I’ve been trying all 3 of the majors, (Focalin, Ritalin, Adderall,) and within an hour of the first pill, I knew I was on the right track. I felt a vast calm, like it was FINALLY possible to take a deep breath and relax, to be grounded, to have some sense of focus. It’s been a rocky road with figuring out all the interactions [Adderall especially does NOT play well with others,) getting the doses right, etc. I’m sure I’m not at the end yet. But…
When did I REALLY know?? It had to be after a week of taking Adderall. Basically, as y’all may or may not know, that’s prescription speed. A normal person would be bouncing off walls, nervous and jittery, up for 3 days, etc. The real test isn’t whether or not someone feels good and can concentrate, because almost everybody will have that effect. No, the test is whether you have the normal reaction (sympathetic nervous system, which will eat you up) or the atypical reaction (parasympathetic nervous system.) And… I felt immense calm and had the best nap of my life!!! I also feel… [inches out on a limb]… actually kinda halfway… normal.
This is sad, too. It means I finally have to admit that there really is something wrong with my brain. Yes you’d think that the CAT-scan and MRI would have been enough. Unlike most people with ADD, mine was caused by a head injury, and anybody looking at my scans can SEE what’s wrong. But the human mind has amazing powers of denial, and my level of cognitive functioning was never really the problem.
But I feel like I can go forward with my life now. I have faced the truth, and I am strong. I am on a journey. :]
Congrats on finding something that works for you. Facing the truth is most of the battle… It’s tough trying to reckon with accepting that your brain just doesn’t quite work the way others do. I’m not as diligent with trying to find the 'phet that works best got me. Lots of reasons I guess. The only one I’ve tried is adderall and it’s the most bizarre feeling- like tying a hot air balloon to the ground so it doesn’t bop around all over the place.
Jelymag, you might ask your doctor about Focalin. I REALLY liked that one. It’s a lot milder than Adderall, so if you had that reaction, it might work for you. It’s amazing how different reactions can be to the different meds. I HATED Ritalin; it put me into a weird coma-like can’t-stay-awake state. So don’t give up! :]
How do you get diagnosed with ADD? I suspect i might have it as well but I have no idea how to go about getting tested for it (or is there an objective test?)
I took extensive performance and psychological tests with a psychologist, who referred me to a psychiatrist who specialized in ADD. He gave me more tests, talked to me for quite a while, and gave me the trial of three stimulant medications (plus Strattera, which is not a stimulant.) You don’t want to know how much all this cost, and I don’t want to think about it!! However, I felt it was the best choice.
Getting the stimulant drugs when you don’t need them can have devastating consequences. That is absolutely true. I don’t think, personally, that they should be handed out by GP’s as freely as antidepressants. That’s not what they are! People need to be, NEED TO BE, very carefully screened. There’s a REASON why Canada banned Adderall XR for a period of time (sudden death for those with congenital heart defects,) why you can’t get it if you have even moderately high blood pressure or hyperthyroidism or if you’ve ever been addicted. Its basic ingredients have been prescribed for 70 years, so we KNOW that they are very dangerous for those who don’t need them, and very safe for those who do-- but you have to be as sure as you can that you fall into that category before you ever take that first pill.
/rant
Ahem, well, anyway. Thank God for these drugs, that’s what I say, but they do need to be taken very seriously.
I’ve heard that some of my fellow law students take Adderall during exams to help them concentrate, but it sounds like they may be achieving the opposite instead.
Unlike most people with ADD, mine was caused by a head injury, and anybody looking at my scans can SEE what’s wrong. But the human mind has amazing powers of denial, and my level of cognitive functioning was never really the problem.
However, I felt it was the best choice.