fatigue and add

[ADHD Nurse]

I'm newly diagnosed with ADD. I'm on Concerta and I think it is helping. Mostly I notice a quiet (as opposed to nervous) energy and motivation/confidence. Feels like I "grew up" overnight (I'm almost 40). I've had a problem with fatigue during the day for many MANY years. Always just thought I was lazy. Concerta seems to have solved that. Question: Will that effect last? I keep reading where ADD meds "wake you up". Why would someone with ADD be tired all the time? Also, I'm afraid of the effects of Concerta wearing off. I've heard they do with Adderall, although I tried Adderall briefly (tried a friend's for 2 days) and found it helped so much more than Concerta, but I'm afraid that its not a healthy drug and didn't ask my psychiatrist for it. How do you know for sure if it really is ADD? Any answers to any questions is appreciated.

[musicpainter]

I know what you mean about wondering if it's worn off. I had that same question at first. The quiet energy you described was more noticeable the first few days then I didn't notice that huge difference, but I think it was just my body and brain getting used to functioning differently. I don't always feel a rush of alertness like I did at first, but I've been on Adderall for almost a month now and it's still working pretty well.

I've never taken Concerta so I don't know how it differs from Adderall but I assume the effects are similar? At first with Adderall there is a bit of a crash. It works for most of the day then around 5pm (for me at least) the first week I was on it, I would just become exhausted. But that wore off after a few days.

[saharaprincess]

Hey! You sound like me! I'm a 39 year old married with 3 kids and I am a clinical therapist in a psychiatrist office. I diagnose ppl every day and treat ppl with these issues too. I have known I have ADD for many years now, and I've adapted quite well, doing things with success. But my responsibilities have constantly increased at work, my hubby has been deployed to Iraq 2 years now, and I'm on my own for the most part. I have to do everything for everyone and sometimes I forget about myself. But I still have gaps in my memory, forgetting important appointments and paperwork in my field is horrendous. I went to a psychiatrist for the first time yesterday officially, and got a dx. and a script for Concerta 18mg. I took the first one this morning and felt almost nothing really. About half an hour after I swallowed it, I felt like my brain all of a sudden slowed down like a rollercoaster when it slows. Then I felt a strange sense of calm and it's kind of been a calm feeling most of the day. I was in a good mood in the morning, and for the most part it's been good all day on and off. As far as the concentration and focus I don't see too much difference, it was the same...maybe some of the noise or buzz in my head is a little more quiet. I know Adderal is a methamphetamine, and concerta is methylphenadate, but of course as a nurse you would know that. There is also something called Focalin which is Dexmethylphenadate, and I believe it is used to help with some of the depression as well. I don't know why but with our experience methylphenadate seems to be more efficacious with adult ADD than the psychotropics in the amphetamine family. Then again, these meds are not an exact science and unfortunately many ppl with mental health issues go through years of switching meds and adjusting doses before they find what really works. That's why psychiatrists see patients once a month or more often sometimes. To know if it's really ADD, you have to look at the criteria you fit according to the DSM definition of ADD and the frequency and severity of your symptomology. We all have some issues that affect our mental health but we only label it a disorder if it affects your functioning in at least 2 life areas such as work, school, personal relationships, etc. You need an excellent doc and therapist and you will do great. Also about the effects wearing off, I know that you can go many years with a certain dose and you may have to increase it eventually, you may not. The only way to know for sure is the constant supervision of your sx. by a good doctor. Good luck and if you have any questions feel free to contact me on my personal email! lmaalouf@live.com

[ADHD Nurse]

Hi. I tried emailing you but it "failed". Pm me if you are so inclined.
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[ToadysFroggy]

I have found that when my CEBV (Chronic Epstein Barr Virus, bka Chronic Mono) is worse than usual and I am beyond exhausted, my sense of clarity and focus almost compeltely disappears... I am on 50 mg of Vyvanse. I spoke to my Psychatrist and he said to journal my findings until I see him in February and then we will talk about it...he did say, that more than likely, I will need a boost of Dex on those days when I am feeling worse than usual!

[equilibrium]

I have the same fatigue...I have no idea why. My head is spinning though and everything is overwhelming so I try jsut to zone it out by sleeping it away.

I am not on meds right now but next year at some point will be revisiting.

I am also newly diagnosed so any info on the fatigue might be helpful.

What is the diff between those two methyl drugs? I was prescriped dex (the first one you mentioned). Do they help sep issues?