Treatment options for adult ADD

[425runner]

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!

[misty1477]

PS>>>>>  This doc has me so confused ... I am not looking forward to my Friday appointment :(

[Sandman2]

   What happened when you were on concerta (how did it effect you).   How much was the dose.  How many different times did he change the dose - in other words, how did he step you up dosage wise.  I take it he is a psychiatrist?  

[misty1477]

My primary care doc first prescribed Concerta in February ... 18mg 1X day.  Then I was 'assigned' to the shrink in March.  He upped dose to 27mg 1X day.  Did nothing for me.....wanted to sleep all day.  Follow-up with shrink later in March ... took me off Concerta and did the  Wellbritin HCL SR (100mg 2X a day) thing.  Both meds are generic. Like I said in my first post, I already take Paxil for anxiety....I think I have anxiety because I can't focus/complete tasks/concentrate/etc. because of the ADD.  I hope I can convince the shrink when I see him tomorrow that he is treating me for the wrong thing!!!  BTW...I saw a video on YouTube about a woman that had what was called 'age-something ADD'....damn I can't remember the name of it.....but anyway.....IT WAS EXACTLY THE WAY I AM!!!  I couldn't believe it!!

[Sandman2]

     27mg's of concerta is a fairly low dose.  Surprised he didn't go one higher if you said it was not working.  However, you said it made you sleepy (which can be an indication of an overdose).  The fact it made you sleepy is a pretty good sign you could have ADD as that amount would wire most people.   What surprises me the most was that he only tried it once.  Standard is to start low and keep going until something happens.
    How did the 18mg effect you?
    Make sure the doc knows you are taking both Wellbritin and Paxil (not sure thats a good thing, but I need to research that).
     Yes, Anxiety is a definite side effect of ADD.  In fact, that and depression are pretty classic symptoms.
     I assume your doc is a psychiatrist, not a psychologist, since he is doing the prescribing?
      The following is an adult ADD site that has a ton of information.  I think you will find it very helpful.  http://jeffsaddmind.com/for-first-time-visitors
       Here is a site that is easier to read - http://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/guide/adhd-adults     This site you could print out page - check off all the things that apply to you and take it to your doc.
        Let me know how it goes and if you need any more info!
      

[misty1477]

Doc is an MD that 'specializes' in psychiatry.  18mg did nothing ... sleeepy was all.  The first time I went to the 'shrink' I showed him 3 different "tests' I took from online places ... I answered them 100% honestly.....well, he kind of pushed them back to me on the desk ... didn't even look at them ... WTH.
He gave me a 6 answer sheet that I had seen online to fill in.  My first question to him during my appointment today is going to be "What condition are you treating me for"?  If he tells me 'anxiety' I will tell him that he is incorrect ... he knows I am already taking Paxil for anxiety.  If I do not get the results I need/want today, I am never going to this dude again.  None of the meds he prescribed so far have even came close to making me feel 'wired'.  I have had it with this guy...I need to get my ADD/life in order.

[Sandman2]

   I did some more research and discovered that there can be a significant reaction between paxil (and to a lesser extent, wellburitin) and stimulant meds.  When I mentioned the sleepy feeling you had sounded more like an overdose - that now makes sense.
   Here is a link to info on the interactions - http://www.corepsychblog.com/2006/11/adderall-prozac-and-paxil-problem-not-solution/
   and its easy to google to find more info.

    From reading this I get the feeling that  if you want to try stimulant meds you need to be off paxil.
     Also, since - "Paxil is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, or SSRI. This type of antidepressant treats depression by increasing serotonin levels in the brain. . Wellbutrin is a norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor, and is the only U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved drug in its class. It does not affect serotonin at all, and instead inhibits the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine, therefore, increasing the levels of these two neurotransmitters in the brain."  I imagine that is why he may have you on these two drugs.  I am guessing that he put you on Wellbutrin due to the interaction between Paxil and the stim. med.   If so - this is something he should have explained to you.