How Do You Know if Your ADHD Meds Are Working?

[@Briansawilddowner]

I knew my medicine was working when I started hearing the ends of songs. I used to constantly skip to the next song halfway through.

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

OMG! "I knew my medicine was working when I started hearing the ends of songs"... that is such a great observation. I'm confident others can relate. thanks for the post

[@AravinthRameshL]

Can u tell how much time it takes to feel the difference?iam taking medication from last week i am xtremely inattentive after taking.

[@Briansawilddowner]

Aravinth Loganathan I noticed it within an hour, however something I learned was that taking my medicine within an hour of having an acidic drink like coffee, soda, orange juice or even sparkling water would cause it not to be effective.

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

@@AravinthRameshL Note Brian's comment. Be wary of Acidic drinks when taking stimulants. As for how much time till you notice a difference... that depends on the meds and the dosage. If your dosage is too low you might not notice anything because the dose is too low. Over simplified Vyvance is Adderall that is time released. Because it builds slowly and tapers off many don't notice its impact as much. Consider talking to your professional about what you are noticing.

[@AravinthRameshL]

AttentionTalkVideo actually i couldn’t able to watch the video .I am taking atomoxitine 20mg/day i wont see any positive effect till now instead i felt very inattentive compared before.I asked my psychiatrist they told it will be like that for initial weeks later only you will see the result for atomoxtine.i have few interviews over this week this medication makes more inattentive so i get feared

[@LaugHaRiot708]

I was diagnosed with adhd when I was in 3rd grade, I’m 30 now. It was just starting to be addressed and there was very little knowledge and information on treatment at the time. Now being told that I did not learn the same way as normal kids was a very hard thing to comprehend. I first went on Ritalin in 5th grade. In the beginning it turned me into kinda, not a zombie, but suppressed my personality, and didn’t see any effect in my learning skills and behavior. I was taken off in 7th grade and continued to struggle with school and everyday life and just accepted the fact Im not “normal” and was always going to get by with barley making it. A lot of people say “everyone has ADD, it’s just an excuse, or I’m just lazy.” Which is a very selfish thing to say especially if you have no idea what it’s like. The best way I can describe it is that through out the day my thought process is like a tv channel changing every 30 seconds. Imagine reading a book out loud and the whole time thinking about 20 different things in a span of 5 minutes. My junior year I was started on time released adderall and the first day I took it I remember sitting in class and hung onto every word the teacher said, in fact I didn’t want them to stop talking and I was so excited and interested in learning whatever I was being taught. I remember leaving for the next class and the same thing happened. Then at about the middle of the day I was walking through the hallway and not distracted or deterred from anything other than attention to detail. At that moment I almost collapsed to the floor and I went into the bathroom and I started to cry, I sobbed like a baby actually. Because for once in my life I finally understood, and couldn’t wait to tell my mom that I was a “normal” kid. In collage I was switched to vyvanse time released and take one pill in the morning. That pill does not make me a genius, it does not give me an advantage, and does not in anyway “fix me”, because there’s nothing wrong with me. One pill in the morning simply keeps the tv on one channel and the rest is up to me.

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

Wow! Great life story. Grateful you took the time to share it. Hoping others read it!

[@DrCharlesParker]

These reports occur every day in clinical practice. The variables you describe, more often than not, are typical of my own experiences for many years with most clients. When the meds don't work predictably that impediment issue results from direct metabolic challenges - from OJ in the AM with Adderall,, to the moving therapeutic window with food sensitivities: corepsych.com/tw and corepsych.com/gi

[@abrahamsmith2973]

Thats right!

[@rebelliousnature4795]

Same thing happened to me the first time I took Ritalin at 26 I cried like a baby, it was pretty emotional having just then realized how this one issue was nearly the direct culprit to so many problems I've had with my life that I nearly gave up, this was after having not taken medication since I was 12 but stopped a couple months after taking the Dexedrine because it made me feel like a zombie.... the doctor that prescribed me Ritalin only gave me a month and for some reason sent me to a psychologist that didn't even specialize in ADHD, he was for Alzheimer's and demenzia..... well I gave up after that and just now at 28 went back and got help again after a lengthy process of trying non stimulants that weren't working because I wanted to cement in to the psychologist that I am serious and not an abuser of this and just want help, after I explained this before I almost gave up again he laughed and put me on Vyvanse, I broke down and cried once I got back to my car

[@HoldMeForever]

Just got prescriped Vyvanse(Elvanse) for my inattentive ADHD cause Concerta made me dead and suicidal. First day on Vyvanse, I'm hopeless.. it should work right from the start, but I'm only feeling worse... It's not as hellish as Concerta, but it's not doing anything positive either.

[@RichardsWorld]

Excellent discussion there. When I was first prescribed Adderall before I think most of my depression came from not accomplishing very much. I couldn't do something simple like wash my dishes or clean my house, or pay bills that weren't on auto pay. After taking Adderall I was able to do my tasks and I wasn't so depressed about myself.

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

sounds like the adderall improved your quality of life. I say that cause many are anti med for no other reason than they are anti med. I'm not pro med. I am pro education and advocate for people to understand the dynamics of the situation. thanks for posting.

[@Bboybe16]

This is one of the few videos that gets straight to the point and meat of the problem. I am having some epiphanies on the intent of ADHD medication- both stimulant and non-stimulant medication. I realized that I had two executive function impairments: 1. Working memory- 15th percentile of my age group. (Full comprehensive neuropsych testing) likely an issue with dopiminergic deficits in various regions of my basal ganglia (substantia nigra, etc) and prefrontal cortex (Anterior, orbitofrontal cortex, etc). 2. Cognitive inhibition (blocking out unnecessary thoughts) and Inhibitory control (controlling ones impulses) Emotional self-regulation, and social appropriateness. I'm barely grasping that when it comes to the brain..., upregulation, inhibition, antagonistic, agonistic mechanisms are not independent from eachother, but work in complex pathways and dependent on one another. I can tell that the medications are working from the visible, as you say macro, effects. 1. I have reduced how long I stay in my thoughts that would constantly go in circles. This allows me to be decisive and stick with a plan. 2. I feel less compelled to act on every one of my impulses and curiosities which makes delayed gratification much more attainable for me. 3. A decrease in frustration and ego-dystonic thinking patterns from when I was unaware of my deficits in selective attention and concentration. I am less "reactive" and seem to be able to stop certain maladaptive thinking patterns before they reach a terrible level. 4. I can now, somehow, accept that I don't have to be "special", not break every rule I don't like, feel compelled to be socially "inapropriate", and controversial all the time. 5. My relations have improved because my friends and loved ones do not have to "walk on eggshells" around me and have to accommodate my "unique" way of thinking and acting. Thank you Doctors!

[@froggydoodle808]

Maybe you're low on working memory, but you sound pretty high on intelligence!

[@Bboybe16]

@@froggydoodle808 thank you! I finished college through sheer will power and my faith in something greater than myself. I now advocate for all these people who've suffered unnecessarily.

[@froggydoodle808]

@@Bboybe16 That's inspiring to hear. May you have many healthy years ahead of you!

[@subsuperficiem6781]

He blinked 16 times between the other guys blink.

[@donna.p]

Oh yeah wonder what that means 😀

[@DrCharlesParker]

It's a sign of intelligence!

[@HoldMeForever]

I have the same problem :(

[@mulliganstew72]

Trying to stay awake?

[@brettneuberger6466]

Melody Wicker hahaha. Why aren’t you paying attention to the content!

[@mckendramckay3805]

I find that from the meds I’m taking right know that the noise as I like to call it has gone away, I’m not consistently think /over think , my anxiety has gone from an all time high to almost non existent since starting my meditation

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

Excellent!

[@balkanicsense1952]

which kind of medication you take?

