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ADHD Message Boards : Women with ADD / ADHD

Topic: Medication

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Carlena
Newbie
Newbie

Joined: 03 April 2009
Location: United States
Posts: 5

Posted: 29 April 2009 at 12:40pm \| IP Logged

I am 38 years old, and I have recently been diagnosed with ADHD. I have always known that something was different about me. But, I thought it was something wrong with me. I assumed not everyone could be wrong, and often wondered if I was hopeless. I've been to doctors, therapists, and rehab. Only in light of the fact my son has been diagnosed with ADHD, have I finally had a huge weight lifted from me. It has finally all been made clear to me. Now, it makes sense. I can't seem to focus on anything long enough to complete it. My thoughts race like a television rapidly switching from channel to channel. I try to join conversations, but always feel like the odd one out. I make annoying mistakes at work to the point that I come off as if I am of low intelligents, although, I am actually a smart person. I work with people who are younger than me, and this is very frustrating because they seem to see the need to correct me and talk down to me. Or, worse, they try to complete tasks for me. Throughout my adult life, I have worked toward accomplishments only to see them fall by the wayside. I have had some serious legal issues. I have been married twice. Etc. Etc. Etc. I am currently taking Concerta and Lexapro. I have been taking them for (2) weeks. I have noticed a few changes, but many of the symptoms still exist. I am wondering if I should give the medication more time, or if I should ask to try something else. Anyone with advice will be very appreciated.

Edited by Carlena on 01 May 2009 at 12:42pm

axlsmom
Newbie
Newbie

Joined: 27 April 2009
Posts: 12

Posted: 30 April 2009 at 6:08am \| IP Logged

I was 47 when I was diagnosed, I'm almost 50 now. I've been battling (within myself) if I should take meds...after all, I've made it this far without them... :-)

I've tried Concerta 18mg, Vyvanse 30mg and 40mg and I have a prescription for Metadate 20mgs two times a day (that I haven't picked up yet from the pharmacy). All of that to say, I noticed a difference for a few days, then nothing...so I keep switching meds. However, in discussing it with a friend (who takes all kinds of meds), she says I'm taking them long enough and not giving the meds a chance to work. Both she and my doctor said to take the meds for 30 days, then decide.

I'm still struggling with whether I should or shouldn't take the meds - so some days I do and some days I don't - which could explain why I don't notice a significant difference! :-)

Be encouraged! Keep working at it, I'm sure you'll find a solution that will fit you. After all, it took you time to find the right diagnosis, give it some time to find the right treatment.

I would recommend this forum for support. There are probably other forums/groups out there - but keep in touch with some type of support system. I have lots of friends, but no one that I feel really understands my ADHD. People on this forum DO understand what it's like and it's nice to be able to convey my thoughts and concerns and have positive feedback. Have a blessed day!

Pisces70
Newbie
Newbie

Joined: 09 May 2009
Location: United States
Posts: 2

Posted: 09 May 2009 at 12:54pm \| IP Logged

The way it's worked for me so far is that generic Ritalin 5mg 3xday was
okay; great at first, but noticed the wearing off each dose; so I talked to my
psychiatrist (female) about Concerta; started at 18mg for 6-7 days then
called her to see if I needed to ramp up b/c it was okay, but starting to "fog"
up again...she did increase it to 36mg...I'll keep trying until it works for
more than 6-7 days. It's true about giving it time, but you may also need a
higher dose b/c everyone metabolizes medication differently. I hope this
helps b/c when I started the generic Ritalin, I was like oh wow, this is what
I've needed all my life; until I realized it could be more consistent!!!

sandielaw
Groupie
Groupie

Joined: 13 May 2009
Location: United States
Posts: 47

Posted: 13 May 2009 at 10:24am \| IP Logged

The first med prescribed for me was Ritalin and it works very well. I started with 5mg 3x a day and went up from there. Now, I'm on 20mg in the morning and at lunch and 10mg around 5pm.

The meds take effect very quickly for me (less than an hour) and last for 4-5 hours. I saw a difference immediately when I started taking them. Unlike depression medication, you don't have to wait months to see if it's working.

That being said, the meds don't make my ADHD symptoms go away. The meds are like glasses...they help me focus. Because of the meds, I have the focus and desire to work on habits and skills like organization and follow through. I've found that ADHD is two fold for me...part symptoms like focus, impulsivity, and inattention and part habits and skills. The meds make the first part less of an obstacle, but I still have to work on the second part.

If you've been taking meds for 2 weeks and you don't feel a change, call your doctor. It's better to overcommunicate your symptoms and reactions than to undercommunicate. They may switch you to a new med, increase your dosage, or tell you to wait a little longer...but at least they know about the situation.

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