ADHD - Adults

Author
Discussion

Kermit power

28,694 posts

214 months

Friday 15th December 2023
quotequote all
Animal said:
I've made myself a complete nuisance to my GP over the last couple of months to try and get my prescription (50mg) and last month got given 60 as a substitute. This month, I started a bit earlier and pestered my GP and he agreed to prescribe me 50mg Elvanse (my normal) and 50mg Elvanse Adult. Different product, but in name only. The result is that I've got 2 months' worth so that I don't run out over Christmas. Gotten friendly with a pharmacist too in a small town near home, so less local demand.
What on earth is the difference?

When the pharmacist told me there were different versions of the same dose, she didn't really know either, so we were briefly imagining it described the age of the Elves being ground down to create it! hehe

PlywoodPascal

4,237 posts

22 months

Friday 15th December 2023
quotequote all
it's just marketing, no pharmacological difference, but the two medicines have different approvals I think.

Teddy Lop

8,301 posts

68 months

Friday 15th December 2023
quotequote all
Kermit power said:
PlywoodPascal said:
Teddy Lop said:
Nobody, at least the pharmacys that bother to occasionally answer their phone - has anything.

GPs given me affenid XL/methylphenidate hydrochloride instead of elvanse which seems to work, but you do need to ring them and baby talk them through the issue every month. Like they wouldn't know there's a problem.
interesting, mine have been really good - they have a pharmacist in practice who's been really on the ball and tried to work out a stopgap. but they can't/won\t prescribe anything different from the existing treatment plan without me going back to the consultant.
I think I've been fortunate in that my Elvanse prescription is for 70mg, which is the strongest dose available, so whilst I do need to get a new prescription for lower dosages, at least the GP has no qualms about doing it without having to check back with the mental health team.

I did have about 6 weeks where I couldn't get anything at all, but did then at least manage a month's worth of 50mg, and have now just secured a month of 60mg. Still no sign of any 70s though!
For all their faults the GP haven't given me agg about getting my paws on what to told them was "whatever I can"

Good job too, was wondering after the quick subsidence of the initial "hit" what the stuff was doing for me these days, having been a good year or so now, but i went a couple of days without and the effect was so profound I'm bothered now about how much I do seem to have a need for the cursed stuff.

Woodrow Wilson

342 posts

161 months

Sunday 31st December 2023
quotequote all
Teddy Lop said:
For all their faults the GP haven't given me agg about getting my paws on what to told them was "whatever I can"

Good job too, was wondering after the quick subsidence of the initial "hit" what the stuff was doing for me these days, having been a good year or so now, but i went a couple of days without and the effect was so profound I'm bothered now about how much I do seem to have a need for the cursed stuff.
Was that Elvanse?

I have been taking Concerta 72mg for 18 months and the effect has appeared to be fairly minimal recently.

Having said that, over the Xmas period I did stop taking it to see if there was any effect/difference without it over a few days.

I wouldn't have said it was a huge contrast.

There have been a couple of instances of feeling a bit confused about which of my multiple household tasks to do (and starting them all at once/not finishing them without some encouragement) and a (noticeably) very strong urge to show somebody something more interesting that I had made, whilst I was supposed to be making cups of tea for visitors.

I don't know if it has made me any less talkative or "debating", as I have not noticed any reduction in that with the Concerta anyway.

I have been doing quite a bit of exercise and have made progress on a few of my own projects/interests and not watched much TV. There are upsides to being like this.

My wife thinks that the medication does have a postive effect on me (her!?)


Kermit power

28,694 posts

214 months

Tuesday 2nd January
quotequote all
Well, hopefully the New Year is bringing good tidings! My local pharmacy just confirmed that they've been able to order Elvanse 70mg tablets which should be in this afternoon! smile

redback911

2,731 posts

267 months

Monday 8th January
quotequote all
Hah..! I just found this thread after following the breadcrumbs from another thread, cool.

I'm 48 and an alcoholic..! Whoops, I mean ADHD'er...

Its funny, but I was just writing some notes to my sister as my young nephew is rapidly being diagnosed as having ADHD. Here are some thoughts that help my manage:

- Establish a daily routine with clear structure. Decisions about what to do next, if things are not planned becomes an opportunity to flip-flop, or do something fun instead of what I really needed to do.

- Breaking down larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps can is hugely beneficial.

- Prioritising things. Focusing on one task at a time. Multitasking can be overwhelming and counterproductive.

- Exercise and healthy eating; Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep.

- Reading and relaxation, not doom scrolling on TikTok, Reddit or endless gaming, will improve focus.

- Using timers, implementing timers for different activities can help in maintaining focus and manage time effectively.

