From the article: Starting ADHD Medication
Treatment for ADHD involves several components, and medication is often an essential part of the plan for many kids and adults with ADHD. Do you or your child, spouse, or other loved one take medicine to help in managing ADHD symptoms? What positive changes have you (or your spouse) experienced with medication? Or if you are a parent of a child with ADHD what improvements have you seen in your child with the medicine? (Please do not identify specific medications by brand name) Share Your Experiences
ADHD Symptoms Improved with Meds
- My son is almost 11 and was diagnosed with ADHD when he was 7. He has struggled so much in school and with making friends. We have tried different medications with little to no help. Recently, I took him to a psychiatrist because I had heard that sometimes a mild anti-depressant along with ADHD meds may help. He did not think my son needed anti-depressants, he started him on a different stimulant medicine that we had not yet tried. He has been on it for almost two months now and he went from failing grades in school to bringing home 90-100% test scores. I really didn't expect such a dramatic change. Even my friends notice a positive change in his attitude. I guess you just have to find the right meds for each person.
- —Guest Teri
Best Improvement in My Life!
- Since I was a child, I have had more attention span issues than any child you could imagine. Now as an adult, I have tried ADD medicine and it has drastically improved my life. I went from being a C student to an A student or even better. I wasn’t a student and once I started medicine not only did I become a student, but I became a focused student. I can try and explain how it has changed my life for the better, but words couldn’t be out in sentences on how much better I feel about myself.
- —Guest crystal
From substance abuse to A's in college!
- To answer the ?? - Yes, medication has improved my symptoms as well as my life. Two years ago I was on a downward spiral from a life filled with substance abuse (meth). I was diagnosed with ADHD and put on Adderall 30mg, I enrolled in college, and I am now carrying a 3.7 gpa, go to church, and have been clean and sober for two years. I honestly believe if I had not received the medication along with therapy when I did, I would be dead today. However, I also believe that medication is a subject that should be critically researched before starting someone on it. This is where the parents or adult patient speak with professionals about symptoms, behavior,and potential side effects. I am a college student pursuing a degree in clinical psychology with my research focus on ADHD and its treatment options. This is a real disorder as well as potentially detrimental if left untreated. I highly suggest if you have a loved one that you suspect might have ADHD, seek professional assistance.
- —lloyd45
ADD meds & meds for coexisting condition
- We're always happy to read of successes on ADHD meds. The med has worked for our young son also. We're now faced with adding a 2nd & 3rd medication to the mix due to co existing conditions. Can anyone share their experience on multiple meds?
- —AlwaysSharing
ADHD Symptom Improvement
- As we were asked not to mention medications by name, I will only say that one of the common generic stimulants for ADHD has given me a few hours of focused, goal completion time every day. Within 30 minutes I can feel the medication "kick in". This productive time lasts about 4 hours. I am allowed to take up to 3 pills a day but I usually take only the one tablet first thing in the morning. Once I took a second tablet in the early evening so that I would not doze off during a live theatre production. Not a good idea as I developed "motor mouth" and revealed personal details that should not have been disclosed to my theatre companions. I notice the drowsy effect simple carbohydrates have on me. I now avoid them and find my energy stays with me longer. I take more prescribed medications than I like and at my age (71) I find that I am quite dose sensitive. My prescriber is aware of this and is careful not to overdose me.
- —Copithorn
Hormonal Changes
- As an endocrinologist I must remind you that hormonal fluctuation, menopause, and other physical symptoms occur as frequently in ADHD patients as in the "normal" group. I have fluctuations and 100 mg Sertalina (SSRI) helps me avoid being an unpredictable person. I´ve survived 45 yrs in a cruel world with a demanding job as a doctor, and no treatment. I´m sure my social skills and my strategies to fit in are to my favor. The medication has reduced all my feelings of fear, the feeling of a dryer or washing machine centrifuging in my stomach, without a button marked "off". As a side effect I have experienced "black holes" in my timetable. A trip to the mall, no clue how to explain why it has taken me 4 hours to come home with 25% of what I was supposed to buy- And I have a very detailed medication with Concerta in combination with Ritalin. A doctor told me that I experience the "real" me. As the ADHD symptoms are controlled my premorbid "me" gets space. I don´t like her at all! Scary!
- —drADvonHD
Ritalin was a Godsend
- I was hoping it would help me focus so I was totally shocked when it did much more than that. I felt calmer, could concentrate, my self esteem was great, my fears diminished, just about everything fell into place and I felt normal. Unfortunately, the physical side effects were terrible and I had to go off it. Will be seeing the doctor again to try a different med.
- —gypsycat1
Medicine is a Great Help
- My 8 year old son was diagnosed with ADHD two years ago and immediately started medicine and I am so thankful because it helps him a lot.
- —Guest omani mum
Medicine and ADHD
- I am 38 yrs old and thank god for stimulants or I may not be around anymore. I wish I was diagnosed younger it would have made a world of difference!
- —Guest brent
Son and Husband Improved with Meds
- Our son, 10, was diagnosed at 6. He tried all stimulants, to no avail after a time, and participated in biofeedback therapy. After some research, I requested the non-stimulant, which he’s been taking for over a year. He now has terrific grades, more patience, no meltdowns. We actually have pleasant days. My husband takes a stimulant for weight loss/blood sugar control and we can tell his focus is SO much better. Meds can make a difference, once the right one(s) is/are found. It's okay to get help. Hang in there if you feel like you're at the end of your rope. According to one ADHD specialist, even if a medication doesn't work now, it may later, because our metabolism changes. These chemicals were developed to help us live better lives.
- —Guest adhdisokay
Mom
- My 15 year was diagnosed with ADHD at age 11. It took two different meds to find the right one. I have seen such a great change in him. His anxiety levels have decreased. He can focus and stay on task longer. He can express when the medicine wears off. The more they can let you know what is happening the better it will help them. For me the support (lack of) at school has played a big role. As parents of these kids anxiety can be huge!! The better support they have, the better they can be open to express their needs. I am forever thankful for being able to be open to his needs and getting much needed help. Today he is doing very well and I see him only getting better. Research medicine and watch your child - it could change their life and yours.
- —Guest jenpaty
Son with ADHD
- My 6 year old son was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 4. He takes a non-stimulant medication and it makes a world of difference for him. Without the medicine he was very defiant, bold and was very emotional. Since he started taking the medicine, there is no defiance and uncontrollable crying and he gets along with other kids. His focus is very good, too. It has helped him socially with other kids, too.
- —Guest Donna
ADHD and Me
- School was difficult when I was younger. I would speak before I would think, had anger outbursts, would not sit still and would not pay attention in class which made my teachers mad. In grade five I was tested for ADHD. The summer before grade six, my mom and I visited a doctor. Now I'm in grade nine and my life is a lot better. I’m getting good grades in school, I don't have as many anger outbursts, and I can pay attention in class a whole lot better. If you are someone that struggles with ADHD don't be hard on yourself and when you feel like it's too much just take a break, go somewhere private where you can let it out, and know you’re not in this alone.
- —Guest Becca Taylor
