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Treatment options for adult ADD

What are some of the treatment options for adult ADD-inattentive?  My doc put me on Wellbutrin XL 150 mg once a day but it's not really helping.  I still get very distracted and can't focus on just one thing.  

Are there any adults that have experienced success with other medications?

I already take Omega-3 fish oils, B-complex, etc. and exercise 30 min./day

Thanks!
Best Answer
189897 tn?1441126518
COMMUNITY LEADER
   This site will give you virtually all the treatment options for ADD.
http://www.healing-arts.org/children/ADHD/treatments.htm
   Wellbutrin is used to treat depression, not ADD.  If ADD is the source of your depression, than you would definitely want to find a specific treatment for that.  Kind of wonder what kind of a doc you are seeing.
   You might also want to check out this site.  Its for adults with ADD and pretty well runs through all kinds of adult ADD stuff.  Its kinda of helter-skelter, but the writer is ADD, and it tends to fit his personality I think.    
   http://jeffsaddmind.com/for-first-time-visitors
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Avatar universal
  I've had to deal with government funded healthcare before this whole obamacare situation. It is very inconvenient, as they are not near as efficient as a private practice. I feel for everybody that has to get the runaround with their meds and all that mess. I've went off of my meds due to this reason actually.
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Avatar universal
LMAO ... but how true it could be   :)
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189897 tn?1441126518
COMMUNITY LEADER
   Ya, I wish that more people would "chime in".    Of course many of the posters do have ADHD and I think that once their problem is solved - they kind of forget about us..... or see a squirrel ...or something.  :)
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Avatar universal
Please don't 'shut up' ... you are very helpful to me  :) :)  No one else seems to be on this forum anymore.  Wonder what happened to them.

As I look back over the past 20+ years, I realize that I did have the symptoms ... but was so busy with my life (so to speak) that I never personally noticed it.  OMG ... as I look back now ... my desk(s) at work were always covered with piles of project-files that were half-started ... I would go crazy finishing a project when the deadline came up.  Whenever someone would walk into my office, they would say something like "How do you know what you are doing?"  OR "How can you find anything with all of these piles of paper?"  Jeepers Cats ... kinda looks like my den at home does now!!!  

As for my daughters ... they would deffinitely say that I have been like this for a long long long time....they should know...after all they are the ones that grew-up with their 'scatter-brained" Mom.  My daughter that lives locally to me is a lead pharmacy tech and I am driving her nuts with questions ... she knows alot about all kinds of meds and conditions friom her schooling and many years of experience at work.

Oh well....the newspapers were not completely read again ... I was doing a zillion other 'stupid' things that didn't get finished either.  :(

Talk to ya soon   :)
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189897 tn?1441126518
COMMUNITY LEADER
   bet ya found your camera in the last place you looked :)
   Ummm, I'll try this one last time and then shut up.  
I completely believe you have ADD.  The fact your daughters have it is a pretty good sign - its gotta come from somewhere.  Plus, your symptoms certainly point to it.
   What puzzles me (or worries me) is where you said, "Seems  that I really never realized that ADD was/could be the problem until a few months ago."  From your prior posts it sounds like you having been having a worse time lately dealing with some of these issues like - "... it is concentrating/focusing/etc. on COMPLETING every day tasks.  I have so many things started but keep moving on to something else and something else (and on and on) ... but nothing gets finished.  I feel kind of 'scatter-brained' and it ***** when at the end of the day, I realize that nothing is completed."    I mean have you been having that same kind of problem for the last 20+ years?  If not - then recently something has happened to worsen your symptoms.  Which brings me back to the whole hormonal adjustment thing.  If things are just a tich off hormonal wise then your ADD symptoms would/could be greatly worse.
    I can't answer what has been going on.  I don't know if you were to ask your daughters, "  Gee, does Mom seem a little more spaced out these days then a couple of years ago" - if they are around enough to notice the difference ...if there is one.
    And the reason I keep bringing this up is that yes, stim meds should help - but if the reason things have gotten worse (if they have) is due to not quite having the hormonal thing fixed - then you really haven't solved the problem (and perhaps could over med your self trying to fix the problem).
     Ok, I'll shut up.  Give it some thought though.   :)  :)  :)
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Avatar universal
I will check out the 2 sites you told me about.

