ADD Meds for adults.... your experiences/thoughts? - Page 3

[wannabemoms]

Today's my second day of the double dose of Concerta. No negative side-effects whatsoever, not even the "buzz" :

[MamaRBH]

You lucky thing!!!

That's wonderful! Keep us (me ) updated, please!!

[Essie]

Wow, I was about to start a thread about this exact same issue and here it is!!! MamaRBH--so glad you are getting help! you are not alone and I share your frustration completely! I think your DH was being thoughtful when he researched things for you...try not to feel bad about him not telling you. Eventually he did right?

I always thought of ADD as kind of an *in fashion* dx, and never thought of myself as having it until my dad who is MUCH like me mentioned to me over the summer that he thinks he has it. He is very logical, not into tossing out dx's and the like and it really threw me off!

Then a woman I work with told me that she has it (she's a pharmacist) and that really shocked me. I see similarities in us as well. Then I did 2 different online tests on ADD and yes, I fit into the dx.

I was dx'd as having a learning disability in college, and have always had trouble with school. I am in a pharm tech training right now and felt so good about it until the math came up. I completely freeze when my mind thinks I will fail, and guess what? I have failed many times at many things. Another symptom I think is starting and never finishing many things. I constantly am down on myself, am always late, have to tell myself out loud to focus and recall what the hell I was doing a minute ago, I have a hard time staying on task, and I really need structure.

MamaRBH, you mentioned that you have a special needs child--guess what? so do I? isn't that interesting? mine has Asperger's and is prone to anger and anxiety. I've just thought my whole life that I've been depressed but it's more like I feel worthless b/c I am in a vicious cycle. Can anyone else with a dx explain what they go through daily? I have always felt so alone and have thought about meds too.

I guess I hijacked a bit! sorry! I am excited and relieved to just have a place to ask these questions.

[wannabemoms]

Originally Posted by Essie

. I completely freeze when my mind thinks I will fail, and guess what? I have failed many times at many things. Another symptom I think is starting and never finishing many things. I constantly am down on myself, am always late, have to tell myself out loud to focus and recall what the hell I was doing a minute ago, I have a hard time staying on task, and I really need structure.
I've just thought my whole life that I've been depressed but it's more like I feel worthless b/c I am in a vicious cycle. Can anyone else with a dx explain what they go through daily? I have always felt so alone and have thought about meds too.

Hey! Thanks for joining us! I can relate to everything you've said here...

I can say that a typical day for me would include being late getting out the door for work because I had to run back into the house three times because I forgot my notebook...oh yeah and my gas money...oh and my coffee...oh heck, where's my lunch???? : Phew, on the road now, but I'm stressed and anxious 'cause I'm LATE. I drive to work, and my thoughts are jumping from one thing to another. I pull out my cell phone so I can leave myself a reminder message at work to send an email I didn't send yesterday...and the letter I need to mail...and the assignment I need to finish...there's usually 3-5messages waiting for me by the time I get in. I get in to work, see 25 emails in my inbox and piles of unfinished work on my desk...and get overwhelmed by it so I go goof around on MCD for a bit I start going through my emails but keep getting distracted by thoughts/ideas that pop into my head and MUST attend to those thoughts when they arise. So by lunch I'm about 1/4 finished 10 different things and there's more piles on my desk. I realize there's a deadline for a project in one hour. My adrenaline kicks in and suddenly I'm a hyper-focused super-productive machine...my fingers fly on the keyboard and I get the task done in record time, nothing could distract me now...my manager is happy and says I'm a superstar... but then it's done and I'm back on MCD and shuffling around the rest of my papers. I have a meeting with my manager in the afternoon, but forget what was said 15 minutes after it's finished (thank goodness I took notes!) I feel low-energy and daydream most of the day.

