Where do I begin.
I was diagnosed with ADD in the 3rd grade and I am now 22 years old (which means I have been on some sort of medication for about 14 years). (In the beginning I was on Ritilan and now I am on Adderall XR 20mg) I recently graduated from college and moved to obtain a job in a different city. I finally found a GP that would treat me for ADD. She ran a few tests (since I was on the Adderall) to make sure everything was okay with my body. The results of my Echocardiogram came back stating that I had leaks in some of my valves (Mitral Valve Prolapse, Mitral Regurgitation, Tricuspid Regurgitation). Surprisngly she said that none of these were a concern and I was able to stay on the Adderall XR medication. I am wondering if this is wise and if I should get a second opinion since the FDA released a warning about Adderall and heart problems. I also wonder if these meds caused my problems (even though heart problems are present in my family).
I am not sure what to do. Lately, I have been having chest pains (I see the dr tomorrow) and wonder if this is all related, however I had stomach problems three years ago and wonder if it is reoccuring.
I am also tired all of the time and have poor circulation in my hands and feet. I wonder if this is related to the medication or could be something totally different.
Has anyone had these problems? I hate the idea of being on these medications, but I have trouble focusing on my work when I am off of them. Does anyone know of any other medications (Strattera, Concerta, etc) that can be taken without the heart related issues? Do these medications work as well as the Adderall XR?
Has anyone else been on these medications as long as I have. If so, do you have any problems?
I feel like I am inbetween a rock and a hard place. I can't seem to function properly without the medication (considering I have been on it for 14 years), but I don't want to have heart failure when I am 40 years old.
Any advice, suggestions, etc will be appreciated!
Hockey337z,
What medications may work is unique to the one taking them. But there are a variety on the market to try-- as well as dietary treatments that may prove beneficial.
Have you considered seeing a medical professional or psychiatrist that is well versed in ADD? I would suggest finding one, instead of seeing a GP. Your GP may be very good-- but a professional with particular experience with ADD can be a tremendous benefit for you in determining if there is another option with less troublesome questions. If you have the means to do so, it may be well worth your time and money to pursue a total physical and present your symptoms as something to be defined.
Lastly, I don't know your gender-- but my son with ADHD (now 23), tried stimulant medications and with those he tried (Ritalin and Cylert)-- he had side effects or concerns about the effects of the medications. At age 18 it was suggested he try Wellbrutin (an anti-depressant), and it worked best for him-- without side affects of any kind. I mention gender, because before he tried it, we researched it and there was much information available that supported it worked well with adolescent and young adult males with ADHD (14-24 years of age)-- though the definitive reasons could not be translated in medical terms, only in terms of the reported benefits of those who switched to it. Generally speaking, it is not among the list of ADD medications, but with males in the age group I mentioned, it has shown to have positive results with few to zero side affects. My son describes his experience with it as being able to focus better-- and yet not "ever feeling shaky"-- and while taking it hasn't had added problems with going to sleep at night (with or without medication, he has difficulty going to sleep at night).
There are other avenues for you to pursue for medication; but it sounds to me like you need some reassurances about your overall health as well as what possible alternatives to take for your ADD. Only a professional can do that for you.
Hi there. I am a female who doesn't have ADHD. My son does. Anyhow I noticed you said that you are tired all the time and youu have poor hand and foot circulation. My constant tiredness is due to sleep apnea and an underactive thyroid. I have numbness or a tingling in my hands and feet at times also. So you may want to ask your doctor about these 2 possibilities.