ADHD - Adults

[hepy]

Started my first batch of Concerta this week, 18mg.

Bit of a faff getting them and ended up using an online pharmacy so had to pay £50 rather than normal prescription fee at my local chemist.

The pharmacist suggested that rather than being prescribed a particular brand, the doctor should prescribe the type of medication I.e. methylphenidate hydrochloride.

That way I can work around supply issues.

Anyone else done this, or is it better to stick to a brand? I have a review in a couple of weeks, but interested to know others experiences.

[Mr Whippy]

Bloxxcreative said:

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.

But that’s not what’s being said.

If you’re naturally like that then you’re basically taking drugs to compensate for your own view of yourself as a negative.

That in itself should ring alarm bells because most mental illness is based on poor self image/esteem/value etc…

[Fastdruid]

hepy said:

Started my first batch of Concerta this week, 18mg.

Bit of a faff getting them and ended up using an online pharmacy so had to pay £50 rather than normal prescription fee at my local chemist.

The pharmacist suggested that rather than being prescribed a particular brand, the doctor should prescribe the type of medication I.e. methylphenidate hydrochloride.

That way I can work around supply issues.

Anyone else done this, or is it better to stick to a brand? I have a review in a couple of weeks, but interested to know others experiences.

Not personal experience but from what I gather different brands are not identical and it is best to stick to one. Sometimes it will be the "generic" sometimes the "brand" version works for you because people can be very different in how drugs affect them.

After seeing where you are with Concerta and how it "works" for you you could ask your GP to proscribe generic and experiment by trying the different brands and then getting your GP to proscribe that exact one. Or just stick with Concerta.

As an example https://www.reddit.com/r/ADHD/comments/1agsjtb/i_o...

[TameRacingDriver]

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.

It's funny but this thread just popped up again and this is one of the first replies I've read in it for a while.

It's an interesting take. I am absolutely convinced I have ADHD. I actually looked into getting a diagnosis via Bupa (private medical insurance) but they don't cover behavioural stuff which ADHD is classed as, so I'd have to get in the waiting list.

But this is the thing, I don't really want medication or anything, I guess it would be nice to know for sure, but I'm already fairly sure.

I know I'm a fking weirdo but I'm strangely cool about it and most of my mates would say they wouldn't want me to change, and I'm not really sure I do want to change really. Obviously I'm not perfect and certain elements of life would be easier if I wasn't ADHD but, as you say, I'm just me

I really don't know whether to bother taking it any further realistically. It has made my life more difficult in the past but now I'm more aware of it, I can employ the various workarounds and just make the best of things.

[randlemarcus]

TameRacingDriver said:

I really don't know whether to bother taking it any further realistically. It has made my life more difficult in the past but now I'm more aware of it, I can employ the various workarounds and just make the best of things.

I can only work second-hand, but diagnosis and treatment has changed my wife's life hugely.

As with you, private healthcare doesn't cover developmental stuff, but the sessions with the Psychiatrist weren't ruinous. The private prescriptions were, so huzzah for our GP practice being brilliant and agreeing a co-treatment plan eventualy.

[Bloxxcreative]

TameRacingDriver 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.

It's funny but this thread just popped up again and this is one of the first replies I've read in it for a while.

It's an interesting take. I am absolutely convinced I have ADHD. I actually looked into getting a diagnosis via Bupa (private medical insurance) but they don't cover behavioural stuff which ADHD is classed as, so I'd have to get in the waiting list.

But this is the thing, I don't really want medication or anything, I guess it would be nice to know for sure, but I'm already fairly sure.

I know I'm a fking weirdo but I'm strangely cool about it and most of my mates would say they wouldn't want me to change, and I'm not really sure I do want to change really. Obviously I'm not perfect and certain elements of life would be easier if I wasn't ADHD but, as you say, I'm just me

I really don't know whether to bother taking it any further realistically. It has made my life more difficult in the past but now I'm more aware of it, I can employ the various workarounds and just make the best of things.

You can definitely live with it and not be medicated. That said, I'm acutely aware I'm limited by not having medication both personally and professionally and it's that bit which gets me at times. For example I wanted to wash the cats bowl. Kitchen ended up a mess because I started washing human things up first, then part way through put the bins out, then recycling, then cleaned the cupboard a bit. Everything out. WhatsAppd a friend to explain. Over an hour later, lots of mess, still dirty cat bowl.

I've found a role that works for me but the trail of unfinished personal ventures and lack of progression that I can put down to various parts over the years is a bit grating.

So sure, it's doable without meds but you may need to know your limits and probably need to make peace with certain things.

At least I can put things down at home to 'meh, adhd honey'.

Also, you can get private assessments for not that much, although medication is a much pricier path.

[Woodrow Wilson]

hepy said:

Started my first batch of Concerta this week, 18mg.

