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
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.
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!
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.
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
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.
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.
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)
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
Great blog, reading it through RSS feed as well
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.
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?
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.
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.
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
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
My 7 year old son was recently diagnosed with ADHD. This experience has been so stressful in trying to figure out what was wrong and how to cope with it. I’m so afraid he won’t be successful in life …he’s failing first grade. Next month we are going to try a medication, but he has a heart condition so that worries me too. I just want him to have a normal life.
I have been on ADD meds for approx. four years. They have saved my life. I am now on Vyvanse. I was on 40 milligrams but noticed that I had slowly lost my motivation, couldn’t focus on work, and was about to lose my business because I got nothing done. I bumped up my dose to 60 milligrams and can’t believe the difference. I don’t understand how this is possible, but I have gotten more done on 60 milligrams, felt more present, and started making more money, in the last month than I did in the last 9 months on 20-40 milligrams of Vyvanse.
How is it that 20 milligrams can make that much of a difference?
1.Why I decided to see a doctor.
Every project I ever had in college was finished the morning of, by staying up all night. Getting fired for making small mistakes was the last straw.
Here I was, about to graduate, just fired, and looking for a job in one of the worst recessions.
2 What happened after I started taking vyvanse.
Got a job unloading trucks. Received two promotions within a year. I am now a manager and I’m still moving up. Helped my family out financially and I am happier than ever before.
I have had the worst problems recently. Growing up I was always hyperactive, innapropriate (blurting out, interupting, saying things that offended others). I had problems with relationships, getting along with others, getting into verbal disagreements, school and work issues). As I got older I just got more and more overwhelmed. I was diagnosed with ADD at the age of 7, but never put on medications. Tutors never seemed to help either. Than as I got older I was diagnosed with Bipolar, multiple personalities. I was depressed, suicidal, ect. I just seemed lost, and disinterested. I seemed frustrated and confused. It wasn’t until I had my son that I really changed for the better. I was able to stay at home and care for him. I was able to be on a schedule — went to bed early, woke up early. But as time went on, things became overwhelming again. I was having racing thoughts, had trouble getting out of bed, trouble getting to sleep. I was depressed. I had school, work, and relationships to deal with. I did well in schoola nd made it almost the whole way through, and eventually three months before graduation I failed out due to missing two days (that were mandatory). I just could not get to bed, could not focus, felt hopeless like I could not do anything right. I could not remember things, or understand things — that other people were not having any problems remembering or understanding. I had impulsive problems — I had low self esteem (feeling very much lower than my peers). Right now I can’t even think straight to write this. I have been on so many medications and none seem to do much. I feel like I am disorganized and that my life is really falling apart. I am having trouble keeping a schedule for my son and I. I am impatient. I am extremely overwhelmed. I just want my life back. I pray everyday, and keep hoping that maybe a medication can help me. I have a psychiatrist appointment on Monday and am hoping that he can at least try me on an ADHD medication — just to see if that would help.
Hello everyone,
I WAS DIOGNOSED WITH ADHD AFTER 40 years ..!
I CAN’T BELIEVE THE DIFFERENCE, MY LIFE HAS CHANGED IN SO MANY WAYS I CAN’T EVEN PUT INTO WORDS. I AM JUST STARTING TO LIVE LIFE RIGHTLY, I CAN NOW FINISH ANYTHING I HAVE TO DO. I AM ABLE TO WORK AND ENJOY IT INSTEAD OF DREADING IT AND LOOKING AT THE CLOCK. I TAKE ADDERALL 10mg 3* A DAY. I HAVE A NEW LIFE AND I FELT LIKE KELLY AFTER HIGH SCHOOL TO WHERE I THOUGHT I WAS CRAZY OR IF IT WAS ME THAT SOMETHINGS WRONG WITH ME. SO I DRANK ALCOHOL TO NUMB THE PAIN. ALL MY LIFE DOCTORS SAID I HAD ANXIETY, AND GAVE ME VALIUM XANAX KLONOPIN. IT HELPED TO CAL
ME BUT THAT WOULD BE IT. TEN MONTHS. AGO I GO TO A GOOD PHYCHIATRIST AND HAD 6-8 OF THE SYMTOMS OF ADHD. I THANK GOD AND MY FAMILY AND THE DR. THAT I WENT, THE FIRST DOSE OF ADDERALL WAS A FEELING LIKE SAYING ” AHH THIS LIVING”. THANKS TO THIS SITE THE DR. AND ALL OF YOU. Kelly if you read this n you need advice let me know.I will try to help you. Just post a message.
Hello, thounds like you have a bit of experience, i went to a psychiatrist 3 weeks ago and scored 15 out of 17 points on ADHD BUT i do not have H as there is clearly no hyperactivity but taking medicaiton for 3 weeks did not do anything to me as there were no changes in fighting with ADD. I TAKE Dex and seen the doctor the second time after been on Dex for a few weeks so he lowered the dousage but still no change . what do you think i need to do?
please say what you think ?