[@barrettcarlton3976]

I have adhd new diagnoses for why my severe anxiety has never been able to be treated correctly.I started vyvanse 20mg and im hoping to God my anxiety goes away.31 and tired of feeling like this.im happy you were able to figure this out :)

[@kgon07]

@@barrettcarlton3976 I’m with you, I just started Vyvanse today. So nervous but I hope it helps my busy mind and anxiety. Good luck to you, I hope you’re doing well.

[@Jaxie.99]

10 years ago and I learned so much….the term “cognitive anxiety” describes what i experience, my meds aren’t working.

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

My hope is you are disucssing things with your physcian.

[@raulalcantar4497]

I just wanna say im surprised about how much information is not told during the specialist consulta, and how common it is in many countries. This is super important and highly ethical to be told to pacients because it compromises the whole treatment if a pacient simply quits for lack of understanding the benefits of his treatment. Finally found a good video.

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

Thank you for posting. I'm thrilled this video spoke to you. I agree with your comment. I find it frustrating in our world today everyone just address surface level stuff and exludes what i call the underlying technolgoy (this is a metaphor in this situation). It is difficult to find and it is like it is assumed you know what you don't know. It takes time to teach you the drivers but it helps you case manage things. Thanks again for posting and watching this channel.

[@FREEDMFTR]

I love this video for a couple reasons: 1) This video felt very genuine and raw and logical (if that makes sense) without the production and “script” feeling. Just wholesome conversation and expert advice. My doc loves to “up” my meds, and has never offered ADHD therapy / counselling or support. Only drugs. 2) This answered all my questions about my meds and how they make me “feel”. It’s more clear my meds may be too high, not too low. Thank you 🙏🏻

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

Totally grateful for your comments. Genuine is what we are about. We focus more on content than production. thanks again.

[@rdklkje13]

@@AttentionTalkVideo Yeah, I have gone through a lot of info, but this is the first time I’ve come across the point that too high a dose can feel very similar to one that’s too low. Thanks for this video - it may be old but clearly still relevant!

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

@@rdklkje13 Thrilled you found this helpful!!!

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

Veronique, the interview was shot live... part of the way through it i realized we were attending to the topic differently... at which time i had an insight. It seems to me one could attend to 1) A buzz as an indication that the meds worked 2) All of a sudden becoming more organized 3) Regulating attention or emotion (i.e. reading 3 pages of a book when the record was ½ a page).

[@edwinortiz7114]

He said dont attend to the buzz. Many times you won't feel that. I dont have a buzz anymore but when I did I was on too much. Look at your functioning.

[@ForkySeven]

watching this in 2020. The virtual meeting was ahead of its time lol

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

I guess it was!

[@ashleyc5790]

True that!

[@Sillilesshells]

I feel like my concentration is improving. I am reading alittle every day when before i had to psych myself up to do it. I can actually remember more details of videos and books! only problem is, my slightly heightend anxiety. :/ also yeah thats exactly what my doctor does " take these and talk about it in a few weeks"

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

concentration is improving... excellent. If you can consider journaling your experience taking the meds... i.e. took meds today at 8 am. felt anxiety at 3 pm. Had trouble concentrating at 8 pm. take the journal to the doctor. this will help you articulate what is happening... via data (daily journal entry) for the doctor to review and make adjustments. The goal is to find the right drug at the right dose taken at the right time to help concentration without or minimal anxiety.

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

They say pills don’t teach the skills... so it seems the target or measure to determine if ADHD meds are working would be improved self regulation in the area of attention and emotion

[@devenlee4547]

For me it's a life savor I'm thankful for having it it makes me more normal and at peace and all the benefits and no side effects. It's awesome a wonderful little pill . Only people who really need it should have it. I'm ADHD ADD and it's a life changer wonderful

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

what a great post! It is a life changer for some. I totally agree. only people who really need it should have it. Just like any other medication.

[@harsharora6113]

Which medicine

[@IndigoCosmic]

I was recently put on Adderall and asked for a low dose because I don't like medications and side effects, but 5mg IR doesn't seem to be doing much. I focus for like an hour or two, then I'm back to scattered thoughts and multitasking everything. It has made me feel a lot calmer and less anxious.

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

excellent. I like how you are starting low on your dosage. Work with your physican... maybe increase it slightly to see what works. If the dosage gets to be too much... just go back down. thanks for posting.

[@ZoeyVagnerLLF]

My working memory is definitely still poor even though i can focus more :(

[@christophersurnname9967]

Just your genetics unfortunately

[@BeAPickle]

We need more videos like this explaining what to expect, please, as a description says it's really frustrating to see results at first and then not seeing it with the same dose after some time.

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

thrilled you liked the video. Would you really like more tidbit on meds?

[@user-pq3lu6cd2l]

@@AttentionTalkVideo YES!!! That would be so helpful!

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

@@user-pq3lu6cd2l consider googling "ADHD: Methylpenidtes, Amphetamines, and non-stimulants" for my interview with Dr. Carolyn Lentzsch-Parcells

[@treewalker1070]

I was diagnosed a ADHD-Inattentive Type as a senior citizen. (It wasn't on the map when I was in school but my symptoms are classic.) I now am on Ritalin. The Ritalin barely makes me feel any different. But my *work* (writing) feels easier. It's just easier to concentrate on the work and not feel distracted. I compare it to -- you have to push a heavy load up a hill, and then the load somehow starts feeling lighter, it's not *you* that feels different, it is the *work* that feels different. The pills are supposed to last for four hours. And indeed I have noticed that eventually the work seems harder to concentrate on again -- and when I look at the clock, four to five hours have passed. It is striking how the duration of effects seems to match the expected duration. I don't measure it by a change in how I feel but in how the work feels. The doctor told me it could affect my appetite and that some people take these pills for weight loss (which would be a bonus for me). So I expected that it would make me feel less hungry. It hasn't done that, rather it has made it possible to just ignore hunger pangs as a petty distraction. All day if I want. But the pills don't make me feel different, as far as my mood is concerned. They simply make the work feel different.

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

thanks for sharing your experience. I like the way you articulated it. Hoping others read your post and identify with it.

[@treewalker1070]

@@AttentionTalkVideo Thanks for replying, it is nice to get a response to a comment from the video creator. I wonder if you could help with some questions. First, is ADHD a spectrum condition or is it considered either/or? I ask that because my partner has some ADHD traits (especially impulsivity) but not others. Second, I have heard that non-ADHD get "speedy" from the meds, or get a cheered-up mood, whereas ADHD people (such as myself) do not, and that this is because of our different neurological wiring. I shared a Ritalin with my partner to see what would happen. Whether he is ADHD or not, he seems to have Type 2 Bipolar (intermittent depression but not serious mania) and even though "speed" is not a proper medication for depression, when he was starting to fall into a depressive episode I hoped that the Ritalin might possibly help avoid that? It did! But not by cheering him up or affecting his mood. Rather, he said that with the Ritalin he found it easy to ignore the persistent thought patterns that pull him into depressive episodes. Does Ritalin typically help non-ADHD people this way? Is the fact that he didn't feel "speedy" or direct effects on his mood diagnostic? I know you are not a psychiatrist and these questions may go beyond your area of expertise, I'm only asking for your reaction as an informed layperson (who answers KZbin comments!)

[@treewalker1070]

And in my humble opinion and limited experience, I would answer the title of the video with one sentence: If the meds are working, distractions (internal or external) become easy to ignore. (But maybe this applies mainly to inattentive type.)