18mg?

I can't imagine that will have much effect, although individuals may differ.

I am on 72mg and I'm no longer sure that it does anything.

[Woodrow Wilson]

TameRacingDriver said:

It's funny but this thread just popped up again and this is one of the first replies I've read in it for a while.

It's an interesting take. I am absolutely convinced I have ADHD. I actually looked into getting a diagnosis via Bupa (private medical insurance) but they don't cover behavioural stuff which ADHD is classed as, so I'd have to get in the waiting list.

But this is the thing, I don't really want medication or anything, I guess it would be nice to know for sure, but I'm already fairly sure.

I know I'm a fking weirdo but I'm strangely cool about it and most of my mates would say they wouldn't want me to change, and I'm not really sure I do want to change really. Obviously I'm not perfect and certain elements of life would be easier if I wasn't ADHD but, as you say, I'm just me

I really don't know whether to bother taking it any further realistically. It has made my life more difficult in the past but now I'm more aware of it, I can employ the various workarounds and just make the best of things.

I am still in two minds about it. I look capable, I am not as chaotic as some people are and I have good support at home, even if I am frustrating to some people.

I know that I am not "typical" in some aspects of my thoughts and behaviour. Some of my traits lead me to actually be much better at some things than most people (which can raise expectations), whilst other traits result in me being quite poor at some things to the irritation of some people.

I'm a bit of a pound shop polymath, who will have a go at almost anything, learn about it, get stuck in and come up with good ideas ....so long as I don't need to do planning and routine. Paperwork is a chore that gets put off in favour of almost anything.

What is interesting is that I have noticed that as somebody quite energetic and enthusiastic, I stand-out more from my peers than when I was younger, partly because I am fitter and healthier looking due to being active, but I suspect also because I have learned a wide range of skills, can happily talk to anybody about all kinds of things and will chat with women (if only I had got so much attention when I was younger....).

I recently had to deal with a fairly big crisis at work and was widely complimented on how I went about it over a few weeks. I just did what I do, calmly, and it was hard work, but it was nice to be recognised for it, having often found day-to-day work situations quite tedious over the years.

Edited by Woodrow Wilson on Monday 12th February 20:13

[Forester1965]

Convinced I'm on the spectrum/ADHD. I've done loads in life, built businesses, married, children, all of those things. Then there's a but. I struggle to avoid falling out with people. I react to everything in an instant. Can barely help myself. Jump onto and smother everything like it's a suicide bomber at a kids party. Also. Sometimes I say inappropriate things and don't realise that's how it sounds.

I probably have 2 or 3 people I would call friends. Luckily I have a wonderful wife and lovely children, but FFS, I am hard work.

[hepy]

Woodrow Wilson said:

hepy said:

Started my first batch of Concerta this week, 18mg.

18mg?

I can't imagine that will have much effect, although individuals may differ.

I am on 72mg and I'm no longer sure that it does anything.

True, but small steps and all that. I do feel slightly different but that might be a placebo effect.

[hepy]

Fastdruid said:

Not personal experience but from what I gather different brands are not identical and it is best to stick to one. Sometimes it will be the "generic" sometimes the "brand" version works for you because people can be very different in how drugs affect them.

After seeing where you are with Concerta and how it "works" for you you could ask your GP to proscribe generic and experiment by trying the different brands and then getting your GP to proscribe that exact one. Or just stick with Concerta.

As an example https://www.reddit.com/r/ADHD/comments/1agsjtb/i_o...

Thanks.

[Woodrow Wilson]

Forester1965 said:

Then there's a but. I struggle to avoid falling out with people. I react to everything in an instant. Can barely help myself.

I have often been like that. Not in an unpleasant way, but I find it hard not to speak up when somebody is wrong (not necessarily about something serious)or out of order, and will stand up for people against bullying or injustice, where others may just keep quiet or let a minor error pass. I can't let a false fact be unchecked...

With maturity, I'm finally managing to rein it in a bit more and harness it as a positive, although I do have to check myself at times.

[lifeboat22]

elvanse has transformed my life.

I'm effective at work. Anxiety is almost completely gone.

Wouldn't be without it.

[Sslink]

How do those on Elvanse cope with the side-effects?

I had a brief foray on 70mg and whilst I did feel a small improvement in my ability to stay on task and work output, the side-effects were a big step up compared to 50mg.

The biggest one being dry-mouth and loss of appetite. I can pretty much only eat fruit in the morning as my mouth is desert dry. I struggle to eat anything at lunch time without following every mouth full with a sip of water. Then in the evening I KNOW I'm hungry, I know I NEED to eat but it's such a struggle, I'm a slow eater as is, but it's taking me up to an hour to finish a meal sometimes regardless of the time.

