[QUOTE=Luvmykids02]You make not be taking the most theraputic level of medication yet and more times than not, it takes a few dose adjustments or sometimes change of medication before maximum benefits are seen. [/QUOTE]
That's the reason my doctor suggested I start with 2-3x 5mg doses for a couple of days, then move to 10mg then 5mg later, then 10/10mg and 15/10, and so on. That we we have a better idea of what the best dosage is.
Am still doing 5mg and have not yet had any negative effects. (I consider the loss of appetite positive. ;-) ).
Andrea's suggestion of the journal is great. I started one right away with the times and doses and well as the times when I noticed something "different" or I was still doing the same 'ol stuff. That should help get a clearer picture of how much is necessary and how often.
At this dosage level:
- I am still bouncing between tasks and it is still hard to get motivated
- I talk with people "without it turning into a huge argument". (That was a real big point for me)
- I'm "awake", but I cannot concentrate as much as I would like.
Personally, it sounds like your dose might be too high. I have read somewhere that with higher doses, you do (or can) become somewhat euphoric: http://www.nida.nih.gov/Infofacts/Ritalin.html. That is one reason why is is often abused.
I would suggest you talk with the doctor and maybe lower the dosage. Also get a journal like Andrea suggested.
Regards,
jimmo
Hello Fallen
I was diagnosed back in March and was quite frantically searching for help re your same symptoms on this measage board. Trying to understand all this wierd stuff like the feeling stoned, probably looking bit stoned, confused because the dexamphetamine (I'm in Australia) seemed to be helping in some ways, but certainly wasnt a spectacular result as some people seem to have. Suddenly on this big "I need to get everything around me organised and tidied up so I can focus" type thing, yet at the same time could actually stop and look at things, like the world was coming into focus....literally visually I could actually see things more clearly and there wasnt this jagged sort of jumping chaos in my head. Felt happier, not so easily provoked and quite a lot more care free. Stiil forget things, but wasnt as upset by that and not feeling completely overwhelmed by the things I had to do...just plodded along doing them. More to the point I started to actually listen to what people said, see myself act and react in ways that I didnt really want to act or react - but that is who I am...but I couldnt see it before..suddenly I seemed to have insight into how i appear to others...some of which was (?still is) not how I wanted to be. This led to some serious soul searching...still doing that but am not quite as upset as earlier.
Things are generally ongoing as above except I dont feel stoned or look stoned, nor am I tired. I am just sort of geting on with it I guess. I see a counsellor and I journal daily to work through some of my stuff. My medication seems to be causing some insomnia and at the end of the day my tongue and teeth aare sore from wriggling (am palnning to try get some advice re this. I can feel when my medication wears off and can be a bit restless and snappy...I am still a bit forgetful and still have problems with prioritising unless I make a concerted effort. But I think that when I do make the effort it does work for me, whereas before it didnt unless I just about had a nervous breakdown to get the go on the go ..if that makes sense. Oh and by the way i also had other side effect like diarrhoea and nausea for the first 4 to 6 weeks..but these side effects seem to have worn off.
I think you have mentioned some very normal reactions to commencing medication for ADD, but you should keep a journal so that when you go back to the psyche you can reveiw what is going on so the right meds can be worked out for you. The thought of not having this smooth feeling and going back to being all jagged and all over the place makes me wince...well that was a big rave, but hopefully it is of some help. I know i was quite concerned at the beginning and recieved some helpful advice form this site
Andrea
Hi Fallen........the goal with medication is maximum benenfit with minimal side effects. You make not be taking the most theraputic level of medication yet and more times than not, it takes a few dose adjustments or sometimes change of medication before maximum benefits are seen. With ADHD meds, the patient goes through a trial of meds as its not too often that the first dosage amount is the target dose. Speak with your do and let us know how it goes.