Getting the idea? Being at home is much the same...my DW thinks I don't hear a word she says, there are piles of unfinished projects everywhere, I forget to pick up something we needed for dinner...I rush around trying to get things finished, but feel like nothing is accomplished by the time I get to bed. I'm frustrated and feeling low and really sensitive to criticism (real or perceived). I have trouble sleeping, unless I'm exhausted, because my brain is too busy.

SOOOO...that was me. I've been on meds for a few weeks. It's better. I notice my mood is lifted, I don't get as overwhelmed. I've slowed down a bit, physically and mentally. I CLEANED OFF MY DESK!!! I'm able to make to do lists. I'm sleeping better. I can remember to stop and look at a room before I leave it to see if I forgot something. It's not perfect by any means but I'm starting to think that I might actually be able to USE some of the coping mechanisms I've tried unsuccessfully to use in the past.

[Essie]

Wannabeemoms:

Thanks for the welcome! I can relate, only I think I am just a really horrible procrastinator and I get overwhelmed easily. However, when I get my mind set on doing a project I just get into it and do it. BUT---it's either at a bad time or I really should be doing something else like studying or cleaning the house (things I suck at).

I am trying to recall what med you are trying. One thing I wonder is if these meds have bad long term effects and/or affect sleep? I SO want to have that *magic pill*. Sometimes I have that "brainlock" and I just cannot function. It's so crappy to feel that way and I constantly beat myself up b/c I haven't accomplished enough. The thing is, I know I am very talented and could do a lot, but I just don't "let " myself b/c of my thinking and blockage, etc.

Does this make sense and can you answer the med questions?

Does anyone here have Kaiser ins.? we do, and I don't like the way they do meds so I am trying to figure out how to go about this.

Thanks!

[wannabemoms]

I started taking Strattera but it gave me heart palpitations.

I`m now on Concerta, and other than a bit of a "buzz" on only the first day, I've had no negative effects...my sleep has not been disrupted at all.

[Essie]

Originally Posted by wannabemoms

I started taking Strattera but it gave me heart palpitations.

I`m now on Concerta, and other than a bit of a "buzz" on only the first day, I've had no negative effects...my sleep has not been disrupted at all.

Hmmm. So what I would like to know is how these meds actually help. Does it just help you focus more? aren't they all amphetamines? can it affect your heart long term? what are the long term effects if any?

Are there certain ones designated for ADHD and ADD?

Hope you have better luck with the Concerta keep us posted.

[wannabemoms]

Originally Posted by Essie

Hmmm. So what I would like to know is how these meds actually help. Does it just help you focus more? aren't they all amphetamines? can it affect your heart long term? what are the long term effects if any?

Originally Posted by wannabemoms

I've been on meds for a few weeks. It's better. I notice my mood is lifted, I don't get as overwhelmed. I've slowed down a bit, physically and mentally. I CLEANED OFF MY DESK!!! I'm able to make to do lists. I'm sleeping better. I can remember to stop and look at a room before I leave it to see if I forgot something. It's not perfect by any means but I'm starting to think that I might actually be able to USE some of the coping mechanisms I've tried unsuccessfully to use in the past.

This is what I`ve noticed. To answer your other questions, no not all of them are stimulants, the Strattera was an epinephrine-reuptake inhibitor. Concerta is a stimulan, but a methylphenadate and not amphetamine. There are a number medications designated for ADHD...this is a really good (a bit technical, but comprehensive) article on ADHD and has a list of approved medications http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publi...lication.shtml Each medication has its own possible side effects.

[Essie]

That's great!!!! I bet you feel really good about yourself eh? that's one thing I tend to notice about myself is that I cause myself to stay in these bad cycles so I can have a reason to be pissed about myself. UGH!

I will chk out the article you posted. Also, have you seen this site? it's really good and easy to read/follow. He talks about everything from meds to "is ADD/ADHD really existent?" I took his self-test and from that I am hands down ADD. He seems to favor Vyvanse. Heard anything about that?

http://adultadd.info/MarcSchwartzMD.htm

[wannabemoms]

Didn't see a scoring scheme...but I got 117. Never heard of that medication but it might not be available in Canada...

