Do You Have an ADD/ADHD Medication Success Story?
ByAs a Psychiatrist who specialized in ADD/ADHD, I hear lots of information about ADD and ADHD Medication.
I regularly hear great things – i.e. how the medicine has transformed someone’s life…
And I hear about problem situations… When a medicine had a side effect, or maybe wasn’t even needed.
That is one of the reasons that I have my newsletter, and post to this blog – to teach you the right information that you need, hopefully when you need it.
Since I have received so many questions about medicines for ADD/ADHD (like Ritalin, Ritalin LA, Concerta, Metadate CD, Biphentin, Daytrana, Adderall, Adderall XR, Dexedrine, Vyvanse, etc.), I have decided to teach you more about medicines for ADD and ADHD. I will be posting on this blog, or on my newsletter (just enter your name and address on the top right to be sure not to miss this) how you can take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about ADD/ADHD medication in the coming weeks.
Recently, I posted on this blog about whether Vyvanse works. Since Vyvanse is not available in Canada (where I work), I asked for your input as to whether this medicine works well. I was amazed at the response! I want to thank each of you who took the time to share your feedback. Discussions have even started between readers of this blog. I am thrilled that this blog has helped to create a community for you.
Now that I am putting together the materials for a course on ADD/ADHD Medication – I wanted to ask you about your experiences with ADD and ADHD medication. On this post – I want to ask you about any success stories. If you have a success story about medicine for ADD or ADHD, please take a few moments and type it in the comment form below (just know that it will take a little bit of time until it shows up on the blog – as all comments are ‘moderated’, meaning approved – to prevent spam posts). I would really appreciate you sharing your experiences with me – and also the thousands of other people who read this blog from all over the world.
Let’s help people to realize that ADD and ADHD medications can be very helpful to people. Please enter your medication success story in the comment form below.
Thank you for your help.
Dr. Kenny
p.s. If you want to read about, or contribute an ADD/ADHD Medication Disaster Story, please visit here: ADD ADHD Medication Disaster Stories
15 Comments
August 27th, 2007 at 4:04 pm
Hi
My 8 year old son has been on Ritalin for the past year- for him it works wonders, however, at this time he can only tolerate 5 mg twice a day. This low dose two times a day is a bit of an inconvience and it only lasts 4 hours at a time.
August 27th, 2007 at 5:29 pm
My 7 year old daughter has been on ADHD medications for a year and a half. She has tried Concerta, Focalin XR, Daytrana (patch), and is currently on Metadate CD in the mornings with Focalin 5mg for a small afternoon dose. We found that Focalin XR worked well for awhile, but didn’t last quite long enough. That’s when we tried the Daytrana patch. We LOVED it! Thought it took a little longer to start working, it lasted through her homework time in the evening, allowing us to avoid a second medication just for that purpose. The only reason we changed her medication is because she began to blister at the application site after using them for 2 months. I’m considering trying it again now that she’s a little older. It really was the best method of treatment we’ve tried!
August 28th, 2007 at 11:37 pm
I got around to getting confirmation of my long-growing suspicion that I had ADD when I was 60 years old. I had already been using citalopram (Celexa) for depression. The doctor added bupropion (Welbutrin) and my life changed at least as much as it had when I started using citalopram. I’m still not well organized or efficient. I put down a coffee cup, a book or a tool in plain sight and search for it a few minutes later. However, the “deer in the headlights” reaction to confrontations is gone. Pointless angry rumination about long-past or far-distant events is gone. Wierd sensory cravings are gone. Disconcerting dreams of being oblivious and without influence in situations of which I am “in charge” are gone.
I frankly tell work associates that I can produce best if I’m teamed with at least one detail person. I ask them to speak up sooner rather than later if I’m not doing what they had expected and not assume that I decided not to do it. I may have forgotten it. My work involves a lot of public speaking and for the first time in my career I’m doing nearly all of it with my detailed notes in my pocket, back in my office or rolled up tightly and used as a gesturing wand. I’m getting positive responses.
