![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 26 to 50 of 55. Go back in thread:
Posted by JILLIAN on March 9, 2001, at 5:14:38
In reply to Re: Anyone have any comments/stories about Adderall? , posted by Freaky on February 16, 2001, at 17:47:16
> I have taken both Adderall and Ritalin altho im not prescribed to them. I am in High school and have taken them in excess. I find Adderall more pleasant with no confusion at all unlike ritalin. They both help with concentration, motivation to do work, and socialization, altho my doses were mostly higher than most kids eg.. 6 10mg tablets of ritalin and 4 10mg tabs of adderall. Adderall seemed much longer lasting and didnt have a crash like ritalin did. I reccomend Adderall tho because it put me in a better mindset than ritalin.
>
> > I also take Adderall, find it very helpful and very smooth in action. The only long-term side-effects I know of is tolerance, and the need to raise the dosage because of this. I also know many people don't experience tolerance or addiction. I have been known to forget my Adderall on the weekends and anytime I get to busy to remember, and I haven't experienced any negative symptoms either from withdrawal nor when I take it again.
> >
> > The way Adderall works feels so completely different than Ritalin, I would hate for anyone to be on Ritalin without having tried Adderall. The appetite suppressant affect is way less with Adderall, which is a good thing in my book, especially when treating children. Although, everyone is different, disclaimer ya'know. I'm glad it's working for you. Any other questions, just holler.
> >
> > doveDEAR FREAKY
IM NOT WRITING TO LECTURE OR TO TELL YOU THAT YOU MAKE ME ANGRY.IM SURE YOU PROBABLY DONT WANT TO HERE THAT
I AM THE MOTHER OF AN ADHD CHILD AND A RECOVERING ADDICT
WHAT I WANTED TO SHARE WITH YOU IS A DEEPLY PERSONAL AND EMBARRASING EXPIRIENCE
MY SON WAS FIRST STARTED ON ADDERALL IN 1997 ABOUT 2 MONTHS LATER I HIT A DEEP DEPRRESION AND WAS BOTTOMING OUT IN MY ADDICTION ON MAY THE FIRST I TRIED TO COMMITTEE SUISIDE BY TAKING MY SONS ENTIRE BOTTLE OF ADDERALL(GOD FORGIVE ME)
WHEN MY HUSBAND FOUND ME AND GOT ME TO THE HOSPITAL MY BLOOD PRESURE WAS OUT OF CONTROL AND MY HEART WAS PUMPING SO FAST THE DOCS THOUGHT IT WOULD EXPLODE,I TORE UP MY STOMACH LINING, PERMANATELY DAMAGED MY HEART AND MY NERVES AND AM VERY LUCKY TO BE ALIVE I WAS 25 YEARS OLD AND WILL PAY FOR THAT FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE!
I WANTED TO SHARE THIS WITH YOU AS A WARNIING THAT TAKING THIS MED WITH OUT A DOCTORS CARE OR NOT FOLLOWING THE DOC DIRECTIONS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND CAN EFFECT THE REST OF YOUR LIFEI AN NOT SUGESTING TO YOU ,FREAKY ,THAT YOU ARE AN ADDICT ONLY YOU CAN DECIDE THAT BUT IF YOU EVER FIND YOU NEED HELP YOU HAVE MY EMAIL ADDRESS
AND THERE IS A SUPORT GROUP CALLED NARCOTICS ANOUNOMOUS TO HELP BEST WISHESAS FOR THE REST MY SON HAS BEEN ON ADDERALL FOR AROUND 4 YEARS NOW IT HELPS ALOT BUT IT DOES CAUSE A LACK OF APPITITE,SEVERE HEADACHES AND INABILITY TO SLEEP. HE WAS PRESCRIBED A BLOOD PRESSUER PILL TO HELP OFFSET THESE SYMPTOMS CALLED COLLONADINE IT WORKS WELL
JILLIAN
Posted by Kathryn Ziemba on March 23, 2001, at 20:24:25
In reply to Re: Followup questions on Adderall for Mandy , posted by gerri_mww on August 6, 2000, at 2:25:58
Hi my name is Kathryn I am in Graduate school and am studying the effect that Adderall has on reading ability.. For those of you who are on Adderall. Have any of you been ever diagnosed with a reading disability or reading problem and have you noticed any improvements on your reading ability since taking adderall? Also who reccomended that you take this medication. Any comments, information would be extremely helpful..Thank you soo much.
> > > tom, i have not had ANY increased nervousness with adderall. it has actually calmed me a whole lot. it makes me very focused, but i do not feel "drugged" like i did with ritalin or imipramine. it is a really "smooth" drug, if you will. it eases into your system and then eases out of your system, unlike ritalin, which had a tendency to give you a "quick boost" and a super fast drop off. the first week i was on it, i did have a day or 2 that i did not want to go to sleep. that has been the only thing that i can say negative about it. it does honestly seem too good to be true, i know, but it is wonderful. i do not know your personal situation, but as far as adderall and my experiences, i can't say enough good things about it. i am sure that many others can vouch for this same feeling. just ask if you need more questions answered. i am happy to help anyone that is interested.
