Concerta vs Ritalin?

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by youseetherealme on November 29, 2009 at 5:28pm

I'm also from Ontario. I have been taking Concerta for about 1 month. I like it as it lasts all day. I do have a drug plan so I'm not sure how much it costs. Prob more than Ritalin as it is alot newer. I get a dry mouth from it and a different taste in my mouth but I feel it is worth it. I do have to take Imovane to get to sleep though. I'm almost 48 and newly diagnosed also. My 2 older kids used to take Concerta. They both refused to take it a few years ago (20&18 yrs old)but they both said that they want to go back on Concerta. My youngest takes Adderall because she can't swallow pills yet. Her pediatricians 1st choice is Concerta.

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Permalink Reply by Sarah Irvine on November 29, 2009 at 6:12pm

thank you so much for your reply! when i priced it out for 37mg for 30 days was 104 dollars!!! but if it last longer and works better i am willing to try!! Do you do anything about the bad taste in your mouth ??? i have tried everything!! it has helped me loose weight i must say!! not that i am promoteing this in anymeans!!! just more irritating to eat!!!

thanks for your relply again and i look forward to learning more!!!

sarah

Jan S said:

I'm also from Ontario. I have been taking Concerta for about 1 month. I like it as it lasts all day. I do have a drug plan so I'm not sure how much it costs. Prob more than Ritalin as it is alot newer. I get a dry mouth from it and a different taste in my mouth but I feel it is worth it. I do have to take Imovane to get to sleep though. I'm almost 48 and newly diagnosed also. My 2 older kids used to take Concerta. They both refused to take it a few years ago (20&18 yrs old)but they both said that they want to go back on Concerta. My youngest takes Adderall because she can't swallow pills yet. Her pediatricians 1st choice is Concerta.

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Permalink Reply by youseetherealme on November 29, 2009 at 9:24pm

Concerta has made a big difference for me. I have lost wait too-a good thing for me-haven't seen a size 9 pants in years-LOL. I don't have the extreme cravings anymore (sweet to salty) and I'm sure my weight will level off when I'm where I should be at. I keep sugarless gum on hand and drink lots of water which helps with the taste and dry mouth. I like just having to take 1 dose in the am as if I had to take more-I would probably forget! I am also taking Wellbutrin for ADD. I'm thinking that the dosage for Concerta (just taking 18 mg) will be bumped up at my next appt-on Friday. I still feel "stuck" and unmotivated to do the everyday tasks at home. Do you have an issue with being "stuck"?

Sarah Irvine said:

thank you so much for your reply! when i priced it out for 37mg for 30 days was 104 dollars!!! but if it last longer and works better i am willing to try!! Do you do anything about the bad taste in your mouth ??? i have tried everything!! it has helped me loose weight i must say!! not that i am promoteing this in anymeans!!! just more irritating to eat!!!

thanks for your relply again and i look forward to learning more!!!

sarah

Jan S said:

I'm also from Ontario. I have been taking Concerta for about 1 month. I like it as it lasts all day. I do have a drug plan so I'm not sure how much it costs. Prob more than Ritalin as it is alot newer. I get a dry mouth from it and a different taste in my mouth but I feel it is worth it. I do have to take Imovane to get to sleep though. I'm almost 48 and newly diagnosed also. My 2 older kids used to take Concerta. They both refused to take it a few years ago (20&18 yrs old)but they both said that they want to go back on Concerta. My youngest takes Adderall because she can't swallow pills yet. Her pediatricians 1st choice is Concerta.

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Permalink Reply by Sarah Irvine on November 29, 2009 at 9:52pm

yes i do feel very stuck at times!!! like i want to do something but can't?!!! i don't get it i thought the meds were supposed to help with this! i have to listen to my i pod and mute the tv or i get very distracted.. when the meds work i can actually get stuff done but when they don't look out!!! ADD symptoms in full swing..
sarah

Jan S said:

Concerta has made a big difference for me. I have lost wait too-a good thing for me-haven't seen a size 9 pants in years-LOL. I don't have the extreme cravings anymore (sweet to salty) and I'm sure my weight will level off when I'm where I should be at. I keep sugarless gum on hand and drink lots of water which helps with the taste and dry mouth. I like just having to take 1 dose in the am as if I had to take more-I would probably forget! I am also taking Wellbutrin for ADD. I'm thinking that the dosage for Concerta (just taking 18 mg) will be bumped up at my next appt-on Friday. I still feel "stuck" and unmotivated to do the everyday tasks at home. Do you have an issue with being "stuck"?

