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ADHD medication and self discipline

Posted , 5 users are following.

shinkansen
shinkansen

In July 2014, I asked my GP to refer me for an ADHD assessment. In my opinon, I exhibited some symptoms and was expecting the assessment to lead to some counselling. In November 2014, a specialist doctor diagnosed me with ADHD and initially prescribed Ritalin. He also suggested that I may be on the autism spectrum (ASD). He's referred me and I will have an ASD assessment in February 2016.

I didn't like taking Ritalin. So the ADHD doctor then presribed Concerta XL. After a struggle and help from my GP, I have a routine with these pills. Provided I stick the routine, I do notice a benefit: mainly feeling calmer and more focussed. 

I've been seeing my GP regularly and keeping a diary of my mental well being. So now my GP has decided to presribe Olazanzapine (now at 5mg per day). I've been taking the Olanzapine since July 2015. Additionally, I am also on Mirtazpine (since July 2014) and take a 30 mg pill about an hour before bedtime. They do reduce anxiety and help me sleep. 

I'm conscience that over the last 14 months or so, I have gone from no pills to three sets of pills for my mental health. They help - reduced anxiety and obsessive behaviour as well providing more calm and focus.

I'm fine about the ADHD/autism conditons. It explains a lot and I want this to lead to targetted therapy conselling. I also believe that talking is the best medicine.

But it requires discipline. The Concerta can provide a welcome lift in mood and there's always the temptation to try a higher dose.

I was wondering if the others are in a similar situation what advice you can provide to make sure you take the right dose. 

One big plus: I've reduced alcohol consumption from 35-40 units per week down to 8 unit per week. I keep a diary for that too. And I've lost nearly a stone / 6kg over the last 3 months.

Thank for any advice from others who also take multiple medication.

1 like, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • aveline
    aveline shinkansen

    Posted

    Shinkansen,  thank you for your post!

    I'm someone who would have been diagnosed with ADD in school if I went to school today, not in the 1970s-80s. As an adult, I've thought about taking medication and there seem to be too many to know them all, but mentally I've tried weighing risks/benefits over the years.  You are a pretty strong success story.

    When I read your last paragraph, I saw you as someone who went from self-medicating with alcohol, ineffectively to being medicated with proven treatments as doctors follow you for any potential downsides, and you're having some great results. Improved focus, weight loss and reducing alcohol by dozens of drinks per week! (I don't think alcohol is bad...but of course, only in moderation)

    You seem to be the type to think, "if something is good then more must be better" and many of us are like that!  So, that's something to overcome as you progress with therapy, but you have it in stride. smile 

    I know you asked for input from those taking multiple medications...I'm not in that category. But as someone who shares some traits and wonders if medications are the way to go, I wanted to add my two cents.

    You don't say how old you are, but I get the sense that your best years are yet to come!  Good Luck!

    • shinkansen
      shinkansen aveline

      Posted

      Thank you for your excellent contribution, 

      It's been easier to reduce alcohol than manage the Concerta. But if you use some self-discipline, then you can see the benefits. I now really do not think that heavy drinking with ADHD is a good idea. 

      My GP has helped. He presribed only 7 days of the Concerta. By only having 7 days of pills, it's helped me stick to the routine. 

      The next thing is an autism assessment. Thank you for your excellent contribution, 

      It's been easier to reduce alcohol than manage the Concerta. But if you use some self-discipline, then you can see the benefits. I now really do not think that heavy drinking with ADHD is a good idea. 

      My GP has helped. He presribed only 7 days of the Concerta. By only having 7 days of pills, it's helped me stick to the routine. 

      The next thing is an autism assessment. 

  • XXYGuy
    XXYGuy shinkansen

    Posted

    You don't say what type of AD/HD you're diagnosed with?  I have AD/HD Inattentive Type and I diagnosed myself initially too.  Of course I had to go though 6 months of testing and checking before I was prescribed medication, Ritalin at first, then our Government found a cheaper source and I was switched to Rubifen.  It makes no difference to me, they're the same drug, Methylphenidate.  I'm sure if I was properly diagnosed as a child life would have been much better.
    • shinkansen
      shinkansen XXYGuy

      Posted

      I was diagnosed "Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, combined Type". 

      Like you, I do wonder what might have happened if I were diagnosed earlier in life. How do you get on with your dugs ?

    • XXYGuy
      XXYGuy shinkansen

      Posted

      I get on very well with my drug.  I don't get on very well with medical unprofessionals who think they know what effect it has, then treat me harshly because of their misunderstanding.  I do not get 'high' I do not get 'racey'  I don't not feel a pleasurable sensation.  Mostly if I were to put the feeling down to anything I'd say inconvenient.  I often have a loss of appetite, and sometimes have lack of sleep.    
  • manda08392
    manda08392 shinkansen

    Posted

    I applaud that you have taken this all in stride. May I ask how old you were when being diagnosed? I myself have ADD but this post struck a cord with me as my younger sister was diagnosed with ADHD very young (I feel very strongly about young children being put on rittlin but this of course was years ago and many also feel strongly because of how many kids got put on it when it first came out). When she was an adolescent she was also diagnosed with PDD, which is a form of autism. You sound like a very main stream adult who is adjusting to the news well and seeing signs from your past that now make sense.
    • shinkansen
      shinkansen manda08392

      Posted

      Thank you for your message and your interest comments. I was diagnoses with ADHD at the age of 48. Now, the NHS North London autism unit say that my autism spectrum disorder (ASD) assessment will be in February 2016. 

      I've been ok with ADHD and ASD assessment/diagnosis. But the changes in routine have been stressful, particularly taking the prescription drugs, regular visits to my GP and visits to a pychologist. Though he's not specifically qualified in this area, the pychologist has said that my behaviour is consistent with someone who is autistic.

      But how I have managed to get to 48 without this level of medical internvention ? Probably because I've been good at bluffing my way through the many situations which cause my stress. 

      I am now at last finding explanations for stuff that happens to me. For instance, I've always been single, made many social blunders and have had a variable employment record. But from now on, I can get targetted help based on assessment and diagnosis for ADHD and ASD.

      On reflection, my biggest thanks goes to my new GP. His intervention has made a big difference. 

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