> >
> > Mandy,
> >
> > Thanks for the response. My problem is mainly depression. I have never been diagnosed with ADHD or had any of the classice symptoms associated with it (unless you count the poor concentration issue associated with depression). Anyway, I noticed one of your earlier posts mentioning that you became depressed on imimpramine. Is depression also an ongoing factor in your diagnosis? If so, did Adderall help with that? Did it lift your mood? I've tried many ADs with little to no response, that I'm curious about the stimulant route. I'm also concerned about the addictive qualities of Adderall (although I already take xanax and can't seem to quit, so you would think I could get over that fear!)
> > Thanks again.
> >
> > Tom
>
>
> Tom,
> Stimulants taken to treat depression will leave you feeling depressed. They really do not help them. They only make you a highly motivated depressed person.
> ADs work best in that area. I have had remarkable strides with using Effexor XR. I take 225mg/day along with my ADDeral 40mg/day. I have been on the adderal a month and the Effexor almost three. I noticed a
> marded improvement within the first week of starting the effexor.
> Good luck !
> Gerri
Posted by Sulpicia on March 23, 2001, at 21:57:14
In reply to Re: Followup questions on Adderall for Mandy , posted by Kathryn Ziemba on March 23, 2001, at 20:24:25
>Hi Kathryn -- I'm in grad school too. I have ADD, take adderall, and have a diagnosis of dyslexia.
The dyslexia has improved on the adderall [and AD tofranil that I also take]. It's very hard to describe
either the symptoms or their improvement. Perhaps you could ask more specifically?
Happy to answer if I can.
Adderall prescribed for ADD by fabulously experienced and delightful pdoc.
S,
Posted by Shawn on March 24, 2001, at 2:11:26
In reply to Re: Followup questions on Adderall for Mandy , posted by Kathryn Ziemba on March 23, 2001, at 20:24:25
Hi Kathryn. I was recently diagnosed with ADD although I know that I have had it for my entire life. People always suggested that I get diagnosed and treated, but I didn't until my girlfriend (now my wife) forced me to. I am a medical student, and in comparing the reading I do now to what I did in college or even during the first year of med school, I can really tell that adderall improves my concentration and my memory. I'd be happy to help you out with your project if you let me know more specifically what you're looking for.
-- Shawn> Hi my name is Kathryn I am in Graduate school and am studying the effect that Adderall has on reading ability.. For those of you who are on Adderall. Have any of you been ever diagnosed with a reading disability or reading problem and have you noticed any improvements on your reading ability since taking adderall? Also who reccomended that you take this medication. Any comments, information would be extremely helpful..Thank you soo much.
>
>
>
> > > > tom, i have not had ANY increased nervousness with adderall. it has actually calmed me a whole lot. it makes me very focused, but i do not feel "drugged" like i did with ritalin or imipramine. it is a really "smooth" drug, if you will. it eases into your system and then eases out of your system, unlike ritalin, which had a tendency to give you a "quick boost" and a super fast drop off. the first week i was on it, i did have a day or 2 that i did not want to go to sleep. that has been the only thing that i can say negative about it. it does honestly seem too good to be true, i know, but it is wonderful. i do not know your personal situation, but as far as adderall and my experiences, i can't say enough good things about it. i am sure that many others can vouch for this same feeling. just ask if you need more questions answered. i am happy to help anyone that is interested.
> > >
> > > Mandy,
> > >
> > > Thanks for the response. My problem is mainly depression. I have never been diagnosed with ADHD or had any of the classice symptoms associated with it (unless you count the poor concentration issue associated with depression). Anyway, I noticed one of your earlier posts mentioning that you became depressed on imimpramine. Is depression also an ongoing factor in your diagnosis? If so, did Adderall help with that? Did it lift your mood? I've tried many ADs with little to no response, that I'm curious about the stimulant route. I'm also concerned about the addictive qualities of Adderall (although I already take xanax and can't seem to quit, so you would think I could get over that fear!)
> > > Thanks again.
> > >
> > > Tom
> >
> >
> > Tom,
> > Stimulants taken to treat depression will leave you feeling depressed. They really do not help them. They only make you a highly motivated depressed person.
> > ADs work best in that area. I have had remarkable strides with using Effexor XR. I take 225mg/day along with my ADDeral 40mg/day. I have been on the adderal a month and the Effexor almost three. I noticed a
> > marded improvement within the first week of starting the effexor.
> > Good luck !
> > Gerri
Posted by Lucylou on April 4, 2001, at 15:49:04
In reply to Re: Followup questions on Adderall for Mandy , posted by Kathryn Ziemba on March 23, 2001, at 20:24:25
> Hi my name is Kathryn I am in Graduate school and am studying the effect that Adderall has on reading ability.. For those of you who are on Adderall. Have any of you been ever diagnosed with a reading disability or reading problem and have you noticed any improvements on your reading ability since taking adderall? Also who reccomended that you take this medication. Any comments, information would be extremely helpful..Thank you soo much.
>
> Kathryn,
I was diagnosed with ADD when I was in the second grade. My parents took me off of the meds when I was in the 4th grade, why? I still don't know. I have always had a reading problem. I love to read, but I can't retain the material. I am in college now and have decided to get back on the meds. I am on Adderall and I can't say enough good things about it. I can remember everything! Reading is a breeze!!
