Reviews about ADD Medicine

gingeraanne says "Works great for focusing but......" about Adderall amphetamine/dextroamphetamine

gingeraanne — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 17:18:11 GMT

So Adderall was absolutely wonderful at first. My son's grades turned around almost instantly. We did have the loss of appetite issue but I just let him eat whatever, whenever he felt like eating. At least he was getting some substance and nutrients and wasnt losing weight. Eventually, that side effect went away. The bad thing about it is that it made him extremely irritable, angry, aggressive, mean, etc. Just horrible to his brother and sister and he really did hate feeling that way. He didnt take it on weekends, days off or summer and on those days he was much better. But he had to take it for school or he wouldnt be able to focus and concentrate. It finally got so bad we had to take him off it and switch to something else.

It's not that I won't recommend it to anyone else, it's just one of those things that's not for everyone. As with anything else, you just have to keep trying until you find the right one.

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DramaQueen says "concerta is like divine intervention" about Concerta tablets

DramaQueen — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 18:13:43 GMT

I was recently prescribed Concerta ( 18 mgs x 2) in the morning by a child psychiatrist who diagnosed my adult ADHD correctly in 15 minutes after 5 years of false starts. Its trade name is methylphenidate although it is still under patent to Jansen Pharmecuticals so there is no generic form yet. Consumer Reports recently reviewed Concerta and compared it against Strattera (Eli Lilly) and found that Strattera was much more costly and effective in fewer patients. Although it is important to note that Strattera has the advantages of not being scheduled as a controlled substance and not being an amphetamine which allegedly makes it safer. Strattera is related to some anti-depressant drugs. I tried Strattera when it first came out and a colleague was kind enough to write me a prescription and dispense some samples. I merely got significant side effects and no symptom relief although some people swear by it.

The doctor said that if the Concerta worked I would not recognize myself and that...

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kt047 says "Ritalin works for some, but not for all!" about Ritalin tablet 10mg

kt047 — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 23:23:05 GMT

Ritalin was the second medication my psychiatrist prescribed to control my ADHD symptoms (i.e. hyperactivity, inattentiveness, chatty, etc.). While it worked significantly better than Strattera (a non-stimulant), I did not like Ritalin for two reasons.

First, the medication is very short-acting. Now, I do know that the medication I was prescribed was instant-release, but to provide relief for only 30 minutes- 1 hour vs the 4 hours it is supposed to work made me question the efficacy of this medication. If this is something you or someone you know has experienced, then don't hesitate to tell your doctor. I know from experience that ADHD medication works differently in most people, and it's important to notify your doctor of any side effects or questions you may have about Ritalin or any other prescription drug.

The second and final problem I will discuss is the side effects. While the side effects were minimal, I did experience some really nasty migraines from Ritalin. I'm not sure why this...

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madmorgh says "The most effective medication I've found for ADHD" about Adderall ADHD Medication

madmorgh — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 05:13:22 GMT

When I was diagnosed with ADHD over 9 years ago, I was first prescribed Concerta, which was completely ineffective. I was then put on Strattera, which also lacked in providing me with the concentration and focus I desperately needed. Then my doctor suggested Adderall, and it turned out to be so effective that I was focusing in school, at home, at my job, and life in general.

My doctor prescribed me two 10 mg pills to be taken twice daily (eventually upped to two 20 mg pills twice daily after a few years due to my tolerance going up), once in the morning and once more in the afternoon (since Adderall is an amphetamine based medication, it tends to keep you awake at night if taken too late in the day).

The first day I took Adderall, I noticed a significant increase in my ability to concentrate in all areas of my life. My grades immediately improved in college, I was more focused on my instructor, did much less daydreaming in class and at work, I was more focused when driving my car, my...

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kt047 says "Adderall IR works for me!" about Adderall IR tablet

kt047 — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 06:34:28 GMT

I was diagnosed with Adult ADHD/Anxiety in 2004, and until very recently it took about an Act of Congress to find the right ADHD medication for me. Strattera, Ritalin, and Adderall XR all failed to control my symptoms associated with ADHD.

Finally, in January 2009, I was prescribed Adderall IR. I will admit I was worried about this medication, especially when Adderall XR was a like a placebo that killed my bank account every month (insurance didn't cover it and there was no generic available until April 2009). I was also worried that if Adderall XR was not the right medication, then why would Adderall IR be "the one"?

