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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 30. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by rainbowbrite on June 16, 2005, at 15:53:25
what seems to be the best drug for focussing and concentration. Im desparate for something atm.
Posted by rainbowbrite on June 16, 2005, at 16:04:03
In reply to ADHD -what is the best drug??, posted by rainbowbrite on June 16, 2005, at 15:53:25
....I HATE THIS problem! :-(
Posted by Sarah28 on June 16, 2005, at 17:56:27
In reply to and I want to add that...., posted by rainbowbrite on June 16, 2005, at 16:04:03
Adderall without a doubt.
Posted by rainbowbrite on June 16, 2005, at 18:08:04
In reply to RE: Best Drug for ADD, posted by Sarah28 on June 16, 2005, at 17:56:27
you sure? i just read a post above about falling on the floor :-)
So I guess its good for ADD but not sleep? have you tried any others?thanks
Posted by rainbowbrite on June 16, 2005, at 18:09:07
In reply to you changed it LOL ------ADhD » Sarah28, posted by rainbowbrite on June 16, 2005, at 18:08:04
Posted by Sarah28 on June 16, 2005, at 18:29:02
In reply to you changed it LOL ------ADhD » Sarah28, posted by rainbowbrite on June 16, 2005, at 18:08:04
After I had those effects with Seroquel, I stopped taking it immidiately. Except forjust a couple of times when I was 6 or 7 days no sleep and desperate. But yes,my body gives in after a while and will collapse from sheer exhaustion. I think that Adderall has a more lasting effect on me than other people, because it is only supposed to last 4-6 hours and it will last me 24, until it's time for my next dosage. I still think it's better that Ritalin. That stuff almost literally gave me a heart attack!
Posted by Phillipa on June 16, 2005, at 21:26:15
In reply to Re: you changed it LOL ------ADhD, posted by Sarah28 on June 16, 2005, at 18:29:02
I could use something for concentration. But since I can't sleep now I doubt a stimulant would help. Although there was a time when coffee put me to sleep! Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by rainbowbrite on June 16, 2005, at 22:09:25
In reply to Re: you changed it LOL ------ADhD, posted by Phillipa on June 16, 2005, at 21:26:15
it does me too sometimes
Posted by yesac on June 17, 2005, at 10:40:23
In reply to Re: you changed it LOL ------ADhD, posted by Sarah28 on June 16, 2005, at 18:29:02
I don't think there's ONE BEST DRUG for AD(h)D. It depends on the person. Some people can't take some things, others have great success with them. Some drugs do nothing for some people but are just the ticket for others.
Unfortunately, you just have to try for yourself and see how things work.
I haven't liked Ritalin or Adderall. Especially Adderall. Neither helped me focus and they had annoying side effects. I might try Dexedrine or more likely Strattera.
Posted by rainbowbrite on June 17, 2005, at 13:16:41
In reply to Re: you changed it LOL ------ADhD, posted by yesac on June 17, 2005, at 10:40:23
thanks! I guess you are right its individual ...Im going to look into strattera and adderall because im flitting around like a fruit fly lately and its really not a good way to be...especially since people on the social board go after people like me with vacuums and salt and feet stomping...and maybe even water too. Oh I hope something works soon
Posted by yesac on June 17, 2005, at 13:41:15
In reply to Im just a fruit fly » yesac, posted by rainbowbrite on June 17, 2005, at 13:16:41
> thanks! I guess you are right its individual ...Im going to look into strattera and adderall because im flitting around like a fruit fly lately and its really not a good way to be...especially since people on the social board go after people like me with vacuums and salt and feet stomping...and maybe even water too. Oh I hope something works soon
>
>Have you ever taken anything for ADD? I haven't found anything that's worked for me yet but I haven't tried that hard either. Just so you know (and maybe you already do)-- Strattera takes a long time before it works. That's one major disadvantage. A lot of people seem to like Adderall-- not me of course.
Maybe you could just try drinking a lot of caffeine until you find a drug that works. Caffeine can be very calming!
Posted by Chairman_MAO on June 17, 2005, at 14:58:28
In reply to ADHD -what is the best drug??, posted by rainbowbrite on June 16, 2005, at 15:53:25
d-methamphetamine (Desoxyn). For optimal "symptom control", I suggest a combination of a psychostimulant and cholinergic nootropic. Pramiracetam is my recommendation there.