Lucylou
>
> > > > tom, i have not had ANY increased nervousness with adderall. it has actually calmed me a whole lot. it makes me very focused, but i do not feel "drugged" like i did with ritalin or imipramine. it is a really "smooth" drug, if you will. it eases into your system and then eases out of your system, unlike ritalin, which had a tendency to give you a "quick boost" and a super fast drop off. the first week i was on it, i did have a day or 2 that i did not want to go to sleep. that has been the only thing that i can say negative about it. it does honestly seem too good to be true, i know, but it is wonderful. i do not know your personal situation, but as far as adderall and my experiences, i can't say enough good things about it. i am sure that many others can vouch for this same feeling. just ask if you need more questions answered. i am happy to help anyone that is interested.
> > >
> > > Mandy,
> > >
> > > Thanks for the response. My problem is mainly depression. I have never been diagnosed with ADHD or had any of the classice symptoms associated with it (unless you count the poor concentration issue associated with depression). Anyway, I noticed one of your earlier posts mentioning that you became depressed on imimpramine. Is depression also an ongoing factor in your diagnosis? If so, did Adderall help with that? Did it lift your mood? I've tried many ADs with little to no response, that I'm curious about the stimulant route. I'm also concerned about the addictive qualities of Adderall (although I already take xanax and can't seem to quit, so you would think I could get over that fear!)
> > > Thanks again.
> > >
> > > Tom
> >
> >
> > Tom,
> > Stimulants taken to treat depression will leave you feeling depressed. They really do not help them. They only make you a highly motivated depressed person.
> > ADs work best in that area. I have had remarkable strides with using Effexor XR. I take 225mg/day along with my ADDeral 40mg/day. I have been on the adderal a month and the Effexor almost three. I noticed a
> > marded improvement within the first week of starting the effexor.
> > Good luck !
> > Gerri
Posted by missliz on April 8, 2001, at 2:21:23
In reply to Followup questions on Adderall , posted by Tom on January 14, 2000, at 21:27:32
> `Does Adderall typically cause increased anxiety, nervousness, or sleeplesness? I'm curious because Aderall almost sounds to good to good to be true, and all the ADs I've taken totally ignite me (which consist of the newer generation of ADs). In fact, I haven't take an AD in almost a year (although I wished every day I could find one that would work ) but Adderall sounds very promising. Any info would be very helpful.
I haven't had any trouble with Adderall and I am the anxiety Queen. The first couple of weeks I would get high as a kite periodicly, but in a good way not a manic way. Mostly the drug calmed me down and mellowed me out. I'm a calmer more pleasent person on Adderall. It took about two weeks to get used to the drug and level out. I have treatmant resistant depression as part of bipolar illness and the mood stabilizers may have kept me from flipping over. (Tegretol and Neurontin)
If your MD is suggesting this drug, talk to her/him about sleep and have a plan if you react badly. You'll know immediately. The first day I took Adderall I was scared to death but it was just flippin wonderful. Now, after 6 weeks, I hardly notice the stuff but I feel much better.
I took rest days when it got too intense at first. On Sundays. One day off doesn't hurt.
Posted by Noa on April 9, 2001, at 10:18:35
In reply to Re: Followup questions on Adderall for Mandy , posted by Shawn on March 24, 2001, at 2:11:26
Hi, I never really had a reading problem perse, but since childhood have gone through periods of reading a lot or not at all. During the not at all phases, it seems it is because I am too anxious to have any kind of attention span. In this respect, I think Adderall does help somewhat, although I do not have ADD perse--my attention issues are from anxiety and depression.
Posted by Lucylou on April 9, 2001, at 13:16:05
In reply to Re: Followup questions on Adderall , posted by missliz on April 8, 2001, at 2:21:23
> > `Does Adderall typically cause increased anxiety, nervousness, or sleeplesness? I'm curious because Aderall almost sounds to good to good to be true, and all the ADs I've taken totally ignite me (which consist of the newer generation of ADs). In fact, I haven't take an AD in almost a year (although I wished every day I could find one that would work ) but Adderall sounds very promising. Any info would be very helpful.
>
>
> I haven't had any trouble with Adderall and I am the anxiety Queen. The first couple of weeks I would get high as a kite periodicly, but in a good way not a manic way. Mostly the drug calmed me down and mellowed me out. I'm a calmer more pleasent person on Adderall. It took about two weeks to get used to the drug and level out. I have treatmant resistant depression as part of bipolar illness and the mood stabilizers may have kept me from flipping over. (Tegretol and Neurontin)
> If your MD is suggesting this drug, talk to her/him about sleep and have a plan if you react badly. You'll know immediately. The first day I took Adderall I was scared to death but it was just flippin wonderful. Now, after 6 weeks, I hardly notice the stuff but I feel much better.
> I took rest days when it got too intense at first. On Sundays. One day off doesn't hurt.I have been on Adderall for a while for ADD and it has been a positive experience for me. As far as what is typical, I am not sure, but for me I did experience difficulty going to sleep. But this was only a problem for the first few days. I have been VERY calm, but very calm for me is what someone else would probably call NORMAL. I did notice that I started biting my nails more frequently and it bacame a chore for me to not smoke. Before I started on the meds I had almost stopped smoking. When I became aware of how much I was smoking and biting the nails, I was able to get it under control.
When I first heard about Adderall I thought that it was way too good to be true. I was very skeptical!! The first day I got on it, I knew that it was working. For me--It has changed my life. When the Adderall works---It works miracles. But when it doesn't---then another drug would probably be a better choice.
