How can I ask my psychiatrist for Adderall instead of my prescribed Concerta?
I am diagnosed with ADD (inattentive but not hyperactive). I am prescribed Concerta (36) for daily use and Ritalin (5mg) for the evening as needed (typically 2-4 days a week, as I have long work days). I have tried Adderall before (prescribed to a family member) and found it to work much better for me with less of an 'edge' or irritability. I don't want my doctor to think that I abuse medication if I tell her this.
Thank you for your question and welcome to ADHDCentral.com
It is important to talk with your doctor about your medication use, even if it is not a conversation you look forward to. In order for your physician to be able to provide you with the best possible treatment, he or she should be aware of any medications you have taken.
That being said, I would talk with your doctor and indicate you are not happy with your current medication and would like to try a different medication. Explain your reasons why you are not happy (ie: irritablity).
Your doctor should be open to discussing different possibilities for treatment.
I hope this helps.
Eileen Bailey
I like experimenting with my doctors to see how open minded / "real" they are. With my last doctor, I learned that I can be alot more honest than I assumed in the past. I mean, In the real world, almost everyone in your position, I imagine would have done what you did (experiment with other therapies / drugs / use a family member's prescription)
Yes, supposedly, doctors are the supreme authority of prescriptions and you are supposed to follow their instructions as if you had no curiousity or intelligence at all.
Just talk from first person experience. "I thought this, so I tried this, and then that happened."
My doctor knows that I actually use my dad's prescription via his GP because he has insurance. My doctor knows that I casually use other available drugs too, more or less appropriately.
We talk about all kinds of stuff .. I feel like if you've got a P-Doc you should have your own personal philosopher too.
If you find yourself still uncomfortable with this person then you should probably find a better fitting doctor. One of my best therapists told me during the first session: "like any relationship, sometimes it's not a perfect fit, and I won't be offended if you don't think we're a good match and i'll be happy to refer you to someone else."
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also -- my doctor is totally sold on Adderall. something about dex-amphetamines being better bla bla bla brain. XR just finally became generic, according to him it's the only Adderall thats effective (however I k now from personal experience that any dextroamphetamine is effective)