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

To respond appropriately to you post would take chapters. Officially as i understand it ADHD isn't a spectrum condition. That said when you have seen one person with ADHD you have seen one person with ADHD. At its core ADHD is an issue of self regulation. Some struggle with regulation attention, others emotion, others bodily movement. Take that plus the fact that 60% of the time there is a co morbid condition (ugh... we all hate that label) there are an infinate numbers of the manifestation and the intensity of ADHD. Labels are great for accommodations. The problem with them is once something is label people stop paying attention the the individual differences of a condition. Take the color Red. when i say red you have a picture of what red is. Understand there are an infinate number of shades of the color red. Bottom line... all ADHD manifest differently. hope that helps.

[@treewalker1070]

@@AttentionTalkVideo Thanks for the reply, it is great to be able to have a dialogue with a content creator. I have "co-morbid" Asperger's and have studied that a lot longer -- so are you familiar with the term "Planet Autism"? Meaning that people on the autism spectrum are as varied as those on the "neurotypical" planet, yet it is a distinct planet, so to speak. I think perhaps we could talk about "Planet ADHD" as well (except I wish we could get rid of the defining it in terms of "deficit" and "disorder" -- there are strengths as well, we only need to know how to harness them).

[@tessaluvsjesse]

I was just diagnosed with ADHD at 35, so it's difficult to decipher what's a symptom and what is not. Therefore difficult to know for sure what the med should be helping, at different doses. This info was very, very helpful! Simple for me to remember: how do I feel cognitively on the medication, not physically. Just the simple idea of reading in the morning and afternoon and recording how well I'm able to read it and retain it at those different times is brilliant. Thank you!

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

Excellent! Keep learning, work on awareness, and be patient.

[@tessaluvsjesse]

AttentionTalkVideo thanks for the reply! I will!

[@danielt5465]

Thank you for making this video! It helps a lot. I also wanted to ask, on the right dosage, is it common for Vyvanse to affect verbal communication? Trailing off a topic, jumping from one point to another during conversation, and failing to land a message has been a challenge. Would love your feedback.

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

Meds don't get you organized and they don't impact what you attend to. They allow you to sustain focus longer. As for you bouncing around... I'd need to know more. If you are talking all over the place it could be that you are thinking out loud. It could be you are problem solving (trail and error thinking). Again, I'd need to know more.

[@Venomonomonom]

Vyvanse affected me clearly too, similar to your words there. Ritalin was much milder, but with anxiety at the time, and getting focus albeit not always, to do basic clean up. Interested in Strattera...

[@tonyd6853]

Strattera was great for reading.

[@trojanhell7639]

It's true that you feel euphoric when you first take it. The next day, there is no longer any euphoria, but you are peaceful, relaxed, focused, happier, and not fatigued..... These pills essentially block all demotivating emotions, allowing you to test yourself and see if you feel like a new person. I also understand that many are equating that euphoric high from when you first started using it with how I'm supposed to work all the time.....

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

Thanks for posting and sharing your lived experience.

[@MadMedicSkills]

I really appreciate that there are some doctors that see that a lot of us like me cannot find a medicine that helps. For me I have gone from Concerta to Strattera and 7 medications later im now on Focalin. I have been diagnosed 2 times and I suffer from attention deficit. Usually the medications work the problem is for me I get every side effect ( fast heart beat, loss of weight, twitches). I just want to just read a book without my mind going off somewhere else :(

[@slitch4410]

Cut my dose in half, and I could listen to this whole video, but before I couldn't and I didn't want to click it, because it wasn't stimulating enough for me, eventhough I've seen it being suggested to me for multiple times. It's very dangerous, cause if I hadn't had the idea: "Maybe it's too much instead of not enough" I would've never noticed.

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

Great post!!!!! Love stuff like this where people share their lived experience and things are different than what one would think. It kind of helps give people permission to notice what works for them. Thanks.

[@Atlastheyote222]

I could tell mine started working because I studied for a test for 5 hours straight and memorized everything. Which is something I just couldn't do before, not for lack of trying.

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

Booya! Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@MrAlshammary18]

I have been following Dr Charles for the past few months , as an ADHD person no one has explained the medications better than what he did on minute 9:00 And how your supposed to know the difference between your body and your mind 🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌 So true

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

Yes he is excelent.

[@vinilzord1]

Very helpful video. Thank you Dr. I've learned more in these 16 minutes than during my appointment with a psychiatrist. Thanks! God bless you. Having ADHD takes a toll on you, so knowing that there are people like you out there advocating for us is amazing. Fortunately more and more people are realizing how damaging this disorder is. Thanks once again 😃

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

Wow! Thank you for those kind words. Yes, ADHD can be very damaging but there is hope. you can have a fulfilling life if you get help and manage it. Thanks for tuning in.

[@neurospicypisces]

Thank you so much for this very informative video 🙏 I'm about to be 33 and had decided a long time ago to treat myself as if I had ADHD because I was exhausted by my disorganization of how I manage my life and my belongings, how I procrastinated at everything because this reason or that reason, and I didn't even realize for a very long time that ADHD has an effect on your emotional management as well. Once I put into practice all the things and "got on top" of my behaviour practices (of organization and getting the things done) and realized that I still struggle with attention span, being able to process information, mental fatigue, overstimulation, emotional burn out and all those fun things, that I finally talked to my Doctor (GP family physician). She has me on 18mg of Concerta now and I started this week but did not offer me any kind of advice or direction about how it should help me. I have had anxiety about how to know if it's going to work for me and this video layed it out flatly. I took notes! Lol. Thank you so much.

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

You are so welcome. Hope you find other video's on our channel helpful.

[@breannapiscitelli3941]

You guys both know your stuff. I hate when people have stigmatized me too being hyper active and not being able to pay attention. You also answered my question, so thank you I do need to up my meds, I think. There’s a lot of stigma as you guys know, about being on Adderall. I think there’s a lot of stigma about ADHD in general is definitely an issue with executive function. That’s how I know. I probably need mine Upped. My mom said something to me the other day that basically kind of made me also realize this. I actually tend not to notice when my medication is not working but others around me notice pretty severely because apparently it takes me a lot longer to get tasks done or I just don’t finish them at all. When I’m on my medication I finish Tasks usually in a timely manner. Thank you for this video. It was very insightful and I think you guys both really know what you’re talking about.❤

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

thank you for your kind post. Brings me joy you find value in our content. Thanks for watching.

[@TheSubzero1991]

As the days goby i believe i have ADD.My doctor diagnosed me with ADD.Doctor charles Parker said that people with ADHD have problems with thinking too much and not acting.This is me.I start my day saying i will go to search for work but i keep thinking from 8 o clock the morning until 12 or 1 and then when the consequences get worse if i don't find job and instatly i stop and get out for work but then is late because it is 13:00 and i am hungry.This is why i fail to find work for several months.I keep thinking or distracting but not searching for job which is the initial goal of all this thinking!Oh god!Doctor changed my dose from 36 mg to 54 concerta because i was not feeling anything.Thanks for this video i was wondering what makes it work or not!Now i know that i need higher medication if i dont feel the effects on 36 mg!This is why when i was taking 10 mg of ritalin i felt instantly the effects but it was not that strong but felt the effects of instant 10 mg compared to 36 extended release!Thanks!

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

you are totally welcome. Thanks for the post.

[@namanrawal5849]

I can’t tell you how helpful and insightful this video was for me. The problem is I keep finding providers that either can’t diagnose me correctly or treat me correctly. If I bring up points from a video such as this one, they look at me like I’m Dr. Google. It’s very hard to find a patient, attentive, articulate, intelligent, and highly informed provider. Most of these docs just want to dispense the candy and get you out of their way so they can spend 5 minutes with the next “crazy.” It’s really such a struggle.

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

it is a struggle. Where are you located?

[@namanrawal5849]

@@AttentionTalkVideo I'm located in central New Jersey!

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

How far is Philidelphia from you?

[@namanrawal5849]

@@AttentionTalkVideo about an hour away!