[Essie]

Originally Posted by wannabemoms

Didn't see a scoring scheme...but I got 117. Never heard of that medication but it might not be available in Canada...

Actually, I wasn't clear. I did this one http://adultadd.info/Questionnaire.htm
and you probably did the other. I will have to try that too.

WEll, I emailed my dr. as a place to start. I really don't like going through dr.s for meds as I'd rather talk to a psychiatrist. I am in a pharmacy tech training class right now and the pharmacist who teaches it said that dr.s get LESS pharmacology than we are getting in the class NOW!!! and that's just to be a tech, not even a pharmacist. That worries me.

Anyway---I have this crazy notion that I could have some "magic pill" as someone on here said, and then I'd be crazy-focused and the class and national test would be a cakewalk! wouldn't that be an awesome feeling?

Speaking of, I'd better get out of the house since I am supposed to be studying now and not on MDC.

[wannabemoms]

Actually that's the same quiz I did, but I missed the part where it says that 2s and 3s mean a proclivity for ADD...I answered mostly 3s and nothing below a 2 :-). I went right to my family doc !ecause it would have been many months before I could get a psych referral...I did some of my own research on meds before speakinf with her and we both had the same ideas about how to proceed with meds. As for the magic pill, I don't think it really exists. I think that, like depression meds, it should be viewed as a way to get to thepoint where other coping strategies can be used more effectively.

[Essie]

Originally Posted by wannabemoms

Actually that's the same quiz I did, but I missed the part where it says that 2s and 3s mean a proclivity for ADD...I answered mostly 3s and nothing below a 2 :-). I went right to my family doc !ecause it would have been many months before I could get a psych referral...I did some of my own research on meds before speakinf with her and we both had the same ideas about how to proceed with meds. As for the magic pill, I don't think it really exists. I think that, like depression meds, it should be viewed as a way to get to thepoint where other coping strategies can be used more effectively.

Found out Vyvanse is not on our formulary. Figures... well, not that it's the only way to go. It is also newer so I guess things could change in the future.

I wonder how my pcp will reply about my request. I agree with your point about the magic pill theory. Actually, I liked the points about self help that the doc on that site made. Did you see those?

BTW, what kind of work do you do? I work in a pharmacy and I realized that this is the kind of job I need b.c it's almost always busy and you are constantly moving!

[MamaRBH]

I've been wanting to respond for days.... I guess I don't need to explain to you Ladies why I am just now getting to it, do I??

I'm going on week 3 of concerta and I think I need either a dose change or to try something new. At first things were well....I did have some side effects w/ mood and that "buzz" feelins...those have faded...but unfortunetly so has the clearer thinking. I'm a mess.

My typical days are so overwhelming that typing about them even stresses me out....but, I'll give it a shot. Mornings are rushed...I'm always late getting the girls to school. The school's office giggles when I come in...I'm known as the scatterbrained Mama who is never on time. I have to go back to the school at least twice a week with things we've forgotten....bookbags, lunches, activity materials, etc. I get embarrased walking through that door...I try to hide the embarassment with jokes/laughter. I then run errands with my son and go home to play breifly before running out the door again to pick my middle daughter up. We go home quickly for lunch and I am turning in circles trying to remember who wants what and what I should be doing next....I end up putting the milk in the cupboard or the vitamins in the freezer or somewhere else where it shouldn't be. Get the little on in bed for a nap and sit down to try to focus on my website/forum. I have a million ideas for wonderful things that would be so successful but I can't get my brain to slow down enough to focus on just one idea, so I respond to emails instead. Next thing I know I have to go pick up my oldest and I get in the car w/ the little ones. I'm in a bad mood and think about everything I should have done the whole ride over to the school....(a few weeks ago I was so wrapped up in this I even drove off the road. that is when I knew it was time to get help)... bring all the kids home and give snacks....DD is telling me about her day and I want to hear every word she says, but I can't get my head to focus on her like she deserves. I end up feeling guilty and insufficient. I sit down to try and work on the site and forum again....maybe accomplishing something, but never something completely. Run to get dinner going...have to cook for special needs eater, a vegetarian, and a picky 3yo....and a picky DH...and me who can only eat select foods. Can't focus to find recipes that meet all of our needs so end up making 5 different meals. DH walks in and I'm in a pissy mood because I got so little done...take it out on him and feel bad about myself all over again. The cycle continues......................... BLECH. Makes me mad just typing it out.