To my surprise, Adderall IR actually worked. For the first time in my life, I felt confident in my classes, and improved my grades without the stress, anxiety, and frustration that I dealt with on a daily basis. The medicine worked fairly quickly, and was SOOOO much cheaper with insurance.

So, why did Adderall IR work better for me than the XR version? I'm not really...

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kt047 says "Adderall XR is too expensive and ineffective " about Adderall XR ADHD/ADD Medication

kt047 — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 02:02:12 GMT

As a female adult with ADHD, I found Adderall XR to be very expensive and ineffective. Prior to becoming generic in April 2009, I was spending nearly $345 dollars for 30mg, twice daily. I know medications work differently in people, but for ADHD I think this medication is completely overrated, and a terrible alternative to Adderall IR. It was like a placebo for me, and have found that Adderall IR has been effective, and less expensive treatment for ADHD. If you are a parent or and individual, please do not fall into the trap of Adderall XR. Even with insurance, it's still expensive. Don't be afraid to ask your doctor if you find this medication to be too expensive (it's still $60 w/insurance vs $15 for Adderall). I did, and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made.

That said, if you are on this medication, then it's important to speak with your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication because of a blog, review, etc. It can cause major withdrawal symptoms.

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mypointsbox says "Dexedrine is the best ADD medication on the market." about Dexedrine IR tablet

mypointsbox — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 19:59:45 GMT

Dexedrine (generically known as Dextro-amphetamine) is the best stimulant medication for ADD. I have tried Concerta, Ritalin, Adderall, Adderall XR, and Dexedrine. Ritalin was not strong enough and both preparations of Adderall caused too much PNS stimulation (muscle tremors, jitteriness, etc) because I need a very high dose. Dexedrine was as effective as the Adderall was, but even at my high dose, it does not cause unwanted PNS stimulation.

I believe that the difference between Adderall (mixed amphetamine salts) and Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine), is that Dexedrine is pure dextroamphetamine, whereas Adderall is 7.5 dextroamphetamine and 2.5 levoamphetamine. Levoamphetamine is mainly a Peripheral nervous system (PNS) stimulant, where as Dextroamphetamine is mostly a Central Nervous System (CNS) stimulant. At low doses, Levoamphetamine can augment the help that the dextroamphetamine gives, but at higher doses it causes side effecxts that are self defeating.

Because I was taking 30mg adderall...

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corpuskitkat says "Changed my life around completely." about Adderall XR ADHD/ADD Medication

corpuskitkat — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 21:13:43 GMT

I first was subscribed Adderral XR as a student in high school. I was a straight A student all through junior high- until I got to high school is when I began having concentration problems. And in return, my grades suffered dramaticly. Once I began taking Adderal, I was suddenly able to think straight, focus, and remember things more easily. My grades started to get better, and I was able to work to my full potential. I had an all-around better attitude about everything after I began taking Adderral XR. I strongly reccomend Adderral for kids, students, or even adults. I would, however be careful with distributing it to teens and children, because it can be highly addictive. If used correctly, it can help tremendously with your life, your work, your grades, and your behavior. Its been several years since I was first prescribed this medication, and I still take it daily! In fact, my days feel much "cloudier" without it. It does alter your appetite when you first start taking it. You arent...

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jewelsmm2002 says "This is a great product!" about Adderall XR ADHD/ADD Medication

jewelsmm2002 — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 19:13:29 GMT

My 9 year old daughter had a very hard time in kindergarend and frist grade reading.She new all of her letters and the sound of each letter.But she still could not put the sounds toghether . We spent many hours after school and on weekends trying to learn her sight words and spelling words.No matter how much she studied , she still could never remember the correct spell on every word. She always missed at least one or two of her sight words.The crazy thing was she would miss a word that she new all week.We played games with the words,wrote them on the side walk and yet she still had a hard time.When she entered second grade I asked her teacher's if they thought she should be tested for ADD.They all said yes.It was like day light to dark.As soon as she statred the adderall XR she knew everything.She is blond and before everyone made the statment "oh! she is a true blond".Now things have changed.I only give her the medicine the days she goes to school.During the summer I give it to her a...

