Meds not working? | ADHD Information

Thanks again.  I'm working with my Doctor to get the right medication.  She wants me to try Concerta but I'm wondering if I could try Adderall.  Trying to keep costs down as none of these medications are covered under my insurance.  There's actually a program in my state that can help with medicine discounts.  That's why I'm thinking Adderall (not the XR)  I'll give her another call in the morning.  God, this process takes forever!  Which is not good for an impatient ADHDer!!!

I have read the book you mentioned but because I got it from the library, I wasn't able to keep it.  It was a good book.

As far as the internet goes, I try to stick to trusted sites that I know are valid information sources.  For example, the manufacturer website is usually a good source.

Thanks for the support!

Ritilan is a stimulant and yes someone can get wired which is feeling jittery and wide awake but that's not the same thing as being high. Coffee consumed in large amounts produces the same effect because it is also a stimulant. The dose you are taking now will not become more effective so it would be wise to give the doc a call and explain that your currently not seeing the desired benefit at this dose. The initial side effects you experienced are normal and yes do go away :)

Yes, confusion is normal and that's why you need to take the time to do on going research as the more you understand, the less you fear. Fear is stifling and decisions should never be made based on it. Be careful about what you read on the Internet as it is full of propaganda and snake oil sales people with their own agenda. I recommend that you read the book "Driven to Distraction" written by Dr. Edward Hallowell who also has ADHD himself. He is a world known ADHD expert.

It is my pleasure to help in any way I can and this is also a good place to vent because your right, talking about these issues does help tremendously. We do care! Please keep us posted

How do I determine if the Ritalin SR I started taking just over a week ago is not working?  I mean, it actually makes me tired and I'm still making impulsive choices.  I've only been on it a short time and I read somewhere that it could take up to two weeks to experience noticable improvements. Don't know if I am just being impatient or what. I'm not sure if I should call my doctor and see about trying something else or if i should just finish this script first. I'm supposed to call her when I'm almost done with this script to get the refill script.  I'm not expecting miracles but I was really hopeful that the impulsiveness would be diminished.  I do know that I'm on the right path because if I didn't need these medicines, I would get "high", right?

I just don't know and I need answers.  Help?

When your on an effective dose of stimulant medication and seeing maximum benefit you should notice a big difference within an hour after you take it. Straterra, which is a non stimulant is a blood level medication unlike Ritilan and can take up to 6 weeks to see maximum benefit. Because response is very individual for stimulant medication, patients must go through a trial of medication until the right medication and dose are achieved and that could take a while.

With Ritilan, you can only get high if you crush it and  snort it at high doses. Taken orally under the direction of a doctor the delivery system into the body is totally different and perfectly safe. You would not get high if you didn't need it. That's a myth.

I recommend that you call your doctor because at this point you need a dose adjustment. Again, stimulants don't have to build up in the system to become effective and its not uncommon to have to change the dose or med during a medication trial so hang in there.

Thanks for your comments.  I will try to get a hold of my doctor this morning.  I guess I'm really confused about stimulants because street drug users take them (and in some cases take our medications) and they get high.  So, let's say my friend and I both take one of my Ritalin pills and she's not ADHD and then gets all wired but I get sleepy.  Is that just an individual response or is she "high"?  I guess I'm still trying to accept all this and was looking for some affirmation that medication is the way to go.  See how confused I am?   

The first few days on the Ritalin (which I'm on the generic by the way), I had bad headaches and I did notice a slowing in movements and I was really tired.  But by two days ago (just over a week since I started), I didn't notice much at all.  I had my usual energy and very little headache.  I guess I need to call the doctor.  Thanks for helping me.  Just talking it out makes a difference. :)