I was medicated from about when i was 10 to 16 and I'm 20 now. I quit taking medication because it started to make me feel sick and went through everything from ritilan to dexidrine, straterra, adderal and stuff that was available then. Now that I have been in college for a year and a half now, my grades arent what I want them to be, even after accomodations and other things. The one thing I remember about medication and why I have always been reluctant to start them up again is that I really dont feel like I am myself when I am medicated. Looking at this forum and how medicaiton has affected other people, I'm considering maybe taking medicine again. What do you think I should do?

Since 60 to 80 percent of folks don't outgrow their ADD, and it sounds like you haven't, you might want to find a doctor who will work with you on trying to find a medication or dosage schedule you can live with if you're struggling with your symptoms. Another option might be an ADD coach to help keep you focused on what you need to do and strategies and structures for accomplishing that.

How much exercise are you getting? Exercise 3 or 4 times a day according to Hallowell and Ratey (Delivered from Distraction) can act like a dose of Prozac and Ritalin taken holistically for up to four hours after exercising. I know this is how I got through college med free before I knew I hadn't outgrown my hyperactivity.

Good luck to you.

Scattered

Thanks for the reply. I excercice very sporadically, I always seem to get distracted from doing it when I plan to :) I am hevily involved in IMs here at school and my pickup games and probably play sports like 3-4 times a week, not a day. I always find that if I exercise, that I am able to focus better. I have finals soon so I think i will try and use yoru suggestion and go work out in a little bit since I'm having a difficult time focusing right now. Keep the suggestions coming, thanks everyone!

Have you ever tried omegas (fish oil)? I hear it is supposed to help with focus. It might be worth a shot.