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Is Amphetamine The Right Medicine For Adult ADHD?

Posted on Sat, 7 Mar 2015

Question: I have difficulty concentrating on an assigned task, I job hop constantly, and I interrupt others while they are speaking. I also have trouble staying awake, and have been diagnosed with narcolepsy. I sometimes sleep 10-11 hours per day, and have difficulty staying awake at work. At times, I almost doze off while driving, even during the daytime. My sister, son and daughter have been diagnosed with ADHD, and my Mother and sisters sleep and nap constantly. It is difficult for my sisters to hold a job because they sleep most of the time. I would like to be prescribed Ritalin or concerta to correct these problems. They are making it almost difficult for me to return to work because I am too tired to go to interviews before noon. I have seen a regular doctor and have blood tests taken. My thyroid is fine, and I do not have any health complications. It is almost impossible to get an appointment with a psychiatrist where I live, unless one is suicidal. Can you help?
I have heard from friends and after reading up on the subjects of ADHD and narcolepsy that Ritalin or concerta may be a good alternative for me.

Answered by Dr. Vipul Prajapati (23 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
can start with methylphenindate 5 mg

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear,

thank you for your Query.

First of all as you diagnosed with ADHD and started Amphetamine so whether you got any benefit from that particular drug or not? as you described that you quit because of side effects.

Whatever you described about your self suggest that you have adult ADHD and you have strong family history about the same.

I would like to know from which medicines your family member get bebefit in ADHD?
As it is possible to get benefit from the same medicines.
Otherwise methylphenindate is best medicine for ADHD but one major side effect is appetite loss.
So take medicine after meal and if possible do not take it on holidays.
Start with 5 mg of methylphenindate and increase up to 20 mg per day in divided doses.
Methylphenindate is scheduled X drug so it is not available at medical shop you have to consult a psychiatrist before taking the drug.

Thank you

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju

Follow up: Dr. Vipul Prajapati (54 minutes later)

My son took Adderall successfully while he was in college and his grades improved dramatically. He almost dropped out of high school, but attended McDaniel College in MD and graduated with honors. My daughter was diagnosed with ADHD, but our pediatrician did not feel as if she would benefit from medication, since she also had a reading disorder. My sister was diagnosed with ADHD, but refused to take any medication. She has not held a job for several years. I was surprised when I was diagnosed with narcolepsy and ADHD. Other than Adderall, I have not attempted to take any stimulant, but I worked in Finance, where it was essential that I jump from task to task. I would like to return to work as soon as possible, but the need to sleep is taking over my life. I always thought that it was comical that my sisters and Mother required so much sleep, but as I hit my late 40s, the need for sleep started to overcome my life.

Answered by Dr. Vipul Prajapati (14 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Start methylphenindate as soon as possible

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear,

As your are not well with aphetamines and also your work impairment since a long so you need to start methyphenindate as i suggested you.

you can resume your duty with a week of treatment as with medication your attention is improved.
Discuss about this with your doctor.
Have a healthy health.

Thank you

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju