Hi I’m Brand New!!

Hi I've just recently been diagnosed with ADD inattentive type.  I never even considered that that was my problem because physically I have never been physically hyperactive, and I figured to have ADD/HD  you had to be hyper!   When my therapist started describing the symptoms I about fell out of my chair.  

 I have been on anti-depressants on and off since the age of sixteen.   That's almost half my life.   No one could ever understand what was wrong with me and even as an adult people tell me,  "you are so smart, if you would just work up to your potential".    I remember as a kid my parents telling me over and over "You DON'T think".   As a teenager I was always looking for something more exciting.  I hated sitting in class because I knew much more interesting things were happening other places and I felt as though I was wasting my time.   It was torture to sit there and try to pay attention.   I am so relieved and a bit angry to finally have the answers.  

These boards have helped me so much, I have been reading them for awhile and just feel so much more in touch,  your posts motivate me :)  

Anyway,  this is getting to long, so let me get to my question.  I tried Strattera and it literally stopped working after a week.  When I upped my dosage I felt way too freaky. 

My Doc said it's not the right med for me and he wants me to try Adderall.   I have heard great things about this,  however,  it doesn't look like my insurance is going to cover it.  The prescrip. is $80.00.   I am so afraid of spending the money and then having to throw it down the drain because it doesn't work,  yet I SOOOO want relief from this.  

(I know meds aren't the only answer, I'm in therapy too with a counselor who's very familiar with ADD)

Can you all tell me your Adderall experiences,  is there anyone out there who has a similar situation and has tried both Strattera and Adderall??     TIA for any feedback you can give. 

JC 

[QUOTE=DreamingAway] I am so afraid of spending the money and then having to throw it down the drain because it doesn't work, [/QUOTE]

Try it anyway. I liked it but I did not love it. My wife hated some of the things it did to me.

Like what Zorg?  

JC

Adderall: It kept me going on individual tasks. It took effort to distract me from them once I got started.

However, it made me restless. I would also grind and clintch my jaw. The jaw stuff did not bother me but my wife hated it.

[QUOTE=HeidiMarie] Ok, if anyone wants to ban me from these boards, feel welcome. [/QUOTE]

OK, consider yourself BANNED!

Okay, this is SO not what I was expecting.   I took 20mg (my Doc told me to start with that)  about an hour and a half ago.   I feel mellow and a bit sleepy.  Not foggy or anything, just quiet and tired.   Hmmm.   Maybe I just need to try it out for several weeks and see how I do.   My Doc told me I should be able to tell right away if it was going to help.........

JC

For an inattentive ADHDer - adderall works very well.  It gives an increase in alertness, energy, focus and coordination.  The only thing is that some people get a higher dose to start and can feel "edgy" - it's a stimulant and it takes a couple of weeks to become accustomed - then the feeling goes away.  If you get it make sure you read the attached information on how to take it and what to look for in potential problems

I tried strattera - and I'm inattentive ADHD too. I found that though I could focus I felt like I had to think about every footstep and it was much like being stuck in glue.

Work with your medical people - and read all you can.  And even just knowing you have ADHD is a big difference! Glad you are here!

I felt like I had to think about every footstep and it was much like being stuck in glue.

My story is very similar.  I found out at 33 that I am ADD after many trials with anti - depressants.  I began adderall.  It is amazing to me. Many people describe feeling focused (being on a stimulant when you are diagnosed with ADD) as "being in a tunnel".  I have never felt this, but  it gives me the "get up and go" to get things done.  I finally have a "plan" to my day.  It has really been beneficial to me.  I never tried Straterra, because most of the people with whom I have talked said that it does not work.  I really have never heard a success story from straterra.  The adderall has also helped my depression.  I think because I was so frustrated with never accomplishing anything before. 

If you feel sleepy, it may be too high a dose.  I started with just 10 Mg twice a day.  Talk to your doctor.  Good Luck!