Struggling with ADHD Treatment
**(M24, 200lbs)** I’m reaching out to seek advice regarding my experience with ADHD treatment. It has been 2.5 years since my ADHD diagnosis and commencement of treatment, yet I have seen minimal improvement, resulting in numerous frustrating situations during my college years and beyond. Sometimes, I get the impression that I am not a priority in my treatment plan, and I am eager for insights that could enhance my current situation. For context, I have adhered to general recommendations such as taking breaks from medications, spacing out dosages, consuming protein-rich diets, steering clear of citric acid, and implementing various ADHD management strategies. My primary challenges are ADHD symptoms like difficulty concentrating, hyperactivity, and the need for better engagement in tasks. **Progress Review:** Initially, I was prescribed Strattera, adjusting between 20-60 mg over several months, but it yielded no significant results. Following that, I attempted Focalin XR at 10 mg, which only proved effective for one week before losing its efficacy; increasing the dose to 20 mg was futile. After trying Vyvanse at doses ranging from 10-20 mg with limited success and some accompanying anxiety, I moved on to Ritalin IR starting at 10 mg up to 30 mg, but it only worked once. Most recently, I switched to Adderall IR at 10 mg and initially found success for a week; however, its effectiveness diminished rapidly. Increasing to 15 mg yielded positive results briefly, particularly after consuming meals high in protein (about 60g), but that too was short-lived. At present, I am trying Adderall XR at 30 mg, but it hasn't brought about any meaningful improvement. **My Reflections and Additional Actions:** Interestingly, I experience very few side effects, primarily just a dry mouth. I haven’t noticed the typical “crash” or euphoric feelings mentioned by others. This ongoing cycle of trial and error is frustrating, with over a month spent experimenting with different medications, often facing disappointing results along with inevitable waiting periods in between. I have also explored potential underlying issues—such as thyroid function, sleep apnea, and more—only to have tests return within normal ranges. Currently, I take Vitamin D3, Magnesium Glycinate, and Methyl B12, which have slightly alleviated my brain fog; however, they haven't addressed my ADHD symptoms. I hope to discuss possible alternatives or solutions with my psychiatrist that I may not have yet considered, and any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Answers (1)
9/15/2025, 2:10:44 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel frustrated when your ADHD treatment isn't yielding the improvements you hoped for. It sounds like you've been proactive in seeking the right medication and complementary strategies, yet the effectiveness has been inconsistent. Here’s a structured way to approach this situation and possible next steps.
Main Points
- Persistence with Medications: Many individuals experience varying effectiveness with ADHD medications; it could take time to find the right one and dosage.
- Comprehensive Review: Considering a broad approach, including lifestyle changes and therapy, may be beneficial.
Explanation
ADHD treatment can indeed be a process of trial and error. Medications like Strattera, Focalin, Vyvanse, Ritalin, and Adderall often show different results for each individual, and it’s not uncommon to encounter periods of efficacy followed by diminished effects. The lack of perceived side effects is positive, but the ongoing struggles with focus and hyperactivity are valid concerns.
You’ve already made important decisions regarding your diet and supplement intake, and while they may help with overall wellness, they don’t always directly impact ADHD symptoms. It's also great that you've ruled out underlying conditions affecting your symptoms.
Next Steps
-
Communication with Your Psychiatrist: Schedule a meeting with your psychiatrist to discuss your current treatment plan. Bring up your experiences with each medication, specifically noting periods of effectiveness and lack thereof. This can help them tailor your treatment more effectively.
-
Consider Behavioral Therapy: In addition to medication, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can be highly effective for ADHD. It focuses on developing strategies to manage symptoms and improve concentration. Discuss this option with your psychiatrist as well.
-
Explore New Medication Strategies: Sometimes, combining medications—or adjusting the timing of doses—can yield better results. Ask your psychiatrist about potential combinations or alternative medications you haven't tried yet.
-
Monitor and Record Symptoms: Keep a detailed journal of your medication response, daily challenges, and mood changes. This information is valuable for your psychiatrist to understand your unique situation better.
-
Lifestyle Modifications: Besides dietary changes, consider incorporating regular exercise, structured time management techniques, and mindfulness practices, which have also shown promise in managing ADHD symptoms.
-
Support Groups: Connecting with others who have ADHD can also provide insights and support. Look for local or online communities where you can share experiences and coping strategies.
Conclusion
Your dedication to treating ADHD and willingness to explore alternatives is commendable. Open communication with your psychiatrist about your experiences and considering a holistic approach will be essential steps toward finding what works best for you. Don't hesitate to ask questions and advocate for yourself during your treatment journey. You’re not alone in this, and there’s hope for improvement ahead.
