Questions- Need Advice! | ADHD Information

Another suggestion is reading.  There is much information out there about natural alternatives, even simple things like vitamins, Omega 3's, magnesium, and just plain diet.   Everyone is different though so it can take some time and a lot of work.  I recently purchased a book called the ADD and ADHD Diet.  It has a LOT of valuable information and ideas to try different approaches including changes in diet, supplements, etc.  Tinkerbell -- you are very welcome.  So sorry you have to be going through such a rough time.  Hang in there.  There is hope for all of us.

cynthiatweedle38685.9261458333cynthiatweedle, MommaInTexas

thank you both for your response and your kind offer.   I have been having difficulty accepting the severity of my ADHD symptoms. I used to be able to compensate but now I feel I cannot even do that. But I have to realize this is where I am at the moment and I have to deal with it. I'm forgetful, scattered, hperfocused etc. and have to develop new ways of compensating. CBT is a wonderful suggestion.  After reading this forum, I now dont feel so alone. 

Momma in TX - I'm on 120mg Strattera and love it.  The side effects for the first couple of weeks were interesting. I know what you mean about coming out of a fog! That's exactly how I described it to my psych.   Some jitteriness, no appetite, but I felt they were manageable.  I think what constitutes a high dose is dependant on weight. I've got a girlfriend who is on 80 mg a day and she is probably 30-35 lbs. lighter than me (and shorter too!)

The worst thing about Strattera is the cost. Here in the US I'm paying about 9 for 3 months worth and insurance is paying 9.  Yowza! 

What is Strattera costing in other parts of the whirled?

Hi everyone! I'm a 20 year old Mama in TX, and I'm loaded with questions.

Here's some background on me-
I have ALWAYS been disorganized
I am ALWAYS late
I am always losing my keys
I have always felt like I was a little "off" I always create chaos around me, don't clean up after myself, I'll use 10 cups in a day, etc.

A few weeks ago, I got fed up with it. I told my PA (Physician's Assistant- I see her instead of an MD) that I wanted to do a trial run on Strattera. She didn't know too much about Strattera, and I was fine with it, because I'm DESPERATE to feel like I'm in control of my life and surroundings for a change. I took it at night (I normally take pills before bed) and went on with my life. That week was GREAT! It was like I came out of a fog. I felt like I was in control of everything for a change. Then I did some research and found out that you should take it in the AM. It just happened to be the time I was supposed to take to for the optimum dose of 80 mg. I hated how I felt on the 80mg. It was TOO MUCH! I was ultra aware of my surroundings and it kind of freaked me out! I hated how it made me feel, so I quit taking it for like a week. Well, 3 days ago, I decided to give it another shot. I really wanted to make it work, so I've been taking it in the AM (just 40 mg.) I am hating how I feel. Also, I just read about the FDAs warning and some of the posts are concerning to say the least, especially about the nightmares. Just last night I had a horrible nightmare and I had was being chased by a murderer (Ok, I'll fess up- Puff Daddy was the villain of my dream) and he told me that both me and my daughter were going to die. It really freaked me out!!!


What should I do? I really felt like I had a "taste" of what normal feels like when I took 40 mg at night. I am thinking I need to go see a specialist, but I'm on Medicaid, and I don't know if they would cover it. Besides that, what type of doctor would I need to see? A pscychiatrist?

Thanks so very much!

Lisa
MommaInTexas38679.7793634259

First of all - welcome!

That "rule" of taking it in the AM is because it causes some to become restless in bed.  If you don't - then take it! It's just to be taken once per day there's no set time and do what works for you best. 

There are side effects (all of them have some) - but strattera can be troublesome if you aren't capital H hyper in ADHD.  If like me you are inattentive ADHD (sounds like) then might be better to try another med.

To get a prescription you have to get it from at least an MD or a psychiatrist.  A psychiatrist would be better in that they can diagnose your particular needs better.  But an MD can prescribe as well.

Think about going to therapy as well.  It's good to learn new ways to cope - as the way we with ADHD learned to do things as kids and adults isn't always the best way when you think about it.

Good luck - and hope you get the best for yourself!

 

Thanks for the welcome!

I just thought of something and I'm not sure if this is normal or not-
When I get about 3 days into Strattera, I feel like I CANNOT stand the disorganization I've been living with. I want everything organized and clean. I think this is how normal people are normally. Is it normal to go on cleaning/decluttering binges?

