Recently diagnosed, but questions regarding medication

[Anonymous]

Let me begin by giving some background information.

I am a 20 year old student in University, I was just recently diagnosed with mild to moderate adhd, after completing an 8 hour examination, I will be receiving the full information results shortly; however the psychologist left, but stating she is confident I do have a mild to moderate form after completing the examination. Now my dilemma comes in with the medication part, I actually started a trial run of medication this past summer prior to full diagnosis by talking to my GP just because I was having some concentration, memory and mood issues. I also got some blood-work done and was found out to be B-12 deficient. I started of with 10 mg of adderall xr once a day, now the medication was good at first, but I did have some problems in the beginning, just basic lack of appetite and insomnia. It eventually progressed into some prostate problems and I was switched over to 20 mg ritalin sr once a day. At first ritalin was good, no insomnia issues, but than I started having serious anxiety issues and terrible vivid dreams at night. It came to the point where I ended up quitting meds altogether for about 4 months. Now my issue is that now I am diagnosed, I am a bit more prone to giving medication another shot or maybe even natural alternatives, to deal with some lethargy issues, but I was wondering given my past experiences with meds is there any meds I should use? I’ve heard vyanese isn’t too bad in terms of side effects. Thanks in advance for the help.

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[Anonymous]

newboy,

I assume your doctor knows the medication you were on and what your prior experience.

If it is a psychiatrist with experience in treating young adults then he/she will have experience in prescribing and the side effects.

Loss of Appetite is quite normal. That usually lessens over time. Insomnia can be a problem depending on when you take the medication. That again may subside over time.

I found that when I started and with each subsequent dosage increase I experienced things like stomach upset. They went away each time within a couple. I am on Concerta and no significant side effects

Each person has different experiences. Your side effects were quite severe. The 10 mg Adderall and 20mg Ritalin are considered starter doses. The doctor will raise dose to get best response

Your doctor will have to determine what med is best for you.

Stimulants

Concerta, Adderall and Ritalin are considered first line therapy. They are first choice because these drugs are found to be effective in a broad range of patients and has been found to be very safe.

I don’t know about the side effects for Vyvanse. Vyvanse is also being investigated for possible treatment of Major Depressive Disorder,

Non-Stimulant

Other drugs like Strattera are considered an alternative therapy. (second choice). It has not been out on the market that long and the jury is still out as far as effectvieness

Natural treatment

There are some nutrients such as Omega 3″ fish oil which are being studied and seem to aid in concentration

In the book below, Dr. Hallowell reviews nutrients that are helpful. Vitamin B12 deficiency i would think you are on supplements already

.

A must read is ‘Delivered from Distraction’ Dr E Hallowell. It will answer all your questions and it is written by Dr. hallowell who is an expert on ADHD/ADD and has ADHD.

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[Anonymous]

Thanks for the informative post, I’ll take a look at the book when I have time. I actually had a question that will hopefully be picked up by Dr. J or anyone else that is as well versed medically in the short term – long term impacts of the medications. My issue is after quitting for about 4 months from stimulants, I am in a much happier mood; however I am bit stressed, that I am not as stressed about school, assignments etc. I know I realize it’s kind of ironic. My issue is that I feel like taking these stimulants in the past for a short period of time (about 3-4 months) might have made my body accustomed to having this medication in order to concentrate and even after a 4 month break, i still need them to optimally function. My issue is there ever a case of where individuals that have been taking stimulants and than quit for about the same amount of time of them taking the stimulants experience permanent cognitive impairment, similarly concentration issues and foggy brain esque symptoms.

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[Anonymous]

This a question for your doctor.

They will advise on medication. You should come prepared with some questions

and how you have done on stimulants

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[Anonymous]

I am prepared to ask my Doctor, but at the same time they’re a GP, so they’re not always up to date in regards to concurrent research on this topic and especially questions like this where it is a more case by case approach. In spite of what I just said I am definitely going to visit a doctor sometime this week, I just really need to put this at rest and unfortunately due to my fixation on this topic and somewhat hypochondriac behaviour, I am not really able to concentrate on anything until I am informed by a mental health specialists in regards to my question about if taking stimulants can make your brain permanently dependant on them to complete tasks and if quitting in an effect can cause your cognitive abilities to suffer.

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[Anonymous]

newboy,

You are university student. I would strongly recommend you got to student health services. Most major colleges and universities should be equipped to refer you to a mental health service that will have access to a psychiatrist/psychologist. They can also

be instrumental in determining a correct diagnosis (e.g.,ADHD + depression, whatever is applicable)

Student health services deal with students who have all kinds of issues including learning disabilities, etc You will find many students learn about some of these things in college & university

Do get a copy of ‘Delivered from Distraction’ if you can. When I read it I had two reactions. Wow…they are talking about me in the book. and why didn’t I know about ADD years ago.

The GP as you said is limited. He doesn’t know the medications and or side effect profiles. A GP is also not an expert

in differential diagnosis in this area. It is a challenge for a ADD specialist because of the many different patients and what problems/symptoms present

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