Advice on ADHD Medications

Hi All - I am looking for feedback on the effectiveness of ADHD medications.

I've learned many tricks over the years on how to manage my ADHD (I'm 38) and am comfortable with the way I am, however, I am beginning to wonder if medication might make things better. I am attending college and have been struggling with my studies. I've already failed one math class and barely passed two others. I know that many of my problems stem from the ADHD, but I am afraid that medication will change who I am.

I've been on antidepressants a couple of times and didn't like what they did to my mind or body. I've never been able to remember to take any type of medications (surprise, surprise), and usually end up giving up after a week or two.

Can anyone out there give me any advice on thier experiences with medication? Is it worth it? Were there any horrible side effects? And most important....did the meds change your personality?

I would really appreciate any and all feedback.

The stimulant meds help...they work...they don't change your personality, they mellow it out.
No side effects, just find the right one for you...which might take a little trial and error.
Is it worth it? YES.

Hi Ditzy,

I seem to be more focused and centered on Focalin XR. I don't know how to attribute my improvement exactly because not too long after I started it last year I had a hypomanic episode followed by a long depressive episode. Then I started taking Lamictal for my bipolar disorder and I definitely improved greatly.

Bottom line is I think I would have had an easier time in college and grad school if I felt then as I feel now.
I don't feel either drug changed my personality.

Math was never my favorite in school. In high school --I got A's in algebra, but easilycould have flunked geometry.

I came close to failing statistics in college. I don't know if the focalin would have made a difference.

My sister who has a diagnosed learning disability in math got a pass on the college math requirement. I believe she also has ADD but I don't know if those two diagnoses are related.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

Meta

I got an A in geometry and flunked Algebra! Isn't crazy how different we all lean things!

I have severe ADHD and have had it as far back as I can remember. I did not begin taking the meds for it until I was in my mid-30's...and what a difference it made! I am almost 50 now. The clarity, the ability to finish a task!! Being able to read an article without scanning to the end first... It enabled me not sit in a straight back chair rocking and moving like a whirling dervish! And so much more.... It was SO worth it to me. Everyone is different but I would recommend trying out a few to see if they might help YOU.

Yes, jennifer, it is crazy how we all learn things. I always sort of assumed algebra was just an easier math to learn than geometry, but your experience says to me maybe that 's not true. I guess different areas of the brain may be involved. Apparently your geometry section of the brain is fine and mine isn't and when it comes to algebra, the reverse is true. The brain is a very interesting organ(Is it an organ?)

So these racing thoughts, unable to sit still, skimming to the end of articles before reading, not following conversations, ect. How can I be sure if it is ADHD or ADD and not just my anxiety? I see a Dr. for my anxiety and he hasn't mentioned a thing about ADHD or the sort. But I tell ya I really dont think my brain is working right, it wasn't before the meds and it still isn't (except I dont feel like pushing people down 6 flights of stairs anymore)...I just wish I could concentrate, just enough to get me through school... :-(

Hi, Ditzy. I just joined yesterday but just read your thread and found some validation. I'm in my 40s and have gone back to school. AGAIN. I've tried several times to finish the college I started after HS but end up losing interest or hope because it's so difficult to stay on task to study. Im very intelligent and I love to learn but making myself sit down and actually study just overwhelms me a lot of the time so I end up procrastinating because I find it so tedious. When I procrastinate, the task becomes almost insurmountable and I either give up or panic and cram. I've finally discovered I've created a pattern of this over the years. I've always written it off as being irresponsible or unmotivated or afraid of failure, yada yada. Needless to say, I've finally come to a point that I've had to say........SOMETHING is going on with me! Im bright and WANT the success but seem to keep finding ways to avoid it.
I hated Math and made Cs in HS and once or twice a D. My mind would wander and I daydreamed SO much. Obviously, you can't learn all the necessary steps to solving more complex Math in HS if your head keeps going to the clouds because your painfully bored. lol (like I was). What I found amazing is that when I reentered college the first time in my early 30's, I had to take beg. algebra. I had a more mature discipline regarding paying attention but only due to my age, I think. Somehow I pulled off an A! But soon after, I lost my direction and could never decide on a clear path I wanted to take toward a degree.
Anyway, I've wondered about the meds with adults too. Both of my boys have taken ADHD meds but I wondered how adults fare with them. I cannot WAIT to put this to bed, for me. It's been sabotaging SO many areas of my life and I do not intend to let this keep me thinking, or other family members, that I'm just DITZY. lol