- Positive Reinforcement: Focus on your strengths and accomplishments. Setting achievable goals with fun rewards.

- Recognising triggers for ADHD, stress, lack of sleep, over stimulation, too much screen time.

- Poor diet especially junk food and sugar, will lead me into spiral and temporary depression.

toohuge said:
Does anyone have any book recommendations they could make to help me educate myself a little more about ADHD and how it impacts on someone's life? A friend of mine (female) is diagnosed with ADHD and I realised I'm none the wiser as to the struggles and perspective it must bring and I'd like to be better informed.

Thanks
Chris
I'd also recommend "ADHD: A Hunter in a Farmer's World" https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/43723475.

pherlopolus

2,088 posts

159 months

Monday 8th January
quotequote all
Kermit power said:
Well, hopefully the New Year is bringing good tidings! My local pharmacy just confirmed that they've been able to order Elvanse 70mg tablets which should be in this afternoon! smile
My local was able to order 60mg too. arrived next day!

Just need to get the 30mg sorted, but it's costing me half now smile

Kermit power

28,694 posts

214 months

Monday 8th January
quotequote all
pherlopolus said:
Kermit power said:
Well, hopefully the New Year is bringing good tidings! My local pharmacy just confirmed that they've been able to order Elvanse 70mg tablets which should be in this afternoon! smile
My local was able to order 60mg too. arrived next day!

Just need to get the 30mg sorted, but it's costing me half now smile
So are you dosing 90mg per day in total?

Desiderata

2,393 posts

55 months

Monday 8th January
quotequote all
I've just discovered this thread, and though I haven't read all the way through (and probably never will, you all know how it is!) it has been a revelation. So many stories just like mine.
Recognised as being a "gifted" but "difficult" child, sailed through school with little effort but lots of scrapes, left with good results but dropped out of two universities. A number of varied "careers" which I loved, rapidly rose through the ranks, then got bored with and moved on. Nothing particularly well paid but I worked hard for stupid hours and always had a side hustle or two on the go. Anything with a little glamour or adventure, I especially drifted towards the dangerous side of things like fishing boats, demolition, security, rope access work etc.
I've recently retired for the third and hopefully final time at the age of 60 and already looking like a child in a sweet shop at the potential for new adventures.
Regrets? No, not really. Parents and teachers were disappointed, saw the unrealised potential but didn't get that this was me, the wild recklessness was as much a part of me as the high IQ and manic drive. This is me. That's why I don't get the way this conversation has been going for the last few pages. Looking for medication, drugs, a cure? To make you better? To make you a different person? Please don't, just be yourselves, the world needs us just the way we are.

Bloxxcreative

521 posts

46 months

Monday 8th January
quotequote all
Desiderata said:
I've just discovered this thread, and though I haven't read all the way through (and probably never will, you all know how it is!) it has been a revelation. So many stories just like mine.
Recognised as being a "gifted" but "difficult" child, sailed through school with little effort but lots of scrapes, left with good results but dropped out of two universities. A number of varied "careers" which I loved, rapidly rose through the ranks, then got bored with and moved on. Nothing particularly well paid but I worked hard for stupid hours and always had a side hustle or two on the go. Anything with a little glamour or adventure, I especially drifted towards the dangerous side of things like fishing boats, demolition, security, rope access work etc.
I've recently retired for the third and hopefully final time at the age of 60 and already looking like a child in a sweet shop at the potential for new adventures.
Regrets? No, not really. Parents and teachers were disappointed, saw the unrealised potential but didn't get that this was me, the wild recklessness was as much a part of me as the high IQ and manic drive. This is me. That's why I don't get the way this conversation has been going for the last few pages. Looking for medication, drugs, a cure? To make you better? To make you a different person? Please don't, just be yourselves, the world needs us just the way we are.
For some people, they can make their adhd work for them. For others, it can work most of the time. But when the balance shifts and you're struggling more than you aren't, medication can be a huge saving grace. For example, in my teens and early 20s, knowledge of my adhd and medication probably would have helped me focus in uni, not be a risk taking douchebag in my personal life, and put me in a better place in areas of my life today. That said, maybe I'd be a boring bugger. Actually after reassessing my life I landed some work that suited my adhd etc and for about 6 years or so felt great. Then after growing the family the last few years I've really struggled and thought medication may be worth pursuing again.

