Going In the Right Direction | ADHD Information
ReamYou really cannot look at the meds as which one is better or not. It's not like evaluating which brand of dishwasher to purchase. It's more like a diet program in that one system works well for one person but doesn't for someone else.
Also, most of these meds have different combinations of brain chemicals that they affect, and varying benefit lenghts and side-effects. Having said that I agree with your doctor that Concerta, or Ritalin, are best to start with because they do not have the insomnia side-effect that Adderall can have.
As for when the medicine begins to help, that is also totally up to your system and needs. Best practice is to start at a low dose for a few weeks to ensure your body can tolerate the medicine. Then, if you don't experience a theraputic benefit, increase the dose in small increments overtime to see which amount works (all under a doctors supervision of course).
When you begin to notice an ability to stay on task, concentrate longer and increase your awareness of your actions, then it's helping. However, don't be fooled by a euphoric feeling that comes with starting these meds. That's a side-effect that goes away over time and is not the benefit you are trying to achieve.
Best of luck to you.
MaxDad
I take concerta and it helps a great deal - there are many medications available and your doc should be able to help you lean towards one based on your symptoms!!!
I would not say that the medication really controls the adhd - it is more like a catalyst to slow me down enough to figure out ways to deal with some roadblocks created by adhd!!! It is not a cure - it just helps me see clearly what my options are and slows me down enough to figure out what repercussions there may be to my decisions or lack of!!!! The medication helps me focus on the improtant information I need to hear, retain, absorb, digest and decide on - where before it was like a stick of dynamite in my brain - I would explode with joy or anger and be all over the place for no apparent reason sometimes.
I knew the brain scan was different, but I didn't realize my brain was smaller
Makes my mind much easier to lose.
Your doc said for YOU to investigate which the best medication is for you? ?? Dang! I'm all for research, but he/she is the doctor! That just sounds very different to me.
OK 1) The best medicine is an individual thing. Different meds react differently for different people oh!, and I am abusing the word different!
2) Yes there are pros and cons and a lot depends on how you respond to medication. Some people have side effects that makes medication almost impossible. However, side effects are usually temporary. Some people find help in herbal remedies, diet and vitamins. The pro to meds are I kept my job, I am able to remember things better and I am able to keep friends.
3) The meds worked for me pretty quickly yet continued with time.
I began on Stratterra. It was ok for me. Doc changed me to Adderall and Wellbutrin. This works great for me. I'm happy with this combination and so far have not needed to increase it. Been taking it for almost a year
hope this helps a little. good luck
A few
months ago, I have finally seen the light that I have the characteristics of
ADHD. I would never believe that I finally took that monkey of my
back after all these years. Now I am doing a self-analyses and then working on the next step.
Although, I have tried the natural approach to control my ADHD in the last few months; however, it
does not seem to work very well. I am coaching myself to be more
organized by using notebooks and the e-mail system for reminders, there is
still the big problem in concentrating in some of my responsibities with my
work environment. I still am very indecisive when working on a project.
One day, I went to my family doctor for a referral letter to see a well
renowned doctor here in Toronto, Canada who has done major research in the
field of ADD and ADHD. After a brief meeting with him, I requested to go
with pharmaceutical medication. I had to
take a 30-minute questionnaire in which his analyses noted that I am an ADHD recipient. What really amazed me is that he shown me a
CATSCAN of a person with and without ADHD.
A person with ADHD has a smaller brain.
Then he gave me some very important documents to read, a video to watch (Odd One Out), a brochure for an ADHD workshop, which I am going to attend and finally a choice of medication. First, he suggested before I go ahead and purchase the medication, I should investigate which the best medication for me.
He strongly recommended that I should take Concerta, followed by Adderall and new product here in Canada called Biphentin. What I would like to know my fellow forum members is:
1) Which is the best medicine?
2) Are there any pros and cons?
3) How long did it take until the medication finally began to control the ADHD conditions?
Best regards,
REAM
GINKO CAN HELP SHORT TERM MEMORY. PROTEIN/COMPLEX CARB DIET IS THE BEST. DO DEEP BREATHING AND RELAXATION TAPES CAN HELP OUT. CLASSICAL MUSIC CAN HELP ALSO.
I agree with the music. We have had a lot of sucess with The listening program. http://www.advancedbrain.com/tlp_overview.asp
That's my other problem, I can't control my eating habits or control a good diet. I tried all the methods using the natural approach, but this disability makes me forget sometimes too.That's why i am opting to go with medicine just to get my mind clear.
Besides, I need all the concentration for a possible job promotion.
REAM I stand corrected for the movie is called Odd Kid out Hi Countrygirl,
The doctor that is helping me out is very known here in Canada. His name is Dr. Turgay. In my appointment with him, he has finally gave a me a workshop on ADHD that I am definately attending, a video to watch, articles that he wrote on ADHD besides giving me a choice in opting to use mediciation.
Finally after all these years, I get to attend a workshop that will be of great guidance for me to aid and understand this disability. Like some or most of you, you may have went to your physician and/or therapist who tell you that you may have anxiety problems or they cannot help you out. LOL
He even suggested for me watch a movie called Odd One Out in which he assisted in the story.
I could ramble on, but for me, this is a start to get into the right direction. Everyone, I thank you for your wonderful advise in regards to going in other proper directions. I will give you a follow up on the workshop which is scheduled for October 21, 2006.
Sincerely,
REAM
Hello Everyone,
Well, I started taking 18mg of Concerta in the middle of October. You were right in regards to the initial side effects. However, I could not imagine how truly I am/was focussed, excellent concertration that my work began to go on the right track.
One day, it was so late in the morning that I did not take the medication. All of a sudden I could see myself back to the old ADHD person. What I also found out that since I was on 18mg, I could tell that medication began to diminish controlling the characteristics of ADHD after 10 days. So my doctor gave me 27 mg and it is working very well.
I must say that I am focusing very well and getting to be a normal person. In addition with this medication, I also take Omega 3-6-9 and ginko bibloka on a daily basis.
Regards,
REAM