Sarah Irvine said:

thank you so much for your reply! when i priced it out for 37mg for 30 days was 104 dollars!!! but if it last longer and works better i am willing to try!! Do you do anything about the bad taste in your mouth ??? i have tried everything!! it has helped me loose weight i must say!! not that i am promoteing this in anymeans!!! just more irritating to eat!!!

thanks for your relply again and i look forward to learning more!!!

sarah

Jan S said:

I'm also from Ontario. I have been taking Concerta for about 1 month. I like it as it lasts all day. I do have a drug plan so I'm not sure how much it costs. Prob more than Ritalin as it is alot newer. I get a dry mouth from it and a different taste in my mouth but I feel it is worth it. I do have to take Imovane to get to sleep though. I'm almost 48 and newly diagnosed also. My 2 older kids used to take Concerta. They both refused to take it a few years ago (20&18 yrs old)but they both said that they want to go back on Concerta. My youngest takes Adderall because she can't swallow pills yet. Her pediatricians 1st choice is Concerta.

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Permalink Reply by youseetherealme on November 29, 2009 at 10:09pm

I'll ahve to try the Ipod thing. I have a busy household with 4 kids-we all are easilly distracted.

Sarah Irvine said:

yes i do feel very stuck at times!!! like i want to do something but can't?!!! i don't get it i thought the meds were supposed to help with this! i have to listen to my i pod and mute the tv or i get very distracted.. when the meds work i can actually get stuff done but when they don't look out!!! ADD symptoms in full swing..
sarah

Jan S said:

Concerta has made a big difference for me. I have lost wait too-a good thing for me-haven't seen a size 9 pants in years-LOL. I don't have the extreme cravings anymore (sweet to salty) and I'm sure my weight will level off when I'm where I should be at. I keep sugarless gum on hand and drink lots of water which helps with the taste and dry mouth. I like just having to take 1 dose in the am as if I had to take more-I would probably forget! I am also taking Wellbutrin for ADD. I'm thinking that the dosage for Concerta (just taking 18 mg) will be bumped up at my next appt-on Friday. I still feel "stuck" and unmotivated to do the everyday tasks at home. Do you have an issue with being "stuck"?

Sarah Irvine said:

thank you so much for your reply! when i priced it out for 37mg for 30 days was 104 dollars!!! but if it last longer and works better i am willing to try!! Do you do anything about the bad taste in your mouth ??? i have tried everything!! it has helped me loose weight i must say!! not that i am promoteing this in anymeans!!! just more irritating to eat!!!

thanks for your relply again and i look forward to learning more!!!

sarah

Jan S said:

I'm also from Ontario. I have been taking Concerta for about 1 month. I like it as it lasts all day. I do have a drug plan so I'm not sure how much it costs. Prob more than Ritalin as it is alot newer. I get a dry mouth from it and a different taste in my mouth but I feel it is worth it. I do have to take Imovane to get to sleep though. I'm almost 48 and newly diagnosed also. My 2 older kids used to take Concerta. They both refused to take it a few years ago (20&18 yrs old)but they both said that they want to go back on Concerta. My youngest takes Adderall because she can't swallow pills yet. Her pediatricians 1st choice is Concerta.

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Permalink Reply by Sarah Irvine on November 29, 2009 at 10:27pm

yes i have three and two of them go to school... and the other one naps so that is why it is so frustrating not being able to get stuff done!!
sarah

Jan S said:

I'll ahve to try the Ipod thing. I have a busy household with 4 kids-we all are easilly distracted.

