okay i know i have ADD, i was diagnosed as a child, and took dexidrine and ritalin for many years but stopped in high school, i just sort drifted through high school doing okay. now im in college and im struggling and im to the point where im contemplating dropping out. the only classes i can sit and concentrate in are my art ones, last year my ex boyfriend who also has ADD was taking adderalll and it helped him alot and when he saw that i was struggling ghe let me try his to see if it helped and it did. and here i am struggling worse than ever before,a nd i want to go to the doctor and get on adderall, or im affraid i will never succeed. but i dont know how to go about this. I cant just call a doctor and tell him to prescribe me something. some advice would be greatly appreciated. i broke into tears today when i was asked by a close friend how school was doing, and it made me realize that i really do need help, i cant do it on my own anymore.

I would say if you saw it make a difference, then go see a doctor.

If you have already been diagnosed... and you think medication will help... I suggest making an appointment with your doctor. If you don't have a doctor... call your insurance company... If you don't have insurance, read this Attention All that can not afford medication! (http://www.addforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4173)

Just go see a doctor. He'll be able to check your medical history and see that you are legit... and tell him what you "told" us. He may start you on a low dose since it has been a while since you were on medication for ADHD... but give it time...

Oh... and I would also suggest checking with your insurance company to see if you need a referral for a psychiatrist. If you don't need a referral... It's probably a better idea to go ahead and visit one of those instead. From what I've read so far (I've never visited one) they are the quickest way to the best medication and dosing regimines. From what I'm inferring... it's because most doctors can't keep up with all the new information on EVERYTHING like we feel like they should. Psychiatrists are better equipped to handle adhd and it's comorbidities (this is what I've read anyways).

I'd also recommend (from personal experience only) caffine, in the short run anyways. I'm on Concerta 27mg at this time and it works ok... I'm titrating up... but caffine sure fills in the voids before I take it or after it wears off. The only reason I'm suggesting this is that you sound like you are at an impasse. I seriously doubt that caffine can be a healthy or effective alternative as an adhd drug in the long term... I'm just saying that I believe it helps me deal with my symptoms.

In the least, I suggest you take some kind of action. Talk to your doctor frankly and openly... (although a doctor will give you approximately 12 minutes... and a psychiatrist will give you 30/60 minutes to explain... depending on your insurance plan, from what I've read).

I'd just like to say this... I've been reading a lot lately about adhd drugs... (as well as starting on concerta) and almost none of them are gonna make you perfect right away. But any help is better than none... Good luck with school!

First of all (you knew you were going to hear this) DO NOT take other peoples medicine. What if you were allergic to something in the medication or if he took a much higher dose than most people?

Anyway, go to your doctor. First, try calling the doctor that diagnosed you. If that is not a possible route just call your insurance company or get on the insurance companys website and lookup a physiatrist that accepts your insurance. Tell the doctor that you took your friends Adderall and that it helped you, and exspect another lesson on not taking other peoples medicaiton.

okay i know i have ADD, i was diagnosed as a child, and took dexidrine and ritalin for many years but stopped in high school, i just sort drifted through high school doing okay. now im in college and im struggling and im to the point where im contemplating dropping out. the only classes i can sit and concentrate in are my art ones, last year my ex boyfriend who also has ADD was taking adderalll and it helped him alot and when he saw that i was struggling ghe let me try his to see if it helped and it did. and here i am struggling worse than ever before,a nd i want to go to the doctor and get on adderall, or im affraid i will never succeed. but i dont know how to go about this. I cant just call a doctor and tell him to prescribe me something. some advice would be greatly appreciated. i broke into tears today when i was asked by a close friend how school was doing, and it made me realize that i really do need help, i cant do it on my own anymore.Girlheartsboyx,

I'm 49 year old male. Prior to getting help about 6 weeks ago, I was breaking down and crying...that made me realize I needed help and a new job (another story.)

Are you in college? If so, the college infirmary can help. Is there a medical school where you are as well? They can help.

Seems to me crying was the signal to me that I really needed to talk to someone, figure out some things and start treatment. I wish I realized this 30 years ago when I was in college. I broke down a couple of time then as well.

I thought I was strong for all these years and could figure it out myself. I was wrong.

Go for help as soon as you can. Now is the best time to start helping yourself.

Let us know how it is going...this group is a wonderful part of my treatment.

NJTrout