[Michah]

Hi everyone,

I am hoping that someone can help me with some queries that I have.

Bit of background....

My Pdoc has been trying to get me to take stimulants for the last 2 years, but I have been vehemently against it due to a number of factors:

A previous drug history would mean random urine tests while on stimulants;

after many years of being on medications for conditions I don't actually have(mainly anti-psychotics), it has damaged my brains ability to function well in the neurotransmitter department causing upsets in sex-hormone function as well as dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin;

and, the general terror associated with taking any drug that will effect brain chemistry due to my medical history, even if I am taking the drug to improve brain chemistry and therefore improve my quality of life.

I have Aspergers Syndrome and PTSD (mild now) with an "intermittant(sp) explosive disorder" or some such thing. I have also been dx with fibromyalgia/CFS and other painful conditions that do have an aetiology - carpel tunnel in wrists, tendonitis and endometriosis/adenomyosis. I have a thyroid goitre.

The thing is, that an ADHD/ADD dx is not forthcoming, or more to the point, my Pdoc says yes it is, and my specialist AS psych says no, its not, but both are willing to agree on the fact that I show definite 'symptomology" of ADHD/ADD Confused yet? I couldn't really care less about a dx either way, I just want to feel better. I want to be able to THINK (MOST unbelievably frustrating when trying to push thoughts through treacle), I want to be able to concentrate and I want to be able to remember what I did five minutes ago. I feel so fatigued all the time, but wired and chaotic in the mind. I sleep terribly(they think I have a sleep disorder after I had sleep studies done about 4 years ago, and stimulants were brought up then as well) and, well, I just feel completely out of sorts and have for a while.

I am not asking for anyone to agree one way or the other, or provide a dx per se, what I am wondering is HOW you felt or feel with ADHD/ADD (the symptoms that really affected you) and how you found or didn't find answers. My Pdoc said to me,to cure my 'suspicion' of stimulants, that in most cases and for those that need them, stimulants change peoples lives. I am inclined to believe him.

Thanks for reading and like I said, any bits you care to share, would be most appreciated.

Cheers, Michah

[unaluna]

By stimulants they mean like Ritalin or what?

[Michah]

Originally Posted by hankster

By stimulants they mean like Ritalin or what?

Thats the ones....specifically norepinephrine/dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRI's) or dopamine reuptake inhibitors (DRI's).

Cheers,

Michah

[burhil]

The only thing I know a little about is intermittent explosive disorder. PM me if you are
interested.

[Arwen_78]

I think that it's really up to you. I only have to deal with plain ADD so I can take things like Strattera, which is a non-stimulants, I'm wary of stimulants myself. True, it could make life better for you but you know your body and your pdoc should be listening to you.

I think you should maybe ask if reading book about how to help you without medications.