Should I start medications for ADHD?

Question

I;ve known for years that I have ADHD. Ive taken self tests online and in books etc, and have scored almost off the chart. Although I do have symptoms, I do not feel my life is too negatively impacted. I often say things without thinking and often forget minute details about something I don't deem important. My attention level is very bad unless I am raptly interested. My primary doctor says no doubt I have ADHD. But, she scared me with the potential side effects of the medicine. Plus, would I be changing who I am?

Answer 1

You sound like your going through exactly what I did 3 years ago. I was always very apprehensive about medications but my doctor kept assuring me it was the best way to go. I personally couldn't understand the idea of treating my hyperactive brain with a stimulant. Plus all the side effects, geez oh man the side effects. Against my gut, I followed my Dr.'s advice and took Adderall XR daily for 2 and a half years.

The Adderall did help my concentration for a while. However this benefit was more than negated by manic behaviour, a serious decrease in appetite that lead to weightloss that I couldn't afford to lose, lack of eating lead to loss of nutrition which in turn made concentration worse, dizzy spells, chronic and often severe anxiety, and a developed craving for the drug or other stimulants when I wasn't on it.

Six months ago I looked at the past couple years of my life and asked myself if this drug had made my life better. The answer is an overwhelming no. I had no better control over my ADHD with that drug. It had only further complicated my life. I always had a nagging feeling that taking medication was not getting to the root of the problem but only snipping it off at the tip.

David Neeleman, CEO of Jet Blue Airline and ADHDer, was asked how he has been able to succeed without any medications of any kind. He simply replied "I try, really really hard to concentrate." This is now my stance on treating ADHD. We have to have more will power to achieve what others do.

Yahoo 'ADHD and famous people' and you will be blown away by the people who will be on that list. You'll see several US Presidents, Einstein, Edison and loads of original and influential people. Could you imagine what the world would have lost if some know it all Dr labeled them disordered and had them taking medications everyday so they could be like everyone else?

Answer 2

Do not prescribe him to ADHD medication at 5. Wait until he is in at least 4th grade to return to the doctor. Most 5 year olds boysare a little on hyper side anyway. Just let him enjoy his childhood without being a zombie.

Answer 3

Do the side effects out weigh the benefits for you? If the answer to that question is yes, then no you shouldn't take any medication. But if the benefits to the medicine outweigh the side effects and the negative effects of the disorder, you should probably take the medication.

Answer 4

This is your decision.
Just know that there are other things that you can do first if your unsure about the side effect of these drugs.
Alot of people have great results after seeking help through a nutritionist.
Yes good ol food can some times cause us to display symptoms of ADHD.
So maybe it would be worth your time to check this avenue out.

Answer 5

Hi Mike

Here is a simple concept/exercise to increase your attention/concentration level. All you need is more oxygen to the brain. This helped my nephew increase his focus in school within a few weeks. My brother was quite surprised and impressed. Book is called


Super Brain Yoga
By GrandMaster Choa Kok Sui
Super Brain Yoga GrandMaster Choa Kok Sui Reveals an ancient Indian technique of increasing your brain power by harnessing the body's primordial energies.

Learn to gradually improve your memory, increase focus, & achieve mental clarity with a simple easy to do exercise.

Includes scientific studies showing dramatic improvements in children diagnosed with Autism, ADD, and ADD/ADHD.


Best of health to you

Cheers

Answer 6

First I would do research on different medications and their effects. Second I would always get a different opinion from a different doctor. Then I would try whatever they suggested, noting everything from morning until night for several weeks. Then maybe trying something else, then noting the same, compare the difference, good or bad and discuss with your doctor what you options are. Good luck!

Answer 7

You don't need to get drugged up and live that way.
You need to change your diet to all raw foods(no meat, dairy, white sugar, white flour, iodized salt, processed food, pasteurized liquids, sodas, artificial sweeteners). Eat at least a pound of salad every day with no store bought dressings. Eat plenty of (preferably raw organic) vegetables, nuts and fruits.
Carrots and bananas eaten every day will definitely help as well. Make sure they are raw as well(not cooked carrots) and you can get more nutrients quicker by juicing the carrots instead of eating them whole. Carrots are the miracle vegetable while bananas are the miracle fruit.
This has been proven to help people overcome ADD and ADHD.
Hope this helps!!

Answer 8

If it's affecting your life, maybe you should go on medication for it.
Not EVERYONE is affected by side effects, remember. You could always try out a medication and if you feel you were better without it, then you can always stop.
Also, you wouldn't be changing who you are..look at it as helping yourself out or improving yourself..again, that's if you feel you need help with your disorder.
Good luck!

Answer 9

No, you shouldn't start taking medication. I believe you should see a psychiatrist before taking any medication. There are many side effects to taking anti-depressants. You should be aware of them.

Personally, I would suggest you try natural approaches before taking any medication. I strongly advise you to see a psychologist. Psychologists can help you in many ways without you having to take medication.

Medication should be your "last resort".

Answer 10

Yes