Anyone have ADHD inattentive type?? | ADHD Information

I was recently diagnosed with ADHD inattentive type. I have never been on any meds before, so my doctor decided to try me out first with Strattera. It has been almost 4 weeks and I havent noticed really anything. Side effects were pretty bad for the first two weeks, but they're starting to go away. I have been incredibly tired, and unmotivated than usual. This medicine seems to have a depressing effect on me. The only positive effect from this med is that my eating has been more controlled. I can actually feel when I'm full, and I havent been impulsively snacking, but other than that its done absolutley nothing. Since Strattera was first marketed as an anti-depressant I'm assuming that this is how most anti-depressants will effect me. Does anyone have any advice on inattentive ADHD, and strattera not really doing anything? If so, which stimulant sounds best in my case? (I am going back to the dr, I just want some opinions to broaden my knowledge on other medications).Wow, you sound a lot like me. I was diagnosed about I think 5 or 6 weeks ago, and I am predom. inattentive as well, though I scored high on the hyperactivity part too. I am also on Strattera and am experiencing a lot of the same side effects as you it sounds like, with little mental improvement. I was on Ritalin first for 3 days, but the side effects were really not great, though with 20 mgs I was much better mentally. So then they put me on Strattera and I have been feeling far more depressed and angry, though I think that is a lot to do with my situation too. My school has been of VERY little help to me and it's hurting my grades a lot. I have had a significant decrease in appetite which I like because I could afford to lose a few pounds, but it makes me very weak too, to not eat. I hope you get a response that helps because, to be selfish, it might help me too. Good luck. Oh, I forgot, I also have been very emotional since being on any meds, both of them have had that affect on me. Have you experienced that? I have also been tired as well, extremely tired, so that I have been falling asleep in class, but yet I also have a hard time going to sleep.

I am inattentive.

 My GP tried me on Ritalin for 4 mos. It made me very, Very, VERY sad and unhappy.

My psyc. Dr. said Ritalin isn't much use to inattentives, as it is for boosting brain chemicals which help control speediness. If one isn't speedy... it doesn't work.

I am now trying St. John's Wort. I'll let you know how it goes.

rainraven

I never get to sleep before 2:30 in the morning anymore. plus i have to get up at 7. this plays havoc on my body clock, and i feel tired at the strangest times. and my mood swings like a door. :P

hope this helps

Hi--
I have to disagree with Ritalin not helping those with primarily
inattentive type ADHD. My ds, 8 yr old, is inattentive, but
probably because his brain is overstimulated by what's going
on around him, so he can't concentrate on one thing and
appears to daydream. He has been on Concerta now for a
couple of months and the difference is dramatic (and positive).   
I guess it allows his thoughts to slow down a little; as he says--it
makes him able to think about things before he does them...
As it is said all the time in this forum---all individuals react
differently to different meds--you just have to find the right one
and right dosage for you---Good Luck

Hey everyone...

I was diagnosed with ADHD with hyperactivity and impulsivity....  The reason I am posting here is for my little brother.  He is 15 (16 next month) and has severe Inattentive ADD.  My parents are ready to just about kill him as they think he just "doesn't pay attention" or is "doing it on purpose to get out of doing things (ie: chores)".  I know that there is something else there and am trying to encourage them to take him to see a dr.  They haven't so far (they seem to think the problem will go away on it's own.) 

The reason I am here is to ask if anyone with ADD inattentiveness has benifited from: 1) therapy alone, 2) drugs alone, 3) therapy and drugs, 4) anything else? 

I am on Adderall xr and CANNOT BELIEVE the difference it has made in me, but I am convinced that this will not work for my bro as it is not the same kind of ADD.  Any suggestions as to how to address this whole issue with my parents and getting him the help he needs?  Oh, by the way, I have talked to my bro about this, but as most of you may know, he forgets anything I say or just spaces out when I bring it up..... He is sooooo smart in school and such a good kid, but it's almost like he missed school the day they taught common sense!!!  I know this is all related and can be fixed if I just know what direction to go.....

Thanks, Laura

animalnutzo,

I am Inattentive/impulsive absolutely no Hyperactivity here and Adderall XR is what was prescribed for me.  I am still new to this and working out dosing but it has made a difference so it might also work for your brother.  Have you told your parents directly what you think might be your brothers problem?  Sometimes parents have to have things pointed out clearly.  Since you are ADHD they might just listen to you.  Don't beat around the bush because to many times people without the hyperactivity are thought to be just lazy even though it is not the case.  Let your parents read these boards, it may open there eyes.  Best wishes in getting your brother some help. 

To all from everything I have read on these boards Strattera seems to help only with the hyperactivy side of ADHD but doesn't seem to help much with focus.  My son who is All of the above when it comes to ADHD takes both Adderall XR and Strattera.  The combination works well for him.

-Gettingagrip- 

gettingagrip38271.4058564815

The reason I am here is to ask if anyone with ADD inattentiveness has benifited from: 1) therapy alone, 2) drugs alone, 3) therapy and drugs, 4) anything else? 

 

What has been proven to be the most effective treatment through the years for ADHD is the multimodal treatment plan. Medication alone is not a behavior pill. Medication will curb impulse control and allow the child to focus and therefore gives the child the ability to make a choice. When medication is effective, parents see good behavior or appropriate behavior and assume the pill is making the child act good. The child is acting appropriately because now the child has the ability to make a choice. Off medication, ADHD children are often told they are not listening. The truth is that they are not hearing the person as they cant filter out the multitude of distractions going on around them.

Medication is used in conjunction with therapy because many develop self esteem issues due to the negative feedback they have endured on a consistant basis. On many occasions they are alienated and mocked by peers and more times than not, are punished and isolated by teachers who are clueless about ADHD. Chidlren with ADHD are punished because they are viewed as defiant when in fact, they have limitations and challenges that are misundertood or not believed to be true. Thats like removing glasses from a child with sight problems and then punishing the child because the child cant see the board.

In conclusion, even if a child is on mediction and it works effectively, self esteem issues must be addressed as well as even with treatment, the daily challenges in life for an ADHD'er will always be harder. Please read the link below as it might be very helpful.

Evidence-based Medication Management for Children and Adolescents with AD/HD - CHADD Fact Sheet #3