I have not used meds since 1993 when I was given ritalin at 18 after a battery of expensive tests. Now I am 29 and realize I am still TERRIBLY unorganized and a procrastinator. I lose my keys atleast once a day and my credit card atleast once a week. I cannot stand in line more than a couple minutes. I have road rage when people are in my way. I cannot even read unless I start at the back of a book. I run my own company and things are REAL ROUGH now at tax time. Enough!

I went to my family doc for a referral to someone who can help. I told him what was going on and HE was going to try and treat me! So he was going to give me ritalin again. Well, I know a great deal about chemistry and methylphenidate is not a good thing to take.

The doc gives me Strattera. Well, I do not believe in taking new medications for one thing usually. I like them to be on the market a few years first. So I go to get it filled anyhow to see what happens. IT IS $205 PER MONTH!!!!!!

Thats the last straw. It is new, it is expensive. So I call back and leave several messages. Finally, I call and the nurse puts me on hold and supposedly goes to him and says that I cannot afford 205 a month, and my insurance won't cover it (which it won't). She comes back to the phone and says, "he said to go ahead and take that." Well, THAT'S why I called because I CANNOT AFFORD IT! She is like "oh well." Screw her.

Several days later I address my concerns in a letter and drop it off to him in an envelope. I asked at the least he can give me a referral if he is uncomfortable treating this condition. 2 days later, still have heard NOTHING!

I pay good money to go to the doc to get treated for something and I am left in the cold. He treats me as if I am trying to get a script for illegal drugs. It is like these docs are SOOOOOO paranoid about prescribing a narcotic (which is a misnomer because a narcotic is technically a drug that causes somnolence like opiates) yet they will prescribe drugs that are so dangerous you need to have bloodwork drawn every month to make sure your body is functioning OK like that cholesterol medications. GET A GRIP!

I just want a simple script for a true tested med, such as one of the amphetamines. They have been around for years. They are not a fortune. They work. Yet I have to jump through flaming hoops to get something I am "qualified" to take.

Anyhow, thanks for listening.


ARRRRGGGHHHHH

My family doc just put me on Strattera and I am doing well on it. The side effects are not too bad and go away after a month or so. It wasn't covered under my insurance but my doc is very cool and wrote a letter to my insurance provider saying I needed to take Strattera. They cover it now so it's only my copay. Your doc probably wanted to try you on Strattera since it's not a controlled substance. My advice if you can get it covered by your insurance - try it. I like it!

They won't cover it. They specifically excluded any form of psychiatric medication or treatment. I signed an agreement as such. Besides, I do not believe in taking drugs new to the market. I could tell you some stuff about many medications out there that would make your head spin!

Most studies conducted on these "new" drugs for toxicity are conducted on Rats. Unfortunately, rats have a totally different kidney system and the P-Glycoprotein (PGP, P-450) system along with all the CYP cytochromes function a different way as well.

Unfortunately, the users of new drugs become the human guinea pigs the first 5 years or so after release.

hog,
Sorry about your experience. You might think about switching docs. I do not know how easy that is for you. I had problems with my first doc and told him I was not going to him anymore. Make sure you see a DR. who you are comfortable with and who also is a specialist in ADD. Good luck!
Jim

Here is an idea and a thought. I'm sorry looker but sound's to me like your doctor is NOT very considerate and is perhap's not the doctor for you. I finally had to switch my children's pediatrician to another. I pay their wage and coming into a room looking at their eyes, nose, mouth then writing a prescription for antibiotics and leaving the room was totally unacceptable had he stopped long enough he would have realized we were there because Koda needed an ingrown toenail removed. If it feels bad I would follow your instincts perhaps now is the time to start interviewing for a new doc.

Thats what I have to do I suppose. The problem is, I asked him for a referral up front! He offered to help me, then I AGAIN asked for a referral in my letter. Crazy. Now I have to go comb the yellowpages to not only find someone who won't force me to take a host of expensive tests, but who is experienced with adult ADD. All leads that I have found on here have been fruitless.

Check ADDresources.org they may have a Dr in your area. Also look under for ADD groups in your area on the webb. They are much better than the yellow pages

I am so sorry...Are you from a larger city? We are from a town of 237 ppl and the nearest town with any therapist half way trained in ADD is about an hour from us. It is a great in conveniance but we interviewed her and the children did not like her. So, we now drive two hours one way two times a week. But, the pay off worth it. I know your mad your post alone makes me mad. I'm sure if I could just calm down I would be more helpful...I'm sorry

Yeah, I am from a decent sized town. Maybe an hour from a BIG city. I would say we have 50,000-75,000 people here though.

I guess I will get on the phone and see what I can turn up.

Good Luck you are in my thought's.

What Dr were you seeing the last time you were treated with stimulants - can you see him/her or call that office and see if they can refer you to someone else. Coming from another Dr, with history of ADHD treatment - albeit 10 years ago - you might have more luck.
Regards,
Greg