I am a 33 year old male. I decided to meet with a therapist 1 year ago to help me resolve some personal issues as well as family issues. From the first meeting, I have had a MMPI and a 16 PF and the evaluation from both. It was apparent that I was in the middle of the road on both tests. Pretty much "normal." After about 9 months of therapy for either small bougths with family, and some minimal anxiety my therapist asked if I was going to begin some treatment for ADD/ADHD. He said I show signs of lack of concentration, disorder of my personal life i.e. budgets, organization, etc. My relationship with my new wife is going well, but could work on being able to read and build some structure in other areas. I was extremely hesitant as I am scared to take meds. I currently take 2 meds to treat blood pressure. And that was hard to start too.

I started on Concerta 18mg. I took it for 3 days and the side effects were dizziness, headaches, and restlessness. Then he went to Adderall 5mg. My mood was much better, I seemed to be calming down, but was not able to really concentrate any better. So he upped to 10mg. I became irritable, upset and was losing appetite. He pulled me off that. He then tried Abilify. 5mg cut in half for 6 days. I could only do 2 days. I am still very fidgety, I can not stop moving and I am extremely exhausted. I slept more than I ever have.

I am beginning to wonder if I even need meds? I have always been quick on my feet, a bit hyper, and highly motivated. Do I really need to be on meds?

I am beginning to wonder if I even need meds? I have always been quick on my feet, a bit hyper, and highly motivated. Do I really need to be on meds?
Only you can answer that question. Do you feel better on or off meds? If you had no side effects, how would you answer that question? It might be a matter of waiting for the side effects to go away, as they often do after a few weeks.