Hi,
I was dx a few months ago and am currently trying dexedrine.
Does anyone know how you “should” feel when you get the right dosage? My doctor (and I) are worried about too much, but I’m as worried about not enough. Got to get something working to save a job… :?
Re: Dexedrine Questions...
My son (21 years old) was on Dexedrine for a very long time and just switched to Adderall long acting, because it lasts longer and he has to be on meds to drive to and from his job at night after a day at school. I know when the dosage is right for him and he does too, because he can attend to and participate appropriately in conversations. He can start and finish a task without too much interruption. He remembers what his goals are when he starts to work. But those are [b][u]his[/u][/b] goals.
Everybody’s system and body chemistry are different, and everyone’s symptoms are different. You are the best judge of what’s right for you at your age, although, someone close to you can help you realize if you are on track or not. You can always increase the medication for a week, and if you are not comfortable, reduce the dosage. It doesn’t stay in your system.
One way to regulate medication is by rating your symptoms. There is a Connor’s Rating Scale, but that is for school children. I don’t know if there is an adult version. Ask your doctor. If there isn’t one you can decide what symptoms you want to control, make a list with your doctor, and rate your symptoms each day as always, frequently, sometimes, rarely, or never. If you can, have a co-worker or a supervisor rate them as well for a week. Keep playing with the dosage until you get the level of symptoms where you can do your job well and interact appropriately with colleagues regularly.
The other thing to consider is whether you are seeing the right type of physician to regulate dexedrine. You should see a neurologist (my preference) or a psychiatrist who specializes in ADD/ADHD. Internists are wonderful people, but they don’t have the experience in the subtlties of these meds, and some are prone to underprescribe because of misconceptions about side-effects.
By the way, teens and adults with ADHD who are taking medicine are 3 times LESS likely to abuse drugs and alchohol than those with ADHD who don’t take medicine.
If you’d like to talk to my son about how he feels on and off his medication, you can email me directly at [email protected], and I’ll put you in touch with each other.
Good luck,
Fern
Re: Dexedrine Questions...
I am on Dexedrine and have been since July of 2003. I started off on only 5mg. and moved up within a few months to 10 .. then to 20 … and now am on 30mg… I can tell that this is where I should be with this medication for me. I think you will be able to tell with your own body and mind which dosage is right for you. You can always try a higer dosage and if you don’t think you need it then change it to a lower dosage again … You need to FEEL it out on your own… Let me know if this helps!! :)
- tara
I know what you feel im 22 and was diganost with adhd and dyslexa about 6 months ago. my doctor and i have been trying to find the right combanation of med. It is hard! I ask my 2 friends that i am real close to (one is a co-woker) how they think I am doing durning the day and night if it helps me or not and how it does. It gives me a trustwothy outsiders view that is onest and it helps! Family and friends that you see all the time can tell you if they notice the difference. I still haven’t figured out that combination yet but I am optimistic. I once was over doesed and it made me feel tired and like a zombe. good luck on your search you will get there it takes time.