http://www.addforums.com/forums ADD Attention Deficit Disorder Forums and Chat en Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:01:15 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.addforums.com/forums/images/misc/rss.jpg http://www.addforums.com/forums http://www.addforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=75186&goto=newpost Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:52:44 GMT Hello everyone! My name is Jack and I just happened to randomly come upon this site while googling for some ADHD information. I am a student who was diagnosed with ADHD-I after doing poorly academically for several years (to the point of getting dismissed every year for the past 3 years and... Hello everyone! My name is Jack and I just happened to randomly come upon this site while googling for some ADHD information.

I am a student who was diagnosed with ADHD-I after doing poorly academically for several years (to the point of getting dismissed every year for the past 3 years and managing to JUST make it back to school by crunching down, taking lots of classes in the summer, and doing wayyy better in them than during my regular semester).

I had always thought I was a bit crazy because of my inability to rationalize my inconsistent behavior and performance but that was until my psychiatrist diagnosed me with ADHD-I.

After learning alot more about ADHD (along with comorbidities like anxiety, OCD, and poor self-esteem), as well as alot of introspection, self-improvement, and self-reinforcement, I can confidently say that I am doing much better now (and a much better person because of it) and finally feel like I am working towards my potential!

Its almost hard to believe how quickly we can progress when we have a fundamental understanding of who we really are and commit to improving ourselves with that in mind but that is really one of the strengths of our mind! We just need to learn to control it!

Anyways, I think I got a bit carried away with this introduction hahaha! Its nice to meet all of you! :D ]]> New Member Introductions Opposing Flow http://www.addforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=75186 http://www.addforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=75185&goto=newpost Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:07:57 GMT I think that I am a textbook case of high functioning adult-diagnosed ADHD. Never could concentrate well, but did well in school and college because it was intellectually easy stuff. Now, I need to put a handle on the problem in order to do the work (I am a programmer) and complete projects on... I think that I am a textbook case of high functioning adult-diagnosed ADHD. Never could concentrate well, but did well in school and college because it was intellectually easy stuff. Now, I need to put a handle on the problem in order to do the work (I am a programmer) and complete projects on time. It's a hard thing to do when often being spaced out and getting nothing done for several days in a row...

So, I was wondering, if I show up in psychiatrist's office tomorrow, how long and how expensive will it take until I get the prescription of ritalin/adderall/any ADHD other stimulant and how much time/money will I need to spend later on to keep it up? I don't have insurance, but I don't mind paying cash, after all I lose more on being unproductive then the likely cost of the medicine and the doctor. But what should/can I expect in terms of "getting it done"? E.g. will the doctor prescribe it on the first meeting? On the second? If he doesn't prescribe, can I just immediately quit and go to another? If there is a lot of variation between doctors' behaviors, what should I be on the look-out for? What bad things could the wrong/"malicious" doctor do to me? ]]> General ADD Talk InattenProficit http://www.addforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=75185 http://www.addforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=75184&goto=newpost Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:23:14 GMT Someone suggested to me that I should drink Lycopodium tea to help with my ADD (I'm not taking any medications at the moment).

Does Lycopodium tea have any side effects? And, how well does Lycopodium tea help with ADD?

Thanks, ]]> Misc Treatments and Approaches Angels http://www.addforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=75184 http://www.addforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=75183&goto=newpost Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:53:40 GMT My son's school is telling me he has an anger management issue. They say he gets angry in class and does not always listen to instructions. He likes to do things his way. He is 11 and in the 5th grade.How do I deal with this? Is seeing a psychiatrist my only option? It's expensive! IS there something I can do? ]]> vhastings http://www.addforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=75183 http://www.addforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=75182&goto=newpost Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:51:38 GMT Not sure whats going on.

I think I was fooled by the "high" sensation one gets when using Ritalin.

I've been using Concerta and Ritalin (90mg and 25mg) for a year and ahalf now, mainly 2-3 days a week and in changing order.

Lately I noticed I get REAL zombie with both the meds. Ritalin after 2.5 hours or Concerta after about 5 hours - my brains dead. I can focus alittle bit better, but I'm more preoccupied with the feeling of me being a Gold fish.

This has happened only recently.


And another issue - When I'm getting zombified, I can't seem to focus on reading very well. I can read a line and then my mind wonders off to wonderland .. when I get it back, I noticed I've technically read 3-4 lines and I remember nothing.

Help .. someone :/ Losing my mind here. ]]> Ritalin anonimi http://www.addforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=75182 http://www.addforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=75181&goto=newpost Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:43:36 GMT Dammit! I was really on a roll, getting a grip on my sleep issues, feeling better, and in a great mood for a week or so. Even small things that went wrong were no big deal to me, an awesome feeling. I was really happy. However, there is an frustration that has been building over many years of... Dammit! I was really on a roll, getting a grip on my sleep issues, feeling better, and in a great mood for a week or so. Even small things that went wrong were no big deal to me, an awesome feeling. I was really happy.

