Try to be patient while the doctor is titrating up on your meds. He is doing it slow to help to produce fewer side effects. It takes time to reach an appropriate level in your system with some meds. Good luck

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It takes time to figure out - much trial and error - what dosage and which 'drug' works best for you. Some days will be better than others - but do not give up. I know it is expensive - I was on Adderall (30mg) and that changed up and down for over a year. Now I am on Vyannese - it is supposed to last longer than Adderall. Ask your dr. for samples (if possible) until you know what dos. works - some offer free trials. good luck!

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...to find what's best for you. I also had to see what would mix with the other meds I was taking. And the meds changed over the years, depending on how I was doing and what my insurance would cover and what I could buy when I didn't have insurance. And some doctors are more savvy about meds and ADD than others. So it could take a while what suits you best.

But it's really worth going through the process to try to see if medication helps you. I lost one temp job because my meds weren't right that month, and it was embarrassing, but eventually I found the mix that let me be un-depressed AND function pretty well.

You may eventually find that you're one or the people who isn't helped by meds, but if you really try everything, then you will know for sure.

And there will be more coming out in the future, I'm sure, since there's more of a market for new ADD drugs. Unfortunately.

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I have had myself self-diagnosed with ADD for years. I have never gone to the doctor to get medication for it, because I figure I am getting on pretty well without it. I mean I am a nurse...with 3 other degrees (one in marketing, one in biology and chemistry and the beginning of an MBA). I mean who says I can't commit to anything.

The turning point came when I was taking my two boys to the therapist for their consultation. I showed up 40 minutes late that I thought I was 20 minutes early for. I left her office only to realize 2 hours later that I had left my cell phone there. I left the paperwork that she gave me to complete in the car, which is no big deal except I forgot to shut the sunroof and it rained that night. I have showed up at the incorrect time for everyone of my children's visits...no matter how sure I am that I finally got the time right. I was given a questionaire to complete on my ADD symptoms and only had one box not checked as having the symptom. I just sat there laughing hysterically at myself. When we were in our "read out" session for my first sons' testing she looked at my sheet and said "have you been diagnosed with ADD"? I stated not officially. She the said "I am not diagnosing you, but you might want to look into testing. ADD does not come from the water".

While this is all humerous, I do realize that it is impossible for me to help my 2 ADHD boys without getting myself under control. The most important thing I can do is provide structure and consistency. WHAT THE HECK IS THAT?!?!? I am pretty sure Structure is a place to buy clothing and consistency is what I determine when making gravy. AND focusing???? That is a job for my camera. So, I have been diagnosed and started on medication...obviously (by reading this reply) I have not totally got all the kinks worked out, but at least we are on our way.

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Sorry about that. It appears that I have posted to the wrong thread..typical!

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ADHd medication dosing is a huge guessing game. For adults, the ramifications of playing guinea pig are not as consequential as it is for children. Nonetheless, you are ingesting a powerful stimulant. Make sure the doctor does not go all over the place trying to find the right dosage for you. I recommend starting low, and then gradually move up the dose chain until you find one that alleviates the symptoms without adding multiple side effects to your porblems.

www.adhd-information-exchange.com

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While there isn't a standard dose for Ritalin, it's not unusual for adults to take between 20 and 40 mg a day (short acting - so divide that into three doses a day). I take 20mg at breakfast and lunch and 10mg at dinner.

That being said, you don't want to up the dosage too quickly. But stimulants aren't like antidepressants, which can take 2-3 months to fully kick in. You'll know in a week if the new dosage of a stimulant is working for you. Just work closely with your doctor to determine the correct dosage for you.

While it's not as effective as medicine, I've found exercise to be a huge help with my ADHD symptoms. Just one more reason to get off the couch...as if I needed more of them. :)

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