Posted by deanlinda on April 9, 2001, at 21:17:35
In reply to Re: Followup questions on Adderall , posted by Lucylou on April 9, 2001, at 13:16:05
Our daughter just started on adderall.
She is seven and struggling with 2nd grade. She was diagnosed with ADD a little over a year ago. We attempted to help her keep it under control with diet and modified study but it has become apparent she is struggling greatly and just passing. The last thing we want to happen is for her to get discouraged and fall behind.She is taking 1 dose of 10mg before leaving for school. We cannot see a major difference when she gets home but that's 8 hours after taking the medication. The teachers say they have not noticed a change, but she has only been taking it 3 school days.
Would someone mind telling us their experience. How long does it take to make a difference? I was under the impression it was almost immediate, or does it need to build up in your system?
Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Posted by Sulpicia on April 10, 2001, at 18:17:26
In reply to Re: new dealing with Adderall , posted by deanlinda on April 9, 2001, at 21:17:35
> Hi--
keep in mind this is from an adult who takes adderall.
If your daughter is hyperactive, you should see a decrease
almost immediately. If inattention is the problem, it may be
trickier to judge. One thing to do is give her the dose on a
weekend and see for yourself. Perhaps you could give her
something to read? It's difficult to suggest since I don't
know the problematic area[s].
Ideally, when adderall works, the child will be able to focus
on task. YOu might ask her whether it's been easier to read?
Now, I offer the following not to freak you out, but to let you
know that ADD/HD is a bit of minefield to deal with.
The rule of thumb is that the med dose is never right the first time.
10mgs is high [not unusually so]; if the dose is on the high side it
can actually increase ADD/HD symptoms. Might the doc agree to a trial
of 5mgs and 5 more at lunch? The dose may be too low. If you don't see
any improvement clearly you have to speak up.
Adderall doesn't work for everyone, unfortunately. If you've done the dose
changes, and observed and talked to her and her teachers, your doc will probably
suggest a trial on another med. There are plenty so don't give up.The other parts of treating ADD/HD are school accomodations and therapy.
If you're in a public school, this probably means a formal assessment and
an IEP -- which you design with the school to help her learn. And when they
foul it up, it's legally actionable.
Therapy: costly, difficult to find skilled clinicians etc, but absolutely
necessary. ADD/HD is more than just being hyper and spacing out. We have lots of
trouble interpreting social cues and this can lead to a very rough time socially, and
of course, emotionally.Now the really important stuff: ADD/HD *loves* comorbid company. It brings along
its friends depression, bipolar disorder, tourette's syndrome, and OCD. It's a given
that every adult I know with ADD/HD has depression. I think with successful early treatment
you may be able to avoid this. I'm not trying to scare you -- just remember to keep an eye
out in case you see something going on.Last but not least [you must loathe this post by now], if her learning is not improved with
medication and therapy and educational accomodation, you will probably want to consider testing
for learning disabilities, another common comorbid.Now that I've made you ill with worry, let me reassure a bit. ADD/HD, depression, and dyslexia
are my personal companions. It's no picnic, but with the proper treatment, it's just fine. And
some days, even great.
S. :)
ps: I'm very impressed with your decision to try the meds. Not every parent is
so perceptive as to realize that self-esteem is all-important.
Posted by phillybob on April 12, 2001, at 0:48:12
In reply to Re: new dealing with Adderall deanlinda, posted by #1 Stunna on April 12, 2001, at 0:08:26
> I'm a high school senior, I've never been diagnosed or thought to have any sign of ADD.
> p.s. at most I take around 5-10 pills monthly to bi-monthly, and each time is great! You can't beat the activeness, alertness, talkitiveness, and friendliness you get w/ Adderall... you can't beat it w/ a stick!! LOL :)
Let me understand, you don't "need" this drug to get by, which is meant to be the only reason other people are prescribed this medication. You are using this controlled substance as a "recreational" drug, an enhancement to your otherwise seemingly successful days of living.
Much like other "recreational" drugs which are typically illegal, even to physicians, the repercussions of use are not fully known [debating the pros and cons of legality and availabity of various illegal and legally prescribed drugs is worthy of another discussion thread and have been touched upon in threads within this forum, no doubt.]
I'm not really sure what the possible effects of taking this drug are save for addiction. I would venture to guess however that it (as well as other "supplementary" drugs) could cause some neuro-chemical change within your brain which could ultimately cause a mental infirmity and/or a necessity to take this medication and/or other prescribed ones to actually sustain a decent "living" for you (but maybe I'd just be postin' that to scare you ... but it is a compelling thought, nonetheless).
I'll just cut and paste the following, on which I am in agreement, from Noa's earlier post:
"the kind of abuse you are talking about is what keeps medications like Adderall under tight controls for those of us who NEED it and are under a doctor's care in using it. It cannot be refilled. It cannot be called in by the doctor to the pharmacy. I have to go to the doctor in person to get a new paper scrip every time. My insurance company can make me and my doctor jump through lots of hoops ..."
Finally, Stunna, you've said: "and furthormore I've found that people enjoy my company (I'm quite mean to people normally) while I'm on Adderall." Sounds like you might want to look into that with some talk counseling/therapy or read a good self-help book ... or maybe you do need some form of medication and your mental problems have not quite exploded yet. Many people do not necessarily experience their infirmities until later in life. Could abuse of Adderall be a trigger? Also, keep in mind, that recreational use of drugs (at least, on a regular basis) is often a sign of one who is trying to self-medicate themselves for an underlying problem.
