Adults with ADD?

Question

I'm 31 years old and pregnant so i can't take medication now but after I have this baby I want to start it back, I was diagnosed with it at 24 years old, I had the MRI and several test, I was put on Adderall which almost ruined my life, The med worked but the side affects including lavish spending, almost cost me my marriage, I was addicted to it and the way it made me feel. I realized on the meds that I could live a more effective life, I was better at everything, I just couldn't take the medication. I would like to know what if any new medication is out there with out the crazy side effects, Medication that really works. I will go back to see my doctor for this after my baby arrives in March, I'd like to have options to talk with him about :Thanks

Dear Books, yes I am sure I have add I had the MRI brain wave scan and had taken several test AND yes that is a side effect of adderal, it's a stimulant and they don't work well for some people, doctors were thinking the dose was to high.

Answer 1

Try Strattera or Wellbutrin. Stratterra is usually started out at 40mg per day and eventually increased to 80mg as a therapeutic dose for the target symptoms. Wellbutrin can be taken up to 450mg maximum. Seizure indications are with both drugs, although a little higher with Wellbutrin. You stated you were pregnant so after you have your child get with your doctor and ask him about either of these two drugs. My oldest daughter is 22 and she has ADD and has just started taking Strattera, so I don't think she has noticed a major improvement just yet. It can take from 3 to 4 weeks to be effective in treating the symptoms.
Good luck and congrads and good luck with the baby.

Answer 2

I do. I was diagnoised 3 years ago. If I don't take my meds everyday, then I'm easily distracted. Lately, I have been forgetting to take it and my work performance has suffered because I can't concentrate. It's nothing bad or anything, you're unable to focus or even comprehand some stuff because our brain just works differently without meds. I can't sit through lectures anymore and in meetings, I have to seriously focus on my manager or the person talking so I won't daydream. It's annoying but also folks with ADD are the most creative people I know, next to bipolar people (I also have bipolar). I've never been on Adderall, I"m on straterra and I just went up to 80mg. The important thing is to research like crazy out of the drug and ADD and ask your doc questions. Oh and ADD has been officially been declared a form of ADHD. Don't know why?

Answer 3

I am kind of in same boat, i am 27 and am prescribed to Adderall and Ritalin, Ritaliin tends to be less addictive as it has less of a euphoric feeling.

Not exactly sure what "side-effects" you are referring too, but I know while on it i always need to get something accomplished, when i am not on it i am bitter and can be mean (typical symptom that serious coffee drinkers experience too). There are other drugs Focalin (sp?) which supposedly removed some of the unneeded chemicals in the drug to lessen side effects ( i have tried it and find it very similar to ritalin).

Also you should look into strattera, a non stimulant. this will be less addictive and help you stay focused throughout the day (i have never tried this one)

Answer 4

Strattera is non-amphetamine and will calm your brain down. Side effects only last about 2 weeks. Great afterwards.
http://www.inhousepharmacy.com/neurological/atomoxetine.html
ADD and OCD are in the same family of disorders, most people have both. Strattera should help with both problems.

Answer 5

Are you sure you have ADD? Sounds more like OCD with the spending spree. That IS NOT a side effect of that medication, and if you became ADDICTED to it you probably DONT have ADD. If you have it, you do not become addicted or dependent on it. You should really try behavior therapy because at your age you should be able to control ADD without medication. If not, try Ritalin. Or try a very low dose--like 5 mg.

Answer 6

There is a particular brand of all natural supplements that have helped others with adult ADD. As your body responds you can adjust your program accordingly.

Vita-Lea
OsteoMatrix
B-Complex
GLA Complex
OmegaGuard

Hope this is helpful and feel free to contact me with questions or the brand I'm referring to.

Answer 7

You might look at pycnogenol or MonaVie juice. They will not hurt you or your baby, and have helped some people with ADD. Evidence is largely anecdotal.
A magnet mattress pad and/or pillow has also been helpful in one small study.
Good luck!

Answer 8

Umm, what was the question, again?