Hi -
I have struggled with inattentive ADD for many years and last month finally got a prescription for Ritalin LA --after years of self medicating. I drink about 10 diet cokes a day and chew probably 20 4mg pieces of nicotine gum.

To my amazement, the 30 mg Ritalin LA had no effect on my concentration or focus--in fact I couldnt tell that I had taken anything other than a decrease in my appetite! My doctor then switched me to 30mg Adderall XR with the same result--no effect!

I am so disappointed. At one point a long time ago, I had herbal diet pills that really cleared the fog and increased my focus dramatically. This is what I expected from the Adderall and Ritalin.

What could the problem be? Everyone on this board seems to get immediate results--even those drinking sodas.

Do I need to switch to the non-extended release or to another drug? I just dont understand what the problem could be.

Any ideas why it's not working or suggestions for other meds I might ask for instead?

Until you experiment with higher doses then you really aren't at a point where you should consider switching medications. Some doctors don't mind titrating up to 60mg, some go up to 100mg and beyond. Depending on where you and your doctor's comfort zone is, you may wish to at least try up to 60mg a day before switching to another medication.