Hi everybody. I'm a 40 year old guy, and my new doctor thinks I might have ADD. I'm not entirely sure - I definetely have concentration and focus problems, and have for as long as I can remember. I frequently wish I could just turn my mind "off" just for a little while. Anyway, the doctor is considering medication - we haven't reached that point yet, we're not sure about the diagnosis. But, assuming we do go that route, how long do the various ADD medications take to work? I've seen some things that seemed to indicate they work almost immediately, like in a couple of hours. I've also seen things indicating they can take weeks. I know there are many different medications and I have no idea which one I may end up taking, but, for the common ones, how long do they usually take before you can notice a difference? I'm particularly concerned with the problems concentrating and focusing (and getting anything done), and how long I might take before I notice an improvement that way. Thanks.

Mick

Stimulant medeications for adhd take effect with the first dose. Many people notice an effect right away. You won't get the full benefit untl after you have been on the medications for several weeks.

Me :D

Thanks Speedo -

By the way, how'd you get that picture of me in your avatar??

how long do the various ADD medications take to work? It's been my experience with the stimulants (immediate release versions only) that they tended to take anywhere from 20 to 40 minutes (depending on the drug) for me to feel them working.




I've also seen things indicating they can take weeks. I think this only applies in the case of non-stimulant ADHD medications. Like Strattera for example.

It's been my experience with the stimulants (immediate release versions only) that they tended to take anywhere from 20 to 40 minutes (depending on the drug) for me to feel them working.




I think this only applies in the case of non-stimulant ADHD medications. Like Strattera for example.+1 - That has been my experience as well. Another thing about stimulant (esp. Adderall/Dexedrine) is that they are also used to treat narcolepsy/excessive sleepiness, etc. so say if one day you wake up and have only gotten like 4 hours of sleep and normally feel like absolute **** (i.e. you're so sleep deprived that your eyes HURT:eek:) - Adderall can make you feel 'normal' - but it's a trick - the Adderall (in this situation) is just 'propping' you up - as soon as it wears out, you'll be really tired again and usually irritable as well. A lot of college kids use it in this manner (so they can pull all-nighters to study for big exams and stuff).

Normally, I feel it kick in and I just feel calmer and my head clearer and I'm more alert/focussed. Without my meds, during a normal work day, I usually am in a daydream/hazy/wandering-thoughts mode; my brain feels 'groggy' and slowed down - almost to the point that I feel unmotivated. I have primarily inattentive-type ADD, by the way.

However, If I don't get any sleep and I take it, I ALSO feel it act as a 'waker upper' - like caffeine in coffee, but with a much more potent and 'specific' feeling effect versus the kind of...'broad/crude' feeling 'buzz' you get with caffeine and other stimulants like ephedrine...