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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 5 to 29 of 29. Go back in thread:
Posted by ed_uk on January 24, 2005, at 7:08:23
In reply to Re: Concerta vs Adderall XR, posted by alohashirt on January 23, 2005, at 23:40:36
Hi,
Thank you for your summary :-)
>Are you adult ADHD?
Probably. Adult ADD doesn't 'exist' in England. Here we're just called lazy and disorganized.
>Concerta helps me remain focused, sometimes too focused on the wrong thing....
Is this also a problem with Adderall?
In what way do you think your work is better on Adderall?
Do you find that Concerta causes anxiety?
Do you find Dexedrine as effective as Adderall?
> my work is better but I am concerned that this may in part be a misperception ( "the drugs talking" )
Why? Do you find Adderall mood-elevating?
>What are you currently prescribed?
I'm not taking anything at the moment. I'd like to try a stimulant but I doubt that will be possible. Here, stimulants are only considered to be suitable for children unless you have narcolepsy.
Best Regards,
Ed.
Posted by alohashirt on January 24, 2005, at 9:40:03
In reply to Re: Concerta vs Adderall XR » alohashirt, posted by ed_uk on January 24, 2005, at 7:08:23
> Hi,
>
> Thank you for your summary :-)
>
> >Are you adult ADHD?
>
> Probably. Adult ADD doesn't 'exist' in England. Here we're just called lazy and disorganized.
>
Where are you in England?> >Concerta helps me remain focused, sometimes too focused on the wrong thing....
>
> Is this also a problem with Adderall?No it's different. With Concerta (and all the methylphenidate drugs) I get tunnel vision and am much less distractible.
> In what way do you think your work is better on Adderall?
Some tasks that I was stuck on suddenly clicked.
I seem to go down fewer blind alleys. The work
looks better from a distance.
> Do you find that Concerta causes anxiety?
I don't think so.> Do you find Dexedrine as effective as Adderall?
Hard to know because my dose proportions have changed (for an unrelated reason.) My gut tells me that it's better.> > my work is better but I am concerned that this may in part be a misperception ( "the drugs talking" )
>
> Why? Do you find Adderall mood-elevating?
Sometimes, to a limited extent. Ultimately it's the results that matter - I'm not taking this because I want to change the way I feel.> >What are you currently prescribed?
>
> I'm not taking anything at the moment. I'd like to try a stimulant but I doubt that will be possible. Here, stimulants are only considered to be suitable for children unless you have narcolepsy.I had read a discussion of some clinics that were exceptions to this rule. I think it may have been on the amenclinic ADHD forum. If the mainstream UK is ten years behind there's no reason you have to wait ten years! It may be worth emailing some of the big names in US ADHD and asking for recommendations?
There are also places where US lags the UK. I've read about studies with Provigil & ADHD and I know that in France there is a Provigil precursor which is available that may have same effect.
Good luck.> Best Regards,
> Ed.
Posted by ed_uk on January 24, 2005, at 10:01:51
In reply to Re: Concerta vs Adderall XR, posted by alohashirt on January 24, 2005, at 9:40:03
Hi,
>Where are you in England?
West Yorkshire.
>With Concerta (and all the methylphenidate drugs) I get tunnel vision and am much less distractible.
So.. you don't 'hyperfocus' when you're on Adderall?
What sort of thing does MPH make you hyperfocus on? .... ie. do you simply end up doing more of the things that you find interesting and less of the things that you ought to be doing?
>I had read a discussion of some clinics that were exceptions to this rule.
Yes, there are a very small number of private psychiatrists in the UK that recognise adult ADD. They are expensive though, not sure I can afford! I doubt that there are any National Health Service pdocs who treat adult ADD.
>It may be worth emailing some of the big names in US ADHD and asking for recommendations?
Who do you think I should email?
Thank you,
Ed.
Posted by alohashirt on January 24, 2005, at 18:58:43
In reply to Re: Concerta vs Adderall XR » alohashirt, posted by ed_uk on January 24, 2005, at 10:01:51
> Hi,
>
> >Where are you in England?
>
> West Yorkshire.I have bleak memories of Bradford.
>
> >With Concerta (and all the methylphenidate drugs) I get tunnel vision and am much less distractible.
>
> So.. you don't 'hyperfocus' when you're on Adderall?
No more than unmedicated.> What sort of thing does MPH make you hyperfocus on? .... ie. do you simply end up doing more of the things that you find interesting and less of the things that you ought to be doing?
either - depends on my willpower / level of panic
> >I had read a discussion of some clinics that were exceptions to this rule.