Sarah Irvine said:

yes i do feel very stuck at times!!! like i want to do something but can't?!!! i don't get it i thought the meds were supposed to help with this! i have to listen to my i pod and mute the tv or i get very distracted.. when the meds work i can actually get stuff done but when they don't look out!!! ADD symptoms in full swing..
sarah

Jan S said:

Concerta has made a big difference for me. I have lost wait too-a good thing for me-haven't seen a size 9 pants in years-LOL. I don't have the extreme cravings anymore (sweet to salty) and I'm sure my weight will level off when I'm where I should be at. I keep sugarless gum on hand and drink lots of water which helps with the taste and dry mouth. I like just having to take 1 dose in the am as if I had to take more-I would probably forget! I am also taking Wellbutrin for ADD. I'm thinking that the dosage for Concerta (just taking 18 mg) will be bumped up at my next appt-on Friday. I still feel "stuck" and unmotivated to do the everyday tasks at home. Do you have an issue with being "stuck"?

Sarah Irvine said:

thank you so much for your reply! when i priced it out for 37mg for 30 days was 104 dollars!!! but if it last longer and works better i am willing to try!! Do you do anything about the bad taste in your mouth ??? i have tried everything!! it has helped me loose weight i must say!! not that i am promoteing this in anymeans!!! just more irritating to eat!!!

thanks for your relply again and i look forward to learning more!!!

sarah

Jan S said:

I'm also from Ontario. I have been taking Concerta for about 1 month. I like it as it lasts all day. I do have a drug plan so I'm not sure how much it costs. Prob more than Ritalin as it is alot newer. I get a dry mouth from it and a different taste in my mouth but I feel it is worth it. I do have to take Imovane to get to sleep though. I'm almost 48 and newly diagnosed also. My 2 older kids used to take Concerta. They both refused to take it a few years ago (20&18 yrs old)but they both said that they want to go back on Concerta. My youngest takes Adderall because she can't swallow pills yet. Her pediatricians 1st choice is Concerta.

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Permalink Reply by youseetherealme on December 5, 2009 at 9:00am

Just an update on the bad taste in my mouth. I asked the Dr. about it yesterday and he said it wasn't from the Concerta. He said it was from the Imovane that I take to help me sleep as I can't fall asleep while taking stimulants. I still have dry mouth though. He said that it might be from the combintation of meds. I drink more water now and have sugarless gum on hand as we are more prone to tooth decay because of this. BTW-I am a Dental Assistant.
My Dr. also upped the dosage to 36mg starting today.


Sarah Irvine said:

yes i have three and two of them go to school... and the other one naps so that is why it is so frustrating not being able to get stuff done!!
sarah

Jan S said:

I'll ahve to try the Ipod thing. I have a busy household with 4 kids-we all are easilly distracted.

Sarah Irvine said:

yes i do feel very stuck at times!!! like i want to do something but can't?!!! i don't get it i thought the meds were supposed to help with this! i have to listen to my i pod and mute the tv or i get very distracted.. when the meds work i can actually get stuff done but when they don't look out!!! ADD symptoms in full swing..
sarah

Jan S said:

Concerta has made a big difference for me. I have lost wait too-a good thing for me-haven't seen a size 9 pants in years-LOL. I don't have the extreme cravings anymore (sweet to salty) and I'm sure my weight will level off when I'm where I should be at. I keep sugarless gum on hand and drink lots of water which helps with the taste and dry mouth. I like just having to take 1 dose in the am as if I had to take more-I would probably forget! I am also taking Wellbutrin for ADD. I'm thinking that the dosage for Concerta (just taking 18 mg) will be bumped up at my next appt-on Friday. I still feel "stuck" and unmotivated to do the everyday tasks at home. Do you have an issue with being "stuck"?

Sarah Irvine said:

thank you so much for your reply! when i priced it out for 37mg for 30 days was 104 dollars!!! but if it last longer and works better i am willing to try!! Do you do anything about the bad taste in your mouth ??? i have tried everything!! it has helped me loose weight i must say!! not that i am promoteing this in anymeans!!! just more irritating to eat!!!

thanks for your relply again and i look forward to learning more!!!

sarah

Jan S said:

I'm also from Ontario. I have been taking Concerta for about 1 month. I like it as it lasts all day. I do have a drug plan so I'm not sure how much it costs. Prob more than Ritalin as it is alot newer. I get a dry mouth from it and a different taste in my mouth but I feel it is worth it. I do have to take Imovane to get to sleep though. I'm almost 48 and newly diagnosed also. My 2 older kids used to take Concerta. They both refused to take it a few years ago (20&18 yrs old)but they both said that they want to go back on Concerta. My youngest takes Adderall because she can't swallow pills yet. Her pediatricians 1st choice is Concerta.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Jen on December 5, 2009 at 11:16am

Hey Sarah & Jan,
I'm rushing, but I was skimming through both of your posts and had a thought on the medication issues. The only stimulant that I've taken is Adderall, and I started taking it about 5 yrs ago when I was a full-time student. I noticed a SUBSTANTIAL difference in my ability to process information. I could read w/out getting distracted, and I went from B's & C's to straight A's.