Related Questions
Navigating Recreational Drug Usage in Therapy
Tomorrow marks my next appointment to discuss my panic disorder. Typically, my physician tends to conduct a thorough inquiry about my recent experiences over the past few months. Back in June, I experimented with MDMA for the first time, and although it was only a singular event, I’m contemplating whether I should bring it up in our conversation. I wish to approach this topic with integrity; however, I harbor concerns about how this disclosure might influence my current treatment regimen. Currently, I’m on Xanax for managing my panic episodes, and it has proven to be quite beneficial for me. I’m wondering if sharing such information could potentially alter my treatment strategy or if I might be worrying unnecessarily about it. Additionally, do you have any suggestions on how I might broach this subject? Or is it even vital for me to mention it at all? I appreciate any guidance you can offer! (A 33-year-old female)
Thermal Burns Resulting from MRI Scans
Subject: 38-year-old female In March, I underwent an MRI for my lumbar spine, and since then, I've been experiencing significant discomfort in my vaginal and anal regions for several months. Initially, I struggled to pinpoint the issue as I had been dealing with vulvitis since January. During the MRI, I experienced an intense burning feeling in my abdomen. Two days post-scan, I developed herpes zoster. Also, I noticed a loop formation between my big toes while the scan was occurring. Fast forward seven months, and I've started to feel pain delayed after inserting a tampon or during intimacy, typically peaking 2 to 3 hours after those activities. The discomfort from the tampon is manageable on the first day of use but becomes quite unbearable by the second day. It seems to me that the thermal burns from the MRI may have caused scarring in my vaginal tissue. I'm seeking advice on how to alleviate this pain and how to prevent dyspareunia. Any guidance would be appreciated.
27-Year-Old Woman Seeking Guidance on Pain Issues
Thank you for taking the time to read this lengthy post; I appreciate any insights you can offer. I just returned from the emergency room after struggling with intense pain on my left side for the past four to five days. This discomfort radiates from my groin, through my hip and lower back, and down my thigh. Unfortunately, the pain has been intensifying. I typically manage my menstrual cycle with birth control pills, a method approved by both my physician and gynecologist. For about a year, I've been skipping my periods using this method, but recently I've chosen to resume experiencing my monthly cycles for personal reasons. This month marked the first instance in nearly a year that I had a full period, although I do experience light spotting occasionally that lasts two to three days. This particular menstrual cycle was fairly routine, not unusually heavy. However, I began to face significant cramping concentrated on my left side, which felt different from typical menstrual cramps that I would usually feel. As the days progressed, this pain extended to my back and down my leg, initially attributing it to normal period discomfort. Despite using over-the-counter medications like Tylenol, ibuprofen, and Aleve, none provided relief. Fast forward to last night: my period had concluded about three days earlier, yet the pain persisted, becoming so severe that I found myself in tears whether I was trying to stand, sit, or lie down. My attempts at relief with medications and a heating pad failed, and while I experienced intense nausea, I had only minor burps without vomiting. This morning, the pain was overwhelming, prompting a visit to urgent care. They took a urine sample to check for a urinary tract infection, a consideration I hadn't thought of since I experienced no pain during urination and my urine appeared normal—clear, not dark or foul-smelling. The test revealed blood in my urine, but no nitrites—commonly associated with UTIs—were present. Thus, I was referred to the emergency room for further evaluation. At the ER, they conducted blood tests, a CT scan, and required a second urine sample, which yielded similar results regarding blood. My blood results indicated a high platelet count, while the CT scan appeared normal. Ultimately, they diagnosed me with flank pain, recommending Tylenol and ibuprofen for relief. Despite requesting a pelvic exam or ultrasound, my concerns were largely disregarded. I have an appointment with my family doctor tomorrow, who I hope will take my symptoms more seriously, as I have been a patient for several years. Could any of these symptoms suggest issues like an ovarian cyst or endometriosis? It’s also been concerning that I've been experiencing pain during intercourse, the discomfort persists on the left side of my back, hip, groin, and pelvic area, and I’ve been dealing with daily nausea.
Experiencing Tightness in the Chest and Breathing Difficulties
As a 27-year-old individual from a South Asian background, standing 5'11" and weighing 175 pounds, I have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and currently manage my condition with metformin. Residing in Canada, I have been noticing some peculiar sensations in my chest. There’s a faint tightness that I can feel — not overwhelmingly constricting, but it seems as if air is trapped. It occasionally feels localized at my larynx. After a few moments, I instinctively engage in deep breathing, forcibly exhaling what I perceive to be stale air, which provides temporary relief. However, the same sensation tends to recur shortly thereafter. Furthermore, I suspect that my nasal issues may be contributing to this sensation. I often experience nasal congestion, alternating between my left and right nostrils feeling blocked at different times, and occasionally experiencing both sides being affected simultaneously. This irregular airflow makes me feel as though I’m not inhaling and exhaling as freely as I should. Although I consider this issue to be relatively minor, I have been enduring it for an extended period. It hasn't ever escalated to the point where I felt genuinely ill or unsafe, yet it has significantly hindered my cardiovascular activities. For instance, while attempting to swim, I struggle to remain submerged for even a few seconds. I would greatly appreciate any advice or insights regarding this situation. Thank you for your time!
Struggling with Body Odor
Age: 15 I don’t believe the issue stems from my hygiene since I consistently maintain cleanliness, showering twice daily—once in the morning and again after school. Though I personally cannot detect any odor, I am aware that others do, as I’ve frequently overheard comments regarding this and even received feedback from a close friend. I suspect this might be linked to my chronic constipation, which has been associated with what people describe as a "foul smell". It’s incredibly awkward to discuss! I’m not passing gas at all, but during times when I fail to have a bowel movement, I can’t shake the feeling that I smell unpleasant. This situation has really taken a toll on my emotional well-being, leading to feelings of sadness, and I find myself crying regularly. All I want is to feel like an ordinary teenager again, free from the constant anxiety about whether or not I have an odor.