JUST FOUND OUT

Written by

Wed, April 16, 2008

I'm 44 and just learned I have ADHD in "the severe range" as the Neuropsychologist puts it. I was 30 when I first heard about ADD/ADHD never knew anything about it before then. It has given my some peace of mind that I have a condition that makes certain things and task challeging.

My Doctor first prescribed Adderall, it did not work. Then we tried Stratterra, to many side effects. The Doctor hates Ritalin for some reason but I think I will ask him if I can try that next. If I can get some help it excites me to see what I can accomplish in this world!

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grandma lise

4/16/08 9:20pm

Welcome SWW,

Glad you're going to try Ritalin next. It's the shortest acting stimulant of all the short acting stimulants, but sometimes it's the only stimulant that works.

There's also a bit of rebound with it at the end of the day. Rebound means that you'll experience a temporary worsening of ADD symptoms after the last dose wears off. During this period you may find yourself more scattered and reactive.

I took Ritalin for three or so years. I took 17.5 mg every 3.5 hours - (20 mg was too much, 15 wasn't enough; if I waited 4 hours, I could feel it wearing off). If it works, you'll have lots of time to figure this all out. Each person's response to medication is so individual. Work closely with your doctor, and remember to write down questions as they come up for your next doctor appointment.

In the beginning, I would read the newspaper during the hour or so that my brain adjusted to not being on the stimulant, or the rebound effect. I think after a while it didn't bother me as much.

I'm 46 years old. How's it going so far? I imagine you're feeling relieved but at the same time wondering what to do next. Let us know how we can support you. I was diagnosed in 1990 and following that facilitated a support group for ADD adults for eight years.

Again, welcome!

Grandma Lise

SWW

4/16/08 10:02pm

Thank you for the advise, any info helps!

Terry Matlen, ACSW

4/17/08 8:54pm

Hi SWW,

Welcome to ADHD Central! We're glad you found us.

Grandma L offered some sage advice and I agree with all of it.

Sometimes it can take quite a bit of trial and error to get the right med and the right dosage. What works for one person doesn't mean it'll work for another. So don't give up. I'm wondering why your doc is so against Ritalin.

Keep us posted, ok?

Terry

Eileen Bailey

4/18/08 10:14pm

SWW

Wlecome to Health Central. It is always exciting when someone new joins us. We love to hear your story. I will look forward to learning about your journey and how the diagnosis of ADHD impacts your life.

I agree with Grandma Lise and Terry, sometimes you have to try several different medications and different doses to find what works best for you.

Keep us posted on how things are going and ask questions, I am sure that you have many.

Eileen

kathy

4/20/08 9:26pm

I too was diagnosed later than most, though about 10 yrs later than you. It sounds like your psychiatrist doesn't like stimulants. He/she may have their reasons but that shouldn't prevent them from giving you a trial unless there was something in your past history that caused concern. If not, then continue to experiment w/ the latest meds on the market. If you continue to experience reluctance/refusal from the MD-find another. There are many MDs w/ expertise w/ adult ADD. Trust and confidence in your physicians AND therapists is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT. Good luck.

grandma lise

4/22/08 1:27am

Hey Kathy,

Welcome to ADHDCentral.com. I read your profile. During the eight years that I ran a support group, we had many recently diagnosed members who were in their 40's and 50's. I've kept in touch with some of them.

The ADD continues to be problematic for us. What changed is our attitute and beliefs about ourselves. I think over time we've become quicker at recognizing what's not working and make appropriate changes. Prior to diagnosis, I think many of felt discouraged at times, particularly when we compared our lives to our non-ADD family and friends.

Have you been able to find other ADD adults in your community to talk with yet? I don't know how I'd cope if I didn't have a few ADD friends. I so treasure them. When I'm with them, I feel normal. It's nice to not feel guarded at least part of the time. I don't know how else to explain it.

How has your life changed following diagnosis and treatment? How's it going?

Grandma Lise