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I have always really felt like I have ADD. I finally made an appointment (in November) and went to it (in January) and was prescribed meds.After 2 months on Effexor (1 month at 75 mg and 1 month 150 mg) and 1 month on Concerta (2 wks 18 mg, 2 wks 36), I don't really feel better. I think I may be doing better (on the good days), but it's hard to tell. My stupid state-dependent memory won't let me track it.. I've started trying to write things down but haven't done it enough yet. I have a few good days then several bad, but that's always been the case. I think I may be generally more cheerful, but I don't feel more clear-headed.
Does this No Effect mean that I don't have ADD? Am I just being impatient? It usually takes a lot of a stimulant to stimulate me. I have a childhood abuse-related anxiety, hypervigilance thing (also technically undiagnosed) and I know that long-term anxiety and depression can dramatically affect memory and concentration. (I really don't feel particularly depressed most of the time.) Unfortunately, that's harder to treat, I imagine, and I've waited too long as it is.
If I'm barking up the wrong tree, I need to pursue something else asap. I got a great new job in January and although I love learning, it's killing me. I just can't keep up. I stay late and work all weekend and, if I can pry myself off the couch, I work when I get home from work.
Hi, I was just recently diagnosed with adult ADD and was prescribed ritalin 10 mg 3x a day. I really don't feel much of a difference yet, but it's only been a week and a few days. I lost 5 pounds on the medicine and I do notice when I read and study that my concentration is a little better. It took me a while to finally accept my diagnosis. I was diagnosed almost 2 years ago and finally decided to seek treatment again almost 2 weeks ago. When I was first diagnose, I took meds for a short time and my ego said "Na, you don't have ADD?" I've come to the conclusion that it's a chemical imbalance because I tried virtually EVERYTHING. I used to take Effexor for depression and that made my head VERY foggy. So, I quit taking it and found that a healthy diet with fish oil, supplements and exercise help combat by mild anxiety and depression. Although, now I feel like a failure in school since my memory and concentration is so bad that I'm starting to feel depressed again. If these meds help with my problems in school and my VERY bad memory, I think the depression will diminish. Maybe you need more time for the meds to work or perhaps an increase in dosage. Tell your doctor EVERYTHING. I took Ritalin when I was first diagnosed for a month or two and quit so I had an empty bottle and it said 10 mg 3x a day. Somehow, I managed to find the empty bottle and was lucky cause that's what my PCP suggested I'd bring. When he first seen what dose I was on he said "This is a pretty low dose!" But I guess he wanted to start me off on a smaller dose. Anyways, It may be helpful to increase it. Concerta also comes in 54 mg. If that doesn't work for you, Adderall seems to work wonders for many also. Good luck!