Hey. I just read your post. Omg. I have been really struggling lately. I went to the clinic that specializes in ADHD. They told me it sounds as though I have more than just ADHD and that I didn’t need the clinic. I was so saddened by that. I was diagnosed with add as a kid, and my mom never put me on meds. I wish she did. I really do. As an adult I tried to get assessed for it two times and each time they told me I had bipolar. But I really think its the ADHD. I am just really sad, because no one believes me. I have all the symptoms. But people keep saying… no its something else. I even researched it a lot, and see that a lot of my symptoms (that are emotional) can come from ADHD untreated. My therapist says that I might have bipolar and ADHD, but she really thinks I have it. She is the only one who believes me, and I am just beside myself. Things are really crazy in my life. Mainly struggling with 2 jobs, raising my son, and finances.
So, this is the first time I have posted about this.
In short I was diagnosed with ADD when I was about 14 years old. I was put on medication for a few weeks before it made me feel sick so I (with my parents) chose to come off of it. I was alwasy active in sports which helped releive some of the nervous engergy. Now fast forward….I am 32 years old with a wife and 4 kids. I have a great job and do very well. However, recently I have noticed the ADHD side of me effecting my life. I have always found it hard to sit down and play or listen to my wife or kids for too long. I always have to be on the move or doing something. Sometimes I will just leave the house to get a soda becase it is something to do. I day dream constantly and rarely pay attention when people are talking to me. I am outgoing, but do not hold long deep conversation with anyone given my short attention span.
Anyway, I have a appointment with a specialist next week to discuss going on medication to help make life better for me and my family. I am concerned about the effects of the medication and will take a very concervative approach. My wife is totally onboard and thinks this will help our relationship. I tend to come home from work and veg out in front of the TV after we put the kids to bed. I wish I could just sit and talk to my wife, but it is hard for me.
Anyway, any suggestions would be helpful as I go down this path.
Justin – I think that makes a lot of sense, and getting assessed and looking at treatment options can make a huge difference for you, your relationships and your quality of life. Good luck!
Dr. Kenny
I have been reading this site. I am going to an ADHD specialty clinic for adults. Starting tomorrow. I have been struggling since I was a kid, and was diagnosed with every psych disorder known to man. I am just hoping/praying to GOD that they will try me on stimulant medications for the first time in my whole life. I have been on so many meds, and none of them seem to help. So I want to try this kind, and I hope to GOD I see results. I am so frustrated with myself and the way life is going. I really feel as if its a focusing issue. I want to do so much, and am capable of so much. But I just feel lost in the mix. I am so frustrated with everyone who just diagnosed me with everything under the son, refusing to give me any medications that could have helped. I mean what if it would have prevented me from all the failures in life. Right now I am working two jobs, waiting to get back into school so I can graduate and be successful. Its taken me SO many years to try and get a career. It takes some people 4 years. I want to be successful, and be a great influence for my son. I really hope that I am heading down the right path!! I want to sit down and study, to finish all the tasks I need to. I want to focus on my son and play with him. I want to focus on work and stop staring at the clock inpatiently. I want to be able to relax, and enjoy myself rather than chain smoke, and stress out. I dont want to feel like I need to nap all day long, I want to feel awake. Please please please let this ADHD place help me. Okay I am done rambling!
Adderall changed my life.
Educators for countless years had been telling me that I’m “very smart,” however, I absolutely never believed it; first, I’m very humble, and second, humbleness aside, I seriously didn’t see any evidence in my academic performance from which I could reasonably draw the conclusion that I’m “very smart.” What my friends (familiar with ADHD) and physicians kept telling me was that, for me to have gotten where I am (I have a Juris Doctor degree; i.e., I am an attorney) with untreated ADHD, I could only have accomplished if I were a genius (my friends’ and physicians’ words, not mine).
After years of denial, I finally threw down the money and underwent diagnosis for ADHD. My physician concluded after testing that I might have ADHD–he wasn’t sure. He said that, as a diagnostic tool, he could start me on ADHD meds; he indicated that if I did not have ADHD that the meds would not improve my ability to focus; begrudgingly, I accepted his proposal.
Long story short, after taking Adderall for less than a month I am a very different (i.e., focused) person. For the first time ever, I can read a book (and understand and digest its content) easily. Reading is now enjoyable where, before, it was a chore. While some reading this will chalk what I am about to say up to hyperbole, I warrant the preceding to be true: within the first month of taking Adderall, I applied, and was accepted, to Harvard Business School. I am not suggesting that my experience is represented of the average experience; however, I want to make clear that I am certain that, with untreated ADHD, I would never have had the gumption (and certainly not the focus) to apply to Harvard.
If you suspect you might have ADHD, I sincerely recommend seeking treatment. I hate being on medication as much as the next person, but, for me, the pros of taking Adderall outweighs the (perceived) cons.
Congrats, EH. Thanks for taking the time to share your story!