P.S. Check your spelling, 3.45 GPA substance abuser #1 Dunno.
Posted by Sulpicia on April 12, 2001, at 16:12:01
In reply to Re: new dealing with Adderall deanlinda, posted by #1 Stunna on April 12, 2001, at 0:08:26
> And the last post said that 10mgs. might be too much, but even for someone that young I don't think that would be true,
Perhaps you were absent from school when inductive reasoning was covered?
Please feel free to knock yourself out. Don't take anyone else with you.
Why on earth would you choose to respond to a mother's questions about her
child, ADD/HD, and adderall???
Posted by Dr. Bob on April 12, 2001, at 19:59:19
In reply to Re: new dealing with Adderall » #1 Stunna, posted by phillybob on April 12, 2001, at 0:48:12
> P.S. Check your spelling, 3.45 GPA substance abuser #1 Dunno.
Please be civil. Especially when it's a hot topic like substance abuse. Thanks,
Bob
PS: Follow-ups, if any, regarding this should be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration.
Posted by Sulpicia on April 12, 2001, at 23:08:05
In reply to Re: new dealing with Adderall deanlinda, posted by #1 Stunna on April 12, 2001, at 22:30:37
Hey--
What you do is your business tho chiming in on a kiddie dosage post is *way* out of bounds,
as I suspect you know.
Food for thought: there's a lot of brain power on this board and addiction doesn't pay it any
heed.
Good luck in college next fall and don't ever let yourself believe that adderall got you that
ACT score.
Posted by Kymber on April 13, 2001, at 10:27:07
In reply to Re: new dealing with Adderall -- peace?? :) » #1 Stunna, posted by Sulpicia on April 12, 2001, at 23:08:05
> My son is 8 yrs old and recently diagnosed with ADD. I took it pretty hard. I knew something wasn't right when it came to school work, I thought he just needed a tutor, the rest of the problems I just contributed to normal boy behavior. I was wrong and I feel quilty for yelling at him for years about things I now know are not his fault.
I had him tested twice to be sure. They have just now put him on medication, Ritalin, for two weeks at the lowest dosage, with no results. Now they are switching him to Adderall. I am hoping for good results and am greatful for the information in this thread.
However, as with any medication, I am weary about the long term affects this will have on him. I have been trying to read up on this. Any suggestions?
It seems that he will be on medication till Highschool and possibly longer. Were any of you diagnosed as a child? I am very curious about how his ADD will change as he ages, and how it will effect him as an adult.
Posted by Sulpicia on April 13, 2001, at 18:12:44
In reply to New mother dealing with Adderall , posted by Kymber on April 13, 2001, at 10:27:07
> > Hi--
I don't know if I'm the person you want to hear from but...
I was diagnosed as an adult. It was a big relief because I had
always wondered what the heck was wrong with me. I had trouble with
schoolwork but not of the sort that I or anyone else could really
put their finger on. My grades were fine when I worked hard and in college
I came to the conclusion that I just had to work harder than most
people. I was diagnosed in graduate school, thank god.
My symptoms are extremely well controlled with adderall.ADD/HD per se does not go away but not every person who has it needs to
take stimulants for the rest of their life. With therapy and academic accomodation,
it is possible that he *might* learn to compensate to the extent that he no longer
needs meds.I've never seen long term studies on the stimulants but for what it's worth, I'm
teaching what amounts to the first generation of medicated ADD/HD kids in college and they're
great.I can't predict what will happen to your son as he gets older but I can tell you what you want to
prevent, or at least look out for.
People with ADD/HD tend to have other comorbid disorders. Depression is VERY common, and there is an
increased incidence of learning disabilities and substance abuse.
Your goal is to keep his self-esteem intact. That's where a good clinician and if necessary, academic
accomodations, come in. An educated mom is a fabulous asset too!!Your son needs to understand why it's hard for him to focus, or perhaps understand social cues. He needs to
realize that he is not stupid or damaged. He will have to learn compensatory strategies for academics, and
possibly for interpersonal relationships as well.Take one step at a time. Learn about ADD/HD and its treatments for now. The articles on the ADD site at About.com
are excellent. Start there, and then explain things slowly to your son as he shows readiness. Start looking around for
a good therapist or perhaps a support group.
Always check your sources of information -- make sure you are getting it from peer-reviewed scientific studies. As you'll
find, there is a cottage industry of sorts of people who make absurd claims about ADD/HD, medication, psychiatry etc.
YOu don't have to master everything at once. Get the adderall dosage right [possibly a lot of frustrating trial and error]
and then take stock and move on.ADD/HD [and depression, dyslexia, and a decade of recovery from substance abuse for me] is not pleasant but it is treatable.
With early diagnosis and excellent treatment your son stands every chance of being just fine.And please don't beat yourself up about not recognizing it -- doctors have trouble with it, never mind parents!
Best,
S.
Posted by Noa on April 14, 2001, at 12:33:43
In reply to Re: New mother dealing with Adderall » Kymber, posted by Sulpicia on April 13, 2001, at 18:12:44
Just another thought--medication helps a lot, but usually, students need to learn how to manage their work better, as well. A tutor--esp. one who is good at organizational skills and study skills, is still a good idea. I wish I had learned how to be more organized and how to study. I got through ok, but had a hard time in college because I didn't know how to approach longer term projects or manage my time. I don't think I have ADD, but I believe I have many of the same attention/organization issues secondary to my depression.