Thanks A Bunch  :)
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Avatar universal
Hi....

Concentration issue has not been getting worse due to thyroid stuff.  Concentration + all of the other ADD symptons have been going on for a long long time ... just seems that I finally realized what the symptoms relate to.  

See my June 11th post on what my kids said and how I would change subjects in the middle of a conversation.

As I keep saying ... I just want someone to actually "fix the problem".

BTW.....I found my camera .... LOL.
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189897 tn?1441126518
COMMUNITY LEADER
   Ummm, I really meant have you noticed the concentration problems getting worse lately?
    The thyroid is very related to emotional and mental health.  Symptoms:
--  a feeling of mental fogginess and slow thinking
--loss of motivation or enthusiasm
--issues with both short term and long term memory
-- depression
-- general hoplessness
   If you still haven't hit the right balance of replacement hormones (and it seems pretty hard to do so), that could be part of the problem.
   Vyvanse might be worth mentioning since It uses "an innovative approach so that it is an ADHD ADD medication that cannot be abused."  Perhaps that will soothe your psycs.  But the problem seems to be more getting your docs attention then the meds.  Anyway a pretty good site on vyvanse is      http://www.addadhdblog.com/does-vyvanse-work/#bc4c  and     http://www.addadhdblog.com/vyvanse-dosage-how-to-get-the-right-dose/#c987e.  Both sites are by Dr. Kenny Handelman, I like his stuff.

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Avatar universal
Good Grief .... need my camera....I put it somewhere a week ago ... AND... duh...I don't remember where I put it !!!!   Now it will take me at least half a day (or more) to find the silly thing....I hate when I put things away....can never find them.  Maybe I should make a list of where I put everything I touch .... NOT lol.



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Avatar universal
Hiya Sandman2 ...

WOW.....I have my own site !!!!   LOL

I have been doing TONS and I mean TONS of research on the Thyroid issues and have been to Endocrinologists ... many blood tests to monitor TSH/T3/T4... medication doses modified ... etc.

My concentration + ADD symptons have been going on for many many years.  Seems  that I really never realized that ADD was/could be the problem until a few months ago.  Jeepers Cats ... I am 56 years old and actually might have been ADD for who knows how long !?!?!?!  

I remember when my kids were teenagers still living at home, my one Daughter would always say to me "Ma, you are ADD" because I would always switch topics when I was talking to them.  I remember that I had to go to the next thing on my mind or I would forget about it.  It really drove my kids nuts...LOL.  

I am still like that when I talk to people,  A topic pops into my head while I am talking and I just switch to it.  Must drive people to craziness ... they probably regret starting a conversation with me.   Yikes .... not a good thing.

Yes, the shrinky-dinks know about my thyroid removal.

What is your take on my Vyvanse suggestion?

Talk To Ya Later.
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189897 tn?1441126518
COMMUNITY LEADER
  Oh wow! I was going back through your old posts to see how many we have done and stumbled across one of your first posts about your thyroid removal!  Have you looked at what the lack of a thyroid or Hypothyroidism can cause.  This site is pretty good - http://thyroid.about.com/od/hypothyroidismhashimotos/Hypothyroidism_Underactive_Thyroid_Hashimotos_Disease.htm
     It is possible that some of your problems are thyroid related.  Were you having the concentration problems before your thyroid was removed?  Or have the problems gotten worse since then.  
    I am sure that you must be on meds for your thyroid?  How is that going?  Do your psyc's know about the thyroid removal?
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189897 tn?1441126518
COMMUNITY LEADER
   My bad,  forget the new topic idea.  I had clicked on the top and saw that there was something like 51 posts.  Went back and saw that most of them were from you (and other people replying to you).  So ya, this is your site.  Run with it.
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Avatar universal
By the way....I did a little research  on Vyvanse ... maybe that will be something that will work for me and will be accepted by insurance without being "pre-approved".  I have to check out more info on it.  It has been a crazy (LOL) weekend.
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Avatar universal
Hiya ... quick question ...

