I'll keep it short since I could go on forever and I know how you add'ers are :D

I've had all the symptoms my whole life. I wasnt a hyperactive child, I was actually hypoactive as I got older. Always been super smart, but always told "not living up to potential, doesnt work well and play with others, daydreams, spaced out, couch potato, lazy, unmotivated, but when I set my mind to something - LOOK WHAT YOU CAN ACCOMPLISH!!" I can remember someone's face, job, what they said to me, whats going on in their life, but I cant remember their name even after knowing them 2 months! I can listen in class(intermittently if its interesting) and pass tests, but there is NO WAY i can sit down on my own and "Study" pages 100-168! Mom always said "you're the smartest and dumbest child I have, you could solve a complex algebra equation but cant finish it because you lost your pencil" I've never in my life had my clothes anywhere but in various piles on the floor no matter how hard I try...anyway you get the picture.

Wasnt until I had some issues with drug addiction again (after being clean for several years) that I was forced to seek psychiatric help. After about 20minutes, the psychiatric nurse practitioner said "I think you might have ADD" Being in healthcare myself, I balked (since I know everything) saying "thats a copout" etc. She immediately recognized she wouldnt convince me so she said, read this book (delivered from distraction). I cried after reading the first few chapters!! I was like reading my own autobiography.

I was real apprehensive about trying meds since I'm an addict, but I've been clean awhile now and even though natural stuff helps a little (exercise, fish oil etc) I just got fed up with having so many bad days and having to overload on caffeine and ephedra just to feel "decent" then later in the day feeling like all my energy was being physically sucked out of me.

I finally relented and have been on STrattera 25, then 40mg going into my second week. I felt so damn good yesterday I swear if the rest of the world feels like this normally what the hell have I been missing. I'm still forgetful and scattered, but it has helped me a bunch with mood and its easier for me to 'stay in the moment' rather than thinking about 10 different things and getting nothing done. I have a bunch more energy and it seems to be having a slightly antidepressive effect as well. I cant take stimulants(at least for now) because my recovery program doesnt beleive in them for addicts.

Anyway thats my story thus far and I've gotten MANY SMILES AND LAUGHS from reading your stories here!!!

I'll be here often. (I forsee this being a hyperfocus issue for awhile) :cool:

Our stories are nearly identical, except for the Straterra success.

I felt zoned out and never really notced much improvement in the focus department.

Are you taking anything in place of strattera?

I'd love to try stimulants. I took crystal meth one time and it was the best I've ever felt, but I dont want to be addicted and since I'm in an agreement with a probationary program I dont think they'd let me try even low doses of stimulants because of the addiction risk.

vortex,

If Stattera is working for you, stick with it. The rest of the world does feel that "damn" good. After a while, though, you'll get use to it.

In a couple of years, if the Stattera starts pooping out on you, it is possible to try stimulants and not get addicted. With a recent drug problem, though, stimulants pose a serious risk for you.

I know. Been there. Done that.

Bob