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Re: 51 and just diagnosed———now on meds

Re: 51 and just diagnosed———now on meds2011-03-02T22:13:34+00:00

The Forums Forums I Just Found Out! My Story 51 and just diagnosed———now on meds Re: 51 and just diagnosed———now on meds

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Barrister14
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Post count: 12

Riverblues, speaking as a former river guide (still qualified and part time work for an erratic ADDder, I idendify with you as turning 51 and just recently being diagnosed with ADD/ADHD and starting a medication aspect of treatment. Currently, my psychiatrist has prohibited me from working ANY job, let alone my legal work, for a minimum of one (1) yr. After after that time and with counseling/interviews/more testing and the appropriate med combination, it appears I’m functioning at a high professional level, he “MAY” approve of a return to the work I’m trained for or for unskilled work. I’ve been on the meds now for 6 mos. and as we get the combinations more refined, the better I feel, the more I get done and the more I look forward to the future.

Ritalin for the ADD and Oxazepam (SERAX) was for the first 2 mos. and helped immensely with the ADD/Anxiety/Depression. After a couple of months on the Ritalin, if you feel you’re getting to acclimated to it or you don’t like some of the side effects, talk to your Dr. about Adderall. When I was “upgraded” to the Adderall and a bit stronger anti-anxiety med, I found my focus/concentration level, anxiety and depression to be profoundly affected positively. I’m not pushing the Adderall, though I find its chem composition to have a much “cleaner”, longer lasting effect for me throughout the day. I’m told though that Ritalin is best for some, Adderall for others.

So, best of luck from a fellow traveler and don’t underestimate how well some of the ADD meds work (contrary to what some would suggest would lead you to drug/alcohol abuse.) When I’m taking my meds regularly, I’ve no desire whatsoever to use or abuse alcohol or other drugs (Frankly, I’m surprised how well the meds don’t arouse those thoughts because 15yrs. I probably would have abused.. Bottom line is: Give the meds at least 6-12mos., upgrading/downgrading under your Dr.’s directions to find the right balance. Unless of course your Doc has a different treatment plan.

This is just my long-winded way of saying I strongly support your approach. Don’t give up on the meds, most of the side effects will pass or can be managed with something else. For some of us, the combo of meds and behavioral therapy is working, and working so well that even at our mutual ages of51, I see a strong future–maybe in different, more exciting professions. Just give the meds and the counseling/therapy time to work and then see. Don’t give up! If I can help, just let me know. To many of our friends, family, employers and other “laymen”, we ADDers are simply lazy, indecisive, unmotivated, unreliable, erratic, un-thorough–but sometimes brilliant– individuals that just can’t be figured out and certainly can’t be relied on. Thank God for the psychiatric/medical advances in recognizing the condition in adults and the continuing study of what many of us (and our families, lost relationships, employers, etc.) have suffered in the darkness for so long.

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