i have a question about how or when to ask your doctor to switch meds, especially when you are a new patient... i am currently on Concerta for 4 days and having same side effects i had with Strattera

should i just report the side effects to the doctor and let him recommend or should i say i think this type of med is only good for the ADHD when i am clearly the ADD/Inattentive type? i dont want to seem like i know more than the doctor, you know? from what i have read on here, it seems that Concerta is more suited to the H in the ADD, and the other kinds are for the slow moving of us. true?

I have seen some posters on this forum who matter of factly say: i'm going tomorrow to ask him (their doc) for Dexedrine or whatever. How do you do that? or do you have better success if you are a long established patient. I am a bit bitter that people abuse these stimulants that could so help us and then we have to struggle through the trial and error to hopefully get to one that works. ah, well.

i dont want to seem like a "drug seeker" but after lots of research and good stuff on here, i want to make some decisions in my treatment. is that hard for docs to handle?
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just be honest. Tell the doc what's going on - whether you like the med or not and explain why. Then decide, together, what the next move is.

I just don't understand the plotting stuff that people do to try to get specific meds/doses. It just can lead the doc to think you're seeking out drugs.

I think it's best to be a team with your medical professionals.

.....

I completely understand that feeling, as I have had 6 different psychiatrists to date (I don't doctor-hop, they just give up on me) :o.

But each time I see a new psychiatrist I always feel that way. "Maybe he won't believe me", "might think i'm a drug seeker", or "they'll judge me for not wanting a medication".

Unfortunately the psychiatrist will need a bit of time to understand the patient. Please try to be patient with him as they are merely making sure their practice doesn't get into trouble, because factually, there are people out there who doctor hop, and seek out drugs. :rolleyes: For what reason, I have no idea. But it happens. We're not one of them, and I'm sure that the psychiatrist will see that in the next session or 2.

I don't know about the Concerta suitability with certain types, but I don't think there is an official statement stating the suitability of certain drugs with certain types of ADHD. My psychiatrist said they are working on it. I myself have just started Concerta and am ADHD Combined.

Honestly if I were you though, I'd make sure I tried and powered on with Concerta for a week or so (depending what the side effects are) before your next appointment. Then you can tell the psychiatrist definitively, "look Doc, I have tried Concerta for x days, it's nasty etc..." Then the psychiatrist will be more willing to try something else.

I think little things like these help the doctor establish a good rappor with a patient. :)

Just my 2 cents worth... :o

thanks for understanding, arwen, thats a great answer. i have had more than a few docs as well and this is exactly why i asked that question. like, how can i become part of the team instead of the person getting drugged up and out and never being able to get it right! definitely not "plotting" but exactly the opposite, hoping to communicate clearly and honestly. i guess the other poster has awesome docs and we dont!

i do like the new doc alot and for sure will give it more time and try to understand that yes there are drug seekers and since i am not one, wont worry about that stigma. i have had all the same feelings you have had with each new doctor, and since i really like this guy was hoping to get feedback on how to become part of the process. hopefully i'll get some more input as well.