>
> Yes, there are a very small number of private psychiatrists in the UK that recognise adult ADD. They are expensive though, not sure I can afford! I doubt that there are any National Health Service pdocs who treat adult ADD.Do the private ones do NHS work to keep up hospital affiliations and the like.
>
> >It may be worth emailing some of the big names in US ADHD and asking for recommendations?
>
> Who do you think I should email?Jeepers. I really like the "update on medications" paper on John Ratey's page ( "www.johnratey.com" ) I also like some of Ned Hallowell's articles
""http://www.drhallowell.com/resources/index.html""The forums on www.amenclinic.com have a lot of good info, especially on medication, but I haven't read any of his books.
Fight for the right to get great treatment!
Good luck
> Thank you,
> Ed.
Posted by ed_uk on January 25, 2005, at 9:48:37
In reply to Re: Concerta vs Adderall XR, posted by alohashirt on January 24, 2005, at 18:58:43
Hi,
>I have bleak memories of Bradford.
My dad works in Bradford, it's not a nice city. I was born in Halifax. I've lived in Huddersfield most of my life. At the moment I'm in Manchester. Are you from Bradford?
>Do the private ones do NHS work to keep up hospital affiliations and the like.
Possibly, I will have to do some research.
Thank you for your help,
Ed.
Posted by alohashirt on January 25, 2005, at 12:02:21
In reply to Re: Concerta vs Adderall XR » alohashirt, posted by ed_uk on January 25, 2005, at 9:48:37
I'm one of a surprising number of people who moved from Lancashire to Greenwich Village.
A long time ago. I stll have family there ( and in Halifax. ) but prefer the vibe here.
Posted by Dr. Bob on January 25, 2005, at 13:23:12
In reply to Geography (was: Concerta vs Adderall XR » ed_uk, posted by alohashirt on January 25, 2005, at 12:02:21
> I'm one of a surprising number of people who moved from Lancashire to Greenwich Village...
Sorry to interrupt, but I'd like to redirect follow-ups regarding Geography to Psycho-Babble Social. Here's a link:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20050123/msgs/447464.html
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by CareBear04 on January 27, 2005, at 15:12:05
In reply to Re: Concerta vs Adderall XR, posted by alohashirt on January 23, 2005, at 23:40:36
does anyone know whether tolerance of adderall xr would make concerta not as effective either? i take 30mg of adderall xr in the morning and then 10-20 immediate release in the afternoon. it worked wonderfully in the beginning, but after six months, it's starting to poop out on me. i was on concerta briefly, then went back to adderall. if i went back to concerta now, do you think it would be more effective than adderall, or would i have tolerance of that as well?
thank you!
Posted by broly on January 22, 2006, at 14:17:13
In reply to Re: Concerta vs Adderall XR » alohashirt, posted by ed_uk on January 24, 2005, at 10:01:51
Dear guys,
I am 18 years old. Turned 18 this past october.
At the time I write this message to you, it has been my 3rd day on Concerta.
I was a late diagnose. A pediatrician got really mad at my mom not getting it done earlier with report cards consisently saying "Cannot focus, too much talking, hyper". It has now been 12 years later and I'm finally on a drug that lets me reach up to my ability I am capable of.
The problem is I don't get tunnel vision with concerta. I can focus better, but I still feel I'm not focusing hard enough. Granted this is my first 30 day trial, I will tell you that Concerta 36MG is great, but I'm 18, 6'1 1/4 and 210 pounds. I do not find this to be enough.
What should I look for when Im on this drug? My friend told me dexadrine is like a narcotic for him. I can say safely that I do get energy from Concerta, and I do feel more alert, but I do not feel tunnel vision and I still can get distracted AT TIMES.
36 Mg for someone my size? Should I push for 72 or 54mg? Or should I push for Adderall?
It's a great drug, I hear everything my prof says and I always get notes like no tomorrow, I just feel that if I'm not getting tunnel vision, then it musn't be high enough.
Appetite suppression isn't that bad, usually i eat a sandwich, a doughnut, bagel and some tea and I'm fine.Do you guys recommend Adderal XR? What should i tell my Doctor? Won't he get mad if I ask for a higher dosage?
So how does tunnel vision work? Do my sides blur out or what?
P.S> I still tune out occasionally ( stare/daydream)
Please advise!
