Opinions Needed Please

[agent19]

I posted this in the men section, but it probably belongs here instead.

I'm new here and had a quick question for people. I'm 23 currently living in Fresno, CA and am looking for a new psychiatrist that specializes in ADHD treatment. My question here though pertains to the treatment. I have been diagnosed by a psych with ADHD and was prescribed provigil, but because my insurance required a pre-authorization letter from his office, and he refused to write one I cannot get my medication without paying a ton of money I don't have. When I did take provigil though I found that I got crazy anxiety, almost unbearable and certainly something I want to avoid. In doing research online and talking with other friends with ADHD I'm wondering if something like adderall or vyvanse would be better for motivation and focus (there are times when I have difficulty processing a reason to get out of bed or my room for the day, if I dont have work). I'm leaning toward vyvanse i think because of the rep adderall has received in past years of becoming addictive. Is it taboo or wrong of me to tell a new psychiatrist, when I find one, that I would like to try Vyvanse and see whats up? Or will I be frowned upon in his office for asking for something that's amphetamine based? Thank you!

[Killface1981]

Vyvanse will not be frowned upon... Shire is pushing it pretty hard, and you can even get discounts, a Vyvanse card, and they'd rather give you that drug than, say, straight up Dexedrine or Adderall. However; I'd suggest that you don't actually ask for a certain drug. Say that you've heard one drug is better, but the Provigil was difficult to get, and caused too much anxiety.

[anonymouslyadd]

Originally Posted by agent19

I'm wondering if something like adderall or vyvanse would be better for motivation and focus (there are times when I have difficulty processing a reason to get out of bed or my room for the day, if I dont have work). I'm leaning toward vyvanse i think because of the rep adderall has received in past years of becoming addictive. Is it taboo or wrong of me to tell a new psychiatrist, when I find one, that I would like to try Vyvanse and see whats up? Or will I be frowned upon in his office for asking for something that's amphetamine based? Thank you!

Your reason for not getting out of bed may or may not be aided with the help of stimulant meds(ie adderall). Although, you will, if it works for you be able to focus better. I know I need something to do in order for me to get motivated enough to get out of bed or else I'll sleep for a little while dozing on and off.

The benefit that adderall gives me is the knowledge that when I am working on a task I will have the focus power to be able to complete the task and complete it without putting as much effort into it. It does help with my motivation, but I still need things to do or I will struggle to accomplish things even on the meds.

I do not believe you will be "frowned" upon for asking your doctor for a script for psychostimulant. Tell your doctor the symptoms that you have been experiencing and that you have done some research on your own, which has you thinking about going the stimulant route. When I wanted to try vyvanse in 2008, I simply asked my psychiatrist to go on it, and it was done.

Good luck

[agent19]

Thank you for the responses. They help give me confidence that seeking the help I feel that I need is not something I should be condemning myself over. Not that I do such a thing consciously or whole-heartedly, but I have grown up in a house where ADD/ADHD simply doesn't 'exist' and now that I'm an adult I am 100% positive that it does. My dad used to be a drug rep so this compounds the issue a lot I think.
Anyways, thank you for the quick responses, I'm hoping to get in to see a new psyche very soon. It does kinda suck though, to know that you've identified the problem and are so close to a solution potentially.
The psychiatrist I am trying to get an appointment with is back from vacation tomorrow, so hopefully I will at least have a date to see him very soon.

Also.... Whats the difference between seeing a psychiatrist vs. a PHD Psychologist or Neurologist?

[notsoplainJane]

Originally Posted by agent19

Also.... Whats the difference between seeing a psychiatrist vs. a PHD Psychologist or Neurologist?

A psychiatrist and neurologist both have medical degrees (MDs or DOs), which means they can write prescriptions and give you physical check-ups.

A psychologist has a graduate degree in psychology, which means that unless he also has a medical degree (unlikely but not impossible). he does not have the legal authority to write prescriptions or give physicals.

For what it's worth, I first went to a psychologist, who then referred me to a family physician, who gave me a prescription for ADD meds.