Hope the Adderall works. It is good you got him evaluated and have a treatment plan in place. You know, often, 8 yo is when it gets noticed because of reading/writing/homework demands starting around this age. Your son is lucky you didn't overlook these signs. Lots of folks suffer through school failure and demoralization without getting the help they need. So don't focus on not having picked it up earlier--you did pick it up, and many parents don't. Give yourself a little credit.
Posted by Lorraine on April 16, 2001, at 9:23:44
In reply to New mother dealing with Adderall , posted by Kymber on April 13, 2001, at 10:27:07
I have heard that stimulants stunt children's growth. One mother only had her child take the meds on weekdays and during the school year. This was at a dinner party with a man who was ADD aas a child and now as an adult and a woman who was the mother of an ADD child now an adult. So they may have been wrong--it may be old bad info from the 50's. But you might want to take a look at it.
As for yelling at him before you knew--well, I'm sure you did the best you could do. Setting effective limits for these kids is important and very hard to do. My son was diagnosed with dyslexia and I felt much the same way. The truth is if I took him in for ADD testing, he would have been positive, but I didn't and we have sufferred through the impulsivity, anger control, and inflexibility issue without meds. We sent him to therapy for 3 years (starting at 8) to learn anger management and impulse control. You are the only one who knows what is right for your child. Trust your instincts, listen to your heart and realize that you did the best you could with the past.
Posted by Kymber on April 16, 2001, at 11:31:36
In reply to Anyone have any comments/stories about Adderall? , posted by Mandy on January 5, 2000, at 10:26:30
Hi,
Thanks for the suggestions and comments. I am always looking for more information.
The web site looks like a good place for me to read some things.
It is true of most parents that we worry about our childrens futures. I find that I worry more about my oldest sons because of the ADD. Everything is so much harder for him.
Trying to teach him study skills or organizational skills is something that I don't have a clue how to do.
He has absolutely no organization what so ever. He is overly aggressive during play and tends to hurt people without meaning to.(hence my cabinet full of bandaids and ice packs, and the ER ought to know me by name) I never realized how many detours could possibly exist getting from point A to point B, but he finds them all. He is my most trying child.
The saddest thing is he feels so stupid. His self esteem is pretty low. I did find a couseling program available at school to help with this. I really hope for this to lift him up.
I read a book "YOU and YOUR ADD CHILD". That was what convinced me that the doctor was right about his diagnosis. Before that I wasn't sure. My son also carries another learning disability with the ADD, which I heard is common, about 30% of them do.
Anger management is something I will look into. He is, what I want to explain as extreme. That one word tells it all. He is either extremely focused on a video game that 4 hours later he is still engrossed in it and I cannot get his attention, or he is so unfocused that doing one thing he is told takes 10 reminders and 1 hour later he still forgot. He is either extremely loving and kind or extremely angry and putting a hole in my wall or slamming doors. I could go on and on. One extreme or the other.
Because this is all new to me I guess sometimes I feel hopless to find the right things to really help him. It's overwhelming. Maybe I ought to join a support group with other parents of ADD children. I know reading your posts I found some hopefull stories and someone to talk to that understands some of what my son might be feeling.
He has an IEP now so his school work is being modified, he is doing better now. I hope the Adderall will really help him to get over these obstacles that are in his path.
Thanks again for your advice.
Posted by Lorraine on April 16, 2001, at 22:16:30
In reply to Re:Thanks for the comments. , posted by Kymber on April 16, 2001, at 11:31:36
> It is true of most parents that we worry about our childrens futures. I find that I worry more about my oldest sons because of the ADD. Everything is so much harder for him.
You caught him at 8--good for you. I caught my son at 9. I really threw every good program at him pretty quickly. Every summer it was fast forward 1 or 2 or a report writing class at an LD summer school program or vocabulary roots. The result of all of this is he is now in junior high--his first time in a graded environment--and he pulled all A's and one B+ last quarter. My point is that it seems overwhelming, but it is doable. Get his self-esteem the boost it needs=step one. Without that, he'll close down. So a therapist and a good LD tutor were the first steps.
My sons school was very small and although they had no LD resources (or even a clue about what to do with LD), they were very accepting and the other 20 kids in his grade were very accepting. At his elementary grad. speech he talked about his issues with anger control and with LD. He was definately not ashamed--just viewed them as hurdles. When he started getting A's he said, "I'm a lot smarter than I thought". We always think how much harder their lot is, but one of his teachers (5th grade) who used to run an LD center said that actually these kids do ok because we pump them full of "work arounds" and strategies to succeed. They know their learning style and what works, but more than that they know that if they hit a brick wall they can work it through. Gifted kids (w/o LD) she said frequently do well at what comes naturally but are completely thrown off by something that doesn't come easily because they are not used to working and don't have the strategies to approach difficult learning situations.
The other thing that I did beside telling him constantly that he was smart but just had some learning issues was I read him success stories about others with LD--like the guy who founded Kinko's or Charles Schwab and so forth. That definately helped.