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

@@namanrawal5849 Dr. Ari Tuckman is a good friend and an ADHD thought leader in the Philidelphia. Google him and call him. Tell him Jeff Copper referred you. Note he can diagnose but can't prescribe meds. When you talk to him explain your situation. Either he can help or refer you in the area. Again, Ari is excellent. Another alternative is the UPenn. It could be difficult to get in but Dr. Anthony Rostain is EXCELLENT.

[@Aimusica111]

I am 34 years old and went to a doctor because I came to the conclusion that I have ADD.. I filled a questionnaire ..but it was targeted more for a depressed person..I did find my self some how depressed recently. .because I found my self at an age where financially I am not in the position where I want ..thought. .I will be at this age but right away I was prescribed celexa ..I was confused because ..now Im taking this medication that is making me feel less concentrated .. I di have a second appointment in a montht from now..but now I'm feeling desperate.

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

Diego! Many with ADHD become depressed over time... kind of makes sense when you think about it. If that is the case focus on managing your ADHD and maybe depression will improve. On another note... if the meds are having the opposite effect let you mental healthcare provider know!

[@DrCharlesParker]

+Jeff Copper calls it exactly right. And in the spirit of this question I've started an entire new playlist on understanding comorbidity w ADHD by using the PM drop if you do take stimulant meds. This combination of depression and ADHD is the most frequently missed combo after Anxiety subsets. Check back w another doc if you current doc doesn't get ADHD, many don't and no reason to persist when the knowledge is simply not there.

[@DrCharlesParker]

Addendum: Link to The 7 ADHD Medication Drops in The PM - KZbin Video Playlist: bit.ly/7PMdrops

[@Midnightlibrary584]

The first day, I took 5 mg and was perfectly able to control my temper. The noise is my head was also gone. I felt a beautiful calm. Second day, didn’t notice the calm but emotions were still in check. 4th day, I upped to 10 and felt the difference. Day 10, upped to 15 and almost heard a very light buzzing sound, almost like I could hear the silence in my brain. Only tried that yesterday, back on 10 today. My question is why does it feel like a low dose stops working after only 3-4 days? I’m back to procrastinating, feeling sluggish, etc, as I was before my diagnosis+treatment. Is this normal?

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

Complicated question. I'll see if Dr. P will comment. That said, there are a lot of variables but in simple terms... the idea is to figure out the right dose in the right amount that is optimal. Also, the meds don't tell you what to attend to they just help you sustain focus longer than what you might normally do. As for procrastination... i find most procrastination is rooted in ambiguity. The meds don't impact that. I'd encourage you to pause when procrastination and ask yourself what is hard... what is ambiguous. Identify that and then address that issue first.

[@Midnightlibrary584]

@@AttentionTalkVideo thank you for answering! You’re absolutely right. Perhaps I was looking for a quick solution but I have unlearn my old ways.

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

@@Midnightlibrary584 Ahh... you are getting it! Patients. I know it is hard but patients. I did forward the comments to Dr. P. If he has time I expect he'll chin in.

[@9mully]

Body is adaptable, eventually you can build tolerance like with any drug, you constantly chasing that high

[@ZoeyVagnerLLF]

Thanks! My meds are deff working and although i do not physically feel effects, cognitively I DO. My studying has improved, my driving has improved, communication skills (not as unorganized in talking), etc. im in vyvanse 20mg. Seems to be a perfect dose!

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

Awesome! Keep monitoring things... keep being aware!

[@mckendramckay3805]

Zoey Vagner would you say that the noise (as I call it ) in your head is less?

[@sarahconnor5657]

Yes! Ugh omg!! I’m not hyper at all I’m always tired actually! And laid back. But for example if im at my job and some one asks me for a corona and then the next person asks me for a sweet ice tea I’ll have it in my mind and then go to put it in and theeeennn it’s gone lol. Its so bad! I lost my phone three times at my job today I just can’t seem to remember things or just think honestly. I want to really work on my ADD and I say ADD because again I’m supper under active. I’m not hyper at all physically and mentally I feel slow! My mind is scattered and I can’t pick and chose as to what I want to hold onto or focus on. I see this a lot with options. If I can do some thing a certain way or another way it’s extremely hard to think it through and see which is better. Then the anxiety kicks in cause I’m taking forever to do one simple thing. And before you know it my slow moving mind is filled with way too much and is all over the place! Ugh horrible 🙄 also if I want to tell some one for example that the happy hour is from 3-close and includes house cocktails draft beers and appetizers. I literally struggle so hard! I can’t say what I think and half the time what I think is not what comes out of my mouth. Its so bad when my meds crap out on me some people laugh at me or I’ll forget certain things about the menu at my job or the alcohol and if I say I don’t know or umm let me check people criticize me. This takes up a bunch of time And it looks bad because I’ve been at my job for a good time now and I struggle hard with out my meds. I’m not sure what to do because my Adderall is not working any more. And it’s just hard. Its hard to just think or move around. With out my meds I can say to my self okay I’m going to get my dogs collar it’s down stairs. And as I begin to go down stairs I’ll forget completely blank out!!! Clean slate! And see some thing else or remember some thing else and the damn dog doesn’t get walked till 6 hours later 🤣 I wish I knew when I was younger about my ADD. What else can I do besides meds please tell meee!!!!

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

Sarah... Wow! Have you seen my videos on working memory and distractions? Consider searching attention talk video working memory or distractions. Each have an attention exercise that helps people witness working memory as a process in you mind to create awareness to help one pause and better manage it.

[@prodigygaming802]

Sarah Connor GEASE you an English teacher or something because your typing is like reading a book it's so long.

[@cheyennechristinelivinglife]

I am like this a LOT! I'm just starting meds today and hoping I can it'll assist me with this as well as other issues with my ADHD

[@noahfirstark]

I feel exactly the same. Unfortunately, I was fired from my job before being diagnosed

[@billybalentine8065]

“If it’s not working, it’s not working” so simple yet so true.

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

You "get" it.

[@pawool]

This has helped a lot thank you. I am currently on the titration journey with various long and short acting medications. I have ongoing cognitive and physical fatigue from almost 60 years of not knowing I have ADHD. This is partly due to pushing myself way to hard to be successful with my career which was richly tangential and rich with different experiences, but horrendously exhausting. I may have been expecting more of the norepinephrine effect to assist with executive functioning, as opposed to realising the fatigue may be an ongoing feature for me. This is confusing however, as I am still trying gain clarity about the bidirectional relationship between fatigue and ADHD symptoms and how this may be impacting on my perception of how efficacious my medication is.

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

Hope you are getting professional help trying to figure things out. Thanks for tuning in

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

Kevin B... thanks for sharing your experience... many who read your post will identify with you... and be motivated to press on for solutions!

[@Cdentonphr]

Too much? When I was taking TOO LITTLE amount of Adderall - it took a couple of hours to take effect. My Dr. upped my dose by 20mg twice and I was in a good therapeutic range (guess you call it the SWEET SPOT?). Not a perfect range but like 80% better than what had become normal for me. Always, it can be different from day to day depending if there are extra stressors going on etc...

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

excellent

[@pauldigrazia7736]

Dog gone? Where do I sign up? Call my doctor! You are great doctor! I need a doctor like you man. You are so smart and caring. Duration of effectiveness! is my problem.

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

have you checked out Dr. Parkers you tube channel?

[@mysnellvilleblog]

Exactly the info I needed. Love you guys!

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

thanks for the post!

[@BBFCCO733]

I was also confused about how to measure if the meds were working. I feel better than before in terms of smoothness of thinking, wheras before I felt my brain was a stick shift. I also have a better management of my emotional reaction and can still feel emotions but also am calmer and more rational than before. I can understand things at a university level as I am educated in whereas before I felt like a child, despite my education. My memory has improved and ability to speak. I feel my meds hit around 30 min or sooner and its like a feeling of calm but I am trying to understand bouts of "anxiety" or restlessness and also moments of feeling like I am in a very good mood, but it doesn't last a very long time. For myself, the feeling of being calm, serene and focused and functional is what I strive for, but it's not always the case, but I also recognize that perhaps I need to make changes to my environment.

