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
Are My Anti-Depressants the Wrong Choice?
Greetings everyone, I am a 25-year-old woman dealing with depression, mild anxiety, and some PTSD. I also experience hypermobility and have a heart murmur. My height is 170 cm, and my weight is 90 kg. I'm seeking guidance on whether the medication prescribed to me is the appropriate choice, as I'm concerned that, based on the label, it might not be suitable for me. In my younger years, I faced challenges with OCD, severe anxiety, and depression. Initially, I was given Escitalopram, which was effective for several years until my anxiety escalated dramatically, prompting a switch to Fluoxetine. During that transition, I realized I had been experiencing more side effects from Escitalopram than I initially recognized, such as significant sweating. After a little over a year on Fluoxetine, I felt better and chose to stop taking it, remaining medication-free for the last three years. However, in the past six months, my depression has worsened considerably. After consulting with my doctor, I resumed Fluoxetine treatment. Now, three weeks into this round of medication, I'm experiencing side effects that I may not necessarily link directly to the medication but still mentioned them during my follow-up. The symptoms include excessive sweating in my palms and feet, increased heart palpitations, and a two-week delay in my period. I've read that this medication can cause heavier menstrual bleeding, yet my pregnancy tests have all come back negative. This situation has left me quite perplexed. My doctor advised me to discontinue Fluoxetine and instead prescribed me Propranolol. To the best of my understanding, this medication is typically used for immediate relief of anxiety symptoms rather than addressing depression. The label also cautions against its use in individuals with pre-existing heart conditions or a history of self-harm, and it notes that it may lead to depression or suicidal thoughts. Is it correct for me to think that Propranolol is not classified as an anti-depressant? It seems odd that my GP would choose this to manage symptoms from a medication she told me to stop. I have already spoken with a former pharmacist, an occupational therapist, and am currently awaiting a callback from my pharmacy, as I expressed my concerns regarding the safety of this prescription. I'm feeling apprehensive about taking it, and I’m frustrated that my doctor has not considered prescribing a different anti-depressant. Any insights would be greatly appreciated. Keep in mind, I am not a medical professional—just someone navigating the complexities of mental health. I want to assure you all that I am safe and have support available for when I'm feeling vulnerable. At present, I do not have thoughts of harming myself or anyone else; I simply wish to be heard and find the right help.
Assessing Heavy Menstrual Bleeding: Should I Seek Emergency Care?
To condense my situation, I am now on the 21st day of my menstrual cycle with no sign of it concluding. The flow has been unusually heavy throughout, to the extent that I’ve had to change my menstrual discs within just a couple of hours due to overflow, accompanied by significant clotting. I visited a new gynecological office yesterday to establish care since my regular GYN won’t be available until June. However, this appointment allows me to see another clinician at the end of April. During my visit, we talked about scheduling a transvaginal ultrasound, and I began a course of medroxyprogesterone at a daily dosage of 10 mg, which I will take for the next ten days. Unfortunately, my night was quite troublesome, marked by excessive bleeding even with an ultra tampon in use. My primary concern right now is the risk of anemia. I ordered a CBC test through Labcorp on Monday out of sheer curiosity, which revealed my red blood cell count was at 3.64 and my hemoglobin level was at 10.9. The provider repeated the CBC along with an iron panel, and as of early yesterday afternoon, my results were: - Red Blood Cells: 3.3 - Hemoglobin: 9.9 - Hematocrit: 31 - Iron: 24 - Iron saturation percentage: 6 - Ferritin: 12 I am trying to remain calm and patient with the progression of events, but I recognize that I have been losing a considerable amount of blood since these tests. With the weekend here, I’m increasingly anxious as I likely won’t receive any updates until Monday. Do my lab results indicate the need for immediate medical attention? I intend to commence taking 325 mg of oral ferrous sulfate today to address my iron levels.
Seeking Guidance from India: Battling Burping Attacks During Exercise
At the age of 45, I maintain a lifestyle that involves no smoking or drinking. Employed in the IT sector, I typically have a sedentary routine and do not engage in regular physical activity. My body mass index (BMI) stands at 26, categorizing me as ‘skinny fat’—I’m not overweight, but I do possess some abdominal fat. My predominant concern arises when I attempt to exercise. Even after ensuring a three-hour interval post-meal, I frequently endure unexpected bouts of burping. These episodes are accompanied by a heavy, tight sensation in my chest, leading to breathing difficulties that provoke feelings of anxiety. Even mild exercises like cycling or performing two to three push-ups can trigger these episodes, and the discomfort persists for over an hour before finally easing. Interestingly, I do not experience heartburn or burping at any other time, only during or following physical exertion. I sought expertise from a gastroenterologist and underwent an endoscopy, which indicated mild gastritis but showed no signs of a hiatal hernia or other irregularities. Additionally, a cardiology assessment that included CT Coronary Angiography revealed no concerns, and a pulmonologist confirmed that my lung function is satisfactory. Due to my limited physical activity, my endurance is quite low. My desire to exercise and adopt a healthier lifestyle is strong, yet the sensations I feel—similar to air trapped in my chest wishing to escape—thwart my efforts. I've noticed that exercising on an empty stomach, particularly early in the morning, seems to stave off these burping issues. My professional environment is not overly demanding, which adds to my frustration. After incurring significant expenses for medical advice, I find myself at a loss with no clear indication of how to move forward. The root cause remains elusive and raises questions: Could it be linked to anxiety or stress? Even simple tasks, like playing football with my son or carrying heavy bags, can instigate these uncomfortable burping attacks, which linger for an hour or two. In this situation, I feel bewildered, disheartened, and utterly spent.
Navigating Alcohol Consumption While on Antidepressants
I am currently prescribed Escitalopram at a dosage of 10mg and Trazodone 50mg, which I take before bed for my mental health. Additionally, I use Clonazepam to help manage my anxiety. Earlier today, I joined a few friends for a social gathering where we had some drinks. I informed them that due to my medication, I usually avoid alcohol; however, I opted to have a single beer so I could participate in the festivities without feeling out of place. Now, approximately three hours later, I do not sense any lingering effects of alcohol. If there were any, they are quite subtle. My question is: Is it safe for me to take my medications in light of this?
Concerns About Potential Brain Damage at 16
To begin, I’d like to clarify that I’m currently located in Europe, where I observe that many individuals in my environment engage in more extreme behaviors than I do, even as I strive to partake in social activities without crossing the line into recklessness. My journey with alcohol commenced at the age of 14, albeit in a very mild manner. By the time I turned 15, I started drinking more regularly, making sure to space out my experiences approximately weekly to monthly, totaling around ten instances of intoxication. Notably, I noticed I had an adverse physical reaction to alcohol—specifically, skin flush the following day—which prompted me to transition to cannabis as it felt easier on my body. I limited my cannabis use to weekends while adhering to similar spacing, with one exception. At 16, I found myself smoking almost every day for a week after a particular incident, but I was able to regain control thereafter. When I was 15, I also experimented with psilocybin mushrooms on two occasions, which proved to be positive experiences and made me realize I needed to cut back on alcohol consumption. Recently, I had a successful experience with 150 micrograms of LSD after careful preparation. This evening, I intend to consume half an edible instead of resorting to drinking or smoking, aiming to increase my intervals between substances to once a month at a minimum while maintaining a healthy lifestyle as an athlete. Despite my efforts, my naturally anxious disposition makes me concerned about anything that may cause irreversible damage to my brain, including, for instance, excessive screen time. I would greatly value insights from professionals regarding these worries. For context: I’m 16 years old, assigned female at birth but have been on testosterone for seven months, standing at 5'4" and weighing 125 pounds.