Desiderata

2,393 posts

55 months

Monday 8th January
quotequote all
Bloxxcreative said:
Desiderata said:
I've just discovered this thread, and though I haven't read all the way through (and probably never will, you all know how it is!) it has been a revelation. So many stories just like mine.
Recognised as being a "gifted" but "difficult" child, sailed through school with little effort but lots of scrapes, left with good results but dropped out of two universities. A number of varied "careers" which I loved, rapidly rose through the ranks, then got bored with and moved on. Nothing particularly well paid but I worked hard for stupid hours and always had a side hustle or two on the go. Anything with a little glamour or adventure, I especially drifted towards the dangerous side of things like fishing boats, demolition, security, rope access work etc.
I've recently retired for the third and hopefully final time at the age of 60 and already looking like a child in a sweet shop at the potential for new adventures.
Regrets? No, not really. Parents and teachers were disappointed, saw the unrealised potential but didn't get that this was me, the wild recklessness was as much a part of me as the high IQ and manic drive. This is me. That's why I don't get the way this conversation has been going for the last few pages. Looking for medication, drugs, a cure? To make you better? To make you a different person? Please don't, just be yourselves, the world needs us just the way we are.
For some people, they can make their adhd work for them. For others, it can work most of the time. But when the balance shifts and you're struggling more than you aren't, medication can be a huge saving grace. For example, in my teens and early 20s, knowledge of my adhd and medication probably would have helped me focus in uni, not be a risk taking douchebag in my personal life, and put me in a better place in areas of my life today. That said, maybe I'd be a boring bugger. Actually after reassessing my life I landed some work that suited my adhd etc and for about 6 years or so felt great. Then after growing the family the last few years I've really struggled and thought medication may be worth pursuing again.
I suppose I've got the benefit of hindsight, having finished with all the career and earning a living stuff and all the worry is in the past. But please don't underestimate yourself. Life isn't all about a good career and towing the line. Enjoy who you are. The people who really care about you will appreciate you the way you are.

Bloxxcreative

521 posts

46 months

Monday 8th January
quotequote all
Desiderata said:
Bloxxcreative said:
Desiderata said:
I've just discovered this thread, and though I haven't read all the way through (and probably never will, you all know how it is!) it has been a revelation. So many stories just like mine.
Recognised as being a "gifted" but "difficult" child, sailed through school with little effort but lots of scrapes, left with good results but dropped out of two universities. A number of varied "careers" which I loved, rapidly rose through the ranks, then got bored with and moved on. Nothing particularly well paid but I worked hard for stupid hours and always had a side hustle or two on the go. Anything with a little glamour or adventure, I especially drifted towards the dangerous side of things like fishing boats, demolition, security, rope access work etc.
I've recently retired for the third and hopefully final time at the age of 60 and already looking like a child in a sweet shop at the potential for new adventures.
Regrets? No, not really. Parents and teachers were disappointed, saw the unrealised potential but didn't get that this was me, the wild recklessness was as much a part of me as the high IQ and manic drive. This is me. That's why I don't get the way this conversation has been going for the last few pages. Looking for medication, drugs, a cure? To make you better? To make you a different person? Please don't, just be yourselves, the world needs us just the way we are.
For some people, they can make their adhd work for them. For others, it can work most of the time. But when the balance shifts and you're struggling more than you aren't, medication can be a huge saving grace. For example, in my teens and early 20s, knowledge of my adhd and medication probably would have helped me focus in uni, not be a risk taking douchebag in my personal life, and put me in a better place in areas of my life today. That said, maybe I'd be a boring bugger. Actually after reassessing my life I landed some work that suited my adhd etc and for about 6 years or so felt great. Then after growing the family the last few years I've really struggled and thought medication may be worth pursuing again.
I suppose I've got the benefit of hindsight, having finished with all the career and earning a living stuff and all the worry is in the past. But please don't underestimate yourself. Life isn't all about a good career and towing the line. Enjoy who you are. The people who really care about you will appreciate you the way you are.
Appreciate the post, in my case they do, it's just more the frustrations with myself in my situation, but it could be much worse. For me it's the effort of chasing the job I want, cba as its too much effort / a change / not worth the increase in £. The marketing services company I'm setting up, similar now that my motivation has gone. The book I'm writing. Similar. Even though it would be a really good read (once run through an editor). The gym. Similar. Family life is great but I struggle to appreciate it at times because of all of this noise. Sleeping...nah my brain goes a mile a minute.

The problem is I'm quite good at things.m, just struggle to stick things through which is very draining and depressing. Can see value in meds if they help with this.

pherlopolus

2,088 posts

159 months

Monday 8th January
quotequote all
Kermit power said:
pherlopolus said:
Kermit power said:
Well, hopefully the New Year is bringing good tidings! My local pharmacy just confirmed that they've been able to order Elvanse 70mg tablets which should be in this afternoon! smile
My local was able to order 60mg too. arrived next day!