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

sounds like you are figuring things out!

[@mariarehard3435]

It's like the Charlie Brown cartoon to me and the teacher talking, wawa wawawawawawaaaa

[@寿司食べたいな]

I learned so much from this video. Two very intelligent men here doing the lord's good work.

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

thank you for taking the time to post and for your kind words.

[@blackbubblegum]

Really appreciate this video. I feel like my gut feeling of wanting to reduce my dosage makes even more sense now.

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

you are very welcome!

[@rapsemlimites7058]

Thanks! I was so focused on what wasn't working I didn't pay attention to what was, totally a problem in the mindset I had. I plan to observe my behavior change outside my work so I know when is best to start working instead of trying to figure out how to make my meds work like a clock, my medical appointments are too far apart to adjust only then, for now I'll focus on doing things while I now can until I figure out how to create a functioning schedule.

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

awesome!

[@scottkraft1062]

Anger is the one that gets me

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

Anger... emotions... managing emotions are a real challenge for many with ADHD. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@sl4983]

YES, Anxiety!! I have been finding alpraz works to keep me calmer

[@seanmarie4653]

Is that a stimulant

[@xxaidanxxsniperz6404]

@@seanmarie4653 alprazolam is xanax or a benzodiazepine. It is a downer and is prescribed for anxiety. It is highly addictive and should be the last line of treatment.

[@rdklkje13]

Thank you for this. Very informative, even now. You may want to update the description a little, several of the links there are broken by now.

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

you're welcome... Thanks for the heads up on the broken links!!!!!! Thanks for watching my channel.

[@willdornan9929]

I like Dr Parker, if he had been my doctor I probably would have stuck with my medication.

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

He is brilliant!

[@monikap8585]

Great interview... Thank you...

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

Thanks for listening

[@Nethanel773]

Thank you for putting this up.

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

My pleasure!

[@anthonypoland6588]

I'd like to add an element that seems to be overlooked here. The research I've done on this topic hasn't covered this point. The points here, take meds, right meds leads to better executive function, manifest as more organized, etc. I take meds, I do get more organized, etc. but from an emotional perspective it still feels better to be disorganized for a variety of reasons. So just saying, one may have all their tasks complete, house clean, projects on schedule, etc. but it is the happiness factor that seems to be left out. An ADHD person does not idealize what a very successful person idealizes mainly because it is a very difficult goal for them to obtain. They may achieve a level of function one day, then lose it the other, no way a person would not be risk-averse and strive for something lesser. Of course the more a person tries, the more opportunities there are to fail, so it is a constant uphill battle...

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

thanks for posting. Here are a few thoughts. First, meds don't get you organized or teach you how to get organized. All they do is help you sustain focus long on tasks you struggle with. For some that is all they need. Others need help. As for your comment around emotional happiness... i agree but think it i implied. One wouldn't take any med unless their life wasn't impacted in some way more positively. Thanks again

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

part 2 - Think about this... try and notice what you always attend to... then think about how you can change your environment to use what you can attend to to get around what you struggle to focus on!

[@d0ntbeevil]

Interesting, did you develop on this is future videos? I know it's 5 years old...

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

@@d0ntbeevil concepts were already there.

[@흔한안흔한]

My doc told me the euphoric feeling you get on your forehead(in my case) and itchy nerve tingling all around my limbs for first 2-3days of dosage increase is the side effects and people might think that the side effect is the actual result of the drug. In reallity the weird itchy feelings would be gone in few days and you feel like the med isnt doing its job but that is really wrong.

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

interesting. i've never heard that before.

[@cecilstone9679]

Great Video...Answered My Questions Thank You...On My 3rd Day Of First Time Of Meditation

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

you are welcome

[@AnnetteCada]

Very informative!!

[@pootietang9542]

Annette Cada My god you are hot.

[@stevenwarme3928]

great information, headset is killing me ....to distracting

[@scottbrady9477]

i take nuvigil it has changed my life i feel so much better now

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

interesting. it is awesome you found something that helps!

[@deecee7042]

Thank you guys. I feel really seen with this awful invisible illness of ADD. Have been medicated for 2 weeks and I really feel a weight lifted off my shoulders. I feel enabled to think, enabled to decide how I react to situations internally and externally, improved focus, and less being “on edge” emotionally. I realized I have been a reactive and angry person unbeknownst to my own self. Do you have any videos long term medication usage?

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

Thrilled you are feeling a bit of hope. As for videos on long term medication usage... there was a 5 DVD set on long term implication of taking vs not taking meds at totallyadd.com. you might consider looking there. Thanks for posting

[@deecee7042]

@@AttentionTalkVideo thank you

[@brandimolina27]

My son is 15 and a sophomore in high school and was diagnosed last January as a freshman - so relatively uneducated but together we are learning. He is on 40 mg of focalin XR and it last 7;30 and until roughly 6:00. His impulse behavior has been a night and day difference - focus and inattentiveness not so evident. His school days seem inconsistent. Any insight would be tremendously helpful.

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

I've written off to Dr. Parker to see if he can find time to respond. Not being a mental health professional i'm not really in a position to comment... sorry.

[@marmararraj76]

Thinking without acting, causes anxiety. Yes!!!

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

Everyone is different however... many act without thinking. This create anxiety due to impulsive and poor decisions which sometimes have long term consequences. That said, ADHD is an execuative functioning impairment. Working memory is part of EF. WM is use to problem solve... thus, problem solving is impaired... thinking is effortful which causes anxiety... Acting without thinking can cause anxiety Thinking then acting can cause anxiety Thinking and not acting can also cause anxiety. Much of ADHD is about managing discomfort.

[@Monster33336]

Maybe you can do an update about this issue. The most common problem I hear is the meds stop working. Maybe the hypothesis about dopamine receptors and downregulation is true. Dr. Parkers himself admitted the SERT levels or receptors overtime will change with daily use of AD's and can be replenished taking precursors 5HTP with Vitamin B6.

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

thanks for the thought. I'll look into it.

[@garykelly]

Thanks for the video. I almost didn't watch it because I felt that my meds were working fine, but I did anyway. I hadn't considered that I may be taking too much medication. It gave me some things to work with. Which leaves me to my question: Where did you get your headset with the flashing LED light on the mic? I like it a lot.

[@TheCoolOwen]

My doc bumped me up from 10mg Adderall XR to 20mg, and for a week it took from 7:00 am to 11:00 am before I felt it “kick in”, and when it kicks in I feel light headed and too relaxed to even work. This Saturday it seemed to have leveled out though. Sometimes it takes a week to adjust

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

yes sometimes it takes a bit for the body to adjust. Keep noticing how you feel (consider journaling how you feel) and share with your prescribing physician. It can help them help you.

[@Lynnieb4]

Ritalin: No effect except for at night, when it wore off, I was actually sleepy and slept well. Adderall: No effect at all. Strattera: Briefly (a day or so) of less stress and the ability to follow through with a big project. After that, I became depressed, tired and compulsively overeating. So...what now? I'm 65 and diagnosed about 2 yrs ago. Feeling pretty discouraged

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

I'm curious... by what criteria are you judging if it is working or not?

[@Lynnieb4]

During and after taking the meds, I felt absolutely no change at all in mood, energy, focus, clarity etc. I did asleep better while on ritalin. (Except for strattera-which initially gave me the jitters & then leveled out-then I had about one day of being able to be aware of a looming project, map out a plan, follow through and not freak out. After that I was depressed and "flat". I felt awful) This whole process took several months.

