On sept 12, I have a physical. I think I am going to talk to my new doc again. Even though my mom thinks that I shouldn't take any medication, I really want to. I am so hyper I mean I act like a 5 years old. I run on campus sometimes instead of walking like everybody else. Today for example I got on the table and just jumped while waiting for my professor to come to class: I was bored, she was late. I even exercise in public!!! . Sometimes people can't believe that I am 21.
My lack of attention, my impulse control, just interfered with everything, especially with school. I make the careless mistake , I think that I am not using all my potential.

But the question is.... will drugs help me or make the matter worse?

TCB,

The bad news and good news....

Bad news: There is no scientific way to predict which meds will work for you, or in what dosage. Each person is wired in the brain differently.

Good news: When you do find the right combination of meds/dosage level, you will likely feel like a new person, aware, able to focus, able to concentrate your energies, and perhaps even happier with yourself.

We'll be here for you through it all, and so will your doctor. Have faith, TCB...and a little patience, and who knows....you may really like the results :)

Make it worse? Probably not....although initially the side effects of any med might make you not feel so great....depending on how strong they are....and how long they last....But they might now...

and everyone is different TCB.....everyone responds differently to meds for ADD.....and there are so many options today and many different kinds of meds....

So all they can do really is make things better....and it takes time...they can help with impulse control, help with distraction, help with focus, help with motivation, give you more energy....
Perhaps give you more tolerance to frustration and boredom....

But if you talk to your doctor about this, you can determine the best option for you....It sounds like the ADD symptoms are really getting in the way of your happiness, serenity, etc. So for you most likely meds would help your situation....in my opinion....

You may have to titrate up from a small dose to higher ones. DO NOT RUSH the process. This and other stuff is properly diagnosed with your prescribing physician. Take NO medical advice without getting a real doctor who also agrees. IMHO

I want to chime in with what everybody is saying here...

Unfortunately, there is actually a tiny chance that it WILL make things worse. This is not an exact science. You and your doctor (together) may have to experiment to find out the correct medication you should be on, and what dosage of it.

There is a much BETTER chance of things getting better than worse, however, and if things do get worse, all you do is stop taking that med and try the next most likely candidate...

I agree with all the above.Side effects may be unnaceptable, but as Andrew says, if you can get the right balance; then the world is your oyster.

Don't be too eager for success. Work with your doctor; take it slowly, and don't try and rush the solution. There are lots of meds and lots of doses, so don't expect miracles on day one; but it shoudn't be too long before you get at least some benefit.

Sleepz

Originally posted by TCB
On sept 12, I have a physical. I think I am going to talk to my new doc again. Even though my mom thinks that I shouldn't take any medication, I really want to. I am so hyper I mean I act like a 5 years old. I run on campus sometimes instead of walking like everybody else. Today for example I got on the table and just jumped while waiting for my professor to come to class: I was bored, she was late. I even exercise in public!!! . Sometimes people can't believe that I am 21.
My lack of attention, my impulse control, just interfered with everything, especially with school. I make the careless mistake , I think that I am not using all my potential.

But the question is.... will drugs help me or make the matter worse?

As someone once told me before: Forget about the pills, in your case, a patch or an IV pump might be the solution. :D

Yeah, it wouldn't hurt to try a low dose of medication first. If one doesn't work out for you, usually another med will. I've only known a very few people who medication did not work for them.

Balence and finding the correct med

I tried riddlin and climbed the walls

talked 5 times as much and fast

then Dexadrine 10 mg in morning with coffee

better than riddlin but still too much

now 5 mg in morning only when I feel foggy

works for me

but I had to find my own dosage level from trial and error

wouldn't give up dex now for anything

TCB,

Find a local doctor experienced with ADD is the best bet. They can explain the meds; better match you to a med based on their experience; and therfore more likely to help you quicker.

If your Doctor is ADD aware; then just talk to him(her); explain your history; explain what is not happening and what is not working. Explain about your lack of reaching potential; and also explain your mothers fears; and ask if there is a way the doctors know how to explain it to your mom.

As a 21YO; you do have some control over your future. If your OK with the idea of taking meds, then it is a decision you can make. Just do it one step at a time. See the doc, talk to the doc, see what the doc says, see how your mom will feel about what he says, decide on your course of action, then act.

You can always find support here along the way, so don't think it's too hard. If you are stuck, just post where you are at,, and someone will offer some support and usually another way to think of how to deal with a situation.

Hope this helps.

Sleepz