Should i take Adderall or Some other type of ADD/ADHD medicine? Do they work?

Question

I have ADD/ADHD I have trouble concentrating really bad, I DID NOT GRADUATE HIGH SCHOOL because of this problem. I just cant focus and think good enough. I just signed up for community college to get my high school diploma but i am so embarassed about my ADD, Cause i know once we are in class i won't be able to concentrate and i will fall behind. Im considering asking my doctor for medicine that might help me in school. But i am even embarassed to ask my doctor, since i have been hiding this problem to myself and my family, Does these medicines actually work????

Answer 1

Yes, ADD meds do substantially increase your ability to focus. You might want to consider consulting a specialist. Dextro-amphetamine (sold as dexedrine) is the drug that works best for most people. Some family doctors are reluctant to prescribe it because of its reputation as a street drug, but used in low doses for ADD it is very helpful.

Most of us with ADD do have a lot of shame and embarrassment because it's hard for us to do some things that come easily to other people. Then some people think you aren't even trying or that you are lazy when it's not that at all.

Although taking dexedrine helped me a lot, it's not the whole story. It is also important to learn good study skills and build structure and reminders into your daily routine.

I didn't graduate from high school either, but then took a course in study skills and went on to graduate from college. It helped me to sit at the front of the class, use a recorder so I could listen to parts of the lecture later if needed. Also I learned to review my notes and do my reading right after class so I really learned the material.

It was after college that I found out I had ADD and started taking meds and then that helped me even more.

Answer 2

Its nothing to be embarrassed about its pretty common. Doctors don't really judge they are there to help. And if you really need it you should consider talking to him. Or see a doctor who isn't you PCP if your uncomfortable. A different doctor may be easier to talk to.

Lots of schools allow people with problems like that to be tested outside of classes in a personal room like a learning lab, they also offer assistance with studying and preparing for exams

Answer 3

I MYSELF HAD ADD/ADHD I GREW OUT OF IT. HIGH SCHOOL WAS A PAIN FOR ME. IT IS EMBARRASSING BUT DON'T WORRY I HAVE BEEN FINDING MORE PEOPLE THAT HAVE IT SO WE KINDA JOKE ABOUT IT NOW I BLAME EVERYTHING I MAY MESS UP AT WORK ON IT PEOPLE GET A GOOD LAUGH. GO SEE A DOCTOR THE ADDERALL WILL HELP YOU CONCENTRATE.  I USED RITALIN TOO I THINK I SPELLED THAT RIGHT. ANYWAY YOU TOO MAY GROW OUT OF IT. GOOD LUCK HIT ME UP IF YOU HAVE MORE ?S

Answer 4

i didn't like adderall at all. the come down was horrible, then i had difficulty sleeping at night. maybe there is something else you can try.

Answer 5

This is a problem my son suffered with for years.

I didn't put him on prescriptions.

I made a change in his diet, cut out all red food dye, sugar and processed food. started him on vitamin B complex twice a day and essential fatty acids .

He did homework for 20 minutes at a time , got up took a 5 min break and then continued until all the homework was done. He also studied this way.. repetition was very helpful for him and a detailed schedule to follow daily was helpful. He did one part of a question at a time instead of trying to figure out the total thing.

He had to have no distractions such as tv radio in the room while studying .

I made notes that I put on the table to remind him to do things instead of harping at him constantly....

I found the visual stimulation was good for him and was a great way for him to learn coping skills.

If he was agitated I did give him a small amount  of valerian or passionflower, just to calm him a bit and it helped him concentrate and do his task. I am not recommending drugs but in the right situation an over the counter herbal med, vitamin   was helpful for us....

good luck... it will get bettter.

I believe a radical change in diet ( check the internet) some herbal meds  and lots of physical exercise can be very beneficial...

lots of rest is very important and regular meals and snacks .. no skipping eating.....