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

@@Lynnieb4 Let me ask the question differently... what was you expectation around what the meds would do that define how you measure success?

[@whyisgamora4191]

Interesting. My psychiatrist didn't tell me about any of this. He literally just said ''If it works, you'll know it'' and told me to ramp up the dosage slowly until I reached a point when it worked best. When I noticed I still couldn't stop procrastinating I just assumed the meds didn't work on me, but they're not supposed to stop procrastination after all?

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

The meds help you sustain focus longer on tasks that you struggle with. That said, I find ambiguity to be the root of many things that people procrastinate on. The meds don't resolve that. I encourage you to pause and ask yourself what is hard and what you are not clear about and then solve for gaining clarity first.

[@jcmangan]

The 2 essential problems are: 1. there is no (proper) treatment. 2. there is no (proper) medication. At least in my country (Germany). E.g. DL-Amphetamine isn`t available in german pharmacies since April 22. Finished forms wouldn`t be paid by insurances.

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

It is unfortunate many countries are behind the times on ADHD. Due to the internet things are changing.

[@mesfer19800]

I have every symptom of ADHD but I can sit through a lecture with someone talking but can never read a book ? any thoughts ?

[@DrCharlesParker]

Attention depends on each specific reality, and the stimulation of the specific activity. If you are stimulated you may find it more interesting, if not, if the prof is boring, ADHD, Executive Function can become amplified, and often is.

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

I agree with Dr. Parker! Question mesfer19800 how do you do with audio books (books on tape)?

[@mesfer19800]

DrCharlesParker Thanks Dr. Parker and Jeff for replying. Yeah I wouldn't pay attention unless I'm interested although I'd not be able to shift my attention easily. I guess this more like " Hyperfocus". Another example would be when meeting with friends in that I'd be really focused and talking excessively in way that browsing my phone or the internet or doing something else would be hard or rather uninteresting to do ! I was put on a trial of Ritalin by a psychiatrist , the first time I tried it was an experience that I never had in which I read the chapter I was supposed to continuously. However, I was told that Ritalin would do this to anyone.

[@mesfer19800]

AttentionTalkVideo I'm not sure about these as I rarely go for audio books as I'm visually stimulated. I reckon it'll be quite difficult for me to sit through an audio book ! Another thing would be in cafe or restaurant in that I'm so envious of those who read a book as I'm not able to do it and would be looking at people entering and exiting the door instead ! I love being asked questions on tutorials or quizzes ( I get an awesome thrill out of it ) and also in my oral exam I'd be super-fast in answering the questions and had always scored better than the written ones. I've always thought that I'm not living up to my potential because of my lack of organization and procrastination.

[@DrCharlesParker]

mesfer19800 Ritalin can accelerate thinking for anyone, therefore is not an ADHD diagnostic tool, even though many still use it that way. The real issues for you: 1. It did fix your obvious symptoms. 2. It is not contraindicated in most instances. 3. If used correctly a drug like Ritalin could change your life.

[@wiegraf9009]

Thanks for the point about late night activation. I might try reducing my Vyvanse dose to see if it helps!

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

Good luck! Hoping you can figure things out.

[@ashleynave6082]

I have taken Ritalin 20 mg. twice daily and Zoloft 50 mg. I have only been on Zoloft generic for the past few months but less than a year. The both seem to help with my anxiety, depression, PTSD. I believe that I have cognitive anxiety and depression related conditions that are connected to a Borderline/Mild General Learning Disability. Zoloft seems to be a life-saver especially during my menstrual period when I get extremely anxious, nervous, depressed that might be linked to Estrogen Dominance Syndrome. My condition seem to be chemical imbalance in the brain, hormonal fluctuations during my period that causes debilitating symptoms, and cognitive impairment or learning delay that slight caused by a entirely different cause. I am looking for some answers:. People with only Borderline/Mild General Learning Disability or Intellectual Disabilities seem to be effected entirely different compared to those with moderate to profound disabilities. I only have slight/mild Intellectual, General Learning Disability, or cognitive impairment that effects me entirely different but a debilitating condition of a different kind/form. My periods are debilitating and I don't have children. In addition I was born prematurely at birth.

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

Wow. In reading your post what struck me is you are a fighter. Sounds like you struggle but still endure. I'd like to offer help but given your situation i have to say it is a bit out of my league. Hopefully who can comment will read this and do so. Thanks for watching our video.

[@conanthedestroyer4509]

The pills my boys on.have helped him so much he was getting in so much trouble at school now he's making friends working better in class .we have noticed a massive difference we had to find the right one that worked for him. We take him.of them well on holiday and every so often to give him a brack. But he needed them still does.

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

It is awesome he is having a positive experience!

[@akadopeboi]

judging by that dudes headset, you can tell he was just slaying in the 90s rofl.

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

things have changed in 9 years!

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

Frenchboy, as I've learned from interviewing experts... ADD isn't really a deficit of attention... it is a self regulation issue... of course one thing you need to regulate it attention. That said what I've learned coaching is most with ADD always attend to certain things... their trouble is stopping to attend to things that are stimulating. (part 2 next)

[@julesgiddings8747]

I’m recovering from taking Concerta for a couple of weeks. My anxiety has exploded, medication isn’t a silver Bullet.

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

recovering from concerta for a couple weeks with anxiety? That seems odd. Seems that is a clue... something else is at play or maybe worth a second look at the diagnosis... just a thought.

[@julesgiddings8747]

AttentionTalkVideo yeah I have ASD as well apparently. 🤔

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

@@julesgiddings8747 It is important to know the root cause to manage it. I'm not an expert on ASD. Sorry.

[@Alants8]

I didn’t get the correlation between meds kicking in under 1 hour and over 2-3 hours. If it takes longer why is it too much medication? Mine has always been kicking 2-3 hours later than I take it. How less (Vyvanse) are supposed to kick in earlier if it’s less impactful in my brain?

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

Not totally understand this... that said, "kicking in" depends on a few factors. First the type of meds. If it is fast acting you will "feel" it kicking in sooner. If it is vyvance it is time released... there is a slower build. Often people don't recognize it kicking in due to the slower release. Also, the dosage can impact if you "feel" it kicking in. Sorry i don't have a black and white answer. thanks for posting.

[@gustavotoledo5318]

I was put on 10mg of adderall xr last month and now my dr put me on 5mg of xr for the morning and 5mg of ir In the afternoon. I also found myself more aggressive and snapping at people, but it might be true combination of the adderall and the trt im on. But, I do see it helping me do things that k would normally put off.

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

Keep working with/communicating with your prescribing physician. Often it takes a while to get things dialed in.

[@123456sickofcounting]

Hi, stumbled onto this video. I’m currently on 27 mg of Alza concerta. I’m losing weight fast and cannot eat, I am thin already, so this is getting dangerous. I have severe ADHD, and the medicine gives me everything. Mentally I am in top shape, and my grades have never been higher. But when the medication wears off, I feel sick. Chills, aches. Is this normal for any stimulant medication? Should I switch immediately? I really like the self control I gain on the medication, I can hold a conversation without spacing out. I always have my heart race when I’m on it. And my hands shake

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

with regard to losing weight... it is helpful to change your mind set. Breakfast is a meal where you eat food. it is a time of day where you take your meds. In other words it helps to think of food as medication. Eat a large healthy breakfast and then take your meds. in other interviews we have emphasized protein from breakfast for two reasons. first, protein is brain food. It also kind of acts as a time release mechanism for carbs. As for the effects when the meds wear off... i'm not qualified to speak to that. My suggestion is to journal about when you take your meds, when they wear off, how you feel, etc. Physician tend to do better with hard data. their might be a change you need to reduce meds or switch or take them in a different time release form... maybe they are interacting with other meds. sorry i can't give you a better answer... unfortunately it can be complex.