This thing you talk about with being extreme also sounds like "inflexibility"--which can be a big issue--how to move from one task to another. The attention issue has a great resource that you can work through with your child called "Attention Cockpit" by ??? (big guy in LD). You can get it at Amazon--it costs like $15. It is a big chart with a book and you read a section of the book with your child and identify where he falls on the "cockpit"--which identifies about 16 different aspects of attention with a fuel gauge to indicate how much of an issue he has with it. It is useful because it provides the child with the language to understand and talk about what is going on with them. Same thing with anger control--learning the language (triggers etc) allows you both to talk about it.
I know this kid of yours is in good hands because you care so much. Just take it one step at a time; don't let a summer go by without boosting skills; hire the tutor; use a therapist for self-esteem issues and (I swear to you) step by step you will walk out of this together and you will have a very self aware wonderful child.
You can email me privately if you like. I founded the LD committee at my school and implemented broad changes there. lbj1@pacbell.net
Use a subject line that let's me know you are not spam. Good luck!
Posted by Jenis on April 16, 2001, at 22:29:19
In reply to Re:Thanks for the comments. , posted by Jenis on April 16, 2001, at 22:25:02
I am the new wife of a wonderful Christian man with ADD. He was diagnosed this past year while in his second year of medical school (the doctor says his case is severe). My husband barely graduated from high school due to his bad attendance record, but slid into medical school everywhere he applied due to his brilliant mind and extensive volunteer and club activity.
My husband and I were wed before his diagnosis. His violent outbursts and sporadic nature have sent him to the emergency room twice in the last year; once with severe burns on his left hand and arm from dancing in a camp fire and once from punching a wall during a marital dispute (four screws to repair it).
Before I met him, he had a reputation in his small town for being the nicest guy you didn’t want to cross. His involvement in Tae Kwon Do (second degree black belt) seems to have saved his childhood by keeping him in the gym after school; the sport also helped build his confidence.
Adderall definitely helps but patience and understanding are key! Medication doesn’t cure the problem, it only sooths it when the person remembers to take the Adderall. My husband is the most loving person I’ve ever met; the patients in the hospital just adore him!I understand your frustration with your son!!! My husband just doesn’t make any sense at times and his instant rage has gotten us into some very scary situations. I wish you luck and would love to answer any questions you may have for the wife of the most wonderful man I’ve ever known!!!
I am the new wife of a wonderful Christian man with ADD. He was diagnosed this past year while in his second year of medical school (the doctor says his case is severe). My husband barely graduated from high school due to his bad attendance record, but slid into medical school everywhere he applied due to his brilliant mind and extensive volunteer and club activity.My husband and I were wed before his diagnosis. His violent outbursts and sporadic nature have sent him to the emergency room twice in the last year; once with severe burns on his left hand and arm from dancing in a camp fire and once from punching a wall during a marital dispute (four screws to repair it).
Before I met him, he had a reputation in his small town for being the nicest guy you didn’t want to cross. His involvement in Tae Kwon Do (second degree black belt) seems to have saved his childhood by keeping him in the gym after school; the sport also helped build his confidence.
Adderall definitely helps but patience and understanding are key! Medication doesn’t cure the problem, it only sooths it when the person remembers to take the Adderall. My husband is the most loving person I’ve ever met; the patients in the hospital just adore him!I understand your frustration with your son!!! My husband just doesn’t make any sense at times and his instant rage has gotten us into some very scary situations. I wish you luck and would love to answer any questions you may have for the wife of the most wonderful man I’ve ever known!!!
Posted by Sherri H on April 18, 2001, at 22:53:33
In reply to Re: Anyone have any comments/stories about Adderall? , posted by torchgrl on January 9, 2000, at 17:47:31
Hi! My 7 1/2 year old son, who has been called extremely bright, very cleaver, artistic, creative, imaginative, humorous, and several other wonderful words and phrases, has just been prescribed Adderal. His teachers say that he has difficulty "staying on task" and following directions. "He is disruptive to the other class members" and "isn't working to his full potential". I don't see these types of problems at home. He is very attentive, eager to work together to accomplish a goal, can entertain himself (coloring/drawing/writing) for atleast an hour, without interruption. He loves to watch cartoons and is allowed to view them for 1 hour, which he spends building with Legos/Lincoln Logs or drawing. I'm not sure why there is such a drastic difference at home than at school, but I have noticed that when I have taken him to work with me (I work in sales-pokemon & beanie babies), he isn't able to concentrate on what is at hand. He is easily distracted and 'lost' in all of the commotion.
Anyway, he is to begin taking the medication tomorrow morning. What can I expect? What can he expect? The doctor said that we will "try this" and see how he does. By the way, see you in 6 weeks. If we are trying this, shouldn't we be closely monitoring him?
I would greatly appreciate any input you may be able to give.
Thanks for your help!
Mother to Tyler age 7 1/2 yrs.
Posted by vlvtelvis on April 19, 2001, at 2:45:04
In reply to Will Adderal help?, posted by Sherri H on April 18, 2001, at 22:53:33
Six weeks does seem like a long time to wait. Are you seeing a psych or a pedeatrician? Initial side effects could be some apitaite loss and insomnia. The insomina will probobly fade as his body adapts to the drug. I've been taking stimulants for ADD for years and have basicly learned to eat whenever I'm actualy hungry rather than waiting for mealtimes. It might be a good idea to give him a larger breakfast before he takes his meds since he won't want to eat as much later in the day. If his diet is drasticly impaired, you might want to ask his doc about nutritional supliments, etc.
