Early on I was labeled as a "gifted" child and I never caused any disruptions in class; I was actually extremely shy. During high school I totaled 3 vehicles (single car wrecks, that I had NO idea was a sign of an inattentive disorder) and this trended into college (2 more)...and the "gifted" label wore off. I was able to easily understand school assignments but the administrative part of actually being on time and turning them in just wasn't there. My GPA wasn't high, but I always excelled at standardized tests such as the PSAT, SAT, GRE, etc. I always have this feeling that people around me aren't on "my level intellectually" causing me to have an odd social anxiety complex because I can't carry on a small talk conversation due to boredom. I procrastinate like it's my job, but only because I thrive off of the adrenaline to concentrate and organize my thoughts. I've had insomnia since I can remember, and I use coffee to sleep. I also had really embarrassing OCD, that I actually semi-combated myself through reading and learning about the 4-steps...

So, after failing out of college I sought help from my PCP. I was re-evaluated for ADD/ADHD, and dx with ADHD. I started off with Strattera and I LOVED IT!! It completely controlled my symptoms and allowed me to be myself, but organize my thoughts. However, as my dosage was titrated up I couldn't deal with stress (which I had been doing all of my life extremely well) and I became abnormally paranoid! I was so stressed about final exams that I cried the entire night before instead of studying. I have never experienced depression or paranoia before, and so my doctor discontinued that prescription. I am now on adderall, and I hate it. It doesn't allow me to be myself. I don't "think outside of the box" anymore and I'm extremely average, which I hate. I want to be myself because I love my creativity and uniqueness, but adderall doesn't allow me this--but at the same time I can't compete in college without the help from medication, because I work full-time and my attention is devoted to so many things that I am unorganized no matter what method I use.

Long story short, are there any other medications similar to Strattera? Has anyone had similar experiences? Should I try it again? I have a new PCP and I plan to consult her upon my next visit, I'm just curious if there are any experiences similar to mine.

Thanks in advance!

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