I really need to know how to talk with a doctor in order to receive the right medication. I went to a general practitioner and she prescribed me Effexor. It effected me sexually just like Prozac, Serezone, Zoloft and maybe a couple other antidepressants I've tried over the years. I first asked for Straterra (I finally found out about ADD a couple of months ago) but it was not covered by insurance and I couldn't afford it. I then wrote the doctor a letter explaining that I need one of the stimulant meds. She didn't call back. I get the feeling that she thinks I just want the stimulant to abuse. My sister said to go to her doctor. How do I explain it to him that I need Ritalin or something similar without it seeming like I want in order to abuse it? I can't afford a psychiatrist at the moment and there is a long waiting list for the ones in my insurance plan. I really need to get a med because as many of you may have experienced, I thank God I found out what is different about me and it can be treated, but I'm not getting any treatment and it is EXTREMELY frustrating. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Go to your sister's doctor and explain that you'd like to be tested for ADD, your symptoms and your reactions to the antidepressants. If you go in educated and informed about what you're experiencing you'll be more likely to be listened to. Agree to urine and blood tests to rule out thyroid disease, etc. Oh, and welcome to the forums.

Thanks. I definitely know that I have ADD. I've learned a lot about it and I plan to bring screening tests as long as specific information about me to the doctor. I'm afraid that the doctor will be somewhat scheptical about it. I've actually kind of put my life on hold until I get treated because I know taht every job and or relationship will fail because they always do. I guess I'm actually afraid to get a new job before getting treatment because I've failed at all of my jobs or quit for no good reason. This, in turn, makes me not want to pursue a relationship because it obviously effects my self esteem. I know about most of the add meds and it seems as if Ritalin (at least from what I've read about it) is the right med for me. Of course I never know it until I try it.

Welcome to the forums. If you want your Doctor on board with your ADD self-diagnosis, then you should have the doctor actually diagnose you. I know all the signs may point to ADD, but there are many other things out there (disorders and medical conditions) that share symptoms with ADD.

Once you've gotten diagnosed properly, I'm certain your doctor will be more than willing to try various medical therapies (i.e. prescription meds) until you find the right med & dosage.

My 11 yr old daughter was diagnosed in May (had the psychological eval testing done by a Ph.D) then I had to make an appt to get her to an MD to prescribe the meds. Oddly, on the same day she had her Dr. appt. I had my first appt with a Psychiatrist (took me a month and half to get one!) We BOTH end up with Rx's for Strattera! Neither Dr. would even consider another med until that was tried. She goes back in 2 wks and I go back in 3. Since Lilly lost the patent on Prozac (10/02) and Serafem flopped (introduced the same time Prozac went generic) Strattera (approved 12/02 and hit the market 1/ 03) is their new 'cash cow' and since it is the only non-stimulant med out there they are pushing it and Dr.s are doing the same to weed out the potential 'abusers', thus protecting their DEA licenses if ever audited/questioned (proves they tried the patient on non-stimulants first) and last but not least qualifies them for some nice little perks from Lilly for prescribing their new drug.