Greetings!
Question:
Hello, I am VERY new to both ADD and to newsgroups. By way of introduction, I am a 33 year old, male W.A.S.P. born and bread in New England, USA. The son of Professional Students. Willing to be educated by the system, just so long as it taught what I wanted to learn about… My interests include Monogamy ( currently finishing up my third year of independant study in that field), Child-rearing (second year), Theology, Computer Science, Telecommunications, Auto-mechanics, Etymology, Classic English Literature, Modern English Lit., Medieval History, Bibliophilogy (there’s one for the Latin majors), Philosophy and I am also a Audio/Video-phile. Also, any combination of the above. I was, just last week, diagnosed ADD-inattentive. Imagine my surprise. Here I always thought it was my Gemini nature… <grin My M.D. put me on a bare-bones Dexedrine program, and I am a little phreaked, as I really hated Black Beauties in High School. Never was too big on speed. Oddly enough, it seems to be helping. Has anyone here been on Dexedrine for several years? Suffered withdrawal? Noticed temperment changes? Been quick to anger, with spouse or co-workers? Any of the other horror stories associated with this type of drug? How about dietary modifications? Behavioral Mods? I’m really new to this, so… Any advice, opinions, etc….. Grazpah/gratitude/etc. — Rob Frechette A.K.A Tinman
Response:
Rob, Welcome. The mind is a terrible thing to waste, but so is knowledge. Hopefully the meds will help you put your knowledge to use. You may get along better with meds now because you arn’t quite as afraid of what they may be doing to you. Stimulants can excellerate any underlying anxiety you may have. Work closely with your doctor and pharmacist. Opinions here are based on individual experience and varying amounts of study. Sometimes we can help because of similiar experience or offset bad info you may receive even from the pros. Good luck. Ray
Response:
Hi Bob: I’M a 35 yr. old single white male with ADHD. Didn’t know I had it until my 5th ( and last ) year in college, 1994. Yes, I was a non-trad. student. I’ve been on Dexedrine 5 mg t.i.d for over 2 years. At first they tried Ritalin, but too many "peaks and troughs", if you know what I mean. Also ,without boring you with the chemistry, I’d just like to say Ritalin is an "ester", which means it’s chemically labile, hence the Dex. Can be taken on full or empty stomach. Side affects include mild anorexia,slightly elavated BP, and occasional insomnia. Not to worry though, Melatonin takes care of that. Before college, the doctors thought I just had generalized anxiety, so they had me on valium, tranxene, xanax, and several other benzodiazepines at one time or another. They only sedated me and clouded my concsious. The point is, the dexedrine made the differance between being able to read one page vs. 10 pages without turning my head out the window. Wish it was diagnosed before my 5th year. Also, contrary to popular opinion. Ritalin and Dexedrine don’t "mellow you out", the just keep you focused on the task at hand. Best wishes, Lou