I stopped the meds for about 3 years because I had 2 babies back to back. I'm currently trying to get back on a good medication regimen. Anyway, I have not taken Adderall regularly recently, but I tried it for about 3 days (OK - my hubby is also ADD & when I was at my wits end one day, I borrowed 3 of his Adderalls till I could get to the dr & get my Rx filled),
and I really DID NOT feel like it helped me at all (same dosage I was taking before).

Now I'm wondering if it has anything to do with the kind of work that I'm doing now as opposed to being a student before. I'm a full-time stay-home mom at the moment, and I have a 2 year old and an 8 month old. I can't get ANYTHING accomplished at my house. I almost think I function better when I'm not on a stimulant because my day to day requires SO much multi-tasking, and I seem to get too focused on one thing & have a hard time switching gears on Adderall.

It sounds like both of you ( and granted, I briefly skimmed over this discussion - so forgive me if I'm COMPLETELY off) struggle with being distracted with tasks at home & with completing things because of household distractions. Do either of you notice a difference more so in other situations? Like, Jan, I think you said you were a dental hygenist - are you able to concentrate better at work taking stimulants? Just thought I'd ask for some input.

When I went back to the dr last, she wanted me to try Strattera for a while by itself before adding a stimulant. At first I didn't think it was helping much, but now that I've been taking it for a little over a month, I think it is helping me a lot. My mood seems more stable, and i'm able to complete household tasks a little better. NOW, what I think I'm starting to realize is that I really need a stimulant for school-like tasks (sitting still, reading, writing papers, auditory processing, etc.) but maybe Strattera (or another non-stimulant) works better for juggling the demands of kids and family stuff.

Any thoughts?
Thanks!

Jen

Sarah Irvine said:

yes i do feel very stuck at times!!! like i want to do something but can't?!!! i don't get it i thought the meds were supposed to help with this! i have to listen to my i pod and mute the tv or i get very distracted.. when the meds work i can actually get stuff done but when they don't look out!!! ADD symptoms in full swing..
sarah

Jan S said:

Concerta has made a big difference for me. I have lost wait too-a good thing for me-haven't seen a size 9 pants in years-LOL. I don't have the extreme cravings anymore (sweet to salty) and I'm sure my weight will level off when I'm where I should be at. I keep sugarless gum on hand and drink lots of water which helps with the taste and dry mouth. I like just having to take 1 dose in the am as if I had to take more-I would probably forget! I am also taking Wellbutrin for ADD. I'm thinking that the dosage for Concerta (just taking 18 mg) will be bumped up at my next appt-on Friday. I still feel "stuck" and unmotivated to do the everyday tasks at home. Do you have an issue with being "stuck"?

Sarah Irvine said:

thank you so much for your reply! when i priced it out for 37mg for 30 days was 104 dollars!!! but if it last longer and works better i am willing to try!! Do you do anything about the bad taste in your mouth ??? i have tried everything!! it has helped me loose weight i must say!! not that i am promoteing this in anymeans!!! just more irritating to eat!!!

thanks for your relply again and i look forward to learning more!!!

sarah

Jan S said:

I'm also from Ontario. I have been taking Concerta for about 1 month. I like it as it lasts all day. I do have a drug plan so I'm not sure how much it costs. Prob more than Ritalin as it is alot newer. I get a dry mouth from it and a different taste in my mouth but I feel it is worth it. I do have to take Imovane to get to sleep though. I'm almost 48 and newly diagnosed also. My 2 older kids used to take Concerta. They both refused to take it a few years ago (20&18 yrs old)but they both said that they want to go back on Concerta. My youngest takes Adderall because she can't swallow pills yet. Her pediatricians 1st choice is Concerta.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by youseetherealme on December 9, 2009 at 11:18pm

