Meds for ADD-like symptoms

Hi All,

I used to think that I had some weird form of ADD that cycled between having extreme and clear focus and another extreme where no matter how hard I tried it felt like my head was full of mud and I had trouble focusing on anything.

As you can imagine this causes all sorts of issues in a work environment.

So anyway, thanks to the GFC I am now a year out of work. A few opportunities are finally opening up and I hope to be back at work early in the new year.

The last thing I need then is to have my ADD-like symptoms rear their ugly head and find myself out of work again.

So I was wondering - have any members tried using the standard meds for ADD, such as Ritalin and other stimulants, and how effective are they? I did try one course of Ritalin a couple of years ago and it was moderately effective, although I didn't much like the side effects.

All medication will have side affects...people just have to endure them until they pass, after so many weeks if they don't then you speak to your doctor again about it....

For ADD like symptoms doctors won't likely prescribe any for you if you've not been diagnosed with it.
Medication can help some people, but it's always best to use that as a last resort if you are unable to cope.

Thanks. So I'd need to get a diagnosis from a psychiatrist or psychologist then?

I'm living in the "3rd world" now. CNS stimulants like Ritalin are one of the few meds that you need a prescription for - and even then it is just a case of going to any doctor and saying "I need a prescription for ...". I'd better plan ahead if I plan to move back to the 1st world.

Coping isn't an issue. I can cope. Some employers get a bit upset though when they are paying you well and you suddenly go from being one of their most productive employees to being their least productive.

I have been taking Adderall for about 2 years now, and it has worked wonders. I was first diagnosed right before I turned 25, after years of suspecting that something was amiss and I finally took the initiative to look further into it. I was first prescribed Concerta, an extended release form of methylphenidate. It seemed to work okay at first, however I would get a pounding headache every day when I was coming off of it. I then asked my doctor about Adderall, as I had heard a lot of good reviews about it. I was prescribed 20 mg every morning, and I saw a huge difference. I was focused, amibitious, and motivated to get things done and exercise. It also helped with weight loss, which was the only side effect, and a positive one! I recently was prescribed the extended release form after speaking with my doctor because i was experiencing foggy thinking and an decrease in energy (I also take Zoloft and Wellbutrin, and the Wellbutrin was also increased; this combination definitely helped!). I can think clearly, I have more energy, and am more determined. I am fortunate in the medication department because I have responded quickly with no negative side effects. Since everyone's body chemistry is different however, every individual will respond differently. There are also medical conditions which may have an impact on whether or not certain medications are right for you. It is best to discuss with your doctor which medication they feel will be beneficial, and to also do your own research. It is helpful when a doctor is understanding and takes your own input into consideration as well, and collaborates with you on which treatment methods are effective.