which ADD meds are better? help

[Phreak101]

I took adderal a few months ago. I was in a job that required so much attention and focus. I am typically pretty scatterbrained and it was really getting me depressed how much i tend to just forget things and mess up at my job....no matter how dedicated i was and how many hours I would put in. I would just keep messing up.....this problem also tends to happen in my personal areas as well.
I tried adderal for a month....the doc started me out at 20mg. It completely changed me. I spaced out so much and would just forget what i was saying mid-sentence. I just felt very strange. Everyone around me noticed the change. I don't know if I just started out with too high of a dosage or what.
So i stopped taking it. I would rather just be my scatterbrained self than feel like that again.
The crazy thing was though... i had NO problem getting a prescription for the stuff. I simply just told my regular physician that i felt like i had a problem staying focused and just like that he prescribed it to me! He didn't even ask if I was seeing a therapist or anything.

Typically they won't have a problem giving you a script without a proper disgnoses simply because it's a money making opportunity for everyone AND it's use is so widespread, docs really don;t know what eklse to do when people come to them and say "I have ADD". Good doctors will try to have you diagnosed, but I have gone through numerous doctors who have seen that I have taken Rit in the past, and they just assume they are continuing my dosage. And then they wonder why it's abused...

[giodev8s]

i mentioned party use cause i dont want to be able to read a book or something for once but i dont want to not be able to have fun on the weekend because of being all "zombie" like. cause i dont get a high from this stuff yes it makes me more alert but thats about it. because for a boost i take redline now thats one mean little drink

[Mizfit]

Typically they won't have a problem giving you a script without a proper disgnoses simply because it's a money making opportunity for everyone AND it's use is so widespread, docs really don;t know what eklse to do when people come to them and say "I have ADD". Good doctors will try to have you diagnosed, but I have gone through numerous doctors who have seen that I have taken Rit in the past, and they just assume they are continuing my dosage. And then they wonder why it's abused...

It's funny because where i live.. (toronto) a lot of people seem to have issues getting it. (The scripts)

I guess because it's not such a money making business because we have more extensive health care.

[Phreak101]

It's funny because where i live.. (toronto) a lot of people seem to have issues getting it. (The scripts)

I guess because it's not such a money making business because we have more extensive health care.

It's not extensive, it's paid for by the government, which is why your health care system is going broke

That's typically why you probably have a harder time getting it, because taxpayers are paying for your meds, not bloated insurance companies like here in the U.S.

[notanormalgent]

Believe me, I am the epitome of someone with ADHD. I am the most crazy and scattered person by default. But you've got to think of your brain as a wild horse that must be tamed. The mind is so powerful, but the thing is most of us don't know how to use it. For the last three years I've been reading books non-stop on Neuro Linguistic Programming, mind development, self motivation, and others. I suggest everyone take the time and study how to use the single most important tool in our lives.

Human beings were made to walk fourty miles a day and hunt for food. Now people are stuffed inside offices to get fat and focus on a task...And you wonder why you can't concentrate? They're just drugging the worker bees up to just get the job done more efficiently with the notion that they will climb up the ladder this way.

[Phreak101]

Believe me, I am the epitome of someone with ADHD. I am the most crazy and scattered person by default. But you've got to think of your brain as a wild horse that must be tamed. The mind is so powerful, but the thing is most of us don't know how to use it. For the last three years I've been reading books non-stop on Neuro Linguistic Programming, mind development, self motivation, and others. I suggest everyone take the time and study how to use the single most important tool in our lives.

Human beings were made to walk fourty miles a day and hunt for food. Now people are stuffed inside offices to get fat and focus on a task...And you wonder why you can't concentrate? They're just drugging the worker bees up to just get the job done more efficiently with the notion that they will climb up the ladder this way.

Amen to that! Why would hunters need to to focus on a single task all day like a farmer does? Hunters were meant to scout, HUNT, and kill multiple targets. Disorder my ass....

[samoth]

A new ADHD drug is being released in the US within the next month, Provigil (Modafinil), previously unavailable for ADHD. I'll be trying it within the next few weeks, as I've been looking to step down the amounts of heavy stim meds I'm taking. Provigil has no or minimal effect on dopamine-mediated wakefulness, locomotor activity, stereotypy, anxiety, blood pressure, heart rate and NREM rebound. Both methylphendiate, amphetamine, and their individual isomers effect all of the aforementioned.

