Newly diagnosed adult with ADD | ADHD Information

Hi there and welcome

Here are a few useful sites on meds for adhd. Hope they are helpful to you.

http://www.ncpamd.com/NewADD_Meds.htm

http://www.ncpamd.com/Strattera.htm

Good Morning all,

I have recently been informally diagnosed with ADD and have not, as of yet, discussed medication options (we are waiting on the final screening results). I have been reading some of the posts about different medications and it concerns me that so many people are having (or have had) difficulty with Straterra. I am hoping that my doctor does not prescribe that for me, if medication is needed.

I realize that everyone's tolerance for medication, whether OTC or prescription, is different, but the side effects seem to be the same for a lot of the people who have tried it. Does the same hold true for other ADD medications?

I still have a lot of research to do regarding Adult ADD and I was also hoping to get some input as to where I could find the best information online. Thank you all!

Stillmissing

Dear Stillmissing: Having been diagnosed about six years ago with ADD, I have gone through what you are or will be going through - which medication is most effective, fewest side affects, etc. One of the things to remember when reading all this is that each of us are individuals who react differently to each of the meds or combination. There doesn't seem to be one answer to all this. I started out with Ritalin but found that taking it every four hours didn't always work as well as the time released Concerta that sort of eased it into the system throughout the day. I was up to 54 mg. with a dose of Celexa for my anxiety/depression. After a year on this, I gradually changed to Straterra, removed myself from Celexa, and got my dosage up to 80mg a day. I read about the sleepiness of others who had taken this, and I may had a few episodes of this in the past, I discovered that it was the allergies that was making me sleepy(so I take a 24-hour Claritan). No more tiredness in the day. My doctor has tested me with the Straterra and found that it had a more calming affect than stimulants, my focus was very good, but my motivation seem to be a bit lacking of late. Therefore, I will begin to supplement my Straterra with a 36mg dose of Concerta when and if I wake up with that "apathetic" feeling (knowing that I have a lot of things to do). I will report back on this combination as time goes on. I've discovered that my depression stems from the fact there are so many things that I want to do but never seemed to have the chance to complete (or even start them) "until it is too late...." One of the cliche's that I have come to relate to is "we RISE to the occasion" or "Clarity in Crisis"...... oh well, I have talked too much once again. Good luck on your journey. You are not alone. God bless. Z

Thanks for this information.

Since posting the original message, I have found that I do, indeed, have ADD along with depression and the doctor suggested that I be treated for the ADD first and then work on the depression.

I visit these boards daily and look forward to reading the information and stories posted by others. Thanks again!

Stillmissing

Dear yellowrose: congratulations! It's like putting on a good pair of glasses and you are now "reading a whole lot clearer". What I've discovered on my journey is that I needed to create better organizing habits while I was on this "focus mode" and making sure to set "goals" which is so difficult for me. Good luck. Z

stillmissing - yes there are common side effects with all the ADHD meds - but most are mild and manageable. Like dry mouth (drink more water) weight loss (passes) and jittery feel (usually drops off or goes away). Most of these are in the first month to 3 months - and are mild as I said.

It gets SO nice to feel like just one of the normal people!! Do remember to get therapy in conjunction with meds. One just doesn't work as well without the other!

I am also newly diagnosed with ADHD and I got put on Adderall and I have had great results. I can't believe how good life can be, I can't seem to get enough knowledge.