonal bouts of insomnia. Right now it's causing me to miss a lot of school, and they're on my rear end about truancy
|
|
#
¿
Feb 20, 2018 11:53
|
|
|
Grape posted:I've been thinking and taking the "slow down" route recently myself, didn't really find it out via weed. But like I was saying before I've come to think the uppers might not be for me. Can you elaborate on this method and experience? My executive functions are still shot to hell, and especially housework is suffering.
|
|
#
¿
Sep 5, 2018 11:31
|
|
|
I don't remember who made the suggestion itt, but I got a referral to a sleep lab and have already been through the first two recordings to see if there's any circadian fuckery going on on top of my ADHD. Thanks, thread 
|
|
#
¿
Sep 17, 2018 12:04
|
|
|
My relationship seems to be blowing up. My SO is really angry I don't ask often enough how she's feeling or how her day has been, and while I'm really invested in knowing how she is, apparently I'm doing it wrong or too little. This seems like a problem in the executive/empathy crossfield, and since I haven't had help from meds, I'm really worried. Have any of you run into similar relationship issues?meanolmrcloud posted:Just started day one of straterra. I’m an addict/alcoholic in recovery so the narcotic meds are off the table for me. I’ve read nasty things about straterras side effects, but I didn’t think I’d be getting them Day one, dose one. Unless I am exaggerating it in my head? Also recovering here, there is definitely hope for doing things without stimulants, I've come far by meditation and therapy alone. I tried strattera, and I felt the side effects pretty quickly, though I doubt you can by day one.
|
|
#
¿
Oct 2, 2018 08:15
|
|
|
signalnoise posted:Yes. I am diagnosed with ADHD and also autism. In my experience, if you don't express that you care, people will assume that you don't. It makes sense, because people who care about things would be expected to act on the fact that they care. ADHD's inattentive type applies to your own concerns when you do not act on them, but you can deal with this by practicing until it's something you're aware of all the time. Just as the tetris effect applies to hobbies, where the more you do a thing, the more you see applications for it, it also applies to things like showing concern for people, getting your daily tasks done, or even being an optimist. You can practice these things by setting a goal, in this case asking your SO how she's doing, asking about her day, etc.. which is acting on the caring that you have to begin with, until you find yourself looking for ways to do that. It's simply a disconnect between feelings and actions, and as with all things ADHD, structure is part of repairing it. It will be significantly more difficult to perform this task spontaneously as compared to planning it. This has been my approach. I've set two rules, ask her as often as I remember to even if it feels weird, and apologize when I don't. It seems to help, but sometimes I just don't realize I have to, even if she's obviously upset, and then it snowballs :/ Thanks, this is helpful! /takes notes
|
|
#
¿
Oct 2, 2018 10:02
|
|
|
My account is 3000 in minus because I got two tickets in the busses and metro 50 yards and 5 minutes apart (I forgot to put money on the stupid metro card we have here), and because I didn't get my student loan because the robot at the administration accidentally flagged me as someone who shouldn't receive it, and they'll send it next thursday. However, since my bills are paid automatically, I now have to get around with -3000 crowns (450 USD or so), I've fallen sick, my relationship is under pressure, and I have four exams to prepare for. I feel as if though my girlfriend always knows the right thing to say, while I flounder. I'm a smart guy, but I grew up with alcoholic parents and don't always know how the language of caring for others. Often she just wants me to ask her how she's doing, and I'll segue off into something else or get frustrated because she feels bad. I don't believe in passing the blame, but it just feels like my upbringing broke me because the untreated ADHD/Assburger What did you do to improve your relationship communication/executive skills? The autists I know have excellent control over it and have found spouses that are extremely chill and supportive, and that doesn't seem to be an option.
|
|
#
¿
Nov 5, 2018 17:35
|
|
|
Thanks, that actually helps a lot She has her own load to carry (she can't find a job because our national economy is wonky, in spite of being a teacher and having just completed a candidate's degree in IT, and has become depressed as a result), but even though I like to think I know how to manage these things in a relationship (don't try to fix your partner, get help, keep cool), I feel like she's trying to drag me down when we've had a rough patch, and I'm not sure if it's my craziness or hers that is to blame.