Focalin, d-methylphendiate, might be another worthwhile drug with minimal PNS stimulation and minimal recreational potential, but I have yet to try this specific isomer, as I currently take Adderall XR. Amphetamine and methylphendiate don't mix well due to their known mechanisms counteracting each other in certain areas in the brain.

HTH

[63190]

notanormalgent, you can read? Dude, I get bored and my mind wanders just reading through one page of posts. During grade school, home work took for ever, because I couldn't sit still. My limbs are always moving. I'll start pumping my leg like I'm hitting a bass drum. Then my attention wanders off and I'll start talking about random things. My mom, who was in the room with me helping me study would constantly have to yell at me to focus on the problem or the question I had started. School sucked for that reason.
I'm a mechanic now and work with my hands. But, when left alone on a boring job, like organizing the engine room, that takes all day.
My dad is just as bad or worse. He can't even focus on chores that need to be done around the house. He'll start four or five projects and not finish one. He needs meds on the weekends. Even just four hours would be nice to see him focus. It drives my family crazy.

[Mizfit]

A new ADHD drug is being released in the US within the next month, Provigil (Modafinil), previously unavailable for ADHD. I'll be trying it within the next few weeks, as I've been looking to step down the amounts of heavy stim meds I'm taking. Provigil has no or minimal effect on dopamine-mediated wakefulness, locomotor activity, stereotypy, anxiety, blood pressure, heart rate and NREM rebound. Both methylphendiate, amphetamine, and their individual isomers effect all of the aforementioned.

Focalin, d-methylphendiate, might be another worthwhile drug with minimal PNS stimulation and minimal recreational potential, but I have yet to try this specific isomer, as I currently take Adderall XR. Amphetamine and methylphendiate don't mix well due to their known mechanisms counteracting each other in certain areas in the brain.

HTH

I would be interested in reading up on this...links

[63190]

OK, went back and read hotstuff's post. Sounds like a horror story to me. Now I'm scared to try the stuff. But at the same time when I was in the first grade and tried Rit, it seemed to have no effect on me. So, I guess I'll just have to ask for the Straterra.

[Phreak101]

OK, went back and read hotstuff's post. Sounds like a horror story to me. Now I'm scared to try the stuff. But at the same time when I was in the first grade and tried Rit, it seemed to have no effect on me. So, I guess I'll just have to ask for the Straterra.

Rit is THE standard to which all drugs to treat ADD are judged. It has been around for over 30 years and still has no documented long sterm side effects and also has the highest success rate among youth and teens.

If Rit did nothing for you in the 1st grade, you probably should consult a behavorial specialist or psychologist who can properly give you a DSIMV evaluation...no need to be pumping meth into your body if you don't need to...

[63190]

Well, I'm seeing a psychiatrist for depressions/anxiety right now. He told me if I didn't feel like I needed it for job performance and wasn't planing on going back to school, I didn't really need it. I'd like to get into chemistry. Maybe work at the water reclamation plant. It's an easy job. Get to go out side and get samples from the pools every so often. Just testing and analyzing data for eight hours. I don't know what it pays though.
I like my job right now. I get to fix broken stuff and then test drive the wheels off it to test the repair. Or test drive the wheels off it to varify the problem. Only thing that sucks is inclament weather. Other than that, it's pretty cool. Just aint going to get rich doin' it. Made $32K last year. Probably never be able to buy my own home is all.

[samoth]

I would be interested in reading up on this...links

I actually don't have any links. Provigil is a drug I originally heard of when researching nootropics some years ago. I heard about modafinil's intro to the US ADHD market from a news release somewhere, and my doc gave my his Cephalon Provigil Information Booklet (with pretty pictures and comparisons to amphetamine and methylphendiate in CAT scans)... unfortunetly, I don't have a scanner at my dorm.

I'll hit you up via PM over at EF with summary and some of the info from the packet. I'm not sure if it's going to be available in Canada, or at least for ADHD in Canada. GD might know something if it's being intro'd to the Aussie market.


:cow:

[samoth]

Rit is THE standard to which all drugs to treat ADD are judged. It has been around for over 30 years and still has no documented long sterm side effects and also has the highest success rate among youth and teens.

If Rit did nothing for you in the 1st grade, you probably should consult a behavorial specialist or psychologist who can properly give you a DSIMV evaluation...no need to be pumping meth into your body if you don't need to...

Nobody will prescribe Desoxyn anymore. No one will be getting methamphetamine for ADHD without a slew of other life-altering problems and a decade of previous medical and psychiatric treatment.

Racemic amphetamine is the new standard to which all other ADHD drugs are judged. Whether due to effectiveness or marketing strategy is anyone's guess.