[wannabemoms]

Originally Posted by Essie

BTW, what kind of work do you do? I work in a pharmacy and I realized that this is the kind of job I need b.c it's almost always busy and you are constantly moving!

I know I need to get into a new line of work. Right now I'm working for a federal granting agency, which mainly involves sitting at a desk...you can guess how well that works for me. I'mactually considering going back to school to do a phd...

[wannabemoms]

Originally Posted by Essie

BTW, what kind of work do you do? I work in a pharmacy and I realized that this is the kind of job I need b.c it's almost always busy and you are constantly moving!

I know I need to get into a new line of work. Right now I'm working for a federal granting agency, which mainly involves sitting at a desk...you can guess how well that works for me. I'mactually considering going back to school to do a phd...

[Essie]

Originally Posted by wannabemoms

I know I need to get into a new line of work. Right now I'm working for a federal granting agency, which mainly involves sitting at a desk...you can guess how well that works for me. I'mactually considering going back to school to do a phd...

Yes, I KNOW what the desk thing is like! even when I was a graphic designer I would focus on email or what was on the radio more than my work! when I had jobs that were what I really wanted to be doing creative-wise I got let go several times b.c I wasn't *fast* enough or being productive enough. Even tho they always liked my work and liked me as a person I failed as a worker, and that sucked. Just as I am writing this I realize that's the whole reason I got out of that field--b/c I kept feeling like a failure at the actual job even though I was good at the work! How messed up is that?

So now I am in school for pharmacy tech training and even tho it's only 12 weeks I find it agonizing to study. When I do I feel SO much better about myself, but here I am on MDC!!!!

What will you go back to school for?

BTW, someone (a pharmacy customer) told me that the cool thing about Vyvanse is that rather than releasing all at once in your system it somehow releases *on demand*. No wonder it's so expensive. His was $50 after insurance and that was for one month!

Take care,
Essie

[Essie]

MamaRBH:

I'm so sorry. Sounds like you have a case of *I am going to make myself feel bad about about me*. Which, you shouldn't b/c it sounds like you have a lot of responsibility. I only have one child (Aspergers) and he's ENOUGH. I can't even imagine having two. I've always felt like a loser for that. It's like, as soon as I gave birth to him I got barraged from all sides WHENAREYOUGOINGTOHAVEANOTHER???????? Please, let me just enjoy him! then he turned our world upside down anyway b/c he was having such a hard time with sensory stuff and we didn't even know til he was almost 3 yrs old.

I digressed...

I think that you are doing a lot and it's A LOT to take care of 3 kids! sounds like you just need to make huge signs for yourself by the door, or leave yourself a box in front of the door. What I do is as I am getting ready I just keep putting all that I need in front of the door so I don't forget stuff!

Are you getting counseling or just doing the meds? maybe that would help? are you working as well or?

I hope you are having better days...

[wannabemoms]

I'm thinking about getting my PhD in biology (I have a MSc already)

[Essie]

So, I have an appt. with my Dr. next week. Any suggestions on what to ask for? She said I could be referred to my DH's psychiatrist (I asked for that) but I don't know how long that could take to get in. He (psych) is good and has a slight slant towards alternative things. He told DH to take supplements that would help what he's going through, in addition to the meds. He's also not a *med pusher* if that can make any sense.

So, I guess I'd like feedback on meds if anyone wants to share. Thanks.