How do I start a new topic under my name without losing my 'buds' on this one.

Kinda funny....I created a lot of action on this one .... LOL.  I like reading the posts back and forth.

Gotta run ... tons of stuff to 'try' and finish before bed time ... YIKES !

Take care....will be back on here tomorrow.
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189897 tn?1441126518
COMMUNITY LEADER
    Just wanted to welcome you to the site.  I hope you stay around and comment.  Its always good to hear from someone who has been there/still is there!
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189897 tn?1441126518
COMMUNITY LEADER
    Sorry, kido,  started refinishing my outdoor deck in the late afternoon and kind of exhausted myself.
    Back to your first psyc's note about you not being a patient.  I would take a written request from your present doctor and hand carry it to your first psyc.  Maybe take their bill with you to prove you were in there.  
    There is a reason he tried you on concerta (still think that there was a reaction between the paxil and the concerta).   I am assuming that he thought you had ADD (and I think he said he was treating you for ADD and anxiety).  The docs you are seeing now need to see those records.
     Another thought on a whole different manner.  There are 46 posts on this topic and it is getting harder and harder to go back and pick up some of the earlier ones.  How about starting a new topic under your name?
     By the way, I think that all specialmom is trying to say is that if these docs are not gonna be much help - ya, need to find other ways.  I do know you have been trying other things.  But there is always something else.  Check out this link from Jeffs add mind.  Its his advice for Adults and has some really good points.  And make sure you read the comments underneath.  The site is   -  http://jeffsaddmind.com/advice-for-the-adult-and-not-so-adult-adhder-12385.htm
    By the way, I love his site - but its so hard to navigate.  Kind of what happens I guess when you have ADHD and write the site.
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973741 tn?1342342773
By the way, I'm not an anti medication person and those who know me here can tell you that.  I believe that for some people, medication is so very beneficial.  But Sandman will surely agree with me that medication is just part of what someone with add/adhd can do to overcome it.  

Your issue is that you can not get a doctor to prescribe add/adhd medication as they haven't diagnosed you.  I get that this is a problem and hope you find a way to get an evaluation.  I Can't really say I HOPE they do diagnose you with add/adhd as who really wants that diagnosis or any other.  But if you do, you do and you should be treated fully.  

But as that is not happening now, I was trying to see if you can try some other things that might help you.  I am just being practical about what you CAN control at this moment.  You seem to take that as me saying you shouldn't have an add/adhd diagnosis.  Why three docs refuse to diagnose you with this or offer treatment, I don't know.  I have no idea.  And if you do have add/adhd, I hope that you are able to have it diagnosed soon officially and reaceive treatment that you need for it.  

So goodluck.  Hope it all works out for you and your psychiatrist (hey, my kids call people names like shrinky dinks) to come around to see what you see and do what you would like them to do.
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973741 tn?1342342773
I'm a community leader on two forums here, yes. And I have a child with special needs as well as another child which gives me interest in issues with kids.  I enjoy med help very much and am happy to be a participating member.  Thanks for asking about that.  

Good luck.  
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Avatar universal
Jeepers Cats.....you are on a zillion forums here.  Are yiu an expert on everything????

My 'shrinky-dinks' have NOT looked any further into my issue than what our "conversations" contained.  I know that they did not do any "entire diagnostic procedure" (as you call it).

Please read my prior posts.  I believe that the "computer-type" of test is what I need ... if it does not indicate ADD .... so be it ... at least I will know for sure.  During my next shrinky-dink appointment, I am going to request this type of test.  If they refuse ... I AM DONE WITH THESE PEOPLE.  