[@123456sickofcounting]

AttentionTalkVideo It’s alright, I understand your limitations on advising your commenters. I’ll start to journal when it wears off and treat eating a tad differently. Thanks again, I really appreciate the fast reply.

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

Thanks for your understanding... you are top shelf!!!!

[@eleazarmoreno1948]

That is very unfortunate I take alza 36mg and eat well and sleep well at night with no widraw symptoms. It effects everyone diffrent i hope you find something better for you

[@jamesimparato2327]

They still have Alza, Concert? I thought Johnson& Johnson bought them out, but my point I take Activas

[@Allegro_Giusto]

Best explained video I’ve found so far. Being newly diagnosed at 35 and prescribed 30 of Elvanse (Vyvanse) I’ve been looking at a lot of sources for how I should feel etc and there’s so much bad info out there. Although I did get confused when you stated if you get a crash after 4 hours your on too much? Isnt it the other way around? I’m experiencing this myself

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

Thrilled you found value in our work. There is a rebound effect when you come off meds. For instant release it tends to be more noticeable. For extended release (time released) it is often less noticable because of the time release (the meds taper off). For things like Vyvanse (more sophisticated time release) some don't notice the rebound because coming off the meds are more gradual.

[@Allegro_Giusto]

@@AttentionTalkVideo Thank you very much for your response! Ok. So if I experience a crash of Vyvanse after 4 or so hours, should I speak to my psychiatrist about upping the dosage to make it last longer, or a second afternoon dose. I understand the crash is maybe the half life but it’s difficult to work during that so I’m not sure what to do to negate that.

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

@@Allegro_Giusto My understanding it... Adderall instant release should last about 4 hours. Adderall extended release should last about 8 hours. Vyvance (the active ingredient is Adderall) is supposed to last about 12 hours. My gut says yea talk to your physician. Not sure increasing the dosage is what he'll do but something seems odd and discussing it with him/her would be a good idea.

[@rickyfowell8605]

Thank you

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

You're welcome

[@milagrosgranados1316]

I got ADHD, depression and anxiety. I was prescribed adderall 5mg to help me focus, complete tasks and help my mood. I noticed I got work done much faster, I felt good about myself and I had energy. I always felt exhausted and fatigue so the adderall gave me a boost. Then it stopped working and my psychiatrist changed my medication to adderall XR 10mg. I didn't feel anything. Now I'm on adderall 15mg and Lexapro 5mg. I constantly feel fatigued. I also have sleeping problems for the past 4 years so it's very difficult for me to fall asleep. My body can feel drained but I will stay up till 2AM-3AM. I got a annual physical and I don't have anemia. My doctor just told me to rest. Why am I always drained and exhausted. Please help.

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

I'm not a physician or a mental health professional so much of what you wrote I can't speak to. That said, I have to wonder what you are doing from dinner time till 2 or 3 am. Often i find those with ADHD are up surfing the internet, on their phones, social media, or any number of other stimulating things that keeps their mind up and preventing their mind from surrendering itself to sleep. In the end they pass out of exhaustion. In such cases the idea is to get away from those engaging activities, get outside, and exercise (*). That sounds easy right... just do it! ADHD makes it challenging to do such things as it requires self regulation. It is helpful to get out with others. * note, if we could put exercise in a pill it would be the ADHD drug of the century. Exercise works as the body's natural anti depressant, helps with focus, sleep, and overall condition of the body. Hope something in what i wrote helps. Thanks for posting.

[@Cdentonphr]

I just happened onto your channel - find it interesting so far. DO YOU EVER discuss comorbid diagnoses - like 2 or more? Example; ADD/Bipolar2/Circadian Rythm Disorder. Thanks in advance for your reply!! Blessings!

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

search in you tube attention talk video and ocd (or bipolar)

[@maomi3176]

My doctor perscribed me Resperidal 1mg for my ADHD plus Ritalin 10mg daily. I don't know why? I am adult

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

Adults are often prescribed ritalin... that isn't abnormal. thanks for tuning in.

[@maomi3176]

@@AttentionTalkVideo I meant the antipsychotics part which is risperidone

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

@@maomi3176 thanks for the clairification. Given i'm not a physcian i can't speak to that part of things.

[@111horror]

I took Adderall for my ADHD but it made me extremely paranoid/anxiety, depressed, racing thoughts, and thought people were out to get me

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

Ok... that drug at that dose doesn't work. I encourage you to talk to you physician! Maybe a lower dose, a different drug, or revisit your diagnosis.

[@Yippeekiyaymummy]

Is it normal to not see any improvements for ADHD on 30mg of Vyvanse?

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

Sorry to answer your question with a question. What kind of improvements are you looking for? Meds don't have a direct impact on organization. They don't impact what you focus on. They help you sustain focus on more boring tasks longer.

[@Yippeekiyaymummy]

I want my executive functions to work more effectively and to read without zoning out or becoming distracted within minutes.

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

If you are not sustaining focus long when reading i encourage you to discuss it with your physical to adjust the dosage or consider other meds.

[@Yippeekiyaymummy]

Thank you. My dose is due to increase to 40mg in just under 2 weeks’ time. If I haven’t noticed any benefits and there aren’t any intolerable side effects, I may ask for another dosage increase. I had an incredible response to Ritalin at the beginning but I soon became zombified and apathetic.:(

[@froggydoodle808]

I had no improvements on 70 mg of Vyvanse! Nothing at all! Just like with Strattera, Wellbutrin, Paxil, Pristiq, Trintellix, Cymbalta, Remeron, Zoloft, Lexapro, Buspar, Prozac, Lamictal, Abilify, and about a dozen other psychotropics that I've tried over the past 20 years for depression, anxiety, ADHD.... I'm entering my third decade of stay-at-home uselessness, so 2 days ago, when I was almost out of Vyvanse, I opened a pill, dissolved it in water, and divided the water into thirds. I drank one third with a full pill, so 93.3 mg total, and it did nothing, so yesterday I took the other 2/3's with a full pill for a grand total of 116.6 mg... and it did nothing. I have exactly 2 70's left, and I was debating whether to take them both today (for a grand total of 140 mg), but I decided to Google it first... and 9 hours later, here I am, deep in a rabbithole about ADHD meds. Didn't take the 140 mg, but I'm pretty darn sure it wouldn't have had any effect on me anyhow. My psychiatrist ordered a new prescription for me... this time it's Concerta... and it's waiting at the pharmacy. I'll pick it up tomorrow. I'd say I'm getting too old for this, but after sitting and lying very still for 20+ years, doing nothing and going nowhere, my youthful appearance is remarkably preserved!

[@wearejungians]

I know they’re working because I was able to watch the entire video hehe :3

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

Booya!

[@PCGaming300]

Haha I was just thinking this

[@sun9912]

Me to 💊

[@USMC_BABE38]

I don't think my Vyvanse is working I hate how it makes me feel so anxious I'm switching to Concerta next week

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

Happy to hear you have an open mind and trying another option. fingers crossed.

[@michelletulumello661]

Could my medications (Adderall regular release) side effects be exacerbated by caffeine consumption? If that was happening what kinds of things would I notice?

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

Michelle, i'm not a mental health professional and am not qualified to comment. That said, I interview dr. sussman years ago and he talked about caffine/redbull in the following video (after the weed comments). Hope it helps.kzbin.info/www/bejne/onvJkmCQaLR5jas

[@TheMaxKids]

Listening to this feels like speed.

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

we can talk fast when we get excited.

