Hello my friends!

This is a first post here...a "virgin" experience if you will. And at almost 38....I'm surprised ANYTHING is considered that :D

First off, let me thank everyone on the board who has given some great advice and insight into many issues that I currently have..but also HAVE or MANY years but never knew quite knew what to make of them.

My most recent example of this is when I read the forum and discovered a 'non-stimulant" drug for ADD...Straterra. While my doc prescribed Adderal XR, I told her that I was a little concerned about this drug because of my past (13+ years ago) drug use and an adverse reaction to Ritalin several years ago. She said..."Why not....it couldn't hurt".....hence my subject comment :)

So...tried the Strattera for long enough (3-4 weeks) to only get side effects. Something about a urinary tract issue that doesn't sit very well with me.

Now I'm preparing to try the Adderral but I'm hesitant...actually scared is the better word because I tend to obsess of the possible side effects.

Can anyone tell me from your own experience, that if your heart was racing...how long did this typically last? Also, if I had a "jumping out of my skin" effect from Ritalin, is it safe to assume that I would feel the same way on Adderall?

If you are like me...I'm always concerned about rambling on and on...although I do it anyway....but I feel safe in here.

I get excited to think that this magical pill that I have yet to try is out there....but it get's so damn frustrating at times. Can I get an Amen?

Thanks everyone...and I expect that you'll be hearing from me often. I tend to have a lot to say:D

The good thing about writing (including e-mails and posting here) is that the amount of effort (and time) involved in getting stuff down (anyway, but especially compared to reading it) means that you will almost never write so much that the reader has to suffer it as a ramble - unless there is so much that you really really want to say, in which case it's not rambling. And if you do, the reader can read the first five sentences, the last five, and every fourth sentence in between - or just give up and come back later, or not, or whatever. Oops I seem to be rambling...

But seriously, I think the biggest danger in (written) rambling is wasting one's own time, or not getting to what (or all of what) one really wants to say. The reader will usually be through it in a few minutes, and as I said, can take it or leave it anyway.

But I suppose this is a big digression - sorry! - you were not so worried about this - as you said, anything goes here (though there's no room for unkindness). And you had some real questions about medications - I'm really sorry but I can't help you there! Anybody?

Misunderstood: Welcome to the forums. Glad you are here...and asking questions.....You may get some responses here about ADDERAL....I personally have not taken this drug so can't help you here...but if you want to check elsewhere here on Forums, do this:

Click Treatment/Mangement Thread (Front page of forums)
Click on Medications
Click on Adderal....lots of info there:)

Sorry can't comment on the drugs, as I haven't tried them yet. But let me also add a welcome to you and I hope you keep posting. You belong here just as much as me or anyone else... :D

Have you talked to you Dr about anxiety? The scared feelings and the obsessing about the side effects could be anxiety related. Stimulants when taken alone can make anxiety worse which could have been the case with the ritalin. Some people with anxiety and AD/HD take SSRI medications along with the stimulants medications.

What dosage of Ritalin did you use?

Your side-effects might have been dose related. And different are known for effecting people differently, especially concerning side-effects, so you might want to consider a low dose of Adderall.

Also Wellbutrin is another "non-stimulant" (It is a mild stimulant)you could try.