However, there is an frustration that has been building over many years of living with ADD, most undiagnosed, and it seems like I don't handle the big frustrations well.

Yesterday the transmission went out in my fairly new (to me) work van. Son of a ....................

Anyway, as I've posted before, I have hefty back tax debt, and I just saved $2000 to give them, about the price of a transmission. We worked really hard, taking extra job after extra job to do that, and poof, it could be gone.

Now, the reality is that I have other vehicles that I can use in a pinch, and my old work vehicle. Of course, I have to have a starter put on it, but that's only setting me back $160. I know that I have a lot of good things in my life, and frankly, this isn't a huge deal financially in the big picture. However, no matter how hard I try to focus on the good and move on, this overwhelming depressive and frustrating feeling is right there, and I can't get it to go away. It is killing a great mood that I've been in where I was very positive, and quickly switching me to very negative.

So, does anyone have anything that helps them stay positive and happy and not go off the deep end when something like this happens? I keep working on my perspective, and seeing this as such a minor thing, and I can reach that intellectually. However, my emotions are really down over it, and keep trying to drag my thoughts down. I hate these internal battles. ]]> General ADD Talk mADD mike http://www.addforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=75181 http://www.addforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=75180&goto=newpost Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:38:41 GMT So for the last few weeks I've noticed that if I sleep for more than 5-6 hours, I wake up extremely tired and foggy-headed. I don't mean a little foggy either, more like my head is stuffed with cotton! It's awful because I'm never getting enough sleep, but if I sleep in at all the next day is unpleasant. I also lose all focus, motivation, and feel like I weigh 500 pounds.

When this happens (like it did yesterday, today I got up after 5 hours of sleep and feel fine) I notice that to make matters worse my Adderall is much much less effective, at least until the evening. I'll admit that I appreciate the awakening effects of my medication, though I don't take it for that reason. But when I take 15mg IR in the morning on a empty stomach (and a cup of strong coffee) it should atleast clear my head at the very least! I don't mind feeling groggy, that's normal.....for for blanks-sake I can't think at ALL. I end up taking my second dose about 2 hours later, and I usualy wait around 4 hours, and then it's not until my 3rd dose that I actually start to feel like I can think again.

It's odd too because until that 3rd dose I'll feel almost like I haven't taken meds all day. I'll be irritable, emotional, and get light-headed doing simple things like stretching after standing up. Once I take my 3rd (out of 4) 15mg IR of the day though I finally feel normal. Today I woke up after 5 hours of sleep instead of 8, and I feel totally fine, just tired in the eyes if you know what I mean.

How does all this happen from sleeping too much??? And not even that much at all! My body wants to sleep longer, it really really does, but I hate it when I wake up, I feel like I'm withdrawing from my meds or something. Obviously I don't want that, they work fine for me, no bad side effects, no abuse....just this stupid sleep thing.

I should also mention that I started smoking again in the last 3 months, and it's been particularly bad since, and I wonder if it has something to do with that. It's really inconvenient too because I like to sleep in with my girlfriend on her days off, and then when we have the day to hang out and run errands or whatever, I'm useless and unpleasant until early evening...

Anyway, this is getting really long (sorry), but does anyone have any thoughts? Experience? Possible solutions? I take 4X15mg IR (Eon/Sandoz) a day by the way, and smoke about half a pack of cigarettes :cool: Any help at all would be appreciated! ]]> Adderall Wintermute http://www.addforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=75180 http://www.addforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=75179&goto=newpost Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:22:41 GMT I am 23 and have just been diagnosed with ADD. I have suspected for a long time that I have ADD but finally just got "tested" and diagnosed.

My doctor started me on Strattera but that was bad. All day I was mentally exhausted and incredibly lethargic and then around 9pm the fog would lift off but by then my body was physically exhausted because it was late and I was ready to start slowing down to fall asleep. However, I would not fall asleep until like 2:30-3:00 am. Then wake up at 7 or 8 am. So my doctor prescribed me Hydroxyzine to help me sleep. I was also really nauseous every morning and after a week of taking it, I started throwing up from the nausea. That was the last straw, also learning it may take up to a month for it to start working when finals are in a few weeks. So I went to my doctor and she prescribed me Adderall.

I am on 20 mg of Adderall XR and have some 10 mg IR for breakthrough symptoms. I started taking it this morning and am noticing that I have more energy but also feel like I am wired. Like I don't need to blink. But am wondering a few things:

1. How long until it starts working for ADD?

2. Will I feel different? Like with antidepressants, you feel happy, and with anti-anxiety medicines, you feel calm. But how will I feel with Adderall? Will I just notice more motivation? Will I have more energy? Or will I not notice I feel different until I try to do something that involves concentration (like reading, or getting things done that I need to, like cleaning and laundry)?