[@Treardet]

This video was great, thank you! When I was on 30 MG Adderall XR, I found it moderately helpful. I found, however , that I would take it around 7-8AM, and I would usually take my afternoon/evening IR around 1-2PM. I never got anywhere near 12 hours. Does that DOE suggest my dosage was too low? I am 6'2 300 lbs. I do have a good doctor I will see next month, though I feel better if I'm more proud about what questions and concerns I can raise

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

This is a good discussion to have with your physician. In general (not absolute) adderal XR (extended release) would last about 8 hours. IR (instant release) would work for 4 hours. If you are taking IR on top of XR at 1 pm you'd be looking at 9ish hours. Weight isn't a factor in dosage for stimulants. Digestive track, liver function, and metabolism are individual factors that impact things. In general getting stimulant meds dialed in is more of an art than a science. Again, take what i wrote with a grain of salt and have an open conversation with your physcian. thanks for posting.

[@Treardet]

AttentionTalkVideo Well, If I take it around 7, and I need another at 1, that's six hours. Is that within reasonable range? I usually just have the one IR, but I feel probably need a second to be functional into the evening. I'm not always assertive advocating for myself, because I know the duration is stated to be longer. Thanks for answering, and so quickly

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

@@Treardet As a coach part of what i do is educate. My hope is you can have a more articulate conversation with you physician. Hope it goes well.

[@awakenosiris]

@@AttentionTalkVideo liked "grain of salt"

[@deathspawn54]

I was diagnosed in grade school, didn't get put on meds, finally as a 30 year old adult I went to my doctor and asked if we could try to deal with it now, we did all the questionnaires and was found to still have ADHD, first tried a type of stim, didn't work, tried a non stim, still didn't work, doctor was like okay I don't know what to do anymore... So I'm basically just fucked?

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

did you just try one time of stimulant? People have different reaction to the different stimulants. Further, many have differrent reaction to the same stimulant in different forms. There is immediate release adderal, extended release, and vyvance (the active ingrediate is adderall). Vyvance works for some while immediate release and extended release don't. For others extended release works and vyance doesn't. The point is maybe try differnt forms in different doses. Getting ADHD meds right is more of an art than a science. thanks for posting.

[@deathspawn54]

@@AttentionTalkVideo thanks for the reply, I only tried one, and then my doctor immediately went for non stim when it didn't work and then when that didn't work he said well I don't know what to do now so I'll try and get you an appointment with a psychiatrist, which could be between a year to 2 years out...

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

@@deathspawn54 you might considering googling attention talk radio ADHD Medications: Basics and Insights... and listen to my interview with Carolyn Lentzsch-Parcells. it might give you a helpful overview and help you ask questions of you doctor.

[@jondavid1256]

1st day. I notice a drastic change in irritability. That's gone. And I didn't want to smoke pot today. Which is amaizing and I'm grateful as hell for just that. But I'm still lost and losing things(distracted)And time is still fragmented. They gave me 30 mg of adderall. Should i go up 5 mgs. I would like to be able to do long tedious tasks. But I'm ok if this is as good as it gets.

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

prescribing stimulants for ADHD is more of an art than a science. So many things in the body (as i've learned from Dr. Parker) impact the meds. As he says the meds have to go through the body to get to the brain. Often it takes times to get the right med in the right dose timed properly. I really encourage you to share your experience with your mental health professional and go from there.

[@aome156]

I’m so lost honestly. I’m 26 and only got diagnosed last September. We’ve tried a few things and now started on 5mg of Adderal which I found doesn’t do much at all.. I feel like I can focus for just a small window (maybe 30 mins to an hour). My psychiatrist said he found that strange because he usually hears that 5mg does more for people and so I’m wondering if i’m just looking for some kind of change where there isn’t one.. or maybe I was misdiagnosed. It’s pretty frustrating and kinda scary.

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

Everyone is different on this. A good physician will start at a low dose (i.e. 5 mg) and slowly increase it. I've coached many where 5 mg doesn't register. Be patient.

[@paulgent9203]

I don't know if I'm doing the correct thing, I generally take 15-20 mg throughout the day for work. Sometimes I will have an evening dose, more often than not this helps a lot with sleep. Sometimes it works well sometimes not, any ideas? Pls

[@NarcisismoTV]

paul gent are you still taking it?

[@donny5523]

My methylfenidaat have to work 12 hours but the dont last longer than 5 hours when do u change it to dexamfetamine ?

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

I'm not a physcian but I'd talk to one. there are all kinds of things that can create an issue. If you have a gluten sensativing it could be the meds are not being digested properly. Again!!!! I'm not a physcian but I'd talk to one in more detail. thanks for watching my channel.

[@donny5523]

@@AttentionTalkVideo i changed to lisdexamfetamine I only feel more focus could dexamfetamine give the relaxed feeling? Now i have a great focus but i dont feel calm.

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

@@donny5523 keep working with your physican... be patient.

[@Esdeserinutiles]

I am worried that my medication (elvanse/vyvanse 30 mg) is not working because i don’t feel any different. Maybe i can focus more on cleaning but my mind is not clear, it still takes me 4 hours to put a washing machine. I still need something in the background (music, videos, podcast, audiobook) to do any activity at home. When I sit down on my desk to study my executive dysfunction is on fire. I keep procastinating and feeling guilty for not studying (well.... thats what i am doing right now) and i dont know if it’s really me that i am actively dont wanting to do stuff, being lazy or that the medication is really not working. I need answers... i dont know if i can comunicate this right to my doctor cause we dont speak the same language and its complicated for me...

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

First, be mindful of your expectations around meds. They are not a be all end all. If you are focusing long on boring tasks it is a good sign they are having an impact. As for procrastination i find 80% of it is rooted in ambiguity. If you don't know what to do, don't understand something, don't know where something is it is easy to escape. Your not lazy. The trick is to acknowledge what you are not clear about and solve for that first.

[@Mockduck2020]

Meds help me focus, even hyper focus, but they don’t help me do what I wanted to do. ☹️

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

Great observation. Meds help you sustain focus longer on things that you struggle but they don't impact what you attend to. That is why multi model treatment is key. Like they say Pills don't treat the skills.

[@DjKandaye]

I got add so bad I'm distracted by the comments 🤣

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

Some times creativity can help. Maybe listen wearing a blind fold?

[@GoADHDGo]

"She caught me!" says every single ADHDer as they read your comment while they're reading through the comments while listening to this video. :)

[@stephaniesmith-um9fp]

I take 3 of them a day one at 6 and one at 10 and one at 2 I talk a lot but on the pill I get quite and don't feel like talking I get mood swings it makes me sad and sometimes it makes me not want to do any thing when my friend come over I can fall sleep on it and eat food I get super bored and makes me want to hit walls been on this stuff since June 29 2016 my birthday was when I took my first pill in going to the doctor on Thursday and been writing ever day down so he knows what's going on for that day

[@stephaniesmith-um9fp]

Adderall

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

have you shared what you wrote with your physician?

[@stephaniesmith-um9fp]

AttentionTalkVideo yes and no I told him the 2 pills in the morning and 1 in the afternoon I was out of it in the afternoon I would be asking questions I knew the answer to I was not thinking straight I was there but not so we decided to split it up and do 3 times a day I told my concealer she said I looked sad and not my self do you think to high of a dose I'm thinking of asking for xr and what are u suppose know if the pill is working I'm going to tell him on thursday I have a paper with each day and how I felt that day but when I was first was on adderall I was on Prozac so we didn't know what meds where doing what I'm off Prozac I told my old doctor she was trying to say I have bipolar and the new on said I don't

[@stephaniesmith-um9fp]

I got lots of stuff to tell him on thursday

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

journaling you experience and when you are taking the meds is a great idea and good for sharing with your doctor. I'm hoping you can sort things out.

[@concrete981]

how do i know which to take, pills or capsules. whats a typical milligram.

[@AttentionTalkVideo]

Sorry i'm not qualified to tell you what to do. In general pills are fast acting and capsules are time released... again that is a generic answer. I encourage you to consult with a physician.