Hello from Topeka, KS | ADHD Information

Hi all...

I am hoping someone might be able to help me.  I'm from Topeka, KS, and was recently "diagnosed" with Adult ADD.  "Diagnosed" is a loose term for the way my therapist decided this was what is wrong with me.  

I've been seeing her for about 1 1/2 years, and have been through several depression medications.  My youngest son was diagnosed with ADHD a few months ago, and when I was telling my therapist what a wonderful change my son has gone through since the diagnosis, she said "let me ask you... has anyone ever told you you and your son have the same behaviors?"  When I said we were pretty much a spitting image of each other (as far as behaviors), she said "well, then... let's try this..."  She put me on Focalin, and that's that.

Now, I have to say that since I've started taking the Focalin, life has been a little easier, especially since I can now concentrate on one thing for more than a millisecond.    However, I feel like I could use some more professional support.  And not from her.  After a month of being on Focalin, and in typical ADHD fashion, I told her at our last session that I had decided to nix the depression medications I was taking... 20mg of Lexapro and 10mg of Topamax.  Believe me when I say, this was NOT a good idea.  But, she didn't say one word to me of warning or concern. 

Just to give you an idea of what I experienced from quitting the Lexapro and Topamax cold turkey... I was flu-like sick for days and then I started having muscle spasms in my neck and back... horrible, debilitating spasms. And, my moods swung worse than before I started the Topamax.  It was awful.  Yet, she never said one word of warning to me .  I later learned (from internet research) the things I was going through were typical withdrawal symptoms of both medications. 

I'm now trying to find a professional in my area who specializes in Adult ADD... but I'm not having much luck.  Nor am I having any luck finding any support groups.  

Does anyone have any suggestions or better yet, is anyone from around the Topeka area who might know some specific names?

Thanks a bunch! 

Wow, it seems like someone would have told you to taper off and not go cold turkey. 

I also live in a town that is small and I have to drive 1.25 hours to see my doctor and shrink for the medication management!!  Once I get the dose right and am good to go for awhile I am going to try to switch to my family doctor for the medication management and only see the ones far away once in awhile. 

There are also no support groups in my community, but this forum helps and folks are pretty good about being supportive!!!    Good luck.

Thanks!  I appreciate the information and support.  I'm finding out I may have to go the same route you have.  It's important, though.  And if that's the only solution at this point, I'll take it. :-)JCMuzique

You may need to search for someone in Kansas City. You could also try CHADD for support and their directory of ADD professionals (www.chadd.org).

MaxDad