Posted by sorta on January 23, 2006, at 14:15:21
In reply to Re: Concerta vs Adderall XR, posted by broly on January 22, 2006, at 14:17:13
I am in the same situations
im 26 and i am 6 2 and 200 lbs and its my 5th dayI was on stratera before and im taking wellbutrin xl 300 mgs for depression...
what i found with wellbutrin is that it was making it "OK" to be a loafer. so i asked for the something that would help me focus.
Mind u i barely fell into depression about 2 years ago. I was overwhelemd by 4 family/business things that i saved but it took its toll on me and i was completely wasted. Although my family thinks i am now being lazy and not working to potential which is true.
I am on concerta 54 mg and it gives me a initial buzz of nervousness and a small concentraion. (I take it with my 300 mgs of wellbutrin whic really does nothing more than make me feel not depressed) then i am nervous and I get a slight headached and my temples hurt if i dont drink enough water.
Around 6-8 hours into it i feel much better. But before, this is also making me less social and less willing to talk on the fone.
It helps me concentrate on things for like 10 min interims hten i can daydream or REALLY FOCUS on something on tv and sort of PLAN to do something more than i use to be able to PLAN. i dont get tunnell vision and i dont find myself focusing more.
if i eat i am a lil less nervous but it doesnt really help.
i find i can waste the day away... i use to be on effexor and that sort of helped me for a while but i found it too made me feel it was fine loafing and putting htings way off.
stratera didnt work at 120 mgs
concerta 54mgs gets me slight tunnel vision for 10minutes and helps me focus on the tv more...what should i do
Posted by West on June 6, 2008, at 19:20:46
In reply to Re: Concerta vs Adderall XR » ed_uk, posted by CareBear04 on January 17, 2005, at 13:13:12
Ed you mention some psychiatrists in West Yorkshire who diagnose adult ADD. I am living in Leeds (at the art college) would you be able to elaborate?
Posted by Katebloomer on July 28, 2008, at 19:22:01
In reply to Re: Concerta vs Adderall XR » broly, posted by sorta on January 23, 2006, at 14:15:21
I have been on Adderall for about a year, and sure, it made me feel great. Yes, I did get more done. And yes, I am definitely addicted. But... maybe I'd rather be addicted and effective, than not addictive and ineffective. After over a week off, and feeling totally sluggish and lethargic and depressed, I decided that I wanted to go back on it but -- and this is important -- I WOULD BE VERY, VERY CAREFUL NOT TO HAVE TO RAISE MY DOSE. The problem with adderall is that it has this wonderful, euphoric effect, and as far as I can tell, none of the other stimulants provide. OF COURSE this effect will wear off! OF COURSE it will be tempting to raise your dosage to keep that effect. And then you won't be able to function without it. If you don't raise your dosage, you won't have to do without it, so DON'T RAISE YOUR DOSAGE! I'm not sure adderall is a great drug precisely because it can have such a great feeling, which you will want to chase. All this is leading up to my belief that it is a good idea to steer clear of adderall and try things like concerta -- which doesn't have the same rush -- first. Don't look for the rush from the drug, because hello! that's why drugs get people in trouble. THE DRUG WILL NOT SOLVE YOUR PROBLEM. I don't know what will, but you have to keep looking until you find some way to shape your life so it supports you, rather than works against you. Make sure you don't get isolated, have good music on hand, keep your refrigerator stocked with foods that will fuel you and prevent you from crashing, get educated about alternative therapies -- drugs get all the attention because they have MASSIVE corporate money behind them. Do you want to mindlessly buy what they're selling, even if it will get you addicted? I'm not saying don't use stimulant drugs, just be aware, and don't expect them to change your life. If they could do that, and we didn't have to do anything else, our world would look very different (and I, personally, would be thrilled!) Unfortunately, that's not how it works.