Ironically, the hyperfocus element of ADD enables me to listen intently and respond more helpfully when I’m in a serious conversation. I’m “with” that person and nowhere else.
My opthamologist vetoed both Ritalin and Strattera because I have glaucoma, so I don’t know how helpful they would have been.
September 3rd, 2007 at 8:57 am
I have been taking Adderall for about 5 years now and it has made a HUGE difference in life. It has not only helped me in my day-to-day living but also in my college career. I have had ADHD my entire life–27 years. However, due to also having a 60% total hearing loss, I was not medically diagnosed with ADHD until almost 5 years ago. The diagnosis finally came bout when I was attempting to go to college after graduating from high school five years earlier. After I began experiencing the same frustrations as I did throughout my school years, I started to realize there was more going on in my brain than me just not putting forth the effort required or simply not being able to hear my teachers (or now, my professors.) I knew I was doing everything possible on my part to try and make the best grades. I also knew my hearing ability was not the problem. I was wearing the newest developed hearing aids and I always sat in the front row, directly in front of my professors. Besides not hearing a word here or there because the professor turned his back or walked to another part of the room, I knew for the most part I was not struggling to hear what was being said. It was most definitely a matter of comprehension, as well the ability to continue following along when I actually did grasp a concept. I also knew that for as long as I could remember I had struggled in so many other ways such as the ability to stay on task, focusing long enough to read & study in class as well as outside the classroom, being distracted at the slightest movement or noise, never was I able to concentrate when I was put under any type of pressure. The minute I entered a classroom and I knew we were taking a test my brain began immediately shutting down because all I could think about was whether or not I was going to finish in time and I would continuously glance at the clock. I needed to be able to read each question and then reread it twice or three times, however many it took for me to comprehend exactly what was being asked. When put under pressure by a time clock, there were times I never did understand any of the questions because I was not able to think them through clearly because of the fear in my mind that completely hindered me from being able to concentrate at all. Since I am majoring in Elementary Education, I was required in the first year to take a class that included lessons about “special needs” children and information about various disorders and disabilities. I had heard of ADHD before but it wasn’t until I went back to college and started struggling again and then began to learn some more about ADHD in this class that I decided to consult my physician. Among other ADHD symptoms I struggled with were organization, interrupting others for fear of forgetting my thoughts, being on time or even being able determine how much time I needed to allow myself for travel to get somewhere and be on time. I remember growing up starting so many projects or having visions and goals but I either never started them or never finished them. Some, I remember, I finished weeks or months later. I almost never completed assignments on time for school (spent many long nights finishing them because of procrastination or not knowing how to divide an assignment up over a period of time to work on little by little; I always felt when I got going on something I had to stay with it until it was completely finished. The biggest struggle I still have is hyperfocusing!! I need to get back to using my timer to keep me on track with using my time adequately. I call my timer “The Boss” and when it goes off, I better stop! Like now! Ha! Ha! Once I was finally diagnosed and began taking Adderall my whole world changed–literally! I not only made the Deans List the following semester, but also The National Deans List. I’ve continued to be able to keep my grades up every semester (even in Statistics I made an A!!! and I never made higher than a ‘C’ in any of my middle or high school math courses.) Although I wish my diagnosis of ADHD was discovered much earlier in my life, possibly saving me a lot of heartache, disappointments, frustration, and failures in school and relationships with my family and friends, I am certainly grateful that I am now receiving appropriate treatment methods. I have received treatment through medication (Adderall,) a part time ADHD coach, many free resources I found via the internet (Thanks Dr. Handleman!,) local community and on-campus support groups, and free teleconferences and seminars from some of the top ADHD specialists in the country. I can now experience life in so many enjoyable ways that I never could or never knew how before. Adderall have helped me tremendously, so much so, I made the National Dean’s List the following semester after beginning Adderall. Since I had done so well in Statistics, I was asked to become a paid tutor to help other students. Many of my “tutorees” also had ADHD, which isn’t surprising being that math is one of the most difficult classes for people with ADHD because of all the many steps, sequences, and/or details involved. It was an awesome experience because I knew exactly how they needed to be taught (very specific step-by-step, esp. for math sequences (details.) I am now in my senior year and I am very excited about graduating soon and going on to help other children and/or teenagers with ADHD. It’s a fact that there is definitely power in knowledge. But it’s what we choose to do with that the knowledge we’ve been given that determines exactly how much power it actually holds.
