Obsession/Hyper-focusing since starting ADHD medications

[ericjdaniels]

I have always had trouble getting into the groove, and have always gone off on wild tangents researching things that are totally out there.

But this problem has hit new heights since I started Adderall. I am changing to Concerta tomorrow, but I was wondering if this is "normal."

Should I see this as revealing that I do have some OCD issues? I never had struggles with it before, and could stop myself in the middle of fruitless researching tangents. Now I find that HOURS pass, and I get nothing done that I WANT to, but I do get a lot of useless researching done.

Is it the meds? Is it something I will have to get used to if I keep taking meds?

Any thoughts? Thanks!

[tudorose]

I've found that medication helps focus, so often that can make problems or obsessions worse. It's easier to let things go or get distracted when you're not medicated. They say I have OCD but I don't relate to any of the stuff written about it. I too do the researching thing. I think that in a lot of ADD people, if OCD is present it takes more of an 'Aspergers' presentation rather than the typical one.

[Tara]

It could be anxiety. OCD is considered an anxiety disorder. Stimulants can make anxiety worse.

It could also be that the dose was too high.

What did your Dr say?

[AlaskanMan]

Eric, I had the exact same problem. I have been taking Adderall for about 6 weeks trying to find the dosage that worked for me. I was taking 40 mg 8am AM then 40mg about 2pm. I found that all i did was stare at the computer screen and feel myself tired. I have cut my dosage back to 20mg at 8am then 10mg at noon then 10 mg at 3pm ( not that my dosages are important ) but I have improved dramatically. I was taking too much. Not that this information will be of any help now that you are switching meds, but I felt I had to respond in case there are others that have the same concerns.
That was the reason I found this site was lack of motivation to do much of anything.
Dont know if this helps and excuse the spelling and grammar

Tom

[diesel]

Same problem - only when taking too much! I have always done tones of research - some of it useless - but interesting.

If you reach zombie state - cut back on the meds- it may "feel" good but in the long run its more harm than good.

I find I can hyperfocus almost at will now and can turn it off if required!. Use it as a tool.

I find that coffee makes anxiety worse - but dex and rittalin relieve it?? Not sure why I added this part.

[runner]

SAME PROBLEM with Adderall as others.
I seemed to 'hyper-focus' & could not stop 'unhealthy', obsessive behavior pattern.
I could not say that I felt especially 'anxious' on the Adderall, but perhaps my behavior pattern indicates that I was, in fact, suffering from anxiety.
Reduced dosage helped a bit.
Finally went totally off all stimulant meds. for 8 months to give myself a break.
But.....things sliding downward have convinced me to give meds. another try.
Just started Wellbutrin XL for ADD & depression.