Hi Roxanne,

Medication results can differ from one individual to another. Usually the doctor starts out at a low dosage and gradually increases the dose until you receive the most benefit without serious side effect problems. By starting at a low dose and working up this usually helps minimize side effect problems as your body adjusts to the medication. For some, side effects eventually disappear.

I have only been on one medication as the first one we tried worked very well for me. I am on Vyvanse, 140 mg. It is one of the newest ADHD medications out and lasts 10 to 12 hours for most individuals unless you have a very high metabolism. There is less potential to abuse this medication, even though it is a stimulant because the drug does not work until it interacts with your stomach or liver (sorry, can't remember which one it is). I love the Vyvanse as I noticed a difference right away but I did start out at a higher dose than most. The only side effects I have are reduced appetite, which is fine with me and dry mouth, so I just drink more liquids. The benefits far outweigh the side effects for me. I am able to think more clearly and understand instructions better and can more easily comprehend difficult text without having to reread it several times. Vyvanse is in the amphetamine class of stimulants which includes Adderall and Dexedrine. My husband takes Adderall and has no problems with that medication.

My son, 17, and daughter, 27, both take Vyvanse as well. When my son was younger he took Concerta and the short acting Focalin for afternoons and evenings when he needed additional coverage. It worked fine for him until sometime in his teenage years when it didn't work as well and he was switched to the Vyvanse. My son has been on medication the longest, since he was the first one diagnosed 6 years ago. By the way, he happens to be taller than both my husband and I so it didn't affect his growth.

If you have inattentive ADHD as opposed to the classic hyperactive/impulsive combined type, you may respond better to the amphetamine stimulants as opposed to the methylphenidate one like Ritalin, Concerta, Focalin, etc. There is an additional chemical action in the brain with the Adderall, Vyvanse type of meds that seems to benefit those who have inattentive ADHD more than the Ritalin type. However, that may not be the case for everyone.

Some doctors prefer to use non-stimulants like Straterra or Wellbutrin for adults but generally those do not offer as much relief. They are anti-depressants and although they may be helpful for someone who also has depression, they don't usually help very much with focus.

It also helps to learn as much as you can about ADHD so that you can advocate for yourself. Some doctors are not all that familiar with ADHD, esp. in adults and can be uncomfortable prescribing stimulants or an effective dose of stimulants. Studies have shown that a large number of doctors undermedicate so the patient does not receive optimum treatment. And some clinicians do not understand how ADHD presents in women, esp. if they have inattentive ADHD and will automatically assume the woman is only depressed. Your doctor may be very knowledgeable but I just wanted to prepare you for the possibilities.

Another thing to keep in mind is that adults typically have another disorder as well as ADHD, if they were never treated as children. Anxiety and depression are the most common for women. It can affect your reaction to the medication if you do have one of these disorders and it has not been treated (or diagnosed). For example, someone with generalized anxiety disorder (which both my daughter and I happen to have) may become very jittery or anxious on stimulants if their anxiety was not being treated. Again, not all doctors realize this.

Well, hopefully that will get you started. I hope that helped somewhat.

Good luck with your doctor visit.

Elaine

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Thank you so much, Elaine, for that very thorough and informative response. I appreciate the time you took to send me the message. The information you provided is very helpful and I will be bringing it with me to my appt. You gave me everything I need to get started!!! Thank you again,

Roxanne

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Hi Roxanne:

Best of luck at your doctor appointment tomorrow. You might want to read through some ADDitude reader reviews of ADD meds in our discussion forums.

Best, Anni

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I realize there are many different types of insurances, co-pays, and medications, but can anyone give me a rough estimate of what ADD meds typically cost? I'm figuring they're on the high end of the spectrum so I won't be shocked when I pick them up.

Thanks, Roxanne

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Hi There! I can't speak to the exact costs of ADHD medication. However, I can tell you that some families do struggle with financing ADHD treatment.

The ADDitude website has an collection of articles devoted to dealing with the costs of ADHD treatment. Including working with your insurance company (if you are insured).

Good luck, Dena

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I was diagnosed with ADD several months and was started on Concerta 36mg and felt immediate results. It does pep me up quite a bit, so I would lay off the coffee in the beginning. I felt very intense at first but have gotten quite used to it, I actually think I could go up on it, but think the peppy side effects might be too much for me. I am able to redirect myself to the task at hand better and am more conscientious when doing a task. I still struggle with it, but it has helped. Good luck.

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Thank you for your input. My doctor prescribed Ritalin, 5mg up to 3x/day. He told me if I found I needed to take it 3x/day he would change it to Concerta. He said Concerta is like a bunch of Ritalin all in one, as it is long-acting and Ritalin is short-acting. He also said Concerta and Vyvance were two of the newer drugs and were more expensive than some, as there currently are no generic forms. I have to wait until I finish a taper from Citalopram, as I was prescribed that, mistakenly I believe now, for anxiety when it was actually ADD. I will be starting the Ritalin in about two weeks. Thanks again for your response. I'm thinking the Concerta will probably be a better way to go.

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