“We can’t change our past but we can certainly choose to change our future.” Anonymous
April 11th, 2008 at 12:22 pm
I was diagnosed with ADD (inattentive, not hyperactive) at age 28 and have been taking Dexedrine for ten years. I have experienced much success professionally and academically. I take 2.5mg which lasts about 4 hours. From the very first dose during my lunch hour at work I felt calm and focused for the first time in my life. I have never tried any more than 2.5mg and I cannot take any caffeine after 3PM or I cannot fall asleep. I try and take no more than 3 doses a day. If I have to study, write, work or engage in social/professional activities in the evening, then I will take a fourth dose but no later than 6PM. I try not to have meetings after 6PM or engage in any activity that stimulates the brain. This includes social/intellectual stimulation. This is not very realistic, but I have learned through the years that it is the best way to regulate the ADHD brain. I have also learned to not feel guilty about this need, nor explain to anyone why. My doctor– who is a D.O.– prescribes Ambien for times in my life when I am under strict deadlines and pressure and need eight hours of sleep to function.
My morning ritual before Dexedrine was a four shot latte with three sugars. I noticed the first week of Dexedrine I was unable to finish my morning latte. Ever since then my diet and lifestyle has adjusted to the medication. I take much less sugar and caffeine. I rarely use alcohol and if I do it is only beer and wine with dinner. I do not recommend using alcohol if using stimulant medication for ADHD.
Daily exercise and hydration is essential for me to regulate metabolism and help with sleep and focus. When I find myself losing focus toward the end of a dose, I use protein (nuts) and drink concentrated vegetable juice (V-8). Through the years I have discovered that when I am in complete control of my environment– such as when I retreat into nature– and there are no unnatural distractions or modern mechanical sound, I am able to function quite well without medication. I also have learned to use cognitive-behavioral techniques and incorprate music and meditation into my lifestyle. This has been invaluable once in a while when I forget to have a dose with me while at work or in a social situation when I must regulate my behavior. Its all about balance and discipline– but there is no doubt I would not have the success in my life without medication.
September 22nd, 2008 at 9:43 pm
I was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 42. I first took Ritalin, the 4 hour pills. I had trouble taking them on time so the results were mixed. I did see improvement in my ability to think and talk sequentially. I felt like I had a side effect of being more aggressive at work. My therapist thought I was just experiencing normal boundaries.
I moved cities at the age of 44. I asked my new pyschiatrist for Straterra. He thought it worked best at 80 mg. Again my thoughts and speech was more sequential. I feel great on Straterra.
I also switched to Celexa from Zoloft at this time. Zoloft had sexual side effects for me. Celexa is wonderful. It has no cognitive slowing or sexual side effects. It is my understanding it targets a smaller group of seratonin uptake inhibitors.
I also take Trazadone, 75-150mg at night, so I don’t wake too early in the morning. This works. Having gone 10 years on way too little sleep makes me appreciate Trazadone. It does, however, leave me a little slow in getting going in the morning, both with thinking and moving. My normal way to wake up is to jump up shower, eat, and be on my way, so, I miss that.
It all works. Thank heavens for modern medicine.
