Not all, but most doctors want you to be tested and diagnosed by a mental health professional that is experienced in diagosing ADD or ADHD, either in adults or children. Then your regular doctor can write the prescription. For my son, he went to a child psychologist, recommended by our pediatrician. He was tested, observed & finally diagnosed. We then went back to the ped to discuss the the best types of meds for him. She then wrote the Rx and we go in to see her every six months for a check up.
For myself, I went to a psychologist that worked with adults with ADD and ADHD. He tested me, then wrote a letter to my doctor with his diagnosis of ADD. I then went to my doctor to get the prescription. We discussed which types to try. We started with Strattera first, I did that for a year but it was not a good experience. I just started Adderall a couple of weeks ago and I see a big difference (though I did call after a week to up the dosage). I hope this helps!
Hi. I'm 19 and was diagnosed with ADD/ADHD maybe 2 years ago but I have only recently tried medication to treat it. The doctor started me off with Concerta and that was AWFUL. I tried it for two weeks but that was too long. Not only did it make me not hungry, it would also leave me feeling like I didn't want to eat at all.. even when I was. That included even drinking water, leaving me starving and dehydrated. I lost a little over 10 pounds in 1.5 weeks (from 125 to 113). Aside from that, it would make my mouth numb, I was weak and tired all the time from not eating, and when I'd try to sleep I would become very very dizzy when I'd close my eyes. My vision became a little blurry and my stomach felt cramped and tight all the time, as if i were constantly stressed about something. I also became more paranoid about little things. Overall, I just felt Wrong.
My psychiatrist prescribed the Concerta, not my primary doctor--although she (primary) has prescribed other medications in the past. She said from the beginning that she would try to treat it a little bit but that she was not completely familiar with this area of specialty and suggested that I find a psychiatrist and perhaps a therapist as well (giving me the names of a few well-qualified doctors in the area that she was familiar with). I was on wellbutrin for 3 months but felt nothing whatsoever, good or bad. I was also on Klonopin for anxiety from November up until early/mid April when I started the Concerta.. the combination make me excessively drowsy when I would try to wake up in the morning. She also prescribed Ativan, which is similar to Klonopin, to be taken as needed (I've had 30 pills for 2-3 months and have only used 16) and I still have that and use it occationally.
Anyway, so the psyc. is now trying me on Adderall which I've been on for only about a week and a half now and I love it. I love that I have more control over my eating and the dosage. It only lasts for a few hours, up to four though usually less, and she gives me the option of taking 2 pills every 4 hours or 1.5 every 3 hours. It gently wears off too, unlike the Concerta which left me with side effects after it wore off as well as while I was on it. I have had little, if any, side effects with the Adderall and I have definately noticed a difference in my ability to concentrate and feel more "NORMAL".. :) Though she gave me a sample of Zoloft to try alongside the Adderall to treat other issues. As of now, the medications seem to be working, though we are still figuring out the proper dosage I need. The doctors also suggested I see a therapist to help me with organization, time management, procrastination.. all the things I've been struggling with in part due to the ADD/ADHD.. so I have been and so far it's not as bad as I was anticipating (only been twice though). Hope this helps anyone and sorry if I wrote a little too much! It's nice to be able to do something and not get sidetracked after just a few minutes like in the past.
Only a phyciatrist can write a prescription for adhd?? a normal doctor can't? Any medical doctor can write a script for any medication. Some doctors choose not to because they are not familiar with add or the meds. Our internal medacine Dr. did our sons. Never been to a pshychiatrist do to not wanting more drugs added. I see to many adhd kids on to many drugs.what is an internal medicine doctor?? I looked up family physicians and general practicioners in my area specializing in adhd, are they able to prescribe medication?