Posted by rainbowbrite on June 17, 2005, at 15:02:55
In reply to Re: Im just a fruit fly » rainbowbrite, posted by yesac on June 17, 2005, at 13:41:15
I do drink a ton of coffee. Maybe not enough. I take ritalin, I tried dexadrine (it was just awful!) and thats about it. I hate drugs to begin with so this is a huge step that Im even thinking about increasing my dose of ritalin, or trying the others. I guess I really havent tried that hard either. Thanks for the info on strattera, I actually didnt know that. So you have untreated ADD and manage to get through school? Im impressed!
-THe fly :-)
Posted by rainbowbrite on June 17, 2005, at 15:26:29
In reply to Re: ADHD -what is the best drug?? » rainbowbrite, posted by Chairman_MAO on June 17, 2005, at 14:58:28
others lol
Thanks for the info!! Ive never ever heard of that. Is it/they easy to get??
Im going to attempt to search 'cholinergic nootropic' to see what it is but I may be back on that one :-)
Posted by rainbowbrite on June 17, 2005, at 15:31:45
In reply to so weird Im having all these same time posts as... » Chairman_MAO, posted by rainbowbrite on June 17, 2005, at 15:26:29
OF RITALIN AT ONCE? NEVER HAVE BEFORE
Posted by KaraS on June 17, 2005, at 16:17:21
In reply to Re: ADHD -what is the best drug?? » rainbowbrite, posted by Chairman_MAO on June 17, 2005, at 14:58:28
> d-methamphetamine (Desoxyn). For optimal "symptom control", I suggest a combination of a psychostimulant and cholinergic nootropic. Pramiracetam is my recommendation there.
It's difficult, if not impossible, to find pramiracetam these days, no?
Posted by ed_uk on June 17, 2005, at 16:37:50
In reply to Re: Im just a fruit fly » yesac, posted by rainbowbrite on June 17, 2005, at 15:02:55
Hi Rain!
Why did you hate Dexedrine??
~Ed
Posted by yesac on June 17, 2005, at 16:57:24
In reply to Re: Im just a fruit fly » yesac, posted by rainbowbrite on June 17, 2005, at 15:02:55
> I do drink a ton of coffee. Maybe not enough.
Maybe not. I find that caffeine can be mildly calming and help maybe just a bit with focus, but not enough. In fact, I'm not even sure if it's the caffeine that's calming for me or if it's something about the routine of drinking coffee/tea.
What didn't you like about Dexedrine? It's weird but it seems to me that people here either like Dex and hate Adderall or hate Dex and like Adderall. And they're rather similar drugs!
>Thanks for the info on strattera, I actually didnt know that. So you have untreated ADD and manage to get through school? Im impressed!
I'm glad the info is helpful. How did you know I'm in school? Well, yes, I've been somehow managing to get through-- I was okay in college, I just had to learn certain conditions that I needed in order to be able to study. Usually when I have the *right conditions* and I really put my mind to it (or there's enough pressure on me to get something done) I can get my work done. It is rather grueling though!But this past year (first year of grad school) was hell and I really had a lot of trouble. I got a number of extensions on assignments. Part of it might be that the quality of the work is different-- a lot more papers, which are harder for me than exams. I'm trying to figure out what to do before the next semester starts.
Part of the reason that I haven't aggressively sought treatment for ADD is because my mood problems always seemed to dominate everything else, and I have therefore focused more on getting treatment for those. Now I finally feel like I might be on the right track with mood drugs, and so now I really want to work on finding treatment for my attention problems. The thing that sucks is that I think lithium might be making my attention WORSE.
Posted by rainbowbrite on June 17, 2005, at 17:24:33
In reply to Re: Im just a fruit fly » rainbowbrite, posted by ed_uk on June 17, 2005, at 16:37:50
Hey Ed
if i recall correctly it was something to do with my brain, like I got dizzy something like that, another thing was that it took my appetite away completely and I NEED to eat or I get messed up. I also think it made me sick to my stomach. But its been awhile since i took it.
take care
Rain
Posted by rainbowbrite on June 17, 2005, at 17:33:22
In reply to Re: Im just a fruit fly » rainbowbrite, posted by yesac on June 17, 2005, at 16:57:24
>>How did you know I'm in school?