August 9th, 2009 at 5:30 pm
PLEASE ADVISE ME,
I HAVE ADULT ADHD, I HAVE BEEN USING DEXAMPHETAMINE 5 MG TABLETS (6 PER DAY FOR A COUPLE OF YEARS) AND THEY HELP ME STUDY,[I LIVED IN AUSTRALIA] AND HAVE NOW MOVED OVER TO STUDY AT BYU HAWAII.
PLEASE LET ME KNOW HOW I GET A PRESCRIPTION OVER UNDER US HEALTH LAWS ETC!! WHO MUST I SEE TO QUALIFY (A DOCTOR? OR MUST I SEE A PSYCHOLOGIST? OR A PSYCHIATRIST?) THEN IS IT APPROVED OR WHAT IS THE PROCESS TO BE THEN ABLE TO GO TO A PHARMACY TO GET MY PRESCRIPTION?
AND DOES THE DOCTOR GIVE YOU A 6MTH REPEAT SUPPLY? OR DO I RING THEM TO SEND ME ANOTHER ONE OUT OR MUST I GO THERE EVERY MTH OR WHATEVER TO PICK IT UP?
I HAVE A PSYCHIATRISTS LETTER FROM AUSTRALIA WITH MY DOSAGE, TREATMENT, DIAGNOSIS ETC, AND FAMILY HISTORY SO THATS NOT A PROBLEM, I DONT KNOW HOW TO DO ANYTHING ELSE?
PLEASE HELP ME,
damoroso@bigpond.com
xx Dani (former sydney australia)
August 14th, 2009 at 3:46 pm
Dani,
You will need to see a physician. Check at BYU – they may have a student health service which can help you out.
Then, you get a prescription and fill it at the pharmacy.
Your doctor may only be willing to give you 1 month at a time, or he/she may consider three or six month prescriptions. That’ll depend…
All the best with school!
Dr. Kenny
September 6th, 2009 at 8:28 pm
Great blog, reading it through RSS feed as well
September 8th, 2009 at 2:33 pm
Both my son and I suffer from ADD and both of us are on medication (Adderall for myself, Vyvanse for him). While medication isn’t a miracle, I can say that for both of us it comes pretty close. Longer attention spans have changed from “virtually impossible” to “somewhat tricky.” I have no idea how I survived without the medications. The few times that I have run low on medication have reinforced just how difficult life was without the prescriptions.
November 5th, 2009 at 11:17 pm
Hello Everyone,
My name is Christopher and I have ADD. I decided to go see my PCP and was turned down with ADD medication and referred to go see a shrink. The first guy I saw wanted to give me adderall then he insisted that I take Wellbutrin in combination to the effexor xr that I already have. I was not happy with this at all! Wellbutrin is for depression not ADHD. It looks like doctors think that adults with ADD are just drug seekers. Does anyone know someone in Miami who will be willling to prescirbe stimulant ADD medicaions?
December 16th, 2009 at 9:47 pm
Intuniv is a miracle. Let me tell you why. My 8 year old son has had huge problems at school and home for the last 3 years. He is not diagnosed ADHD but does have some symptoms i.e. inability to focus. He is OCD with ODD symptoms, tics, high anxiety, and social difficulty. He has been suspended 3 times from school for exploding at his teachers – kicking, biting, scratching, yelling, etc. We have been going to a behavioral counselor for about 6 months.
He has been on Strattera for about 5 months and we did see a little improvement in his focus in the mornings but not the afternoons. My son has hardly ever completed all his required work at school. He is very smart and is a loving child but it seemed like he was getting lost under all his various issues and symptoms. We were definitely on a road to expulsion and testing for bipolar or schizophrenia.
So 2 weeks ago we started him on Intuniv. 2 weeks. And now he is a different child. Actually he is the child I always knew he was underneath. His tics are totally gone. He is calm and relaxed and very happy. He easily transitions to other activities with no problem. And, for EVERY day during the last week and a half he has not only completed ALL his work but has asked for more to do. His teachers, principal, therapist, school counselor, and all our relatives are astounded at the difference. Today he droppef his tray in the lunchroom which normally would have caused a huge explosive meltdown. Instead he just simply said, “Can I have another tray please?” I cannot believe my eyes – it seems too good to be true.