Posted by broly on July 28, 2008, at 19:31:15
In reply to Re: Concerta vs Adderall XR, posted by Katebloomer on July 28, 2008, at 19:22:01
> I have been on Adderall for about a year, and sure, it made me feel great. Yes, I did get more done. And yes, I am definitely addicted. But... maybe I'd rather be addicted and effective, than not addictive and ineffective. After over a week off, and feeling totally sluggish and lethargic and depressed, I decided that I wanted to go back on it but -- and this is important -- I WOULD BE VERY, VERY CAREFUL NOT TO HAVE TO RAISE MY DOSE. The problem with adderall is that it has this wonderful, euphoric effect, and as far as I can tell, none of the other stimulants provide. OF COURSE this effect will wear off! OF COURSE it will be tempting to raise your dosage to keep that effect. And then you won't be able to function without it. If you don't raise your dosage, you won't have to do without it, so DON'T RAISE YOUR DOSAGE! I'm not sure adderall is a great drug precisely because it can have such a great feeling, which you will want to chase. All this is leading up to my belief that it is a good idea to steer clear of adderall and try things like concerta -- which doesn't have the same rush -- first. Don't look for the rush from the drug, because hello! that's why drugs get people in trouble. THE DRUG WILL NOT SOLVE YOUR PROBLEM. I don't know what will, but you have to keep looking until you find some way to shape your life so it supports you, rather than works against you. Make sure you don't get isolated, have good music on hand, keep your refrigerator stocked with foods that will fuel you and prevent you from crashing, get educated about alternative therapies -- drugs get all the attention because they have MASSIVE corporate money behind them. Do you want to mindlessly buy what they're selling, even if it will get you addicted? I'm not saying don't use stimulant drugs, just be aware, and don't expect them to change your life. If they could do that, and we didn't have to do anything else, our world would look very different (and I, personally, would be thrilled!) Unfortunately, that's not how it works.
What the hell's wrong with you? You clearly don't have ADHD. I've never gotten high taking my medication for the first time EVER. Infact I got headaches. STOP ABUSING OUR MEDICATION AND MAKING US REAL ADHD PEOPLE LOOK BAD BECAUSE YOU WANT TO DO BETTER IN LIFE AND AT OUR COST!
Posted by healing928 on July 31, 2008, at 12:43:40
In reply to Re: Concerta vs Adderall XR, posted by broly on July 28, 2008, at 19:31:15
It is NOT the patients fault that docs are prescribing adderall like it is candy, and not properly monitoring them.
Posted by bimini on July 31, 2008, at 20:41:05
In reply to Re: Concerta vs Adderall XR, posted by broly on July 28, 2008, at 19:31:15
Please be respectful.
Posted by Katebloomer on July 31, 2008, at 21:37:35
In reply to Re: Concerta vs Adderall XR, posted by broly on July 28, 2008, at 19:31:15
Posted by healing928 on July 31, 2008, at 23:14:42
In reply to Re: Concerta vs Adderall XR, posted by broly on July 28, 2008, at 19:31:15
Adderall is known for having an "off label" used for certain types of depression that don't respond to typical antidepressants and moood stabilizers. It is also used for extreme fatigue and more commonly narcolepsy. Anyone taking adderall should be properly monitored, and know that it is an extremely addictive drug, and is only a temporary fix to the problem.
Posted by broly on August 1, 2008, at 15:23:51
In reply to Re: Concerta vs Adderall XR, posted by healing928 on July 31, 2008, at 23:14:42
All I know is genuine ADHD type people do not have this feeling. I know because I first tried concerta at age 18! and I have combined type ADHD with a -2.79 on the Tova with 54mg Concerta! I know what having ADHD is like and I know what it should feel like taking hte medication. I Never found adderall XR addicting, infact I found it made me depressed and "muzzled". ALl I know is that people who say it's addictive don't have adhd because I don't know one person addicted to their medication who has genuine adhd.
Posted by Mandra on August 5, 2008, at 13:10:37
In reply to Concerta vs Adderall XR, posted by ed_uk on January 14, 2005, at 16:55:59
> Which do you prefer and why?
>
> People often dislike the short duration of action of Ritalin and for that reason prefer Adderall. How does Adderall XR compare to Concerta?
>
> Ed.Hi Ed
Personally, I didn't like the Adderall XR when I tried it. It didn't give me the sustained focus or concentration that I get with regular Adderall. The Adderall XR gave me just enough of a push to concentrate, but only for short bursts of time which was annoying and ridiculous. Very counterproductive. If I tried to take a higher dosage to aide with better concentration, it would make me feel like a zombie - numb and detached. The regular Adderall worked better for me, but I take it in conjunction with the Concerta. When I took just the Adderall, I would be jittery or extremely sluggish and tired all the time. When I took the Concerta on it's own, it pretty much did the same thing. Just enough attention to not be productive. I also noticed on the Concerta that I was hungry a lot more and gained some weight. And even though it would make me tired, I was having sleep issues. Alone, neither of these medications worked well for me without displeasing side effects. However, when I take them together, they work really well for me and I am able to focus, concentrate, and be calm.
