As you know. Everyone is different and everyone reacts differently to meds, but you may start feeling that your attention span is improving, or procrastination improves, impulsivity lessens and if you ever feel scatterbrained that could improve too, etc. You may just start realizing gradually that you feel differently or start seeing these things change. I hope this was helpful. There is so much that I can say under this topic. I just cut it short.

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When I was at work I could not prioritize anything, I would move one pile of papers from right to left. Then I would go on the internet at work and it is a state job and that is a big NO. When I started the meds, about one week later, I stopped going on the internet and really focused on my work and found so many mistakes that indicated I was in a rush, but I wasn't going anywhere. I didnt realize until about two weeks ago that I stopped going on the internet at work and I am fixing all my mistakes back in my days of no treatment for ADD. There are a things I don't do anymore that I used to like I used to sleep all day and not go on my cpu, now I don't sleep until 1:00 am and I don't watch TV and I am exercising again. To make a long story short, it is so obvious to me and my co workers that I have changed for the better and you will realize it, too. I started my meds in August and everyday I wake up I feel better and better.. Good Luck Deb

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Thanks for the comments Deborah & badger. Both of you basically said to look for results & improvements in the symptoms. If you have the time, badger, please elaborate as to how long it took in your experience to notice those. Also, did either of you pare back on meds afterward or do you have thoughts on that issue? Thanks again.

ADDAWAY

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badger said: As you know. Everyone is different and everyone reacts differently to meds, but you may start feeling that your attention span is improving, or procrastination improves, impulsivity lessens and if you ever feel scatterbrained that could improve too, etc. You may just start realizing gradually that you feel differently or start seeing these things change. I hope this was helpful. There is so much that I can say under this topic. I just cut it short.

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When I was first put on dexedrine it was the difference in night and day after a few days. But my doc just happened to hit the right dose and med. This doesn't happen very often. It's usually a trial and error thing. Sometimes it can take months to get these things right. I changed to Vyvanse just because it is longer acting. It took a month to get me up to a month before I stopped feeling scatterbrained and impulsive.

In this short time I got the bright idea that I would play in my car on a wet road. Wrong idea. I ended up in a ditch. My feelings were the only thing hurt. I became frustrated because I realized too late that I was reacting impulively instead of thinking things out. I am on the correct dose now and I feel (normal). No side effects or problems from the med. Impulsivity under control. I think about the consequences now. Good luck with getting everything straight.

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Keep in mind that it takes longer to see a difference with Straterra. it can take up to four weeks for Straterra, and even then, the dosage may need to be adjusted. Have you only tried the one stimulant medication? It is possible that another stimulant may work for you. Are you taking the Lexapro for depression or does it treat anxiety? I ask because sometimes individuals who have anxiety become worse on ADHD medication until their anxiety is treated first.

Elaine

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Thanks, Elaine. Yes, I've been on Strattera for more than 4 weeks. I tried stimulant Focalin XR first along with 1/2 the current dosage of Lexapro. The stimulant made the hyperactivity, impulsivity and mood swings worse so I switched to Strattera and 20mg/day of Lexapro. The Lexapro was for depression secondary to (resulting from) the ADHD and work. There was anxiety as well but the Lexapro has helped with that and the depression. It appears that geting the meds/dosage "right" is an individualized thing based mostly on results (lessening of symptoms), weight, and whether you're an adult or child. I've also heard that, as long as Strattera/Lexapro is working, you should stay on them until you're not responding to either of them, any side effects become intolerable, or you decide that alternative treatment has worked or can work for you on its own. Now I'm wondering if the meds can ebb and flow from day to day (as opposed to when the meds are wearing off at the end of the day), or if the effects of external events on you can make it seem that way.

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The therapist first asked the dr to prescribe Effexor then after about a year, he wanted to switch to Strattera. The MD said he felt I needed to keep the Effexor. At that time the Effexor was 37.5, and strattera worked up to 60. I've now been taking 75 mg Effexor and still on 60 mg Stattera for a couple of years. Last year was awful. The depression, procrastination . . . my house is filthy; everything is getting backlogged at work and my records as secretary of the local Rotary leave much to be desired. I've thought about resigning that position but it's too embarrassing to turn things over as they are!

Something isn't working! I guess I thought once something worked, it worked forever. But I almost feel like I'm back to square one, except that at least know I know what the name of the game is. I need more lives to start again!

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Is there a chart somewhere that lists what meds treat what? Like comparing dish network and direct tv, I guess.

Have I overlooked something that simple?

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Hi Hamster:

This might help? It's a chart from Dr. Larry Silver on psych meds at a glance. http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/2489.html

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Hamster said: Is there a chart somewhere that lists what meds treat what? Like comparing dish network and direct tv, I guess.

Have I overlooked something that simple?

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Hi Hamster,

Effexor is for depression and can be used for anxiety as well. I take 150 mg. of Effexor for anxiety. Some doctors use it for ADHD but that is not it's primary use and I'm not sure if studies have confirmed its effectiveness for ADHD. My husband had taken Effexor for depression and it didn't do anything for his ADHD. I think he was on 150 mg. as well or more.

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