I hope these effects last. Who knows what will happen in the future for him. But I believe this drug has changed all our lives dramatically.
Maybe someone else can benefit from this amazing new (ok, reformulated)drug for ADHD, especially ADHD with aggression, irritablity, and anxiety.
January 2nd, 2010 at 11:09 pm
I have been taking Concerta since shortly after it came to market, nearly 10 years by now. It has been a Godsend.
My work has always involved writing and I did not do poorly in the past, but my productivity, the fluidity of my writing, has risen sharply. I used to be afraid to speak in public; for good reasons, my mind would wander off at times in the middle of a talk. Nowadays speaking in public is as much of an effort as drinking water. I now enjoy giving presentations.
Not often stated but just as important is how medication can improve your state of mind and your ability to function socially. Telling one’s own stories is difficult because these are generally accompanied by very painful sad memories. A story I read in the American Scholar around the time I discovered my illness helps illustrate. At some point the author’s father (who suffered from ADHD but did not know this) is attending a Conference in Germany. The author’s mother is also attending the Conference as a scholar in her own right. At a dinner party sponsored by the Conference’s host, after dinner, diners are separated into two groups: conference attendees, all men, and espouses. His mother is told to join the women’s group instead of the men who are now going to discuss “business”. She is upset and demands to join conference participants, but her claims are dismissed. What does her husband do? Incapable of figuring out what to do, she is left at the top of the stairs, and he stays down below somewhat apart from the group of men, confused, unaware that he should take a stand by her side. Odd, but familiar for a fellow ADHD sufferer.
Unfortunately, I am beginning to be concerned by Concerta’s side effects. My mother had Glaucoma and I have therefore regularly (about once a year) checked the pressure in my eyes. About 3 months ago the doctor found evidence of excessive eye pressure. More troubling, I this pressure and the accompanying increasing and increasingly severe headaches are becoming unbearable.
I am probably one of a few people who have been taking Concerta uninterruptedly since shortly after it came on the market in 2000. To try to understand the connection between Concerta and my headaches I just went 4 days without taking it. My headaches subsided but, of course, my inability to concentrate returned.
I take the minimum dosage of 18mg every day. Concerta cannot be broken down (e.g. to reduce the dosage). I wonder if some of the other newer medications (e.g. Vyvanse) will help. I live in Manila but this is important enough for me to travel to Canada or elsewhere to sort out the options. Suggestions will be much appreciated.
January 4th, 2010 at 3:24 pm
Francisco – thanks for sharing your story.
Of course, follow your doctor’s instructions regarding your eyes. If you are having trouble with headaches with Concerta, see if you can take a medicine from the amphetamine group – i.e. Adderall XR, or even Dexedrine spansules. I’m not sure what’s in the Phillipines, but for sure Vyvanse isn’t there yet.
I hope this helps.
Dr. Kenny
http://www.SafeADHDMedication.com
January 4th, 2010 at 4:24 pm
My first try (10 years ago) was with Ritalin and it did not go very well. I dont remember exactly, but it made me feel awful. Under the guidance of my doctor, Jay Giedd from NIMH, I then tried Aderall. That worked out well. We moved on to Concerta because it was time released and it was a complete success, until now.
I will explore Aderall RX with my doctor here in Manila. I dont think it was available 10 years ago.
I am 62 years old and retired in 2008 after 30 years as an International Civil Servant. I have a longer more personal testimony that I would be happy to share it if I can remove this and the previous posting and substitute both with an anonymous posting. If you prefer, I can send it to you by email for your consideration.
I checked to see if I could travel to Canada to consult with you, but I saw from your website that you are not taking patients from outside your district in Canada. In any case, I am very grateful for your valuable and swift response to my queries.
Francisco