I am new to the mix, being recently diagnosed primarily with 'Inattentive ADHD'. Symptoms include massive concentration issues (primarily for reading), daydreaming, laziness, increased appetite, and moderate depression (I used to be extremely active and competitive, and now I just seem to be 'numb' to failure).

Beginning in early December, I got my diagnoses and have started the whole 'trial period'. I was first prescribed 20mg Focalin XR (1 daily). It worked incredibly for the first week, making me actively workout, rid completely of the daydreaming, and concentration levels were much better. It was certainly great first step, but didn't work as well as I wanted it to and seemed to wear off quickly. I also started having very bad mood swings for the first time in my life when coming down off of the medication. Also, after that first week, it seemed as though I was already gaining a tolerance, because after I would take it, it seemed as though I was just lugging around my body and the only thing that felt awake was my brain (and that's after plenty of sleep!), and that also once again kept my concentration limited.

I had appointment #2 this morning, let him know how it went, and this time the dr. prescribed me 40mg Ritalin LA, which I will begin tomorrow morning.


Anyway, I was just wondering if any of you have tried both Ritalin LA and Adderol, and which you thought might work better for me pertaining to my symptoms (or which worked better for you and why). I know different meds effect different people in different ways, however it never hurts to get input. Thanks.

I can only sort of answer your question. I am also new to the diagnosis (inattentive as well...distractable, concentration, procrastination) and am trying Ritalin SR. Let me first say, you are lucky your doc did LA instead of SR. SR only lasts maybe 3 hours for me, when they say it should last 8-10.

Anyway, my experience so far with the Ritalin has been so-so. I can tell a little difference in things like concentration, distractability, and motivation. I notice I have an easier time staying in a conversation, but my house is still a total mess. I know that drugs won't generally make you get off your butt, but even when I start a chore I'm not finishing it, just like usual. The part I really don't like about the Ritalin is the rebound. Headache, tired, cranky, yuck. This is happening in the early afternoon so I have been taking a second dose just so I can make it through the day. I notice that the headache goes away and I feel alright again. SO...I am hoping my doc will change me to Adderall. I don't like feeling like I need to take another dose just to get rid of the nasty side effects, makes me feel like a druggie looking for that "one last high." Oh and I know someone will ask: I am prescribed 20mg 1x a day and I am taking the generic Methylin ER (which might have something to do with the side effects). Yesterday I cut the secon pill in half (and yes I know that negates the ER but in my opinon "What ER???") and noticed no difference today when I took a whole pill.

I'm not trying to say that you should not give the Ritalin a fair try, there are many people who find it works well for them. Like you said, everyone is affected differently. Good luck in your quest for an appropriate med! Let us know how it works out!

On paper they both basicly do the same thing in the brain via differant methods. Either can work and early on I must say I had trouble even telling the differance between the two..... now the main differance is the methlyphenidate seems more stimulating... more jittery... but not in a bad way nessesarily. Adderall also has a longer half life so the effects will be smoother and more concistant overall even with the IR... however I have not used the long acting versions of methylphenidate. Really your just going to have to try them both if you feel your not geting what you want out of one. Oh and I should also mention that I have never found anything at any dose that is great for the motivation issue. (this is common) Starting a task is always murder BUT with meds your more likely to stay with it until it's done. Remember... meds are not magic but they do help. Keep your expectations resonable.