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fmulmt217 says "Better than Adderall!" about Vyvanse Capsules

fmulmt217 — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 18:36:12 GMT

I have recently begun taking Vyvanse for my ADD, and I have to tell you that it is the BEST prescription medicine on the market in my opinion. I have tried Ritalin and Adderall in the past, and both gave me terrible side effects. The side effects with Vyvanse were minimal to start with (slight headache, dry mouth) and as the weeks wear on, I find them tapering off. I feel more alert taking this versus other pills I have tried in the past. I am able to effectively manage my time, keep my stress regarding due projects at a manageable level, and complete tasks on time. No more procrastinating! This drug has done wonders not only for my concentration and focus levels, but also for my GPA in school! If you suffer from ADD, ask your doctor about Vyvanse today!...

CWalsh76 says "Tried other stimulants, but this one is best for our situation" about Adderall XR ADHD/ADD Medication

CWalsh76 — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 03:26:21 GMT

My child has PDD and ADHD. I also have ADHD. We have tried different stimulants to treat his/my ADHD systems. Adderall worked the best. My son is able to focus during school. The teachers are amazed at the difference, and his grades have improved tremendously. As far as myself, it is like a wonder drug. From the first day that I took it I noticed a huge improvement in my ability to organize thoughts. Normally, I am rather "scatterbrained". My mind typically races from one "idea" or thought to another without ever completing any one thought. My mind was so filled with all these racing thoughts that I could never complete any one thing, and I would get so frustrated that I would end up in bed depressed because I was always overwhelmed. The Adderall slowed me down. I am not perfect. I still get overwhelmed from time to time, but my life is alot better as is my sons....

glory2glory says "I love the convenience of this patch" about Daytrana Patch

glory2glory — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 01:42:48 GMT

I'm an adult with ADHD. I used to have to watch the time so I could make sure I kept my meds up on a daily basis. The Daytrana Patch has changed all of that for me. I get up in the morning and after my shower I put the patch on and don't worry about it the rest of the day. It's great and very freeing!

The down side to the patch is that it leave a sticky residue that can be hard to get completely off. It can also leave redness where the patch had been and the skin dries out there. I don't let that keep me from using it. The benefits far outway the minor inconveniences.

The biggest detourant would be the price. If you have insurance the co-pay is higher than for most daily medicines. If you don't have insurance you're sure to experience sticker shock so you want to get a pharmacy discount card before getting the prescription filled.

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Liis says "Working wonders for my little guy" about Tenex

Liis — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 05:52:21 GMT

Tenex has been a great change of medication for my little boy. He didn't tolerate stimulants at all. He'd go through depressions, anxiety, extreme mood swings, etc. on his stimulants. Since starting on Tenex, he has improved so much already with his agression and mood swings. I make sure to watch him carefully, as I'm still nervous about it lowering his blood pressure. But no complaints about that so far.

One side effect I've noticed since he's started taking Tenex (besides the marked -extreme- drowsiness)--- he talks in his sleep, and sleep walks very often every single night. Not sure if this is a common side effect to this drug, but I would appreciate if someone else reviewed this, with the same symptom!

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Dagny says "I attribute much of my recent success to Daytrana" about Daytrana Patch

Dagny — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 21:28:24 GMT

All the reviews I ever find refer to Daytrana's effect on children; hopefully my review will be useful to the adults who struggle. I'm a 32 yr old professional and have struggled with ADD all my life. I failed grade 1 and struggled to achieve barely average grades until college. In addition to ADD, I was diagnosed with anxiety, depression, eating disorder & bipolar disorder. With hard work, perseverance & a cocktail of medications I managed to cope and achieve the VP position at an investment bank. Last year my doctor introduced me to Daytrana and my world completely changed. I stopped taking all my other drugs, I no longer binge eat, I rarely have nightmares, my anxiety & depression have been reduced to bad days, I can accomplish in 9 hrs what before would take 13 hrs, and I'm achieving my true potential. Aside from mood stabilization, the most noticeable side effects are decreased appetite & skin irritation. There are several good prescription ointments that can treat...