Find the right one. Each one is formulated differently so can affect you differently. Start with the lowest dosage and see how it works. If you can use Stratara, it is not a controlled substance you doctor can even possibly give samples for. My husband is ADHD and when we have insurance he was on Adderall for a while (which caused his libido to not be active) and then he went to Ritilin and it helped him so much in being able to focus and get things done. The doctor told him to counter the lack of desire effect, use a sudafed tablet at night. It made such a difference to him while he was on it and then we lost insurance so with one child with ADHD & his, we made sure she had her meds & he went without. He is now being treated for depression and until that is under control the doctor isn't putting back on ADHD meds. Hope this helps. Thru issues with my daughter I have met many adults with questions about adult & Child ADHD.

Hi you may want to check out this link, they have tons of great articles relating to ADD/ADHD medications and the effects it has on your body.
I hope this helps.

www.connectwithkids.com/tipsheet/2006/268_feb15/thisweek/060215_black.shtml

Hi ditzygirl,

Just to add my two cents -- I've been taking Adderall XR since January, and I swear by it. I wouldn't say that it's changed my personality so much as it's cleared the haze in my brain enough that more of my real personality can come thru. It makes going to class much easier because I can listen and get engaged in what's going on rather than just staring blankly at the prof as my brain floats somewhere out in the ether (I'm predominantly inattentive type)... And conveniently enough, it also seems to be helping with my depression & anxiety problems, too. Everyone has different responses to medications, so I don't mean to tout Adderall as some sort of miracle drug. But I think ADHD meds are certainly worth a shot -- my best advice is to be your own advocate, and let your doc know what is working for you & what isn't.

It's also worth mentioning that psychotherapy has been a crucial part of treating my ADHD as well. Ultimately, the meds are a tool that put me into a state of mind where I'm capable of functioning much better -- but I still have to come up with the motivation to do so myself. Still trying to pick up on those tricks for managing the ADHD that you were talkin about, too!

I hope your classes get better! My mom went to college while she was raising me, so I know that's no easy feat. & just the thought of math classes makes me wanna gag... lol.... but keep pushing through the frustration, cuz eventually, once you get to the subjects you love, it will be so rewarding! Best of luck!

Hi,

I'm 38 also, I just got diagnosed, they finally realized that my adhd was making me depressed, not the other way around lol. Anyway, my psych experimented with Ritalin and after having NO CONCENTRATION in school. I got 26 credits in one semester and achieved all A's and B's. Now I'm preg and cant take the stimulants so I'm trying wellbutrin, I'm disorganized all over again. Hope that helps.

Lisa

I wish I could get a diagnosis of this problem. In this small town, I have been on a 4 year waiting list to see the specialist that does teh testing for ADD/ADHD. Meanwhile, I wait and fluster.

i take Adderral 30mg XR and Invega

I'm bipolar 1 & have ADD. I take lots of (6) meds for my bipolar & Concerta 72 mg daily for the ADD. I can't imagine how I survived without it. It has allowed my personality to come out! I'm not so flustered & scattered as before.--Suzy

I was just diagnosed with ADD at 30. My MD put me on Ritalin and I have been on it for about 3 weeks. It only seems to be helping a little. Is that normal?? Should I ask about other medications at my next appointment??

anyone on strattera and ritalyn? Im on both. ive been playing with doses and want to know if anyone has any inout on adderral vs ritalyn

Hello. I am very new this thread has been very helpful. I currently take adderall. It works amazing but is thinning my hair really really bad. And while I know being well is most important I really don't want to be bald. Does anyone know of a similar medication that dosen't make you lose your hair? Please let me know.