Also, Why is 80mg the "optimum" dose? It made me feel like I was high! I hated it!  I really think I'm going to check into seeing a psychiatrist because I really want to find the medication and dose that are best for me, and my PA told me that they don't prescribe ritalin or anything and if it turned out I needed that I'd have to get it from some other Dr.

Thanks Again!!

80mg optimum.  Nah.  That seems very high as a starter dose anyway.  Usually if you complain about the effect of the meds your physician will drop it to see if it helps.  The "high" is the side effect - which probably would go away but could take a while.

And the wanting to clean? Yup - that's normal! Welcome to the real world! LOL!! Don't worry it all kind of levels out in the end.

And if you aren't getting the help you need - then keep searching!

 

Thanks! I'm just really so unsure of everything right now! I appreciate having somewhere to post without feeling judged! 

I know what you mean! It's nice to know you are NOT wierd - NOT alone.

There are ways to make it so you don't feel that fog - that you feel just like everyone else does.

Good luck to you!

80mg is HIGH!  Jiminy Cricket!  Doc started me on 18mg  then moved up to 25mg  then 40mg.  I liked Strattera, but doc changed me to Adderall - works MUCHOS better.   Sounds like you need to back off a little until your body adjusts.   Well, I have an appointment with a psychiatrist on Jan 3rd, and until then I'm trying to get my PA to call me in a 10 mg Strattera RX. I feel like I liked it when I took it at night and I realize I was probably getting the "tail end" of it. So, we'll see how this goes.

I'm now struggling with the fact that I'm going to go to a psychiatrist. How do you deal with the negative emotions?
Thank you so much Cynthia! I appreciate your kind words!

tinkerbell, I have no tips, but I'm here to listen :)
Your welcome, Momma in Texas.

Tinkerbell, sorry I can't help with meds.  I just don't know anything about them.  I am ADHD and so is one of my grandchildren.  Neither of us take meds.  I am trying out alternatives with her.  I don't take them because I already take meds for depression and I don't want to mess that up.  I know how you feel though.  It was so hard for me going back to school, because I had what I called avoidance behaviors.  Over the years I had learned to avoid anything I was scared of - and I was scared of school.  Anyway turns out that the avoidance behaviors go with the ADHD.   Fear runs our daily decisions a lot.

As it happened I was taking a course in mental health and learned about Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.  I tried it on myself and was amazed.  So in addition to meds you might want to check that out after you get more regulated.

If I could have known about ADHD years ago and had there been meds available, I would have taken them.  Plus could I have learned about CBT it would have helped me a lot I know.  Maybe I wouldn't have made so many rotten decisions in life.

Best of luck to both of you.








By the way if either of you come to feel that you aren't getting what you need from this website, pm me.  I have a couple of suggestions. cynthiatweedle38684.9647337963are or aren't? Aren't  -- excuse me I am a little dyslexic also. Exaggerated fears are related???? OMGosh I thought I've been having panic attacs!
Wow. Here is one more thing I need to check into! Hopefully someone will pipe in with the name of the site about the Behavioral Cognitive Therapy. I am so excited about getting help for this! Hope is a lovely feeling!
I'm speaking from personal experience and it's also something GlenW was talking about the other night.  It's not listed as a symptom but something that seems to go with the territory.   I can see it in my granddaughter also.   Although it is better now.  She just seemed to feel so threatened all the time.

Yes, hope is a wonderful thing and there is hope.  Bless your heart.
First just realize that's normal to have some negative emotions even when it's something you want to do.  And it may be more so with people with ADHD.  We'd rather run and hide than have to face up to something.  Exaggerated fears seem tto be a part of it.  But go ahead and walk through it reminding yourself this is a step to realizing a goal you want to achieve.

Later maybe you can find a self help book on Behavioral Cognitive Therapy.  It can help you to identify why you are behaving the way you are and then change your thinking and behavior.    I have seen some information about it on this site but now can't remember where.   I do remember that GlenW and DoctorQ have brought it up and it may be one of them that mentioned there being a book about it.  It is another way to get more control over your life.

But for now just take it step-by-step and don't expect your feelings to match what you are attempting to do.
Hi,

I just joined this forum and from reading the posts,  I know I need to connect with others.  While I had some symtoms of ADHD, I was managing with little problems. However 2 years ago I suffered a concussionand, now my ADHD is so full blown that I cannot even compensate (at this moment, I should be writing a report!) . My neurologist prescribed Strattera, but I didnt feel as well as I thought I should. I am going to try Adderral.  If anyone has any tips, I would so appreciate it.