LOL I have no idea lol do you post on students?? NOw I think i have some form of pscyhic ability I never kinew I had :-)
> Maybe not. I find that caffeine can be mildly calming and help maybe just a bit with focus, but not enough. In fact, I'm not even sure if it's the caffeine that's calming for me or if it's something about the routine of drinking coffee/tea.I definately know if I havent had enough in a day, it does calm for sure.
> What didn't you like about Dexedrine? It's weird but it seems to me that people here either like Dex and hate Adderall or hate Dex and like Adderall. And they're rather similar drugs!
hmm that sounds like i might like adderall..it made me sick, and dizzy, the dizzy bit was the worst. sort of like brain zaps if I remember right
> I'm glad the info is helpful. Well, yes, I've been somehow managing to get through-- I was okay in college, I just had to learn certain conditions that I needed in order to be able to study. Usually when I have the *right conditions* and I really put my mind to it (or there's enough pressure on me to get something done) I can get my work done. It is rather grueling though!
Oh I hear you!! Things are looking rough at the moment LOL But good for you!
> But this past year (first year of grad school) was hell and I really had a lot of trouble. I got a number of extensions on assignments. Part of it might be that the quality of the work is different-- a lot more papers, which are harder for me than exams. I'm trying to figure out what to do before the next semester starts.
I have a problem with papers as well, I am rethinking thoughs of grad school. But getting extensions isnt such a bad thing. I give you alot of credit for sticking it out and trying!
> Part of the reason that I haven't aggressively sought treatment for ADD is because my mood problems always seemed to dominate everything else, and I have therefore focused more on getting treatment for those. Now I finally feel like I might be on the right track with mood drugs, and so now I really want to work on finding treatment for my attention problems. The thing that sucks is that I think lithium might be making my attention WORSE.
Ok that makes sense, that was my main focus as well, I do think alot of these drugs screw up your concentration. Can you lower it or is that not an option?
Posted by ed_uk on June 17, 2005, at 18:10:18
In reply to Re: Im just a fruit fly » ed_uk, posted by rainbowbrite on June 17, 2005, at 17:24:33
Hi Rain,
Sounds nasty!
Kind regards,
Ed.
Posted by gromit on June 17, 2005, at 18:49:42
In reply to Re: ADHD -what is the best drug?? » Chairman_MAO, posted by KaraS on June 17, 2005, at 16:17:21
> It's difficult, if not impossible, to find pramiracetam these days, no?
It's easier than getting a doctor to prescribe methamphetamine. I saw pram for sale last time I was shopping, can't remember which site that was now though.
Posted by Jazzed on June 17, 2005, at 21:05:36
In reply to ADHD -what is the best drug??, posted by rainbowbrite on June 16, 2005, at 15:53:25
> what seems to be the best drug for focussing and concentration. Im desparate for something atm.
Hi rainbow,
I'm on Adderall XR and it works well for me. I've also tried Ritalin LA and Strattera. The Adderall also works really well for my kids.
I agree that you have to find the right med/dose by trial and error. What works for me might not work well for you. The Adderall XR lasts me about 6 - 7 hours, and then I take a 10 mg reg. release if I remember it, which often I don't. It gets me through my day. I should be able to sleep, but my brain won't stop thinking, so I take Ambien, benedryl, or Valerian depending.
Good luck!
Jazzy
Posted by rainbowbrite on June 17, 2005, at 21:42:47
In reply to Re: ADHD -what is the best drug?? » rainbowbrite, posted by Jazzed on June 17, 2005, at 21:05:36
Thanks! Im going to talk to my doc about this because I am obviusly not medicated properly. Adderall sounds good.
Posted by alohashirt on June 19, 2005, at 21:21:05
In reply to ADHD -what is the best drug??, posted by rainbowbrite on June 16, 2005, at 15:53:25
The best current discussion I have seen is in "Delivered from distraction."What is important is that the world of ADHD medication is changing each year. It's useful to work with a pdoc who keeps up on research and is willing to intelligently experiemnt with different meds.
As well as the fact that different meds affect people differently there is also cost, practicality, and other stuff. For example - the stimulants are controlled substances which means no prescription refills, see your doctor each month, etc. I am happy to take a med that causes side effects an dthenj treat the side effecst because I want the optimal symptom reduction. I'm sure others would just choose the alternative med that doesn't casuse the side effects.
> what seems to be the best drug for focussing and concentration. Im desparate for something atm.
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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