Straterra to Ritalin to Concerta?? | ADHD Information

Hello All!

I hope you all are enjoying the Spring weather that seems to be coming
around--finally!

Anyhow--here's the scoop:

Diagnosed ADHD when I was in first grade, but managed well with lots of
structure and sports--it also helped that I was in the "gifted" classes so
creativity was allowed and accepted.

Now I am in a residency program (veterinary diagnostic imaging) and
LOVE it. BUT, with the lack of structure and the increased demands to
learn new info I started on meds a few years ago.

First started on Effexor XR and Buspar (pre-straterra FDA approval)--oh
yea--also had components of anxiety. Did OK--but still have issues with
becoming overwhelmed and frustrated. This would eventually lead to a
Hulk episode.

So--started on straterra when it came out, stayed on Effexor XR (lower
dose) and Buspar. After about 6 weeks things really fell into place--less
frustration, easier to think things through before becoming unduly
frustrated. Then, after being on Straterra for about 1.5 years the liver
caution was announced by the FDA. So, the Dr. checked my liver
enzymes and my GGT was slightly elevated (normal to be seen with some
drugs, but not seen NORMALLY with Straterra). So, I stopped the straterra
for 1 month--rechecked enzymes and they were decreasing, 6 months
later they are almost back to normal.

In the meantime, I started on Ritalin (regular). Still on Effexor XR-
decreasing dose, and Buspar. I am at 20mg twice daily (~8am and 2pm)
with no side-effects. The only issue is that the dose seems right, but the
duration of action only seems to be about 3 hours--this means that when
I get home from "work" I still need to study and work on research and my
motivaiton is ZILCH and my ability to be distracted is a GAZILLION!

I thought about asking my dr. about going 3x daily, but she feels if I take
it too late in the day I won't sleep at night. Sometimes on weekends I
take my second dose--if needed--as late as 5pm and am fine for
sleeping (normal bedtime is ~11pm). One option she suggested was
Concerta.

Anyone have any experiences switching from Ritalin (regular) to Concerta?

Oh yea--I'm also seeing a psychologist for some behavior modification
stuff so maybe I can get back off meds or at least use less of them.

Thanks for any advice!