Jen: This diagnosis and meds are pretty new to me but I have found that I function in home/work situations differently. As a Dental Assistant my workday is fast paced and I have to think and do so many things at a time that I do well at it. It's never boring. At home when I am not parenting, I am bored and procrastinate with getting things done and then I get overwhelmed and ck email, this site, Facebook then I lose track of time. I find that if I make a schedule for every 15 minutes of the day planned out I function better. But when life happens and something disrupts my schedule (I have 4 kids) it throws me off. I also have a problem switching gears. By the way 3 of 4 have ADHD. So I have lots to learn! I have quite a bit more energy this week since my dosage was increased. If I have to go to the Mall I think of how big it is , think about finding parking, finding the store I need, turning the right direction out of the store, and then have to go find where I parked my van. It overwhelms me-but his week I was able to jsut do it without thinking too much first. 2 times even in 1 week! I'think I'm adjusting better with the increase.
Jan S

Jen said:

Hey Sara& Jan,
I'm rushing, but I was skimming through both of your posts and had a thought on the medication issues. The only stimulant that I've taken is Adderall, and I started taking it about 5 yrs ago when I was a full-time student. I noticed a SUBSTANTIAL difference in my ability to process information. I could read w/out getting distracted, and I went from B's & C's to straight A's.

I stopped the meds for about 3 years because I had 2 babies back to back. I'm currently trying to get back on a good medication regimen. Anyway, I have not taken Adderall regularly recently, but I tried it for about 3 days (OK - my hubby is also ADD & when I was at my wits end one day, I borrowed 3 of his Adderalls till I could get to the dr & get my Rx filled),
and I really DID NOT feel like it helped me at all (same dosage I was taking before).

Now I'm wondering if it has anything to do with the kind of work that I'm doing now as opposed to being a student before. I'm a full-time stay-home mom at the moment, and I have a 2 year old and an 8 month old. I can't get ANYTHING accomplished at my house. I almost think I function better when I'm not on a stimulant because my day to day requires SO much multi-tasking, and I seem to get too focused on one thing & have a hard time switching gears on Adderall.

It sounds like both of you ( and granted, I briefly skimmed over this discussion - so forgive me if I'm COMPLETELY off) struggle with being distracted with tasks at home & with completing things because of household distractions. Do either of you notice a difference more so in other situations? Like, Jan, I think you said you were a dental hygenist - are you able to concentrate better at work taking stimulants? Just thought I'd ask for some input.

When I went back to the dr last, she wanted me to try Strattera for a while by itself before adding a stimulant. At first I didn't think it was helping much, but now that I've been taking it for a little over a month, I think it is helping me a lot. My mood seems more stable, and i'm able to complete household tasks a little better. NOW, what I think I'm starting to realize is that I really need a stimulant for school-like tasks (sitting still, reading, writing papers, auditory processing, etc.) but maybe Strattera (or another non-stimulant) works better for juggling the demands of kids and family stuff.

Any thoughts?
Thanks!

Jen

Sarah Irvine said:

yes i do feel very stuck at times!!! like i want to do something but can't?!!! i don't get it i thought the meds were supposed to help with this! i have to listen to my i pod and mute the tv or i get very distracted.. when the meds work i can actually get stuff done but when they don't look out!!! ADD symptoms in full swing..
sarah

Jan S said:

Concerta has made a big difference for me. I have lost wait too-a good thing for me-haven't seen a size 9 pants in years-LOL. I don't have the extreme cravings anymore (sweet to salty) and I'm sure my weight will level off when I'm where I should be at. I keep sugarless gum on hand and drink lots of water which helps with the taste and dry mouth. I like just having to take 1 dose in the am as if I had to take more-I would probably forget! I am also taking Wellbutrin for ADD. I'm thinking that the dosage for Concerta (just taking 18 mg) will be bumped up at my next appt-on Friday. I still feel "stuck" and unmotivated to do the everyday tasks at home. Do you have an issue with being "stuck"?

