Ritalin

Hi,
I have recently tried Ritalin for my ADD, and find that although it does quieten me down and makes me more foccussed, this is because in effect it slows down my thoughts and so I find it makes me think alot slower and this is noticeable when I am reading a book and it takes me much longer to understand it than it normally would. Because of this negative effect, I have decided not to continue on it. However, I have not found any alternative solution that works. I have found what works is really strenuous exercise because i think it stimulates dopamine which I believe is the brain chemical i lack? Does anyone know what the connection is between dopamine and ADD and anyone had this experience with Ritalin?

It is not that you lack dopamine, if you did you would be unable to move and be catatonic (IE. the movie awakenings). However, most people feel that ADHD is caused in part by underactive pre and frontal cortex in the areas in which dopamine plays a vital role. If ritalin failed you, try adderall first, then strattera or wellbutrin. Yes, dopamine is stimulated with exercise.

Hi,
thanx for ur advice: my psychiatrist won't prescribe adderall because i live in the uk and apparently they don't prescribe that here...
however, i really prefer not to take drugs....
i have been searching for a natural solution......
do you know why strenuous exercise would help my concentration because it seems to help better than anything else i have tried......but I have to do at least 2 hours-3 hours everyday....