[nataliepatricia6183]

Hello,
I have un-treated ADD. I've had it my whole life and am just now seeking help. My doctor didn't want to get me on meds yet because she wants to make sure it's not bi-polar or both; so I'm tracking my moods. It's def. ADD and I've pretty much always known that. Inattentive, easily distracted, spacing out all the time, bored very easily( have to be picking at myself or doing something all the time) and so disorganized..trying to get better with that. A huge thing is my thoughts are constantly racing about all different things.
I have a couple questions. First, I know this is suppose to go under the meds forum but NOBODY will respond to my question so please let this stay here and hopefully answer
Has anyone used or is using Strattera and does it work for them? I can't handle stimulants cause of my anxiety- however I've heard some stimulants don't cause that..any advice on this will help.. I've gotten no response in the MEds forum prob bec there are few in there with ADD
2nd question is
What type of ADHD do you suffer with most? What other things have helped you to focus or stay calm..to control your thoughts and not get bored.

Thanks Nat

[pbutton]

I have trouble paying attention and following through on a single task. I am very VERY easily distracted, particularly by sounds.

My pdoc says Strattera does help some people. I certainly think it would be worth a try.

[Tom Meets World]

See your ADD as a gift instead of taking societies negative label of it.

I have slight ADD and have always found people who have ADD very interesting.

Embrace it! It's fun.

You should avoid meds as as you haven't used any up until now. Racing thoughts are common... Search for information about meditation to calm your mind.

[Chris Altman]

ADHD is not something you can teach (psychotherapy) or run (sports) your way out of. There are neurobiological basis for ADHD and medication is important.Besides, if you have ADHD medication might actually help your anxiety. You should discuss your impressions with a doctor.

[Miswimmy1]

I was on Strattera for a little over a year for the same reason as you- anxiety and ADHD. I was on the maximum dose (100mg) and while it had some effect, not nearly enough for my symptoms. Prior to Strattera, I had tried concerta and methylin (stimulants) but they increased my anxiety and had too many side effects. During the time I was on Strattera, I got a better handle on my anxiety issues and decided to try another stimulant. I started Focalin XR and have been on that for two and a half years now. Works great.

The thing with Strattera is that is takes a while to build up (up to a month or two to take full effect). It isn't like a stimulant that kicks in within half an hour and is in and out of your system in a matter of hours. In that sense, it's difficult to really feel its affect so it may appear as if nothing is happening. But it will be. Just be patient.

I have been diagnosed both ADHD-inattentive and ADHD-combined by different psychologists. Honestly, as someone with ADHD, I am never bored because there is ALWAYS something to look at, or play with, or do. It might not be worth my time, but there is always something to distract me.

[nataliepatricia6183]

Thanks for all the feedback. IF anyone else has any experiences please feel free to share as it always helps. I think I will try out the Strattera

[FrenchLop]

I've never taken meds for ADHD in my life, so I can't answer you're first question. But I've found that listening to music really helps me focus. Sometimes, I can't start working on anything until I start playing it .