What I'm wondering is, when you finnally achieve the mix of medications that's right for you, how much benefit do you get? Do you get the same ability to focus that a normal person does? Or are you still sort of impaired? How long does it take before you finnally get the full effects? I'd be interested to hear some of your experiences. Thanks.

id also like to know if anyone here has achieved the 'perfect dosage' and has been reaping the benefits consistently for a long time without having to change anything. It would be very encouraging!

I've been on Adderall IR for almost 7 years now. It benefits me a lot. I am able to focus, so I can remember things easier. It helps me slow down so I don't blurt anything and everything out that I think ( I filter thoughts much better). It helps me get moving - to get things done for the day.

I still have issues. I'm not organized, I still blurt some stuff out, procrastination is still there (but once I get started I keep going until it's done).

I don't know if I can focus like a "normal" person when on meds, because I don't know what that is like; I am ADHD (I) - always have been, always will be.

I got lucky. Adderall IR was the first med my doc put me on (in 1999) and it's been the only med I've ever tried for ADHD.
I started at 10mgs 2x a day, and about 6 months after starting the med, I went to 20mgs in AM and 10mgs at 12/1p.
I think about 6-8 months ago, I had my dosage upped to 20mgs AM, 20mgs PM.
This dose works just fine for me.

For Adderall IR, the med works within about 15 minutes of taking it. However, I think it took about 1 1/2 weeks for my body to adjust to the stimulant. After that 1 1/2 weeks, I was all set to go, with the exception of 1 side effect that remained for a while longer - indigestion. That finally went away after probably 6-8 months.

I think with meds the biggest thing to remember is that it's not a cure to ADHD. It helps lessen ADHD traits. However, there are going to be times, like when the med wears off, if you take a med holiday, if you're inbetween meds, with areas the med doesn't cover, when coping skills are needed. It's so important to continue learning coping skills.

I hope I helped :D