because of my job. I'm looking into what else I can take that helps me and the state I live in would allow me to take.....

Each year I need a physical for my job. I heard from someone else they were't allow to work till they were off the Ritalin for 2 weeks and had to have another physical in order to work again...So I took myself off it.....We have random drug testing which I know doesn't test for this kind of drugs.Oh sure,I guess I could lie and say I'm not taking any meds, but if something was to happen while I was working(accident) I would be pulled off my job, drug tested and if it was found I was taking Ritalin or any other drug not allowed I could be held personal liable. I just didn't want to take the chance of anything like this happening to me. I didn't discuss it with my employer because, I don't want them to know I'm ADD. Not everyone understands ADD. In my work it could be bad for me if they knew and didn't undertand.

If you would like to find an alternative to the meds you are taking, I would ask you to look into the training program I work with.

I cannot help you because the program is 15, one-hour sessions, over 3 to 5 weeks, and I'm in Ft Worth, TX. My experience is that more than 90% of my ADHD clients, who finish the program, reduce all their ADHD symptoms over the course of the program. The other 10% reduce their symptoms to some degree.

If you go to the IM website:

www.interactivemetronome.com

you will find an IM Trainer locator page. You supply your ZIP code and the system will tell you all the IM Trainers in your area. I suggest you call and talk with all those in your area to see about prices, etc. . .

If you look at the "Media" link from that site, you will find a bunch of print and video articles, from throughout the USA, about the technology and about clinics like mine.

Good luck.

I don't know what you do for a living, but I drive a public transit bus. I'm also subject to the same random drug tests that you mentioned. My employer knows I have ADD. I even gave them a letter form my VA doctor stating that I could work and drive a bus while on Ritalin. You shouldn't have a problem. If people ask, I tell them. People need to know we're out there. More than they think. I'm not talking about throwing it in their faces, but we shouldn't be represses either. I even take my meds in front of passengers. Heck, if I didn't take them, it'd be worse.

Originally posted by fasttalkingmom
... I heard from someone else they were't allow to work till they were off the Ritalin for 2 weeks and had to have another physical in order to work again...

Please, please check this out for yourself, rather than relying on what you've heard. People have an amazing ability to pass along misunderstandings and misinformation.

if you really need your meds, i suggest taking them. I have found that the older you were when diagnosed, the less you need medication to survive.

On another note, I understand what you are saying with not telling people about having ADD. WHen I have told people in the past they give me weird looks. Most people believe that ADD is only a problem that affects children.

I jhave so much trouble in jobs that won't allow you to work with ritalin mind you I have never come accross a job with random blood testing. I think it is the worst when a company won't allow you a medication that you need to function because it allows your brain to fire correctly.

Hi all...I hope you're all still watching this Forum, because there are other alternatives to Ritalin. Yes, its true...many employers have a real problem with employees working on the job, under the "influence" of Ritalin. However, there is a new med out there called Strattera, that I have had tremendous personal success with. I was on Ritalin for 11 years, didn't like the long term side effects, and decided to switch to Strattera (http://www.strattera.com). Its worked great for me, and because it is a non-stimulant based medication, is easier to get refills at the pharmacy and does not show up as a methylphenidate-based stimulant in a drug test.

Here in Canada I have been put on Dexadrine

Works great for a clear mind but it sent me to the other side where my mind was clear and focused but i didnt want to do anything physical

I think I was just too wacked all the time

Stopped taking it for a while now trying again with smaller amount

Wish I was rich and didnt have to work then I could stay totally wacked all the time with the doctors and governments blessing Grin

I also have tried Straterra and have had pretty good success with it. I would suggest the same as Andrew, talk to your doctor about a trial on Straterra. I understand many doctors have samples available. If Straterra is right for you, then I think your scenario as far as drug testing will be solved.

:)

Yes get the samples so you can see if you like the Strattera before you actually pay for it....and samples come in all different dosages....since it's a new drug, the companies are distributing it all over the place.....ask your doctor.....he probably has them tucked away in the file drawers in his office...:)

I don't believe Strattera is available outside the United States yet.

I'm now taking Welbutrin for my ADD....I spoke with someone I know who is has something to do Registry of Motor vehicles about my med. question. They spoke with the people who deal with this at the Registy and came back with " Ritailin IS not allowed" My doctor felt the Welbutrin would be more acceptable.... They also suggested I not disclose any meds or my ADD. But I'm still running the risk of big trouble if found out. My dr. felt Webutrin would be more acceptable.....

I'm very afraid of people who I'm involved with, pertaining to my job, finding out I'm ADD and on meds. I just know it wouldn't go over well. I love my job ! I'm very good at my job of 11 years.....

As you all know all too well, people have a conception in their minds of what an ADD person is or they just thinks it's a bunch of crap !

If the shoe was on the other foot, I'd question someone doing what I do also. People relay on me to be a safe driver........