discovered that I have ADD

[buzzkill88]

I am 18 years old and a senior in high school. Last summer I started trying different drugs like cocaine, marijuana, pain killers, ecstasy, Valium, Xanex, and my favorite category, stimulants, Ritalin, Concerta, Focalin, Adderall and other pills that I didn't even know what they were (bad idea)
After trying medicine for ADHD/ADD and comparing how I function on and off them I realized that I have ADD. Basically my question is how do I ask my doctor at age 18 about getting Adderall because if he doesn't prescribe it to me, I'll just buy it on the streets and continue self medicating.

Thanks

[Katherine7]

Dear Buzz, I found it ineresting how You concluded that You migh possibly have ADD. I find it cool that you figured  this out and that it was a God sent thing that something is not right and you ned to adress the issue. It is true that the prescription drugs that you have tried, as well as the street drugs temporarily influence some or all of the major neurotransmiters Serotonin, Dopamin and Norepinephrine and their brainreceptors Thats why they all did something for you. And as you must have noticed the production and function of these neurotransmitters influence mood and behavior, attention, focus and higher mental functions such as organizing tasks as well as many other areas of our bodily functions.

I dont want to burden you with too much , but would like to lovingly caution you how you intend to treat your condition. You would want to be wise and inform yourself well about it and what treatment options are available before you even see a psyciatrists and have him priscribe you something. The brain is a delicate and very sensitive organ. Most sychiatric drugs can have significant sideeffects as well as severe withdrawl symptoms if not tapered appropiately and one shoud to take these into serious consideration before commiting themselves. Also each person and their condition is and individual and one or the other drug may be more or less effective making it often a not so pleasant journey of trial and error. There are also other treatment option than prescription drugs that you may want to research, alternative herbal and nutritional supplements, neurofeedback that can be very helpfull. A good counselor, knowledgable in ADD/ADHD can also assist you in finding coping strategies to improve certain practical aspects of your life that are affected by it..

Also I have found out that ADD/ADHD symptoms can be caused by physical conditions that cause the same symptoms among other, i.e. thyroid disfunction, adrenal fatigue, which often are borderline and are underdiagnosed; many psychiatrists are not aware of this or don't look for other causes.

I hope that I have raised your curiosity enough to examine the path that you want to take.

God bless.

Katherine7

[lodzpol]

I think you should go to your doctor, the doctor will examne you and suggest aperson to person a ADHD test on you.  Once this is completed they will perscribe you what you need, if needed.  Also, make sure you are not on any of the medicines while getting tested

[wonder26]

Concerta Will Probably Be Better For You. I've Been On Med For ADD Since I Was 5 Years Old I'm 18 Now. My Dr. Put Me On Concerta Coz Of How Ritalin Can Afect Some People It Is An Addictve Drug And Can Really Mess You Up. Ask Your Dr. About What Kind Of Meds If Any You Should Take For ADD. I'm Taking The Max Dose I Can Take Cuz Of My Heart. Your Best Bet Is Go To Your Dr. Best Of Hope.

[Jennifer375]

Ah, great point Sandman,, agreed.. it would and you'll get through college without a criminal record.

Jenn

[Jennifer375]

just tell him you cant focus on school work and your grades are falling behind... and that you wondered if he would test you for ADD . I think its a simple questioniare and if it turns out that you have it, he gives you a script. Keep in mind however that the long term damange those drugs can cause to your over all body and mind (particularly with anxiety and depression issues once the stimulant isnt in your body) may turn out to be a price much higher than you would have been willing to pay had you known just how severe those side effects can be.

*with hope*    Jennifer