Just need to get the 30mg sorted, but it's costing me half now smile
So are you dosing 90mg per day in total?
No 30mg, so 30 x60mg lasts me 2 months, 30 x 30mg 1 month. Either way the prescription is about £110 regardless of dose.

Woodrow Wilson

342 posts

161 months

Monday 8th January
quotequote all
Desiderata said:
Bloxxcreative said:
Desiderata said:
I've just discovered this thread, and though I haven't read all the way through (and probably never will, you all know how it is!) it has been a revelation. So many stories just like mine.
Recognised as being a "gifted" but "difficult" child, sailed through school with little effort but lots of scrapes, left with good results but dropped out of two universities. A number of varied "careers" which I loved, rapidly rose through the ranks, then got bored with and moved on. Nothing particularly well paid but I worked hard for stupid hours and always had a side hustle or two on the go. Anything with a little glamour or adventure, I especially drifted towards the dangerous side of things like fishing boats, demolition, security, rope access work etc.
I've recently retired for the third and hopefully final time at the age of 60 and already looking like a child in a sweet shop at the potential for new adventures.
Regrets? No, not really. Parents and teachers were disappointed, saw the unrealised potential but didn't get that this was me, the wild recklessness was as much a part of me as the high IQ and manic drive. This is me. That's why I don't get the way this conversation has been going for the last few pages. Looking for medication, drugs, a cure? To make you better? To make you a different person? Please don't, just be yourselves, the world needs us just the way we are.
For some people, they can make their adhd work for them. For others, it can work most of the time. But when the balance shifts and you're struggling more than you aren't, medication can be a huge saving grace. For example, in my teens and early 20s, knowledge of my adhd and medication probably would have helped me focus in uni, not be a risk taking douchebag in my personal life, and put me in a better place in areas of my life today. That said, maybe I'd be a boring bugger. Actually after reassessing my life I landed some work that suited my adhd etc and for about 6 years or so felt great. Then after growing the family the last few years I've really struggled and thought medication may be worth pursuing again.
I suppose I've got the benefit of hindsight, having finished with all the career and earning a living stuff and all the worry is in the past. But please don't underestimate yourself. Life isn't all about a good career and towing the line. Enjoy who you are. The people who really care about you will appreciate you the way you are.
You have an interesting and positive take on your situation.

I have come closer towards accepting what I am like, but I still wish that I was able to maintain focus and planning/prioritising/seeing things through to a more typical extent for somebody of my "cognitive" ability and knowledge.

It is interesting that Bloxxcreative brought up his 20s. My 20s were a bit of a lost decade for me (after doing badly academically at university. Which "shouldn't" have happened because I was bright....but I now know that isn't enough). I wasted much of it trying to conform to normal, conventional, expectations and to fit in despite wanting to break away from them.and feeling quite down.

Outside of work I've always liked rough and risky sports, driving fast etc. and still do.

My 30s were quite conventional, and now had a family and still disliked work, although things were much better than in my 20s.

My 40s are better again. I am more comfortable in myself, I can be myself in more situations, I am able to enjoy hobbies and interests, I am able to help people and enjoy doing so, I have some good friends, I have no money worries and I finally have a more stimulating job (albeit a backward step financially and career-wise), even the general clumsiness I had when I was younger is much less pronounced, but I feel that much of my life has been one of under-achievement compared with what the 16 year old me expected.

Decades on, graduate trainees and apprentices are still more switched on and able to stick to tasks without "careless mistakes" than I am and I am very conscious of it.

I now (partly) accept that I could not possibly have been organised or focussed enough to be some sort of high flier or "successful".

We should not have regrets, but I do.

Chicken Chaser

7,825 posts

225 months

Wednesday 17th January
quotequote all
After reading the first 2 pages of this thread, can't believe I didn't write at least 2/3rds of the replies! I've never been diagnosed but it's an eye opener to see so many with the same kind of experiences through life. Sailing through exams with last minute revision, distracting others, struggling with other elements, doing everything last minute and shying away from certain tasks. I struggle now with forward planning, opting to do something when I feel like it on the day and that probably stops me having some experiences I could have had. Ive had a varied career in the Police previously, usually not staying in one particular role for too long but the variety has usually kept me interested for long enough until the next thing came along. I don't know if I'll ever look towards a diagnosis (I'm now in my early 40s) but I know if the balance tips into the negative then it's an avenue I could consider.

In the meantime, good luck for everyone who is struggling with this and I hope you find the answers you're looking for.

