Hi,
I have been on 20mg of metadate CD for about 7 years now and really love it. I don't take it every day, but take it when I know that I will need to sit & listen, or do a lot of computer work, etc., about 2 or 3 times a week. I definitely notice a difference on the medication. Without it, it feels like there is an octopus living in my head - its eight different arms each reaching for a different topic or idea. It gets actually physically painful dealing with my brain. I find it difficult to follow a conversation, or read a book or watch tv. The metadate a couple of times a week in the morning, gives me such relief. Just to have a day when I don't have to deal with the pain of trying to reel in my brain every few seconds to get anything done. Suicidal thoughts are almost completely eliminated on metadate days.
My doctor is really uncomfortable with the metadate. She thinks that it will cause me heart problems, or worsen some eye issues that I have been having. I'm almost 40 years old, and she says it is time to start weening off of the metadate. She suggested that instead of the meds, I should take up drinking coffee. This seems odd to me. I know that some folks do self-medicate with coffee, but I really don't like the taste, and I don't understand why coffee-stimulant is safer than metadate-stimulant. I can't find any information online that says that metadate is bad for your heart. I normally avoid caffeine altogether.
I've tried Stratera, and really hated it. I felt drugged and sleepy all the time. I couldn't get out of my own way.
-Has anyone else had their doctor resist prescribing medicine?
-Is there any reason to worry about my heart, as a 40-yr old on metadate?
-How much coffee or espresso would I need to take to equal the effects of 20mg of metadate?
Thanks for any suggestions you can give!