Dextroamphetamine has been around much longer than ritalin, however, it's potential for abuse necessitated a different chemical for treating ADD/ADHD. (I don't believe the medical community recognizes ADD anymore... it's all ADHD now.)

[thekidd]

As an adderall prescribee....it is the best... compared to concerta which SUCKED cuz they put me on that first.... Adderall is ****in amazing I love it so much but when it wares off 3-5 hours you start to get depressed because the feeling is gone ... I was prescribed to the 30mg ones so what I did at school was take 15mg when I woke up before school and they would just blast me with the effect then when I felt it waring off I'd cut the other half into another half (so like 7.5 mg) and take that.... then when the 2nd wave ended I took the last of it.... so it lasts me thru the whole school day... Also I'm not a smoker but realized a nice hit of a cigarette will kick things right back into action too!

[Mizfit]

the same meds don't work for everyone... it's kind of like doing a research project on yourself.

adderall actually isin't even avail in canada because it has been associated with too many deaths.

most adults here are given stratera - non stimulant

new guidleines actually came out in 2006 on how doctors are supposed to diagnoise people with the disorder.

http://www.caddra.ca/en/guidelines.html

[Phreak101]

Mizfit how long have you been on Strattera if I may ask?

[bigbouncinballs]

the same meds don't work for everyone... it's kind of like doing a research project on yourself.

adderall actually isin't even avail in canada because it has been associated with too many deaths.

most adults here are given stratera - non stimulant

new guidleines actually came out in 2006 on how doctors are supposed to diagnoise people with the disorder.

http://www.caddra.ca/en/guidelines.html

isnt it kind of disheartening to know that you wouldnt be where you are without taking that pill? your success in your job seems to depend upon it.

and before you get all huffy and puffy... ive been on add/adhd meds for over fifteen years, the gammut; dex, rit, add, wb, old schoolers should be familiar with cylert. i start law school in the fall... thought about taking it again, then realized i wouldnt be doing it myself. i have a very hard time concentrating and staying focused, but i do it. you can too, exert control... why hinge your achievements on the use of meds? that is unless the threat of being institutionalized is in the cards sans pill.

[Phreak101]

isnt it kind of disheartening to know that you wouldnt be where you are without taking that pill? your success in your job seems to depend upon it.

and before you get all huffy and puffy... ive been on add/adhd meds for over fifteen years, the gammut; dex, rit, add, wb, old schoolers should be familiar with cylert. i start law school in the fall... thought about taking it again, then realized i wouldnt be doing it myself. i have a very hard time concentrating and staying focused, but i do it. you can too, exert control... why hinge your achievements on the use of meds? that is unless the threat of being institutionalized is in the cards sans pill.

That's funny coming from someone on an AAS website...no offense, but it is rather ironic that you say that....

[Mizfit]

Mizfit how long have you been on Strattera if I may ask?

oh im on rit****.. Stratera is what is usually given

[bigbouncinballs]

That's funny coming from someone on an AAS website...no offense, but it is rather ironic that you say that....

difference: im not trying to say that drugs are a necessary requirement in furthering my career. i choose to take drugs to better my physique, NOT so i can keep up with run-of-the-mill work obligations.
please tell me you catch the distinction?
but in case you didnt, allow me to reiterate: "im worried about law school and if i'll be able to keep up with all the other cut-throat, uber-motivated people that'll crush me if i don't, instead of planning to work harder i should medicate"

[Mizfit]

isnt it kind of disheartening to know that you wouldnt be where you are without taking that pill? your success in your job seems to depend upon it.

and before you get all huffy and puffy... ive been on add/adhd meds for over fifteen years, the gammut; dex, rit, add, wb, old schoolers should be familiar with cylert. i start law school in the fall... thought about taking it again, then realized i wouldnt be doing it myself. i have a very hard time concentrating and staying focused, but i do it. you can too, exert control... why hinge your achievements on the use of meds? that is unless the threat of being institutionalized is in the cards sans pill.

HMM well i won't get all huffy.. The truth of the matter is your correct..

I chose the wrong profession.. I am an executive.. and in the field i chose i am required to pay attention and sit still. i have to pay attention. i would be just as smart, but wouldn't be able to do my job.

I don't take meds outside of work, it doesn't hinder my personality and what you say is your opinion and to be honest what makes me different is also what makes me unique and some of the ADHd traits have also have benefits to my employer as they have offered a different perspective. As long, as I am kept occupied and have stuff to do I’m fine. It's only when I’m bored and don't keep lists and am let to wander that i go astray. I have learnt ways to deal with it.