Kermit power

28,694 posts

214 months

Wednesday 17th January
quotequote all
Desiderata said:
I've just discovered this thread, and though I haven't read all the way through (and probably never will, you all know how it is!) it has been a revelation. So many stories just like mine.
Recognised as being a "gifted" but "difficult" child, sailed through school with little effort but lots of scrapes, left with good results but dropped out of two universities. A number of varied "careers" which I loved, rapidly rose through the ranks, then got bored with and moved on. Nothing particularly well paid but I worked hard for stupid hours and always had a side hustle or two on the go. Anything with a little glamour or adventure, I especially drifted towards the dangerous side of things like fishing boats, demolition, security, rope access work etc.
I've recently retired for the third and hopefully final time at the age of 60 and already looking like a child in a sweet shop at the potential for new adventures.
Regrets? No, not really. Parents and teachers were disappointed, saw the unrealised potential but didn't get that this was me, the wild recklessness was as much a part of me as the high IQ and manic drive. This is me. That's why I don't get the way this conversation has been going for the last few pages. Looking for medication, drugs, a cure? To make you better? To make you a different person? Please don't, just be yourselves, the world needs us just the way we are.
I'll stop the meds as soon as I retire, I expect. They don't really seem to have any sort of negative effect on me, but they certainly do help (somewhat!) to keep me focused on what I'm supposed to be doing, although working from home (over which I have no choice) remains something of an issue even so, because it's sooooooooooooo easy to head off down a rabbit hole.

Once the mortgage and day job is done and heading off down rabbit holes can keep me happily entertained for hours on end without worrying about my next performance review, I'll be all for it! smile

untakenname

4,970 posts

193 months

Friday 19th January
quotequote all
Saw this article about an ADHD tax, the first case study just seems to be stupidity rather than ADHD, hate how people use SPLD's as an excuse as it gives other sufferers a bad name by association.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/disability-67945367

The recommendation further down the page about keeping all the important things in a bag is a very useful coping mechanism.
I used to max out the available sets of keys on cars as I was always losing them but having a set place and just one key per car means that I haven't had to hunt for my keys in years now.

Saw another article a while back about what a godsend Apple Airtags are for people with ADHD but imo this doesn't solve the root cause of losing things.

Motoring12345

615 posts

51 months

Friday 19th January
quotequote all
untakenname said:
Saw this article about an ADHD tax, the first case study just seems to be stupidity rather than ADHD, hate how people use SPLD's as an excuse as it gives other sufferers a bad name by association.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/disability-67945367

The recommendation further down the page about keeping all the important things in a bag is a very useful coping mechanism.
I used to max out the available sets of keys on cars as I was always losing them but having a set place and just one key per car means that I haven't had to hunt for my keys in years now.

Saw another article a while back about what a godsend Apple Airtags are for people with ADHD but imo this doesn't solve the root cause of losing things.
For me the two most useful additions to my life have been the "Things" to-do app across all my devices and Apple calendar.

I have to put everything I want to do, such as as putting the bin out or doing laundry on my to do list otherwise I'll forget or avoid doing. With the apple calendar I set up multiple notifications for important deadlines and dates.

I still struggle and sometimes the to-do list looks overwhelming but I'm a heck more organised than before.

Kermit power

28,694 posts

214 months

Friday 19th January
quotequote all
Motoring12345 said:
For me the two most useful additions to my life have been the "Things" to-do app across all my devices and Apple calendar.

I have to put everything I want to do, such as as putting the bin out or doing laundry on my to do list otherwise I'll forget or avoid doing. With the apple calendar I set up multiple notifications for important deadlines and dates.

I still struggle and sometimes the to-do list looks overwhelming but I'm a heck more organised than before.
That sounds remarkably familiar!

I also excel at going into supermarkets to get one thing and then coming out with a dozen or more, none of which are the one thing.

Woodrow Wilson

342 posts

161 months

Wednesday 31st January
quotequote all
Kermit power said:
Motoring12345 said:
For me the two most useful additions to my life have been the "Things" to-do app across all my devices and Apple calendar.

I have to put everything I want to do, such as as putting the bin out or doing laundry on my to do list otherwise I'll forget or avoid doing. With the apple calendar I set up multiple notifications for important deadlines and dates.

I still struggle and sometimes the to-do list looks overwhelming but I'm a heck more organised than before.
That sounds remarkably familiar!

I also excel at going into supermarkets to get one thing and then coming out with a dozen or more, none of which are the one thing.
Same here. I need to check my shopping list every minute.

If I am thrust into a difficult situation, though, I can deal with it and actually get a lot done. I am good in a crisis and enjoy the buzz of it.

If I have the luxury of time and something doesn't inspire me, I just procrastinate and forget things.