Irritability is another one, I take the meds at 6am, so I'm "up" by the time I get to work at 8ish. However, by mid afternoon 2-3, I'm such a rotten mood, everything is bothersome, I have to be very wary of my conduct around this time.

Saying that, from 8-2 I feel like a new man. Trying to get on shared care now though as the clinic I'm with no longer has nurses to do reviews so the price has gone from £120 to £220, then a ~£100 prescription, it's getting really expensive and I can't afford it.

Does anyone have any tips on pushing for shared care with GP?

[Job38]

I'm on Elvanse, 30mg is the sweet spot for me.

After 18 months don't really notice any side effects or unpleasant come-down.
Occasionally in the evening I feel like my battery is suddenly empty!

[TheBinarySheep]

I started on 18 mg of Concerta at the weekend.

I'm only on day four, but it's completely transformed me.

Pros

- I can get stuff done, no procrastination. I see something that needs doing, I do it.
- I used to have a million voices in my head, all gone, I feel like I'm in the present moment
- I feel more confident around people, I'm talking more, engaging in conversation more
- I'm no longer on edge all of the time, getting frustrated and angry at the smallest of things
- If something bad happens, it no longer dwells on my mind for hours and hours, I can move on far more quickly.

Cons

- Some headaches
- Takes me a little longer to fall asleep

I am simply shocked at the transformation, I'm almost a different person. I'm funnier, wittier and generally a better person to be around than I was.

I'm got two weeks at 18mg and then 2 weeks at 36mg, and a review after that to discuss which I found worked best.

[hepy]

TheBinarySheep said:

I started on 18 mg of Concerta at the weekend.

I'm only on day four, but it's completely transformed me.

Pros

- I can get stuff done, no procrastination. I see something that needs doing, I do it.
- I used to have a million voices in my head, all gone, I feel like I'm in the present moment
- I feel more confident around people, I'm talking more, engaging in conversation more
- I'm no longer on edge all of the time, getting frustrated and angry at the smallest of things
- If something bad happens, it no longer dwells on my mind for hours and hours, I can move on far more quickly.

Cons

- Some headaches
- Takes me a little longer to fall asleep

I am simply shocked at the transformation, I'm almost a different person. I'm funnier, wittier and generally a better person to be around than I was.

I'm got two weeks at 18mg and then 2 weeks at 36mg, and a review after that to discuss which I found worked best.

That's brilliant!

Not had the same impact on me, although I have had only one headache and no problems sleeping.

Did you take any other brands of ADHD meds before? Did you drink a lot of coffee/caffinated drinks?

[lifeboat22]

Sslink said:

How do those on Elvanse cope with the side-effects?

I had a brief foray on 70mg and whilst I did feel a small improvement in my ability to stay on task and work output, the side-effects were a big step up compared to 50mg.

The biggest one being dry-mouth and loss of appetite. I can pretty much only eat fruit in the morning as my mouth is desert dry. I struggle to eat anything at lunch time without following every mouth full with a sip of water. Then in the evening I KNOW I'm hungry, I know I NEED to eat but it's such a struggle, I'm a slow eater as is, but it's taking me up to an hour to finish a meal sometimes regardless of the time.

Irritability is another one, I take the meds at 6am, so I'm "up" by the time I get to work at 8ish. However, by mid afternoon 2-3, I'm such a rotten mood, everything is bothersome, I have to be very wary of my conduct around this time.

Saying that, from 8-2 I feel like a new man. Trying to get on shared care now though as the clinic I'm with no longer has nurses to do reviews so the price has gone from £120 to £220, then a ~£100 prescription, it's getting really expensive and I can't afford it.

Does anyone have any tips on pushing for shared care with GP?

I'm on 30 or 40mg (depending on what is available) I don't get a dry mouth, but I do drink a lot of water. I don't have caffeine when medicating, even de caf can make me feel funny. I have no appetite, but I don't find eating a problem.
If I get an afternoon slump I take 5mg of amfexa which sees me through the day.

Sleep is my nemesis. Melatonin helps, but I rarely ever feel tired. Only alcohol brings me a proper sleep.

[TheBinarySheep]

hepy said:

That's brilliant!

Not had the same impact on me, although I have had only one headache and no problems sleeping.

Did you take any other brands of ADHD meds before? Did you drink a lot of coffee/caffinated drinks?

This is my first time taking meds, and I'm in my 40s.

I do drink a fair amount of coffee yes.

[Downward]

I spoke to my GP on this a week or 2 ago.
What were folks process ?
I have had my current meds increased and told to go back in a couple of weeks.
I did some online tests where they say 5 was fine and i was getting 8 or 9’s.

Just getting really forgetful. Last week left my wallet at work and at a takeaway and only took it out twice !
I’ll put something down and then forget where it is and generally lack concentration. Always been fidgety too.
I think short term memory is really worrying though.