3. I'm also worried about becoming addicted. I have had problems with pain medicine, benzodiazepams, and sleep medicines. But, when I took large doses of those, I would feel a beautiful euphoria and just general feel of calm. But I'm not noticing that with Adderall. I'm not feeling that right now, and hoping that it doesn't happen in the future. Does a typical "high" feeling obtained with most opiates happen with Adderall?

Any help or tips on any of these questions would be so helpful!! ]]> Adderall musicpainter http://www.addforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=75179 http://www.addforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=75178&goto=newpost Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:07:51 GMT After supplementing myself, I've noticed that the people I used to hang out with (which I suspect have ADD as well) start to go unnoticed and I no longer have this strong connection/craving to be with. I still understand how they feel, and why they react, so I never forget them and i still talk and try to help them, but I notice they do not get a lot of hints so talking to them is becoming difficult when with other "normal" people. My mother may have ADD and trying to convince her to do something without ****ing her off is extremely difficult as well.

To talk to an ADDer, one should always:

1) Have very obvious body language, and be very direct with their intentions. If you ignore them and start flirting to a girl, for example, they may take it the wrong way and think you don't care about them. To prevent this feeling, you could then tell them the reason why you ignored him was to talk to the girl, and you were only focused on them, and apologize for ignoring them. Always APOLOGIZE and REASON, and be very HUMBLE. Haven't you noticed when you see a positive thread with someone who says something like "I'm HELLA SMART, I get good grades, sailed through high school etc" that ****es you off? Always say Hey! and bye! when you see and leave the person. Keep this consistent, ADDers hate it when you suddenly stop saying "Hey!" and "Bye!". They take it the wrong way. Even your tone should be consistent, positive and welcoming.

2) Say self-depreciating things. Since ADDers have low self esteem, and compare themselves to others, it is also necessary to say self-depreciating things in order to help them feel better about themselves. I used to feel good when other people messed up, and whenever someone was doing better, I would get really ****ed off, especially if they made it look easy. If they did ****ty on a test, for example, you could say "I ****ed up too, hella people ****ed up". Just make sure you don't say your letter grade because if it's better they'll be like "WTF!! You call that ****ed up? Thats a letter grade better than me!!", etc

3) Never be cocky. Adders hate cocky people, especially since ADDers can see very obvious flaws in said people. There is a difference about being funny cocky, and just cocky. For example, if I have a piece of **** accord, I could pull off "i got a pimpin car" after its obvious I as joking. However, if I have a lexus and I say that, it would come off as cocky. However if they had no car at all, you may not wanna say that haha. They may be ****ed off. Also don't complain that you need a new car, especially when they don't have one. They'll be like "At least you got a car *****, or hey that cars already good enough you rich *******!".. NEVER BRAG.

4) Always take the initiative to help an ADDer. Never ask questions that are personal, since they may not open up or hide things, therefore making it even more difficult to communicate. In this case, you need to be subtle with your intentions. If you are trying to convince them they have ADD, talk about how you used to have ADD and describe the symptoms, be extremely detailed, then describe how taking a certain supplement/medication helped benefit you, instead of fix you. Never make it look like you already know they have ADD. Adders also hate being told there is something wrong with them, because it further hurts their self esteem. Invite the ADDer to come with you, be very direct, say "You should come to the game" instead of "if you wanna come to the game". You need to sound like you want them there...

5) Never say there is something wrong. No matter how many times people told me there was something wrong with me, I would not be able to embrace the fact. I knew something was strange on the inside, but I completely dismissed the fact that I had a disorder. Instead explain how it would benefit the person. For example, if a person sucks at taking a test, then tell the person that they are doing a good job trying, but you suggest studying 5 hours in the library instead of, 2 hours playing games. If you say "study harder!" then it will hurt their self esteem, especially if they are trying hard already. Say how you used to be a ******* until you started reading "Mike's intro to economics".. again say self depreciating things as examples.

6) Provide validation. If they say something, always provide a response. I HATED being ignored. If i try to be funny, no one says anything. That made me feel like a worthless piece of ****. If an ADDer says something, try to follow what they're saying. Smile, laugh, whatever. Provide positive body language. It allows them to validate themselves.

7) Never joke about them directly, they may not get it. Don't say, "wow you're really strange when you talk" or something similar. Because they may feel they're strange, and by saying that, you make them feel ****TY. Instead joke about other people. "Oh that guy really smells" etc... makes them feel better. Another type of validation.

Who would you like more? Someone who says "You should study harder, you need good grades, you don't pay attention!" or someone who says "I know you're trying hard, that's good. You could better improve yourself by decreasing your game type, reading certain books, etc" Be very specific...