You saying someone will be hospitalized is a bit harsh - i want to be successful and i am.

[bigbouncinballs]

HMM well i won't get all huffy.. The truth of the matter is your correct..

I chose the wrong profession.. I am an executive.. and in the field i chose i am required to pay attention and sit still. i have to pay attention. i would be just as smart, but wouldn't be able to do my job.

I don't take meds outside of work, it doesn't hinder my personality and what you say is your opinion and to be honest what makes me different is also what makes me unique and some of the ADHd traits have also have benefits to my employer as they have offered a different perspective. As long, as I am kept occupied and have stuff to do I’m fine. It's only when I’m bored and don't keep lists and am let to wander that i go astray. I have learnt ways to deal with it.

You saying someone will be hospitalized is a bit harsh - i want to be successful and i am.

no no, i was suggesting that meds are appropriate IF hospitilization were a guarantee without them, i.e., strong anti-psychotics or the like.

[Phreak101]

difference: im not trying to say that drugs are a necessary requirement in furthering my career. i choose to take drugs to better my physique, NOT so i can keep up with run-of-the-mill work obligations.
please tell me you catch the distinction?
but in case you didnt, allow me to reiterate: "im worried about law school and if i'll be able to keep up with all the other cut-throat, uber-motivated people that'll crush me if i don't, instead of planning to work harder i should medicate"

So you take harsh illegal drugs to satisfy your superficial needs but you bust balls for someone who NEEDS the medicine to improve their career??

Cmon now...

[Mizfit]

difference: im not trying to say that drugs are a necessary requirement in furthering my career. i choose to take drugs to better my physique, NOT so i can keep up with run-of-the-mill work obligations.
please tell me you catch the distinction?
but in case you didnt, allow me to reiterate: "im worried about law school and if i'll be able to keep up with all the other cut-throat, uber-motivated people that'll crush me if i don't, instead of planning to work harder i should medicate"

Obviously u have no damn clue what ADHd is

there is a big difference between someone who can't pay attention for a second and someone who has trouble focusing all the time..

Have you even seen a kitten with a ball or a string in it's line of focus? When someone is around me talking at a certain pitch, or they are moving I can’t help but look. Even even the slightest things distract me. Not because I want too, but because I do. If I could use sheer will power to avoid this I would, but I can’t. Do you know what it like to be driving your car and not be able to stop moving your leg.

See here’s the problem is that so many people think they have ADHD, when in actuality they don’t. And then you have ppl like you who think that people who actually do have the disorder think that one’s who actually do suffer should just deal with it and use the medications a crutch. Do you honestly think that it’s something someone want, to have to take medication for the rest of his or her life?

As far as I’m concerned someone taking adderal or Rit**** is no different than someone who is diabetic taking insulin. – if you really had ADHD you would understand.

[Mizfit]

no no, i was suggesting that meds are appropriate IF hospitilization were a guarantee without them, i.e., strong anti-psychotics or the like.

Those anti pshy make u into a zombi and are treatment for a different disorder but thank u owise one.. If you did some reading you would know this

How old r u and where did u get your degree?

[bigbouncinballs]

How is that different from "I need to take steroids to compete in BB'ing?" Just because you're in another arena doesn't mean it's any less cut throat...not to mention you are insulting people with your comments...

professional bodybuilding: what, 90% if not all competitors take steroids
corporate workplace: 10-20% on add meds (percent of population with add)

so explain to me again how these arenas are the same? or are you suggesting nearly all corporate employees are popping stimulants to stay in the game?

[bigbouncinballs]

Obviously u have no damn clue what ADHd is

there is a big difference between someone who can't pay attention for a second and someone who has trouble focusing all the time..

Have you even seen a kitten with a ball or a string in it's line of focus? When someone is around me talking at a certain pitch, or they are moving I can’t help but look. Even even the slightest things distract me. Not because I want too, but because I do. If I could use sheer will power to avoid this I would, but I can’t. Do you know what it like to be driving your car and not be able to stop moving your leg.

See here’s the problem is that so many people think they have ADHD, when in actuality they don’t. And then you have ppl like you who think that people who actually do have the disorder think that one’s who actually do suffer should just deal with it and use the medications a crutch. Do you honestly think that it’s something someone want, to have to take medication for the rest of his or her life?

