Shown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by cali on January 29, 2003, at 1:10:44
(If you don't wish to read my intro please skip to the part about Wellbutrin)
I am 29 years old (male) and have done fairly well for myself. When I was growing up I was always the kid who "was very bright but never worked up to my potential". I went to good schools as a kid and graduated from a respectable liberal arts college. I did all this, however, always by taking shorts cuts. I cared about my accomplishments out of pride, but I rarely concerned myself with putting in too much work, and in retrospect I realize that I couldn't. I go crazy if I have to spend to much time on any one task (unless its sports, as I have always loved athletics). As an adult I have been very successful in sales and sales training (except for when it involved too much time in the office) because the sales lifestyle gives me the freedom that I apparently need.
I was never diagnosed with ADD, but I have always had a hard time with concentration and sometimes have to struggle to fully grasp what someone else is saying (and at other times am fine). Therefore, I decided to go the doctor and see if there are any ADD meds that could enhance my concentration without jeopardizing the outgoing personality that others associate with me.
I tried Imipramine for a few weeks but did not like the side effects (dry mouth). I am now in my third week of trying Wellbutrin and so far am not seeing any drastic effects but I am also not suffering from any major side effects. I do think I may be noticing a slight increase in my ability to be attentive.
Has anyone else had any success with Wellbutrin for ADD? Doc, what are your thoughts if you have time? Does it pose any problems with long term health? I would love to benefit from the help of a medication, but I do not wish to sacrifice any long term health since I have already proven to myself that I can succeed with out meds.
Thanks in advance for any comments.
: )
Posted by ricardo on January 29, 2003, at 11:24:45
In reply to Adult ADD Wellbutrin questions, posted by cali on January 29, 2003, at 1:10:44
Hi!
Well, I've never been diagnosed as having ADD, but I do think I do have it! I, like you, have always been like a little bit below my potential and this kind of thing. Always the second best, or the third best, in my class - never the very best! Now, at the age of 38, I, who love literature, seem to be unable to spend 30 minutes reading a book or anything else. Seeing movies sometimes can be a torture to me. Recently, I participated in a one-year specialization program in my professional area (Teaching English as a Foreign Language). I did pass and get my certificate, but I did not get the honor, or merit, as I had wanted to when I started the course, and which I'm sure I'd be entitled to had I been able to dedicate more to reading and writing my papers. Well, if you read some of the other posts that I've put here, you'll see that I'm struggling with depression, so I really don't know whether it's ADD or depression that is keeping me from concentrating on things that would be important for me. Also, if you read my previous posts, you'll see that I've been on Wellbutrin for 2 months and I'm still the same! However, the focus of my treatment has always been my depression (since that's what really hurts!). But I could have had some ADD-related gains from Wellbutrin, which I haven't so far! Anyway, that's my experience, which I thought I could share with you.
Best wishes,
Ricardo
Posted by Bill L on January 29, 2003, at 12:37:05
In reply to Adult ADD Wellbutrin questions, posted by cali on January 29, 2003, at 1:10:44
Do you have anxiety or depression? If not, I didn't know that docs prescribed antidepressants such as imipramine or Wellbutrin if attention deficit was the only symptom. Do you think that a trial of a stimulant such as Ritalin might help?
Anyway, give the Wellbutrin more time to work. It often can take 6 to 12 weeks for a full effect. After that, if you need more help, you could ask your doc about raising the dose of Wellbutrin or trying a drug such as Ritalin.
Posted by cali on January 29, 2003, at 12:57:40
In reply to Re: Adult ADD Wellbutrin questions, posted by Bill L on January 29, 2003, at 12:37:05
No, I have never had any problems with depression or anxiety. I tried ritalin a couple of years ago (the 1st time I seeked some help) and while I think I liked it to some extent, I could not stand the burnt out feeling that it gave me as it wore off. If there is a newer form nowadays that prevents this I am not aware of it.Also, can someone please provide the direct link to the main message board page for me? Everytime I click on Psycho-Babble it tells me there are server problems, but obviously there aren't if others are posting.
Posted by seahorse on January 30, 2003, at 3:25:41
In reply to Adult ADD Wellbutrin questions, posted by cali on January 29, 2003, at 1:10:44
I was diagnosed with adhd as an adult--and I mean diagnosed, because I did not believe that someone who had undergrad and grad degrees from top schools could possibly be adhd--(even though I knew I had almost all the symptoms--underachiever who pulled it out at the last minute, motor mouth and absolutely totally disorganized) so I ran to two psychiatrists and one phd psychologist who all made the same call. I hope it is a p-doc you saw and not a gp--you should be diagnosed and treated by someone who really knows what it is and knows the meds. Since I have anxiety and depression, I already was taking zoloft and welbruitrin, and added adderall when I was diagnosed. Welbruitrin is supposed to be good for adhd as an adjunct (I think--I am no md) to a stimulent. I am surprised doc did not try adderal and went to anti depressents first, but then I am repeat , I am not a doc). As for ritalin, I had no luck with it--made me very hyper, but tried the long acting form (concerta) and did not get the jumpiness. I just did not see it as much different than the long acting adderall I take. An add male friend of mine, however, who is successful but has problems concentrating and paying attention, takes concerta and wellbruitrin and finds the combo helpful. You should look into some therapy or adhd coaching also --it can help in dealing with the "disorder"--ways to identify your specific problem areas (since the "disorder" affects us all differently) and then how to compensate and adapt to them. Then you may not need meds, since you are concerned with long term . (I, however, will be chemically enhanced forever :)! There are also super books out--sari solden's latest-- "Journeys through ADDulthood" is very good. I should mention i am about 15 years older than you--and was very successful, but hit the wall a couple of years ago because I even though I was on the meds and knew I had the add, I did not really deal with it--kept thinking I could "fix" it and it would go away. So even though you may think all is well and a few pills will make it perfect, a little counseling now in addition to the meds can really make the future easier. (boy, do I sound like an old lady!)
This is the end of the thread.
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