“I’ve tried Vyvanse, Concerta, and Focalin for my adult ADD/ADHD, but all of these ADD/ADHD medications give me headaches before I can work up to a high enough dose to control symptoms. What can I do about this?”

There are two types of headaches associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD) medications -- whether they're used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD) or not. The mild headache in the back of the head that occurs at the end of the dose is a mild rebound phenomenon. It can be relieved with aspirin or Tylenol, or you can take another dose of stimulant medication...
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"My pharmacy plan is taking Concerta off the list of medications they will cover," one reader tells us. "The company suggests my son use Ritalin, which he tried years ago without success. Do I have legal recourse to make the plan cover Concerta?"

You may. Before taking the insurance company to court, go through the company's internal administrative process. Have your doctor speak with the insurance company and explain that Ritalin did not work for your attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD) son and that Concerta had been prescribed instead. Also have the doctor draft a letter and mail or fax it to the company. If the company still refuses...
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Taking attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD) medications and concerned about the long-term side effects for adults or children?

Nothing major, in terms of side effects or increased health risks, has been found for taking medications to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD) -- and researchers have had a long time to evaluate these medications. Amphetamine -- found in Adderall, Dexedrine, and Vyvanse, among other meds -- was synthesized in 1887 and came on the market soon after as an...
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"My long-distance boyfriend, who was recently diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD), phoned to let me know he would like to 'step back and just be friends.'" one reader tells us. "I love him, and I don't want to lose him. What should I do?"

Your boyfriend is probably confused, overwhelmed, and/or relieved by his new attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD) diagnosis, but the change in your relationship status isn't an ADHD-related issue. The bottom line is that you need to respect his wishes. If he's being honest with you, he's indicated he doesn't want to be pursued. You should make it clear that everything can't remain the same. Going from...
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Does it feel like your mind is constantly racing? Are you overwhelmed by negative thoughts, emotions? There's no need to suffer in silence. Medications and alternative treatments can help.

Is your mind filled with racing thoughts? You're not alone. Recently, a reader posted the following on ADDConnect, our new community for families whose lives have been touched by attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD): "From the time that my eyes open till the time that they close at night, my mind is always racing with thoughts, mostly negative thoughts. Does anyone know if...
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New to ADHD and hoping to learn more? Trying to explain to someone with ADHD how they could benefit from better understanding their condition? Learn how understanding ADHD can be an effective form of ADHD symptom management!

Could taking the time to become an expert on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD) really help you or your loved one? It may sound too good to be true, but it's not. As Ari Tuckman, Psy.D., M.B.A., the author of More Attention, Less Deficit: Success Strategies for Adults With ADHD and Integrative Treatment for Adult ADHD: A Practical, Easy-to-Use Guide for...
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"My son, who has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD), has been caught speeding while driving his car twice, and has gotten into a car accident," one reader tells us. "Our car insurance premiums are now sky-high. Can we appeal to the insurance company to lower our rates, claiming he has a medical condition?"

You can appeal the car insurance company's decision to raise your premiums, but you don't have much legal recourse. Although the actions of the insurance company appear discriminatory, its actions are due not to your son's attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD), but to the higher-than-normal risk that your son will get into another accident. Insurance companies factor such risks into their premiums, even though your son's...
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