One good thing about CNS stimulants like ritlilin and adderal is that they reach their full effect the first time they are taken. If he survives the first few days on it without any major problems, he should be fine.
Good luck
> Hi! My 7 1/2 year old son, who has been called extremely bright, very cleaver, artistic, creative, imaginative, humorous, and several other wonderful words and phrases, has just been prescribed Adderal. His teachers say that he has difficulty "staying on task" and following directions. "He is disruptive to the other class members" and "isn't working to his full potential". I don't see these types of problems at home. He is very attentive, eager to work together to accomplish a goal, can entertain himself (coloring/drawing/writing) for atleast an hour, without interruption. He loves to watch cartoons and is allowed to view them for 1 hour, which he spends building with Legos/Lincoln Logs or drawing. I'm not sure why there is such a drastic difference at home than at school, but I have noticed that when I have taken him to work with me (I work in sales-pokemon & beanie babies), he isn't able to concentrate on what is at hand. He is easily distracted and 'lost' in all of the commotion.
>
> Anyway, he is to begin taking the medication tomorrow morning. What can I expect? What can he expect? The doctor said that we will "try this" and see how he does. By the way, see you in 6 weeks. If we are trying this, shouldn't we be closely monitoring him?
>
> I would greatly appreciate any input you may be able to give.
>
> Thanks for your help!
>
> Mother to Tyler age 7 1/2 yrs.
Posted by Dr. Bob on April 19, 2001, at 8:12:30
In reply to Will Adderal help?, posted by Sherri H on April 18, 2001, at 22:53:33
> Hi! My 7 1/2 year old son, who has been called extremely bright, very cleaver, artistic, creative, imaginative, humorous, and several other wonderful words and phrases, has just been prescribed Adderal...
Sorry to intrude, but I'd like to redirect this thread to Psycho-Babble about Children:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/child/20000813/msgs/172.html
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by GAILNY on May 3, 2001, at 22:26:49
In reply to Re: Anyone have any comments/stories about Adderall? , posted by Renee N on January 5, 2000, at 17:22:33
> > I also take Adderall, find it very helpful and very smooth in action. The only long-term side-effects I know of is tolerance, and the need to raise the dosage because of this. I also know many people don't experience tolerance or addiction. I have been known to forget my Adderall on the weekends and anytime I get to busy to remember, and I haven't experienced any negative symptoms either from withdrawal nor when I take it again.
> >
> > The way Adderall works feels so completely different than Ritalin, I would hate for anyone to be on Ritalin without having tried Adderall. The appetite suppressant affect is way less with Adderall, which is a good thing in my book, especially when treating children. Although, everyone is different, disclaimer ya'know. I'm glad it's working for you. Any other questions, just holler.
> >
> > dove
>
> Although none of the stimulants has done much for my forgetfulness, ADDerall does seem to help me when I need to concentrate on a baoring task and/or pay attention to details.I WAS PASSING THROUGH DOING RESEARCH AND STUMBLED ACROSS THIS PAGE-I BOOKMARKED IT FOR LATER REFERENCE. I WOULD BRIEFLY LIKE TO GIVE YOU GUYS AN IDEA OF HOW ADDERALL HAS CHANGED MY LIFE. MY SON WAS HAVING ACADEMIC PROBLEMS IN SCHOOL SINCE 1ST GRADE. HE IS IN 6TH GRADE NOW. AFTER MANY YEARS OF RESEARCH AND HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS SPENT AT BORDERS TO GET CONVENTIONAL AND ALTERNATIVE OPINIONS ON THE CAUSES AND TREATMENTS FOR ADD I HAVE COME TO THE CONCLUSION THAT WHEN ADD IS NEUROLOGICALLY ROOTED, THE ONLY THING THAT HELPS ARE PERSCRIPTION MEDICATION. ADDERALL HAS SAVED MY FAMILY'S LIFE. MY SON MADE SECOND HONORS-WITH OUT EFFORT, THE MOOD SWINGS ARE RARE AND MY CHILDREN ARE FINALLY GETTING ALONG. I DISCOVERED THROUGH READING THAT I HAVE ADD AND I TOOK ADDERALL FIRST BEFORE GIVING IT TO MY SON. I CANNOT BELIEVE THE DIFFERENCE-NO NERVOUSNESS,OR ANY OTHER FEELING NORMALLY ASSOCIATED WITH STIMULANTS. THIS IS ALL COMING FROM A FORMER ANTI-DRUG ACTIVIST FOR ADD KIDS!! I WAS VERY RELUCTANT BECAUSE MY NEPHEW WAS TAKING RITALIN AND IT DIDNT HELP.I ALSO STILL BELIEVE THAT THESE METHODS OF TREATMENT ARE ABUSED BY OVER ZEALOUS/IGNORANT PARENTS/PHYSICIANS BUT FOR THE ONES WHO TRULY NEED IT THERE IS NO OTHER ALTERNATIVE! I CAN'T SPEAK FOR ANY OTHER DRUG BUT ADDERALL MADE US COMPLETE, IT DID NOT CHANGE WHO WE ARE BUT COMPLETED US TO BE THE PEOPLE WE ALWAYS WERE BUT COULDNT BE BECAUSE OF ADD.
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