I was diagnosed at 9 and again at 17. I'm now 39 and just started taking meds 10 months ago. Let me tell you, I wish someone had suggested medication 30 years ago! I describe the feeling as being "switched on"! I'm able to concentrate and home life is much better for me and my family with the meds. I don't get so overwhelmed with life anymore and I am much more able to deal with conflict.

I also read the book "Driven to Distraction" by Edward M. Hallowel, M.D. as recommended by my doctor. It was like reading about me! It's a great book that discusses everthing about ADHD including meds.

Keep in mind that not everyone responds to meds the same way or to specific meds the same way. I take Focalin and it has been a God send.

Which books are particularly good? I have the Adult ADD Complete Handbook but I wasn't that impressed with it. I would be interested to know the title of the one for women for you like. there seem to be a few. I have heard really good things about this one:


http://www.amazon.com/You-Mean-Lazy-Stupid-Crazy/dp/0743264487/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1268274750&sr=1-1

Thanks for that one book suggestion. I didn't see it until I posted my message.

I have been on Ritalin now for about two weeks and underneath feeling "switched on" as well, I still feel bouts of fatigue and depression, but that is due to my other problems. However, when I got to sit down and veg out as usual, my new brain chemistry does not let me for too long, which is good.

I often don't feel like it is helping me all that much, but when I really look at how much more I am starting to get done than I was before, it is great to be on the meds. I feel a little wired on them but it beats feeling tired and unable to focus or think straight most of the time.

I read that Ritalin is also being used to treat chronic fatigue, which I have. So I am grateful I have more energy. I wish it was more natural energy, but so be it. I have a hard time psychologically taking meds but I talked to my therapist and she pointed out that from everything I have said, the ADHD, lack of energy, and depression are ruining my life. So the meds seem to be a necessary thing by now and I actually feel better about this one than I have a lot of other ones, being that it's been around for about 40 years.

It is dramatic. Here's what it's like for me.

Trying to get through life without meds.
It's like driving on the highway on a foggy day and I can only see about 25 to 50 feet in front of my car. There is a possibility I could get off at the wrong exit because I thought it was the right one but I couldn't really see because of the fog and the traffic around me or even worse I could get into an accident.

Taking meds.
It's like the fog clears it's a bright sunny day and your driving a sports car really fast from point A to point B. You can see everything around you for miles around and you know exactly where you're going.

That's what the difference between taking meds and not taking meds is like for me. By the way vyvanse is a good one.

bella3cadie....i too have fibromyalgia....and have absolutely no energy anymore..and then on those few occasions when i do...i mess up by doing to much(but it feeels so good at the time).Im 55 and dx'd with fibroin 06,in 07 came the dx of depression..when i could no longer work..ive also developed phobias,social anxiety and personality disorders...its been and great 4 yrs.(not)..and now with working w/my therapist for over a year continually..I/we think that i may also have adhd(combined) unfortuantely this wonderful therapist is retiring..wich breaks my heart..but anyway, i will now have to start all over with a new one in 2 wks..and it scares the crap out of me...but, for now i have to wait until i see this new therapist to get more testing done for the adhd...and where to go from there..thanks for adult board it is very helpful