This is NOT the norm however. Most people can only take either Adderall OR Concerta, since the combination of both can be too much stimulus. Hope some of this info helps you! Mandra
Posted by RMc94 on February 14, 2009, at 10:45:55
In reply to Re: Concerta vs Adderall XR, posted by Mandra on August 5, 2008, at 13:10:37
I'm 37 years-old, and was first diagnosed with ADD one year ago. I take Adderall XR 20 mg, and I still remember the first day that I took it- it was amazing in that I had never had a more productive day in my life. The "tunnel vision" others describe began 20 minutes after I took the first pill, and I remember thinking to myself, "Whoa! I'm going to get everything on the 'to do' list done today!". I've been able to concentrate on my work, I've been able to listen well to people talking to me and I understand everything they say (in both English and also/especially in my second language- Spanish- which I use at work), and I feel like my IQ has jumped 15 points. I notice myself being alert but relaxed, and I notice that I am able to take deep breaths. I have been much, much less anxious about things. I'm in the best romantic relationship of my life (my distractability and anxiety interfered with my relationships in the past).
I'm not into the idea of drugs to quickly/easily solve all our problems, and I do know that there are some side effects associated with most all drugs. The side effects I recognize with Adderall XR are loss of appetite and difficultly staying asleep all the way through the night. However, I consider these manageable, and worth the benefits. I have not considered trying anything else like Concerta, though it has been very interesting to read the posts of people who are comparing and contrasting them.
The purpose of my post is just to encourage adults who suspect that they have ADD to seek diagnosis and treatment. It's amazing to me to consider my life before treatment vs. after it. My quality of life has improved tremendously, and I only regret that I did not seek diagnosis sooner. For the first time in my life, I've found that "fifth gear", and I'm happier, more relaxed, and consistently working and living to my potential- the ability was amazingly inside of me all along.
Posted by TaxLady on June 26, 2009, at 10:19:06
In reply to Re: Concerta vs Adderall XR, posted by RMc94 on February 14, 2009, at 10:45:55
Thank you all for your posts I found them very interesting. I am 46 and recently diagnoised with ADD. I always felt I had difficulties but made my way through life. As a public accountant that needs to be chargeable all day long I found myself feeling unproductive and losing self esteem. It was tough explaining what you did for each 15 minutes. I started taking Concerta and noticed a difference 20 minutes after taking it, but needed something to last the whole day so increased it to 36mg. I see my doctor today and am would like to discuss more focus, I have liked the results but think there could be a bit more and maybe Adderall would be more advantageous. It is a better life when you feel like you are getting things accomplished and are in control. Our concern with which medicne to take was that I suffer Migraines and the concerta has not changed the severity or frequency of them.
Posted by UGottaHaveHope on July 1, 2009, at 11:31:07
In reply to Re: Concerta vs Adderall XR, posted by TaxLady on June 26, 2009, at 10:19:06
nm
Posted by broly on July 2, 2009, at 18:33:00
In reply to Re: Concerta vs Adderall XR, posted by TaxLady on June 26, 2009, at 10:19:06
Posted by broly on July 2, 2009, at 18:33:27
In reply to Re: Concerta vs Adderall XR, posted by TaxLady on June 26, 2009, at 10:19:06
Posted by broly on July 2, 2009, at 18:37:56
In reply to Re: Concerta vs Adderall XR (nm) » TaxLady, posted by broly on July 2, 2009, at 18:33:27
Hi guys,
I just wanted to post here as it's been 3 1/2 years since I initially came to this forum asking for the advice.
I wanted to say thank you for all of the helpful advice you gave me. I have come leaps and bounds. I almost got kicked out of University and lost my whole career. I did work, and I realized that it wasn't me but it was my disability.
My whole life I went without medication and I thought University would be more of the same. I am going into my 5th year finishing my 4th with a 2.9. This is nearly a full grade point above my prior year's GPA which was a 2.0. I wanted to say thank you so much for giving me the advice 3 1/2 years ago. It changed my life.
I soon figured out it wasn't just medication that needed to change to increase my performance and help me reach my full potential, but I also needed to change the way I worked and accomodate my medication when it is most effective. After adjusting and learning about my body, how it metabolizes the medication, and changing my study pattern (not so much the amount of time, but what time) I learned that the medication is NOT just hte quick fix.
Starting as late as I did, I figured out 3 1/2 years later that I'm still not finished tinkering. It is truly a fulfilling albeit tedious experience. The medication is NOT the magic bullet, it is something you must learn how to accommodate and also work around. I thought this would take weeks, but it took YEARS!
Thank you EVERYONE. I am indebted to this forum and how it changed my life and very-likely saved my life from going off the rails.
Gagan.
This is the end of the thread.
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