Sarah Irvine said:

thank you so much for your reply! when i priced it out for 37mg for 30 days was 104 dollars!!! but if it last longer and works better i am willing to try!! Do you do anything about the bad taste in your mouth ??? i have tried everything!! it has helped me loose weight i must say!! not that i am promoteing this in anymeans!!! just more irritating to eat!!!

thanks for your relply again and i look forward to learning more!!!

sarah

Jan S said:

I'm also from Ontario. I have been taking Concerta for about 1 month. I like it as it lasts all day. I do have a drug plan so I'm not sure how much it costs. Prob more than Ritalin as it is alot newer. I get a dry mouth from it and a different taste in my mouth but I feel it is worth it. I do have to take Imovane to get to sleep though. I'm almost 48 and newly diagnosed also. My 2 older kids used to take Concerta. They both refused to take it a few years ago (20&18 yrs old)but they both said that they want to go back on Concerta. My youngest takes Adderall because she can't swallow pills yet. Her pediatricians 1st choice is Concerta.

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Permalink Reply by Jen on December 12, 2009 at 6:26pm

That's interesting, Jan. I know what you mean about functioning well in a fast paced environment. I'm the same way. I used to be a flight attendant, and I also worked as a sales rep for a construction materials company. Both of those jobs (especially the flight attendant job) were fast paced and I rarely got bored. Plus, they were both structured just enough for me. That's a good idea about scheduling in 15 minute increments. I'll have to try that. I have found that setting my cell phone for 15 minutes or so works well for me if I'm trying to get a certain task done. Otherwise, I get completely distracted and never complete anything.

Thanks for the input. Good luck w/ your recent diagnosis. It sounds like you have already learned quite a bit from dealing w/ ADHD with your kids. Since I wrote the last post, I'm starting to think that I really need to get back on a stimulant. The strattera doesn't seem to filter out all the stimuli when I go to the store. I know exactly what you mean about the mall and the parking lot. Now for me it seems worse than ever because I'm usually dragging a toddler and a baby with me. I have to focus on making sure my toddler doesn't dash into the parking lot, remember that I have a baby in the stroller, and pick out whatever I'm at the mall for. Everytime I return home from one of these joyous shopping trips, I vow to NEVER do it again.

Thanks again for responding,
Jen

Jan S said:

Jen: This diagnosis and meds are pretty new to me but I have found that I function in home/work situations differently. As a Dental Assistant my workday is fast paced and I have to think and do so many things at a time that I do well at it. It's never boring. At home when I am not parenting, I am bored and procrastinate with getting things done and then I get overwhelmed and ck email, this site, Facebook then I lose track of time. I find that if I make a schedule for every 15 minutes of the day planned out I function better. But when life happens and something disrupts my schedule (I have 4 kids) it throws me off. I also have a problem switching gears. By the way 3 of 4 have ADHD. So I have lots to learn! I have quite a bit more energy this week since my dosage was increased. If I have to go to the Mall I think of how big it is , think about finding parking, finding the store I need, turning the right direction out of the store, and then have to go find where I parked my van. It overwhelms me-but his week I was able to jsut do it without thinking too much first. 2 times even in 1 week! I'think I'm adjusting better with the increase.
Jan S

Jen said:

Hey Sara& Jan,
I'm rushing, but I was skimming through both of your posts and had a thought on the medication issues. The only stimulant that I've taken is Adderall, and I started taking it about 5 yrs ago when I was a full-time student. I noticed a SUBSTANTIAL difference in my ability to process information. I could read w/out getting distracted, and I went from B's & C's to straight A's.

I stopped the meds for about 3 years because I had 2 babies back to back. I'm currently trying to get back on a good medication regimen. Anyway, I have not taken Adderall regularly recently, but I tried it for about 3 days (OK - my hubby is also ADD & when I was at my wits end one day, I borrowed 3 of his Adderalls till I could get to the dr & get my Rx filled),
and I really DID NOT feel like it helped me at all (same dosage I was taking before).

Now I'm wondering if it has anything to do with the kind of work that I'm doing now as opposed to being a student before. I'm a full-time stay-home mom at the moment, and I have a 2 year old and an 8 month old. I can't get ANYTHING accomplished at my house. I almost think I function better when I'm not on a stimulant because my day to day requires SO much multi-tasking, and I seem to get too focused on one thing & have a hard time switching gears on Adderall.

