FEAR OF MEDS | ADHD Information

I've been on Adderall for over a year and I think it's great! I don't understand this fear of meds - if they don't work or you don't like the effects, stop taking them! At least then you'll know. Being creative is great, but if you are a typical ADDer, then you're probably not putting your creativity to much use. What's a few side effects if you actually become motivated and productive? The "best" varies by person. If one size fit all, there wouldn't be so many
medications on the market. If you're worried about side effects, you
might try a stimulant first. They have a short half-life, meaning they
clear your system within a matter of hours (unlike Strattera, which builds
up in your system). I've never heard reports of ADHD meds negatively
impacting creativity (quite the opposite -- Dexedrine has had many fans
among writers and artists). But again, why worry? If you are unhappy
with the way a medication makes you feel, stop taking it. Many of the
people who are most vocal about ADHD med side effects have an agenda.
Ironically, these anti-medication crusaders weren't a bit concerned about
Vioxx or the other non-psychiatric drugs that were recently pulled from
the market after they were shown to harm and kill people. Ritalin's been
used safely for over 40 years. Do your research, and don't let fear hold
you back if you and your doctor decide that meds are appropriate.I think if a person gets those bad side effects from Adderal than the dosage is probably too high! I take either 10 mg. regular Adderal or 20 mgs. of the Adderal XR. I don't have those side effects. I know of an adult who only takes 5 mgs twice a day, and it's working, with no side effects. It is very individual.

Thanks everybody,
Your experiences and insights have been very helpful and I appreciate your speedy replies.

Good luck to everyone, Bob

bestremera -

Don't worry a lot about your personality changing!

What the meds will do is give you control over the urges that ADHD tend to give you. They allow you to say "NO!" and be listened to by your mind and body!

Also, the meds will slow down the thought processes only to the point where you hear one at a time - no more "chatter". The fog should clear and you will think clearly and concisely. I find myself better in almost every way!

As to type of meds - the amphetamines work best for most - and they do tend to have the more common side effects (usually at the wrong dose as was mentioned by another member). I found the negative effects disappeared rather quickly!

I found strattera to be the worst for me! Maybe it works for others, but it was like working in quicksand for me. It slowed me to where I couldn't think fast enough to barely drive or work. I felt very scared and out of focus all the time. Make sure you stay close to your doctor while starting the meds. They are required for most meds to keep an eye on your blood pressure and weight until you stabilize anyway.

Good luck to you!

- Glen

I don't think Adderall will effect your creativity.

I've always been a very spunky, outgoing, creative person. When I began adderall, my friends noticed that this had even increased. They said that I was fun, withouth being overwhelming, or unstable.

It doesn't so much takes away what makes you unique, as allow you to focus it. It has helped me become more creative in everything I do, including quantitative things like math...

Don't fret! You can always stop taking the meds!

Yo, Bbeemmerr~

I, too, was terrified of loosing my creativity upon medication. Some did, and I refused their administration. None of those were front line AD/HD mxRxs. They were a hoax to control my delusions. Not. Just kidding. I've been on over 15 different regimens in 8 years, and am currently a 49er. (Go '9ers!). They should give away free tickets to 49 year olds, eh? hehe.

I'm currently placated with the following: 60 mg Ritalin LA + 400 mg Provigil + 120 mg Cymbalta (an anti-D w/ alleged AD/HD benefits) s.i.d.

I will report that the PRODUCTIVITY of my creativity has decreased, on a volume level. However, the quality of my creativity has, subjectively, increased. This is attributable to the increased ability to focus, resist distractions, hence finish a project.

Due to the diurnal pharmacokinetics of all the front line AD/HD mxRxs, except Strattera, there may be a daily rythm to the level of one's creativity.

Best wishes,

(rhymes with fishes)

and:

DO the Dishes!,

i currently started strattera 40 mg in the morning adn am on clonazepam 1 mg three times a day. i can already tell that the strattera works for me and it is a non stimulant.

everyone here is right it depends on the person and unfortunately may mean trial and error, once you find the one that works for you, you will notice a difference in a positive way.

just research b4 going to dr.

I have been on and off Adderall and I never experienced any mood swings. I got the depressing feelings when I tried Concerta.

I think it is different for everyone. You have to find the medication that works for you.

bestrema, is there a need to go on meds now?? if you have been able to accomplish things without them, there might not be a need..

New ADHD

Research your drugs you would like to take, before you go to the doctor.

Steer clear from Adderall if you have any type of mood problems, meaning panic attacks, anxiety, depression..etc.. This is a scary medicine, that will bring any type of disorder out.

Even if you are unaware that it is there. Adderall, can make you feel grouchy, moody, mad, irratable, want to kill yourself, all when you are coming off this medicine...

There are suppose to be NEW guidlines for stimulant medications, they are suppose to have better WARNINGS on them in the near future.

Doctors are quick in writing prescriptions but, rarely go over all the bad side effects that can occur.

Good Luck and Research your drug

I believe I have adult (I'm 53) ADHD. I've been researching meds (Strattera seems to be the best) and get scared at the following thoughts:
I'm a creative person and love that side of me. I fear meds will make me an uninspired shell of myself.
Also, the side effects sound very scary.

Please tell me your experiences.
Thanks, Bob

I put off getting an ADD evaluation for years..I don't like Meds either..but I knew I had ADD for the longest time, and I'm not getting any younger, and its really screwed things up for me and I needed to know. I was evaluated 3X! I had it bad (Inattentive ADD) and now though it took me 2 meds to get it right, its finally right and its made a drastic change for the good. It (Concerta) doesn't affect me negatively in the least bit. If there was ever any minus's I couldn't live with I'd be off it, but as long as you are diagnosed properly and are given the right med. its worth the try..sometimes you have to try different meds until you find the right one. I suggest that if a med. has more - than + ..go off it ASAP, and try something else..if nothing works, your probably were misdiagnosed..ADD is not an exact science..there is no true diagnosis for it..if diagnosed right, and given the right meds, its not right to deprive yourself of what is something that can change your life for the plus. I never been on any long term meds my entire life, and have always been cautious or anti med my whole life, but I knew I had to at least try to do something about my ADD and man if it worked, it would be something I desperately needed, and its working now.Hi

I share your fear of meds. Being a creative person I can say that it's a
legitimate concern.

I have some generalized panic/anxiety and ADD. My Doctor had me start
on Strattera. It's so interesting how differently drugs effect people. Many
complain about how tired it makes them. Since I started last week I
haven't been sleeping well--woke up at 3am last night and never fell back
asleeo. (UGH!)

It's only been a week. So I did some research on the net. Big mistake in a
way because I started reading all these horror stories... now I want to stop
taking it.

This is all very interesting. Thanks.