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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Hi Elaine, I began the Effexor for depression because I was suicidal. Once the therapist thought that the depression was better and found the possible root cause was the hyperfocus ADD, he added the Strattera. The really good part is that last year when the depression was deepening, I could tell it and try to stay on top of it -- and no suicidal thoughts/feelings! So, now I'm just wondering if the meds need tweaking or if actually it is my behavior that needs tweaking. Meds don't hold all the answers, right? Just like with diabetes, meds do not handle it all. Exercise and diet play a large role in that disease, and I think it plays a large role in this as well. I could be looking at the wrong thing.

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Joanna, The chart was exactly what I was looking for. My adult daughter has been on Wellbutrin for a couple of years now; we thought it was an anti-depressant. Interesting, since I've been thinking she has ADD too. Naturally we have some similarities as mother/daughter, but some of them like no sense of time, etc. are more than just the way she was reared and she could overcome that unless . . .

Thanks!

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Hey Hamster:

Thanks for your resonating comments. Your way of putting it is another way of expressing the questions that started this thread. In other words, "normal" folks may have some problems with impulsivity (e.g., rudeness), hyperactivity (e.g., fidgeting) or inattentiveness (e.g., distractions) but they don't necessarily turn to medications or inappropriate stimulating activities to solve the problems. They look to behavioral or other changes (diet, exercise, moral, etc.).

If ADHD makes our "gas tanks" (pre-frontal lobe, basal ganglia, corpus callosum & cerebellar vermis) abnormally low on dopamine, norepinephrine, structures or efficiency, then how do we fill the tanks and when are they considered full? I don't expect the engines to work perfectly. After all, non-ADDers have the problems mentioned above and tune them with non-med changes.

So, I ask, what meds and in what dosage will get us to "full" (normal)? At what level is it only up to non-med changes to tune the engine? Is it mere Rx alchemy to get to full?

Do you just work both ends (meds & other changes) to get to a "best" functioning range and stop? And, if all this mixing is going on simultaneously, how does one know whether or not a "better" mix exists?

Hmmm . . .

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Hamster said: Hi Elaine, I began the Effexor for depression because I was suicidal. Once the therapist thought that the depression was better and found the possible root cause was the hyperfocus ADD, he added the Strattera. The really good part is that last year when the depression was deepening, I could tell it and try to stay on top of it -- and no suicidal thoughts/feelings! So, now I'm just wondering if the meds need tweaking or if actually it is my behavior that needs tweaking. Meds don't hold all the answers, right? Just like with diabetes, meds do not handle it all. Exercise and diet play a large role in that disease, and I think it plays a large role in this as well. I could be looking at the wrong thing.

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ADDAWAY said: Hey Hamster:

Thanks for your resonating comments. Your way of putting it is another way of expressing the questions that started this thread. In other words, "normal" folks may have some problems with impulsivity (e.g., rudeness), hyperactivity (e.g., fidgeting) or inattentiveness (e.g., distractions) but they don't necessarily turn to medications or inappropriate stimulating activities to solve the problems. They look to behavioral or other changes (diet, exercise, moral, etc.).

If ADHD makes our "gas tanks" (pre-frontal lobe, basal ganglia, corpus callosum & cerebellar vermis) abnormally low on dopamine, norepinephrine, structures or efficiency, then how do we fill the tanks and when are they considered full? I don't expect the engines to work perfectly. After all, non-ADDers have the problems mentioned above and tune them with non-med changes.

So, I ask, what meds and in what dosage will get us to "full" (normal)? At what level is it only up to non-med changes to tune the engine? Is it mere Rx alchemy to get to full?

Do you just work both ends (meds & other changes) to get to a "best" functioning range and stop? And, if all this mixing is going on simultaneously, how does one know whether or not a "better" mix exists?

Hmmm . . .

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Yes, non-ADDers can have the same problems and correct them with non-med changes. However, those "normal" folks don't always have the problem to the same degree that those with ADHD have. We have all forgotten things, lost things, been disorganized, have trouble paying attention, etc. at times but for someone with ADD these behaviors are the "norm", not just an occasional problem. And it is important to differentiate between the two.

If I go to the doctor and tell him I am feeling tired and confused (aside from lab tests) he may conclude a number of different possibilities. Perhaps I have the flu, perhaps I have mono or Epstein Barr virus, maybe I'm just depressed, or I could have a thyroid problem or even diabetes. It is important to know what is causing my symptoms in order to properly treat it. Sure, some things can be helpful for a lot of different cases and I may need to get additional rest, avoid caffeine, exercise more, etc. Maybe that's all I need. But if I have a thyroid or diabetes problem, I'm going to need medication and other specific treatment.

In the same way, it is certainly helpful for those with ADHD to learn better organizational skills, social skills, improve my nutrition, get more exercise (which helps to focus better), and other non-med changes, But that isn't always enough for those with ADHD. Some people who have diabetes, depending on the type and severity, can make changes in their eating habits and exercise more and not require any medication. Others who do the same may still need to take medication in spite of making the changes, and some will have to take insulin, no matter what.

Some people who have mild ADHD and who live in an environment that is a perfect fit for their ADHD traits may do fine with simply learning some new skills. Others will not be able to function at their best without the use of medication. And some will even spiral downhill turning to drugs and alcohol to self-medicate, making impulsive decisions that cost them financially or that land them in jail.

I require glasses or contacts to function best in a sight-oriented world. In fact, can you believe they won't even let me drive if I don't have glasses or contacts in. Guess they can't accept that that is just who I am.

Medication is often a tool that enables those with ADHD to function at their best. And it has even been proven to reduce auto accidents in those who have ADHD! Hmm...wonder if I can get a reduced rate for taking meds? LOL

Elaine

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Guess I didn't do that quote thing quite right. My comments came out as a quote. You can tell I'm not computer savvy.

Elaine

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ADDAWAY said: So, I ask, what meds and in what dosage will get us to "full" (normal)? At what level is it only up to non-med changes to tune the engine? Is it mere Rx alchemy to get to full?

Do you just work both ends (meds & other changes) to get to a "best" functioning range and stop? And, if all this mixing is going on simultaneously, how does one know whether or not a "better" mix exists?

Hmmm . . .

When you're trying to eliminate allergens, you introduce one thing at a time. Of course, ADD impulsitivity says that takes too long. ;) All these interesting thoughts/ideas, my little wheel is whirring!

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Here are some ways that you may be able to tell that the medicine is starting to work.

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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I had started Strattera in June and while it probably had been working a while, I was varnishing the cabinets in my kitchen when I noticed that the cabinets were different shades. The next session with the therapist I told him that "I noticed that I noticed" the difference in cabinets I had used for 20 years! That was 3 years ago. I know it made a difference then; I'm just not sure if I need an adjustment now.

How do you know when it isn't working well enough -- or that YOU need to work harder? Some things haven't changed in the last 3 years, so I think it could be me . . . maybe.

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