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NCMOM1n150AUTISTIC says "Daytrana has made an Amazing Pos. Change for my Daughter." about Daytrana Patch

NCMOM1n150AUTISTIC — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 11:28:29 GMT

My daughter is mildly autistic and has tried ritalin, adderall, adderall xr and concerta before trying the Daytrana patch. She has ALOT of energy and cannot sit in a chair for more than one minute without the aid of medication. Ritalin and adderall made her calmer, but she would also occasionally cry for no reason. She would also bite herself out of frustration. She is only 5 years old and has just started kindergarten.

At her kindergarten assessment doctor visit, I asked if we could try the patch. The first week she was adjusting to the patch and was still a little emotional. Since then, her teachers comment nearly every day on how well she is adjusting to kindergarten and how much they have seen her focus improve. She is still interacting with her teachers. She answers questions appropriately and is able to sit and work with her teachers for about an hour before she is trying to get out of her seat. She has not bitten herself at all since starting the patch.

It has brought peace back to......

vintinsco says "Worked wonders for my son. " about Adderall XR ADHD/ADD Medication

vintinsco — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 14:46:25 GMT

My son had the best results using this medicine as far as controlling his lack of concentration. His symptoms from the medicine included lack of appetite and loss of energy. He wanted to sleep every afternoon after school. The one thing I did not like is the control issues with the drug....

stayceek says "This drug makes such a big difference!" about Adderall XR ADHD/ADD Medication

stayceek — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 15:17:06 GMT

I headed back to school 13 years after graduating from high school. I was so psyched, but found I couldn't concentrate, I couldn't remember anything after reading it, and I couldn't force myself to do my homework. Major procrastination. I went to my doc, and he had me fill out a questionaire about ADHD. I fit every one of the criteria, so he had my try Adderall XR. OMG, what a difference! I could read, I coudl study, I got my homework and my housework done and my bills paid and everything! All the things I wouldn't start, or would stop and start, I was doing without pause. I loved it! I did not have any negastive side effects, the only thing is since it is a controlled sustance, I had to go to the clinic to pick up the prescription every month. That was minor. The down side is that I also have Seasonal affective, and that I had to go back on my wellbutrin, which means that the doc took me off the adderall due to it upping risk of seizures when used together. So I have tried to struggle......

sherry7664 says "My son went from failing school to taking honors courses." about Adderall XR ADHD/ADD Medication

sherry7664 — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:58:27 GMT

My son had failed 7th grade and since before that time he had been complaining about school and wanted to quit. After a while he began treatment for depression. When I would help him with his homework he would get so frustrated and just give up, saying that he did not understand. After his father was diagnosed with dyslexia and other problems I began to wonder if this was my son's problem also. I began trying to get him tested. His school refused to test him because he scored too high on the Iowa tests. Later, the psychiatrist who had been treating his depression diagnosed him as having ADD and put him on Adderall. He began improving almost immediately and once they found the correct dosage he did great. He began getting A's in school, taking correspondence classes from the college to make up the credits he would be missing from graduating due to his past failure of some classes. His senior year he was taking 3 or 4 honors classes. It was wonderful. He was like......

bmcclellan29 says "Best Med for Kids with ADHD/ADD" about Adderall XR ADHD/ADD Medication

bmcclellan29 — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 00:14:16 GMT

I really love this medication for my 15 yr old who was diagnosed with ADD when she was in the 1st grade. She had so much trouble with concentrating and sitting still. Her teachers even said that "she was a distraction to herself". After talking to different doctors she was given the Adderall. She has been on it ever since and is now an average kid who does well in school and social activites....

teardropper26 says "Regardless of the recent recall" about Daytrana Patch

teardropper26 — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 13:49:17 GMT

I would just like to thank the Shire company for inventing this product. My soon to be 10 year old soon has never been able to take pills,due to the fact that they make him violently ill and he has a terrible time trying to swallow them small or large. This product has truly been a blessing, I say this because during the course of time my son has been using the product not only has he calmed down but his grades in school have went from straight F's up to A's and B's and I couldn't be more thrilled,he is now in the fourth grade and is just now beginning to learn how to read,so that thing that they say about no child left behind is simply a myth, my son is living proof of that. This product is wonderful and a dream come true so that my son can now live a more normal life and do all of the things I always knew and dreamed that he could do and accomplish in school as well as in the real world. I tear up everytime I think about how much this product has changed his life, I used to think there......