After 31 years of being "spacy" and "not working up to potential" I finally decided to speak to a professional about my inability to focus after I received a poor performance review from my employer.  (I had written a much longer explanation, but realized when I was done that it was about 10 pages and nearly identical to half of the stories posted here).

Anyway, I met with a psychologist.  5 times.  We talked about my problems, we took IQ tests, we took innatention tests, and we talked about the results.  He referred me to a psyciatrist and thought meds could help. 

Met with the Psychiatrist today, and wasn't happy with his response.  First, while he didn't say it in as many words, I got the feeling he didn't beleive me (you think I'm making this up??).  That was irritating.  He did ultimately suggest I try Adderrall, but he wanted me to have a full physical first, with EKG exams (fine - I don't want to risk my health).  Then he indicated that we could try a 10mg daily dose of XR.  Afterwards, I'd have to come back for monthly visits because the script couldn't be phoned in.

Does this scenario sound familiar to anyone else? I'm frustrated becuause it's been two months, 6 office visits, a future dr's appointment for a physical, and then, maybe, I'll get a script for the equivalent of a strong cup of coffee. 

Is 10 mg per day of Adderall XR going to do anything for a 31 year old adult male?  (I'm told weight plays no role, but I weigh 165 if it does).   Do I really need to go in for an office visit every month for the foreseeable future now to get a new script?  Any advice on how to tell the Dr. I'd like to start with a higher dose (based on what I've read here, I wanted to start with 10mg of instant release twice a day)?  Is it typical to require this many visits before before getting a diagnosis and script?

Under different circumstances, I might show more patience.  But, I'm fairly certain my job is on the line right now and taking an hour off work each weekd for the seemingly endless meetings are only causing more anxiety.  Starting on a small dose of XR for another full month worries me becuase I'm afraid it's going to do nothing.  Advice please!

I was diagnosed to ADD late fall and I have to go monthly so the Dr. can monitor me.

Adderall is a stimulant, so the Dr. cannot just give you months worth of meds at a time. Stimulants are a controlled substance. Also, you have to start meds slowly and work your way up to a dose that's correct for you.

Since you are so new to this and the Dr. has much experience I'm assuming, try and be patient. Work with the Dr. to find the right med and dose for you. I tried 4 different kinds before we found the right one!

Good luck.

I too am 31 years old and after taking Strattera for 3 years with great results for 2 it decided to quit working.  I've been going to the doc for the past 3 months and gradually getting increases in my Adderall XR because I metabolize it very quickly-it wears off in about 4 hours.  So, I'm on 10mg twice a day and the rebound is horrible, night time is the worst because I'm exhausted (work full time and have an 8 month old) but I can't settle down to go to bed.  I had a poor performance evaluation at work too and the only other time that happened was 3 years ago when I was diagnosed.  I'm frustrated with this wait and see stuff and it is very cumbersome to have to get your rx from your doc every month.  (I spent 10 days trying to get the stupid rx filled because it was 120 5mg capsules and no one had that many in stock and they can't do partial prescriptions with controlled substances!) I have impulse control issues too, most of the time it turns out ok because I work off of my intuition but boy oh boy when it goes wrong it goes REALLY wrong.

Best of luck to you, I'm going to doc on Friday to see what the heck I need to do next.....