It sounds like both of you ( and granted, I briefly skimmed over this discussion - so forgive me if I'm COMPLETELY off) struggle with being distracted with tasks at home & with completing things because of household distractions. Do either of you notice a difference more so in other situations? Like, Jan, I think you said you were a dental hygenist - are you able to concentrate better at work taking stimulants? Just thought I'd ask for some input.

When I went back to the dr last, she wanted me to try Strattera for a while by itself before adding a stimulant. At first I didn't think it was helping much, but now that I've been taking it for a little over a month, I think it is helping me a lot. My mood seems more stable, and i'm able to complete household tasks a little better. NOW, what I think I'm starting to realize is that I really need a stimulant for school-like tasks (sitting still, reading, writing papers, auditory processing, etc.) but maybe Strattera (or another non-stimulant) works better for juggling the demands of kids and family stuff.

Any thoughts?
Thanks!

Jen

Sarah Irvine said:

yes i do feel very stuck at times!!! like i want to do something but can't?!!! i don't get it i thought the meds were supposed to help with this! i have to listen to my i pod and mute the tv or i get very distracted.. when the meds work i can actually get stuff done but when they don't look out!!! ADD symptoms in full swing..
sarah

Jan S said:

Concerta has made a big difference for me. I have lost wait too-a good thing for me-haven't seen a size 9 pants in years-LOL. I don't have the extreme cravings anymore (sweet to salty) and I'm sure my weight will level off when I'm where I should be at. I keep sugarless gum on hand and drink lots of water which helps with the taste and dry mouth. I like just having to take 1 dose in the am as if I had to take more-I would probably forget! I am also taking Wellbutrin for ADD. I'm thinking that the dosage for Concerta (just taking 18 mg) will be bumped up at my next appt-on Friday. I still feel "stuck" and unmotivated to do the everyday tasks at home. Do you have an issue with being "stuck"?

Sarah Irvine said:

thank you so much for your reply! when i priced it out for 37mg for 30 days was 104 dollars!!! but if it last longer and works better i am willing to try!! Do you do anything about the bad taste in your mouth ??? i have tried everything!! it has helped me loose weight i must say!! not that i am promoteing this in anymeans!!! just more irritating to eat!!!

thanks for your relply again and i look forward to learning more!!!

sarah

Jan S said:

I'm also from Ontario. I have been taking Concerta for about 1 month. I like it as it lasts all day. I do have a drug plan so I'm not sure how much it costs. Prob more than Ritalin as it is alot newer. I get a dry mouth from it and a different taste in my mouth but I feel it is worth it. I do have to take Imovane to get to sleep though. I'm almost 48 and newly diagnosed also. My 2 older kids used to take Concerta. They both refused to take it a few years ago (20&18 yrs old)but they both said that they want to go back on Concerta. My youngest takes Adderall because she can't swallow pills yet. Her pediatricians 1st choice is Concerta.

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Permalink Reply by Bonnie Irving on December 12, 2009 at 7:22pm

Anyway, I have not taken Adderall regularly recently, but I tried it for about 3 days (OK - my hubby is also ADD & when I was at my wits end one day, I borrowed 3 of his Adderalls till I could get to the dr & get my Rx filled),
and I really DID NOT feel like it helped me at all (same dosage I was taking before)



I Take 30 mg Of Adderall XR in the Morning. I also Take 30 Mg Of Prozac For PMDD. I ran Short My last payday and didnt have enough money to get my prescription filled ( 40 doller co-pay and thank God for that!!) Anyway, I have been taking it for over a year, and I thought well, I am still taking the prozac, and i havent taken a Drug Holiday since i started taking it, so, i went without. BIG MISTAKE!! at first i was SO EXAUSTED!!! I couldnt hardly get out of bed! I couldnt focus.. couldnt do anything!!! So, i was thinking.. MAN, i dont know if i want to continue taking something that makes me feel lke this when i dont take it. but, by the time the next thrusday came around, I was at my wits-end!!! ( my non-add hubs was too!!) i said... i cant deal with this!! and i got my Prescription fillled. I felt like i was living my life under water. looking up thru the water.I had gotten Used to the Much higher Level of Functioning that taking it gave me. I spent the First 40 years of my Life living that way not knowing that there was so MUCH MORE, and when i went back to how I used to live without it, it drove me INSANE!!

I Love life MUCH Better with my adderall, than without it!

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