I'm a 31yr old SAHM mom that was diagnosed with ADHD about 8 almost 9yrs ago. I was on ritalin, till about 3yrs ago, when I got pregnant with our youngest child. I stopped taking the ritalin, and wasn't on anything till this past August. I went on Ritalin LA. I've discovered though that about 2-4pm, I have a really hard time focusing. My doctor prescribed a small dosage of ritalin for me to take at that time, but I can't always seem to remember taking it.
I have 3 children (ages 11, 9 & 2.5yrs), My middle child has a TBI, and at anytime during the week I have up to 4 extra children to care for. I need something long that would last longer then that. Is there really something out there that would fit me? I just recently went to a workshop that talked about adults with ADHD. It was very enlightening. I learned that my moodiness, irritabilty and short-term is more then likely connected to it. I need something to help with that, but I'm not sure what.
I start looking at the other ADHD meds, and I get very overwhelmed. What are my options out there? Some of the side effects of these drugs really scare me and make me nervous about continuing. The alternative isn't an option either for us. Also recently I started realizing that I get very anxious when my husband gets ready to leave for the week, is this related to the ritalin LA or the fact that I was in a terrible car crash back in September?
Cj
Thank you for your question and welcome to ADHDCentral. There is a lot of information on this site about Adult ADHD. I am sure you will find much useful information and articles to help you manage the symptoms of ADHD on a daily basis.
As far as changing or adjusting medications, I am not a medical professional and would not be able to advise you on what medication or dosage would be right for you.
I can tell you, however, that often finding the right medication and the right dosage is a matter of trial and error. Many people try a few different medications before they find the one that works best for them. I know this is not very specific and probably not very helpful, but unfortunately, different people react differently to medications and what may work well for one person may not work very effectively for another person.
If you do not feel your medication is helping you, there are other extended release medications available. There is information available on the commonly prescribed medications, as well as many other articles on ADHD medications here.
The number of different medications can be overwhelming, and certainly all the medications have the potential for side effects, however, generally, ADHD medications are well tolerated and the side effects are minimal. It is for your safety to understand the potential side effects so you know what warning signs to look for and what to discuss with your doctor to make sure you remain healthy.
As far as mood swings, irritability and anxiousness, this could be due to your ADHD. If you have questions, discuss them at your next doctor's visit. If you, like many adults with ADHD, get to the doctor's office and can't remember what you wanted to talk about, you could write down your questions and keep them in your purse (so you don't forget to bring the list with you) or simply print out your post above to help you remember your concerns.
It sounds as if you have your hands full at home, with three children of your own (do your children have ADHD as well?) and then other children at times during the week.
You should applaud yourself for simply getting through the day!!
Thanks again for your post. I hope you find the info here useful and please keep us posted on how everything is going.
Eileen