I was diagnosed about 5 months ago. The first medicine I tried was Ritalin, which didn't help. Now I am trying Concerta which is making me depressed. How long did it take you to find the right drug for you?
I was diagnosed about 5 months ago. The first medicine I tried was Ritalin, which didn't help. Now I am trying Concerta which is making me depressed. How long did it take you to find the right drug for you?
I also answered your question on our question and answer section of the site, but wanted to post my reply here as well.
I am not a medical professional and would not be able to give you medical advice.
There are many adults with ADHD who choose not to take medication and instead use behavioral strategies to help cope with and manage symptoms of ADHD. Because each person with ADHD is different, there is no one specific strategy that works for everyone. Instead, you would need to determine which symptoms of ADHD interfere with your daily life the most. For example, some people find inattention, the inability to follow a conversation, becoming easily distracted, to interfere with their ability to do their job and their relationships. Their behavior strategies would therefore be focused on improving this area. The areas you focus on may be different.
Some adults also choose to work with an ADHD coach. A coach is not a therapist or doctor but is a "partner" with you in developing strategies in your life to help build your strengths and improve weaknesses. A coach may help you stay focused at work or help you develop organizational techniques for work and home.
While medication does help many people with ADHD, children and adults, not everyone finds medication works for them. Some do find the dosage needs to be adjusted from time to time. Your lifestyle, such as exercise and what you eat, can also impact how well a medication works (or doesn't work.) There are also adults who have been on the same dosage of medication for many years. Again, because each person is different, there is not a single medication or dosage that is best. Sometimes, you will have to try several different medications and dosages to find the one that is best for you.
For more information on managing symptoms of adult ADHD:
Managing adult ADHD symptoms: A chat with ADHD Coach Rudy Rodriquez
10 Coping Mechanisms for Thriving With Adult ADHD
Never Be Late Again
Creating a Simple Budget
Twenty Five Tips for Time Management for Adults with ADHD
Ten Ways to Relieve Stress in Less Than 5 Minutes
Stop Obsessing
Procrastination & ADHD
Taming Your ADHD Eating Habits
Managing Hypersensitivities in Adults
I hope this helps. Please check back and let me know how you are doing.
Eileen