[Wine&Coffee]

Hi, I would like to share my experiences with you.

I’m 36. I was diagnosed in my mid 20’s.  YOu’re already pretty far ahead of the game.

It’s great that you are supporting your son.  I’ve often been met with how I should try harder.  My diagnosis has been called a crutch.  And some people in my life resist learning anything about what ADHD is or how it affects who I am.

My diagnosis has been called ADHD Inattentive.  I usually use Adderal XR.  So, I am familiar with what your son is going through. People have often asked me since I’m so hyper why would I need a stimulant?  (inattentive doesn’t mean low activity, it means can’t pay attention)  But the thing is our energy levels go through extreme ups and downs in a days time.  A stimulant keeps us more regular.  Before my meds I could function during the day, but then I’d hit a low, and back up again.  My ‘second wind’ would come at a time that got in the way of sleep, or I’d crash when I had a long to do list.  Stimulants also help to keep my focus at a more constant level.  I daydream a lot less with meds.

As for the non-stimulant, well that just didn’t cut it from me.  I didn’t have the patience to wait for it to build up in my system and start to take effect.  The nonstim you have to take everyday. with a sstimulant, my doctor told me I could take a “drug vacation”  on weekends I could skip a dose if  I wanted to.  If I have a weekend with no plans I skip a dose, to get caught up on my sleep, and I eat. Oh boy do I eat!

That brings me to side effects.  It is an appetite  suppressant. I try to take mine with a hearty breakfast, because it’s better for your body to take on meds during the digestive process, and it’s the only time of the day when I’m really hungry.  I snack throughout the rest of the day.  But I don’t really get hungry again until the evening hours.  If you take a stimulant with a cup of coffee (as I sometimes do) there is a extreme jittery feeling inside.  If you son drinks coffee it’s even more important that he east breakfast.

I do experience dry-mouth.  I just keep water or fruit juice (I try to make sure it’s a healthy drink since I’m not taking on many calories in a day I try to them count) with me so that I can drink, and that usually helps.  I have heard of Biotene.  It’s a mouthwash, specifically for dry mouth caused by medication.  I’ll remember to try it one of these days.

I have been working with the ups and downs of dosage. You have to be patient, because titration can take along time.  When he is over stimulated he will know.  It’s important to tell your doctor what you’re feeling so he can change your dosage if need be.  I’m on a dosage that isn’t controlling my symptoms as well as possible so I will be asking to go up soon, but only by an increase of 5mg.  When it’s not enough he’ll feel distracted and unfocused.  When it’s too much, he’ll feel “zoomy” (at least that’s the word I like to use).  When you get it just right, you feel this great clarity, like someone flipped a switch to the on position.

P.S. I just joined tonight. This is my first post EVER!  Ask me if you have any other questions.

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