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Discussion

Thoughts on ADD/ADHD Medication

I've have ADHD and few years ago my doctor suggested giving me a prescription. The pharmacist told me that the use of ADD/ADHD medications will have terrible side effects on me and that I'd be better off not taking it, so I decided not to fill the prescription. Over the past year, I've noticed its gotten worse, so I've been considering going back to my doctor to see about getting a prescription, so I don't fall behind in school. So what I want to know is for those of you nurses or nursing students who have ADD/ADHD that use/used medication for it, Which ones have worked for you? or Is there an alternative that has worked for you. I've tried yoga, exercising, even eating a healthier diet neither of those really seemed to help (exercising made me less fidgety, but didn't do anything with concentration)

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    • Featured Replies

    So, I want to preface by saying we cannot provide any medical information as that is best for your provider. I am disappointed that a pharmacist would have the gall and say, "Don't take it, it has too many side effects" to someone when the client is filling a prescription.

    As for me, I do have ADHD (confirmed by numerous psychiatrists) and now the adult version. I take Adderall and sometimes Nuvigil combined, however, the two of these are incredibly strong and I myself, would not recommend it. I would /imagine/ they would start you on the 5mg normal version of Adderall and then titrate it as they deem fit. It's a good drug. But, if you take it too late in the day, expect to not get much sleep. Also expect to have anorexia (sometimes) and irritability.

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    I have a prescription for Concerta. So far, the mg I'm on is working fine. I hope you and your doctor are able to find the best one for you.

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    • Author

    Oh yeah I know that, I'm just doing a little bit of research on different types for medications, so I can have a good idea of which ones are most effective. I know they work differently with different people, but it still helps to hear other peoples experiences with it. My doctor prescribed Concerta, so I may be sticking with that or discuss other options with her. Thank you for you response!

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    Not everyone has side effects. I suggest working with your psychiatrist to figure out the best treatment for your symptoms. The pharmacist should not be disrupting your relationship with your prescriber .

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    • Experts

    My son was diagnosed with ADD in Kindergarden,with noticeable improvement day 4 on medication. He took the med until age 16 when he felt he didn't need it anymore. By age 23 he was asking PCP for prescription again as difficulty concentrating on tasks at work noted and realizes he'll need it all his adult life.

    If you were diagnosed as diabetiic, would you take medication for it? ADD deserves treatment too to permit you to function at your maximum. Don't short change yourself.

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    I take adderall, and it works great. Find a specialist and discuss with them. Also, switch pharmacies!

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    Everything has a side effect. You already mentioned that you know medication effects people differently. This applies to side effects. They too effect people differently. Some people experience the worst of them, and some none at all. What do we know about the people who are negatively impacted by something? They have the loudest voice.

    Keep in mind, sometimes the worst side effects are the ones you have from NOT taking a/the medication.

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