|
|
#
¿
Nov 5, 2018 19:52
|
|
|
LOL As a friend told me back when I was cracking and snorting my pills: "If you're sniffing your medication, you're on the wrong one", and boy was he right.
|
|
#
¿
Nov 7, 2018 09:02
|
|
|
7 years ago, my dude, I'm clean today. It's really annoying to have ADHD and not get help from stimulants, though, my drug use really soared at that point.
|
|
#
¿
Nov 7, 2018 13:14
|
|
|
Keret posted:How do you guys chase away the demons when you want to actually do things? I've had some success with the Pomodoro method, which is basically just agreeing to try to do something for 25 minutes. Usually allowing myself to do nothing else will stress me into at least working a little bit towards accomplishing the thing I set out to do.
|
|
#
¿
Nov 23, 2018 10:22
|
|
|
Meds aren't all. I've tried every kind of ADHD med available (I live in a scandi welfare state  ), and nothing has worked as well for me as exercise and meditation. Your psych's words are ultra dumb, but perhaps it's your own despair rubbing off. I've been extremely down in the dregs (alcohol/opiate addiction, homeless and background of neglect), and I couldn't start getting better in my anxiety and focus loss before I adressed those things with support groups and therapy. I guess what I'm saying is, is there something else you could do than trying to find the correct balance of meds?
|
|
#
¿
Nov 27, 2018 12:48
|
|
|
Benagain posted:Anybody else break things? I haven't broken anything in anger since I was a kid, but I have bad clumsiness which means I drop or walk into poo poo. Not sure if it's ADHD or one of my other issues, though.
|
|
#
¿
Jan 9, 2019 12:23
|
|
|
probably  Finally got a psychiatrist off the public healthcare in my country. EKG and blood samples next week, start medication in three weeks, so bloody relieved. Thanks for putting up with my questions in the meantime <3
|
|
#
¿
Feb 26, 2019 10:37
|
|
|
concerta user here: It's just ER formulated methylphenidate, which IIRC is the exact same stuff that's in adderall.Laserface posted:Anyone else with ADHD find themselves attempting to finish someones sentence before they do? Yeah I have ADHD and do it to a point where my girlfriend wants to strangle me.
|
|
#
¿
Mar 3, 2019 19:20
|
|
|
Apart from procrastination, I don't think so. Finally got approved for psych treatment of ADHD and Asperger's, blood sample and ECG done yesterday. Relieved and slightly worried. What good and bad things changed for you when you got on medication?
|
|
#
¿
Mar 9, 2019 15:28
|
|
|
Could easily be trauma response. I know a lot of abuse survivors who binged as a defense and stress relieval mechanism without being aware of it. FWIW, they got a lot of help in Overeaters Anonymous.
|
|
#
¿
Mar 18, 2019 10:22
|
|
|
Day 14 on concerta (18mg ER methylphen), and I'm really feeling mixed about it. I've gotten a lot better at doing things I want to do, but no better at deciding to do sensible things (like cleaning, doing chores and stuff). It's just, when I do, I'm better than ever. It seems to have loosened some screws in my head as well. A lot of old feelings from my childhood, good and bad, are really roaring up, and I can't afford therapy. Going to work it out somehow. It's just so infuriating and good at the same time, knowing I have this potential, and getting some more things done, but not really getting all the way. artsy fartsy posted:Not in my particular case. It seems to be something I inherited from my dad--we are the king and queen of mindless eating. Compulsive eating doesn't really develop in a vacuum from what I've learned. I don't know if I can provide more advice in your situation, but I'm rooting for you 
|
|
#
¿
Mar 24, 2019 12:47
|
|
|
|
| # ¿ Apr 25, 2024 20:21 |
|
|
Mechafunkzilla posted:Yeah, circadian rhythm stuff can co-occur with ADHD. Talk to a sleep specialist. I was in my nations largest sleep lab, got told to gently caress home because my issues weren't large enough to treat. Anyone been in the same situation, and what did you do?
|
|
#
¿
Nov 27, 2019 10:16
|
|