I've never done cocaine but I know I will never try it after reading how well it works as a stimulant. I definitly don't want to get on something like that now that I'm coming to terms with all this. While it might help with ADD symptoms its still cocaine.
I'm currently on Adderall 20mg XR
I don't find it to be the saviour I thought it was but it does help me. I just started it a little over a week ago so it's still new to me. I also started trying some supplements because I'm willing to try anything that can help.
I think like anything in life some people can cope with ADD while others can't. I overlooked/denied it in my childhood/teen life because it didn't prevent me from doing what I wanted. Now in my early 20's I'm finding it difficult to keep interest in my job, balance relationships, responsibilities, etc. This among other things has caused me more and more stress until I felt so overwhelmed I had to do something about it. That's kinda where I am now
I'm on 10mg of Dexedrine - 5mg twice a day. I think the dosage is a little low, because I notice a slight change, but nothing major. Some days it doesn't seem to do anything. My doctor and I are still working out a proper dose for me.With stimulants they effect everyone differently. My heart rate doesn't feel any different on Adderall but others stop taking it because it really bothers them. You can always give it a try and stop if it isn't for you.
Ive been on at least 10 different meds 12 yrs ago. None worked. My life just kept plodding along< I found out I had it at 35. Now Iam 48 almost and after hearing on TV about Strattera and concerta decided to try meds again. I started 10 mg of adderall and then went to 20mg xr I find it excellent so far as focus being calm and people around me notice the difference[QUOTE=teacherindiana] I am currently on Adderall, but not the XR kind yet, only 30 mgs a day, but it has saved some sanity definitely. I was reluctant to use it at first, but my suggestion is to document/journal and observe yourself with/without. I kept a mini journal of benefits I noticed, symptoms or side effects, eating and sleeping patterns. I got much more regular sleep, had less focus and organization issues, and just overall felt much calmer with Adderall. Ritalin, for even someone my size, was really hard on my stomach, and I could feel it start to kick in immediately, and then I could also tell exactly when it wore off. Do those of you on the Adderall XR find this more helpful than just regular adderall? [/QUOTE]I'm 45 years old. I was diagnosed in Jan. 05. My life has been a struggle. I was hoping for a miracle drug, well I didn't get a miracle; but I have improved by leaps and bounds on strattera 40mg daily. I have had sever depression for years, and been on several antidepressants. since starting the strattera I strongly believe I will be able to get off the antidepressant meds.
I am on Adderall XR 20mgs and it really helps my ADD, especially at work.
I have been diagnosed for over 8 years and have gone through a mirade of meds, dosage adjustments, and combinations. I started out on Retalin and wowzers I could focus, wasn't so explosive, and life started making sense. Then after a few months I found that it was wearing off really fast. The doctor upped my dosage and I found it made me all jittery and basically I felt like crap. So then I tried Adderall...yay it worked and lasted more than 2-3 hours, then after a few months same thing happened. At that point and time Concerta had just come out so I tried it, same thing happened AGAIN, so I went back on Adderall and just broke down my 30mgs per day into three dosages throughout the day (10mgs ea time). Then Adderall XR came out...yay! But I found that after a few months on it wore off before it was supposed to (again), we tried the 30mg XR dosage but again I got the jittery, crappy feeling. I ended up on 20mg XR in morn. and 5-10mg regular in the afternoon. I was on that for a couple years. Now I'm on 20mg XR and 300mg Wellbutrin and it seems to be working. I started taking the Wellbutrin because various anti-depressants haven't worked. While taking the Wellbutrin I've discovered I don't need my afternoon dosage of Adderall, which is great because sometimes it made me feel all tense.
I guess in a very long-winded way I'm trying to say is that if you try one med and it doesn't work tell your doctor that is what he/she is there for. Your dosage can always be adjusted and if that doesn't work there are plenty of other options to try.
I have joked for years now that I was ADD but was very recently diagnosed. I turned down the offer for meds and am striking out on my own to find something that will help me cope.
I am not afraid of meds or into everything herbal but it seems to me that the medical field isn't into curing anymore and instead focuses on hiding the symptoms. That goes for everything from the common cold to ADD. It has been very weird getting diagnosed. I actually preferred not knowing and just thinking I was a little different or wierd :)
Right now, I take caffeine regularly mostly in the form of Mt Dew Code Red...mmm... and it helps me get thru the day. I am choosing to learn to live with ADD and find ways to help me through the symptoms or accentuate the positives of the symptoms instead of hiding them. I like to think that I am a better person with ADD with many more positives than negatives. I could look at the downsides but the upside is much better and makes for a healthier life, IMO.
Good Luck with whatever route you take and keep us informed of your progress.
MM