Hi there;

I have a big decision to make, and I'm really not sure what to do! I have told my story numerous times on this board, but at the risk of being extremely repetitive, I'll just say it quickly one more time.:o

I was diagnosed with ADHD-Inattentive type in June 2005. I was started on Strattera, and after a couple of months of wading through the side effects, I had a remarkable response to it. It was fortunate that my response to the Strattera coincided with the start of my graduate program, and that first term, I was able to function at a level that was unprecedented for me! Unfortunately a few months later (by January 2006), the stuff had 'pooped out' on me (stopped working), and I was unable to continue my studies at the time. I've spent the last year in a fairly bad state trying different medications, etc... for depression and my ADD (was actually in hospital in May 2006). As such, I took a medical leave from my studies so that I could focus on my health issues.

I am now back at university, and in order to avoid missing another year, there are certain course I have to take (the course sequence is very regimented in my program). However, I am not where I need to be as far as my ADD is concerned.

I just started taking Adderall XR 5mg yesterday (I tend to be very sensitive to meds and usually only require very low doses). The thing is, I have to make a decision about whether or not to continue in my graduate program...and my profs need to know basically by tomorrow. :eek:

So far, the Adderall is slowing me down a little bit, but I'm still having a HECK of a time reading (in some ways it seems to be making it worse), and writing with a clear head. This might just be an adjustment phase, but I just don't know what to do. At this point, I basically have to make a decision about whether or not I think I will be able to stay in my graduate program based on only 2 days of taking the Adderall. I feel like I'm gambling with my future here....:faint:

Does one's initial response to a stimulant indicate how one will continue to respond to it (i.e.; take it once and that is what it will be like), or can one take a little while to get used to a drug and only see the positive effects after days or weeks? Argh!

Any input? Thanks in advance, and I apologize for the long post :).

From what I gather of your post you were taking Strattera and now you're taking Adderal.

I don't know anything about Adderal except that it's somewhat different than Strattera.

You can't expect the same effect from a different med no matter how long it takes to experience that effect. I'd go back to the Strattera if that's what worked before.

Also, you should ask the University for whatever assistance they provide for students with ADD. The meds won't fix everything--there are some things you will need the help of other people to accomplish.

I would do anything to be able to go back to the Strattera....

But it stopped working for me, and I just recently tried taking it again, and I couldn't get it to work again :(