As far as I’m concerned someone taking adderal or Rit**** is no different than someone who is diabetic taking insulin. – if you really had ADHD you would understand.

heres the crux: i feel for you and i know exactly what you mean. i sit in the library and MUST look up at EVERY person that passes. consequently, my study sessions take much longer but i choose to be there longer than to medicate. i never questioned your disability or impairment so would likewise appreciate the same. i simply choose to fight it out with myself instead of making things easier with rit**** or the like.
but your insulin analogy is worthless. no insulin=possible death... no rit****=some daydreams.

[Phreak101]

professional bodybuilding: what, 90% if not all competitors take steroids
corporate workplace: 10-20% on add meds (percent of population with add)

so explain to me again how these arenas are the same? or are you suggesting nearly all corporate employees are popping stimulants to stay in the game?

OK...people who feel they can be making 100K a year vs 50K in a sales arena (like myself) because they can stay more focused are totally justified.

Explain to me how taking steroids and possibly doing harm to your body even comes close to the achievements of doubling your income unless you are winning BBing competitions??

Case closed...

[Mizfit]

professional bodybuilding: what, 90% if not all competitors take steroids
corporate workplace: 10-20% on add meds (percent of population with add)

so explain to me again how these arenas are the same? or are you suggesting nearly all corporate employees are popping stimulants to stay in the game?

i'm suggesting that is a difference between someone who thinks they have ADHD and someone who actually has it..

[bigbouncinballs]

Those anti pshy make u into a zombi and are treatment for a different disorder but thank u owise one.. If you did some reading you would know this

How old r u and where did u get your degree?

not too attentive are we. you called my institution comment harsh, i simply reiterated what i thought to be appropriate cause for medication; if without you would be hospitalized. so ease up, you take drugs to get ahead, we all do, problem is you are having a hard time admitting it.

[bigbouncinballs]

OK...people who feel they can be making 100K a year vs 50K in a sales arena (like myself) because they can stay more focused are totally justified.

Explain to me how taking steroids and possibly doing harm to your body even comes close to the achievements of doubling your income unless you are winning BBing competitions??

Case closed...

so do you want the explanation or is the case closed?

[Mizfit]

not too attentive are we. you called my institution comment harsh, i simply reiterated what i thought to be appropriate cause for medication; if without you would be hospitalized. so ease up, you take drugs to get ahead, we all do, problem is you are having a hard time admitting it.

not really i actually just started taking them last year.. i got to where i am without them.. but was warned that if i didnt learned to sit still and stop interupting i wouldnt advance any further in my career. What was cute when i was 20, wasn't cute anymore...It kind of sucks when i worked my ass off to get here, and i did work my ass off.

I was medicated as a child and was taken off - so yes i know i can live without medication, but my quality of life and my quality of relationships is affected and at the age of 30 i am not willing to re start. I think what Phreak and i are both trying to say is people in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.. - which is what it appears you are doing.

[Phreak101]

so do you want the explanation or is the case closed?

It's not worth getting into a pissing match bro...the way you came across just rubbed me the wrong way...

To each his own right?

[bigbouncinballs]

not really i actually just started taking them last year.. i got to where i am without them.. but was warned that if i didnt learned to sit still and stop interupting i wouldnt advance any further in my career. What was cute when i was 20, wasn't cute anymore...It kind of sucks when i worked my ass off to get here, and i did work my ass off.

I was medicated as a child and was taken off - so yes i know i can live without medication, but my quality of life and my quality of relationships is affected and at the age of 30 i am not willing to re start. I think what Phreak and i are both trying to say is people in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.. - which is what it appears you are doing.

i see, however am in need of some clarification.
the comparison seems a bit loose.
ALL top level bodybuilders are ingesting drugs
1/5 corporate employees are ingesting drugs

i dont even compete, but someday i hope to, in a sport in which ALL are ingesting drugs. prove me wrong, and the stones'll stop.

[Mizfit]

i think i'm out.. with phreak - to each his own and good luck with it.

You have your opinion

[bigbouncinballs]

It's not worth getting into a pissing match bro...the way you came across just rubbed me the wrong way...

To each his own right?

i can assure you that was not my intent.

[Phreak101]

i can assure you that was not my intent.

No problem, I'm just moody today...water under the bridge dude, good luck with your law exam.

[MinkyGirl]

Deciding to take it was one of the hardest things i had to do

I second that...when my doctor told me I needed to be medicated at 21 I told him he was crazy and walked out of the office. Three months later on the verge of a nervous breakdown because of poor performance in school and work, I went back a humbled person.

[hotstuff]

my doc just switched me from 10mg to 15mg......... i'm not hugry at all and that's what sucks. the change in the mg is very little except for my appetite.
great weight loss! lol