Spiraling out of control and need HELP!! | ADHD Information

[QUOTE=Beargirl0608]I have been taking Adderall XR for the past month and a half. I am 38 years old and was recently diagnosed with ADD (or at least that's what they think it is).

I started on 20 mg XR and it didn't do anything. Went 30 and wow I felt great, energized and felt great for the first time in my life. Now I have gotten worse. The pills do nothing for me, they give me extreme tension and headaches and now my focus, concentration and the ability to articulate my thoughts is nearly impossible. I unable to function at work and I feel like I communicate like a complete idiot. I am worse now that before I started. I am less motivated, don't want to do the things I used to do. [/QUOTE]

This sounds a lot like my partner. 20 worked great at first when she started taking this back this past November, now she's taking two doses twice daily (40). And I"m seeing that this too, is waning. Her interest in our relationship is going to hell. She has a major stressful job and a son who has ADHD who has moved in with us last August. She's not the same person anymore at all and her symptoms only became apparent after her son moved in. Shes not motivated either really except to read news stories internet for hours on end having nothing to do with anything really. She doesn't exercise, smokes and is only 34. At least you joined a forum which is much more than I can say for my partner. if you're not in counseling suggest you go. The pills aren't the solution; they only help you to focus on a solution.

It sounds like you should siwtch to immediate release, or try Ritalin instead.

Sometimes stimulants can make anxiety worse, maybe you also have underlying anxiety (social?) that needs to be treated.

Good luck!
Can I also recommend taking non-medicinal interventions. Exercise, yoga, meditation???

If the meds aren't getting done, maybe go off of them, and start from scratch. Get yourself write, think, breathe, committ, go to group help. Then maybe you can start the cycle of medication again but from a stronger starting point. Medication is not everything I fear...
I have been taking Adderall XR for the past month and a half. I am 38 years old and was recently diagnosed with ADD (or at least that's what they think it is).

Has anyone experienced this and what do I do? I am now getting depressed, feel completely unorganized, don't want to talk to anyone with fear of sound completely stupid and crazy. I have always been in complete control of my life, ambitous and driven in my career. I am in a mangement role and my life is spiraling out of control because of my lack of focus and concentration and not be able to articulate my thoughts. Unable to effectively communicate at work and feel like I am going crazy.

I have tried Cymbalta, Lexapro, Paxil and Effexor XR to help with depression before they diagnosed me with ADD. Nothing is working. How do I get my memory, concentration, focus and my life back.

I am desperate. PLEASE HELP!!!

Dana

I have a job that puts stresses particularly on the areas that ADHDer's are weak. I have had my meds adjusted and I am performing better, but when I go to work I realize even with the right meds I have a hard time motivating myself. Sometimes I don't see the point in trying to catch up.

Could you be discouraged from being overwhelmed?

Do you have a abnormally large amount of sources of stress in your work/home life?

You might talk to your doctor about trying Wellbutrin along with the Adderall. Or possibly increasing your Effexor.

Or maybe switch to regular Adderall. I couldn't take the XR myself.(headaches and less effective.) I have to take 3 pills a day but It's worth it.