My question is: Why would a Psyc. proscribe Ritalin as opposed to some other stimulant like Dexedrine or another amphetamine? What symptoms would make the doctor choose one and not the other. Are these drugs symptom specific?

Thank you

Good question.
Actually, your question makes me wonder why I don't really know the answer!:o

I should be a bit more aware of those things, but I am not.

What I can say though, is that I did start on Ritalin, then moved to Adderall, then Strattera, and finally Concerta.

The reason for all the changes? The first three never provided me with any signs of help with my ADD/HD.
I took a break from all meds after the Strattera, and that's when I came back to Concerta.

I do hope some more folks with better answers to your question will show up here.:D

I don't think there are studies yet that suggest which medicine is better for different forms of ADD, but some believe that Methylphenidate is better for the hypers, while Dexamphetamine is better for the inattentives.

That said, most doctors will have their favourites, or will run you through the gamut of drugs to trial.

Yer its a start off on the weakest drug and hope for the best kinda thing, The Doc starts low@slow and moves up in both drug potency and dosage

Yer its a start off on the weakest drug and hope for the best kinda thing, The Doc starts low@slow and moves up in both drug potency and dosage

There ya go.

I started on Focalin XR, then proceeded to try Focalin IR, Vyvanse, and Adderall/Adderall XR. Strange thing is, Focalin has worked the best for me. Vyvanse and Adderall put me straight to sleep!

There's really no hierarchy of "potency" in regards to amphetamines vs. methylphenidate. In truth, it's because of the stigma attached to the particular meds. Ritalin is typically thought of as the regular ol' ADD med by prescribers, in general. On the other hand, Dexedrine, and (dare I even suggest it!) Desoxyn, are generally the last meds tried. It has nothing to do with efficacy.

I've read multiple times that people who fit the Sluggish Cognitive Tempo profile (hypoactivity, slow processing etc.) do better on lower doses of stimulants than higher doses. Not seen the research that's based on though.

hmm, i can't really find an answer to your last questions either. I think there is a similarity between all side-effects of stimulants.

I take my ADD-care supplements because it gives me the focus i need without the curved hunger, and depressing crash that I'd get with Vyvanse.

I honestly don't know why I was prescribed dexedrine either. My doctor and I played around with my doses a bit, but not much. I was initally on wellbrutrin, but stopped when I found out about my allergy to it. That caused a switch over to strattera.

My primary-care doc prescribed me 15 mg of Adderall 3x per day, which made me into a zombie and had horrible crashes. In fact, this experience put me off medication for two years before I had the courage to try again.

This time, I went to a psychiatrist who specializes in ADD. He said that my Adderall scrip had been started way too high, and since I experienced such dramatic crashes with it, he tried me on Vyvanse as it was supposed to be much smoother kicking and wearing off. It has only been five days, but so far he seems to be right -- it is MUCH smoother than Adderall.

He said that it is really just trial and error; one type might work for you, another might not. And different formulations of the same med (extended release vs. instant release) often affect people very differently.