SANDMAN2.....where are you?????
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Avatar universal
Will your doc work with me via skype/email/or something???  Just kidding ... kinda.   :)

Where is she located... I am at the point that I will travel an acceptable distance to see someone who will help me.  Sounds crazy....but....I just want to get my life in order.

Good thing I didn't have to go into the house yesterday while I was mowing the lawn ... the mower would be still sitting out in the incomplete yard mow and something would have be started or half-finished in the house.  LOL

It is soooooo damn difficult to live like this, as you probably know.  I just want to have SOMEONE fix the problem !!!
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973741 tn?1342342773
Ugh.  Adminstering a test to yourself is much different than a physician going through an entire diagnostic procedure.  So it does sound like they looked into add/adhd for you and did not agree with your self diagnosis that you have this condition.

People that successfuly overcome add/adhd do not 'just' take medication and  many survive with no medication at all by implementing other coping skills.  If you can't get the meds, perhaps you can work on that angle.  At least it is something.

But good luck.  By the way, if you have the focus to do these on line tests via the internet. you could also search for what others with add/adhd have done to help control their symptoms.  

I am not saying you don't have add/adhd--------  your doctors are just not willing to prescribe you medication for it (3 different ones).  Why that is, I don't know.  But if it were me, I'd do my best to help myself.  Google nonmedication methods of helping oneself with add/adhd.

Many do find that physical activity slows the nervous system.  My son has sensory integration disorder which is very similar to add/adh as it is also a nervous system issue.  Symptoms are almost identical.  He does something called "heavy work" that helps.  My neighbor also has add and as an adult chose to not take medication.  She does this same kind of heavy work and deep pressure combination.  Lifting weights, swimming are excellent for slowing one's nervous system.  also implementing organizational tools to keep you on task is helpful.  

You could ask your psychiatrist for strategies for dealing with what you feel are add/adhd symptoms that are non medical.  They may just be impressed with your desire to do something for yourself and change their attitude,  good luck
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Avatar universal
Hey FishSteak....glad to have a new poster on the forum.

Your reactions from Wellbutrin were freaky!!!  Wellbutrin made me want to sleep all day and did absolutley NOTHING for my 'suspected' (duh) ADD.
Glad I am off it.

Have you read all of my posts???  Jeepers Cats.....I should start a damn blog already ... LMAO !!!

I wish I could find a 'shrinky-dink' that was ADD-savy like you did.  Like I noted in prior posts,  my ADULT daughters were diagnosed with ADD and are on Adderall ... they are both doing fine.  Sad thing for me is that one daughter lives in south carolina and my local daughter's doc is not accepting new patients.  Bummer!!!  I have to deal with these shrinks that just do NOT understand what I am going through.  

Sandman2 is a real good dude on this forum ... I like dealing with him on here.

As for 'specialmom' on this forum, I have no clue where she is coming from.

Have A Nice Weekend and keep posting.    :)
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Avatar universal
I do NOT have any bi-polar symptoms.  Question for you:  if docs are not into online testing results....then why did my first shrink give me a 6-question page that I did actually see as an "on-line" test  to answer???

Your posts are confusing ... you do not offer any suggestions to what type of "....helping yourself" plans to undertake.  Those of us with ADD would find it difficult to sit all day and search/read/etc about your suggestions.  We have enought silly foolishness to deal with.


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Avatar universal
I agree with you....I have found that 'shrinky-dinks" (as I refer to them) do not want to give ADULTS the meds for ADD unless they were diagnosed with it as a child.  If you read my prior posts, you can see how crazy this whole issue is.

My thoughts about what 'specialmom' is saying about 'going the "natural" route....blah blah blah'    is that if you DO have ADD....wouldn't it make it difficult to go the so-called natural/help yourself route when you can't even deal with focus/concentration/completing tasks/etc. !?!?!?  What is the, as she calls it, the "...help yourself..." route anyway???  I have so many lists and white-boards and etc. to try and help myself keep on task and be organized, that I need a 'list of my lists" !!!!
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