Am I pretty accurate here? If there's anything else feel free to ADD. Get it?? ADD hahaha. jk. ]]> General ADD Talk dude102 http://www.addforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=75178 http://www.addforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=75177&goto=newpost Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:36:28 GMT I'm new to the forum and have found some really helpful advice so far on the threads I've read, but I really need some advice/input on what cold/sinus medicine is the best to take with adderall. I was diagnosed with ADHD almost a year ago and have been on Adderall (generic, not XR) 40mg since June. I also have chronic fatigue syndrome which weakens my immune system and causes me to get sick ALOT. I have been battling this awful head cold which has now turned into chest congestion and a miserable cough that I just can't beat. I have been taking mucinex but that sometimes makes me feel flushed and lessens the effects of my adderall. I'm desparate to get rid of this cold without having to go to the doctor again- any suggestions or advice? Thanks so much!! ]]> Adderall jaimelynn http://www.addforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=75177 http://www.addforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=75176&goto=newpost Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:52:10 GMT Hi everyone,

First off, this forum is great! I'm new here and just reading posts makes me feel like I'm getting more feedback than I ever recieved from any doctor.

I need some help. I'm studying history at the university and i've been passing courses just like i did in highschool: barely attending classes and just study for a few days before exames. But now i keep failing one course which requires you to do alot of investigation, go out, basically be busy with the project. I tried to focus on my studies more, but i just keep going back. I'm beginning to doubt uni was such a good carreer move for some1 with adhd, allthough im already in my third year.

For the past couple of years ive been totally consumed by playing games (and watching series) on my pc, ive tried to get away from it many times, but i just get bored and when i have nothing to do it just sucks me right back in. It killing my real life and my studies, so i really need a different hobby that can motivate and challenge me. Preferably something i can do whenever i have time on my hands, but at the same time still forces me to work with and be around other people.

A few things about me: I'm interested in philosophy and movies. I also really enjoy making silly or witty remarks to make people laugh. According to the tests i have a high IQ and should be creative, allthough i never really experience that :)

I could use all the advice I can get, I'm abit adrift here. Pardon my english, its not my native language.

Thanks in advance! ]]> General ADD Talk mrtbonesteak http://www.addforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=75176 http://www.addforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=75175&goto=newpost Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:13:21 GMT What kind of effect does the IR have that Xr doesn't? ]]> Adderall alex88 http://www.addforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=75175 http://www.addforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=75174&goto=newpost Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:11:31 GMT I've read A LOT of research about ADHD, and mentioned it to my doctor and she said that its very tricky between being bipolar and having ADHD, and she thought that I was more on the ADHD side.. so she prescribed me adderall xr 10 mg. Now my question is on 10 mg would I be able to tell if the drug was definitely acting as speed or do I really have ADHD? Or is that still too little of dosage to tell?

I definitely can concentrate better and haven't noticed any other changes except that I am in a better mood, and I have more energy. There is a feeling tho that I get even when I am concentrating and sitting down where I want to keep finishing up random tasks (like pimp my blackberry!!)..and I feel a little bit of anxiousness and not really calm like everyone says I should feel. Its only my 3rd day of taking it, so maybe it takes a bit of getting used to it, but I have DEFINITELY not experienced a manic state of where I feel I can't think and I get depressed and make me go crazy (which was my experience with wellbutrin)

Thanks a lot for your input! ]]> Adderall alex88 http://www.addforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=75174 http://www.addforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=75173&goto=newpost Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:00:09 GMT I'm 31 and was recently diagnosed with ADHD-PI. Since the diagnosis, I have been trying to come up with little tricks to help deal with my weaknesses. My best idea so far is to hire a secretary, but unfortunately my budget rules out hiring someone, and my wife doesn't want the job.

The best one I've found is setting a bowl in my entranceway for my wallet and keys. Obviously, I often forget to use it, but I'm remembering more often, so I spend less time retracing my steps to figure out where I set them down.

Another is creating an inbox for unpaid bills. Right now the box is on my desk, but I think I'll move it next to the key/wallet bowl.

I know these aren't terribly creative or insightful, but this is the type of organizational stuff that just doesn't come naturally to me (and I suspect to many of you). I'd appreciate any tricks that help you minimize the day-to-day frustrations of life with add. ]]> General ADD Talk Ian_B http://www.addforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=75173 http://www.addforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=75172&goto=newpost Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:51:09 GMT tomorrow is saturday, and although im not a heavy drinker, i will be drinking tomorrow night...im new to adderall xr 10 mg, so should I just not take it tomorrow day and sunday? thanks a bunch..this forum rocks :)! tomorrow is saturday, and although im not a heavy drinker, i will be drinking tomorrow night...im new to adderall xr 10 mg, so should I just not take it tomorrow day and sunday? thanks a bunch..this forum rocks :)! ]]> Adderall alex88 http://www.addforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=75172