Posted by alohashirt on September 26, 2005, at 23:15:50
In reply to Re: ADHD Meds, Stress, Feeling Bad, posted by Paulbwell on September 23, 2005, at 4:38:52
> > > > I prefer Focalin XR. Concerta worked well but was a little "tunnel-like" at times. The Focalin seems sharper/better (subjectively)
> > >
> > > How about wearing off. Does Focalin XR wear off pretty smooth like Concerta? Does it last long enough for once a day dosing?
> > >
> >
> > wears off sooner (say 7 hrs cf 9 hrs for Concerta ) and has a noticeable drop at lunchtime
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>
> I have the opportunity of a Month free trial on Concerta, (After which i would have to pay for) (by the drug company) after having been scripted 70-80mgs Methylphenidate daily for one and one half years, i am somewhat comfortable with tailouring the IR effects IR Methylphenidate. I would like SR sometimes and not have to concern myself with the constant dosage reminders of the IR-which althought has its benefits, ISN'T A MED YOU CAN TAKE IN THE MORNING AND FORGET ABOUT IT, the way Dexedrine Spansules seem to be, or the mighty Desoxyn Gradumet 5, 10,15mg were, or Biphetamine where: with their 12 hour action. The REAL Amphetamines sem to be superior from what i have read anyways-Monoamine output+reuptake, as opposed to straight Reuptake like Methyphenidate, The REAL Amphetamines seem to help and benefit far more people.
>
> I have an opportunity to trial Dextroamphetamine 5mg IR if i present right, so maybe that would be smoother and less 'Caffeinated' feeling?
>
> Cheers all
>Don't be distracted by the "if only we all had Desoxyn our ADHD symptoms would go" refrain. There isn't any research that substantiates that - which is significant in an area that is as heavily researched as ADHD.
Stimulants are certainly the most effective of the ADHD meds *but* people do react differently from each other. I have a good friend who is similar age, personality and works in the same industry as me. He uses stimulant A on the days he feels like it. I didn't care for A and prefer any of C,D, or F and need to take it each day. I know of people taking twice as much and 1/3 what I take (same doctor.)
Dexedrine made me feel more positive about my procrastination which isn't the same thing as efficacy. But yes it was smoother. Concerta is also much smoother. Good luck!
Try Concerta and see how it works. It worked well for then I found Concerta+dexedrine was better. Now Focalin XR is better - but I have adifferent timetable today. My advice is to get a smart doctor who is happy to experiment and keep a "symptom/med diary". Also recommend experimenting with magnesium, fish oil, Strattera, getting enough sleep, exercise, juggling, ... One of the more helpful and completely weird treatments for me is to hit "Focus Pads" that a boxing trainer holds out. There is something about the hand eye across my body that is very hard for me yet helpful.
poster:alohashirt
thread:555550
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050921/msgs/560066.html