He has grown out of this and has found his niche not with paper work at a desk but with physical work which he can get up and walk around.....this suits him best...

Answer 6

yes they do work very well, ive been taking concerta for a couple of years and it made a big difference in my life  

Answer 7

I can't tell you if it will work for you, only your doctor can determine that from your medical history. If you have hidden this from your doctor and family, you don't even know if you have ADHD. You should check with your doctor and get prescribed something so it does not ruin your chances of getting an education. Not only that, but if you get something from somewhere other than your doctor, it may cause reactions with you that it does not cause on someone else. Don't be embarassed to talk to your doctor about it, a lot of people go through this, you aren't the only one.

Answer 8

As much as I hate to say it YES they work. Now they do not work wonders, they will not give you a magical new personality, but they will help you concentrate.

For a long time I was against these types of drugs and refused to get my daughter on them. She started doing poorly in school and having difficulties with relationship with classmates and suffering from low self-esteem. She decided to get on the med's against my better judgment, I agreed to let her try them. Since then, she is not an A student, but she is doing better in school, better with relationships, and her self-esteem has improved. I will not make her take them, she chooses to take them every morning. She is 10.

Answer 9

adhd is a serious mental illness that could lead to other mental illnesses so you shouldn't be embarrassed about it, its just like any other disorder, just not visible directly. now about adderall, i would suggest against it. I was prescribed adderall for quite a while by my old psychiatrist without informing me or downplaying the fact that its an amphetamine. they do help, but they are addictive and moreover according to my other psychiatrist abusive to the brain and the body. I am not a doctor but if you go see a psychiatrist, they should be able to give you multiple other options that are safer. For me while i was on adderall, i was fine but getting off of it was really hard and could possibly the reason for my other episodes. So if you do want to take it, be ready to be dependent on it for the rest of your life. goodluck

Answer 10

Adults who demonstrate ADHD/ADD behavior are often embarrassed about possibly being tagged with this diagnosis because of the stigma attached to the behavior pattern.  

The meds do work.  It may be that you will need them on a short-term basis to minimize distractions while you learn new behaviors to replace the ADHD/ADD behavior.  This is done by learning alternate ways to avoid distraction, alternate ways to take in information, and learning techniques for relaxation and quieting yourself down internally and externally so you can rest.  If you share with your doctor what you've shared in posting this question, then he/she will have pertinent information on which to decide a course or plan of action for you to get through and adjust to life more efficiently and be more productive.  With seeking medical attention for this pattern of behavior comes a lift in self-confidence, self-esteem, and overall self-love.  You will learn that you are an okay person, an individual who is unique and has much to offer the environment you are a part of.  Learning to manipulate your brain and adapt in terms of dealing with ADHD/ADD behavior will empower you to take on life as an adventure rather than getting through it day by day with great difficulty.  Be open and honest with your doctor.  It may be that a few sessions with a licensed professional psychotherapist or counselor will help you gain perspective and insight on what's going on in your relationships, your failures, and your successes.  What you are experiencing,  and have been for some time, has caused confusion and indecisiveness towards yourself, and counseling will help you to see the wider perspective of you and your value to the world.  Best wishes, my friend.

Answer 11

You need to go to a psychologist to see if you actually have ADD or ADHD. I believed I had ADHD myself, but have been recommended to see a phsychologist by therapists before actually being prescribed anything. It's highly likely that you do have one of these symptoms compared to your description...

So, just make sure to visit a phsycologist, because otherwise, you won't be able to get any type of medication at all.

Answer 12

I would try to stay away from Chemical as much as you can. FDA is pretty messed up. I would go Holistic / Natural instead.  

Answer 13

Adderall does help but it can cause side effects such as sleep problems and headaches.

You could give it a try and see how it works out for you. It is worth a try if your ADD/ADHD is causing you alot of problems.

Answer 14

adder all is awesome, it worked wonders for my little brother in high school.  i wish they would still give it to me but i'm too old.