“Can you help me?”
Hello, I have ADHD, I was diagnosed 5 years ago. I have been on 27mg, 36mg, 54mg, and just this month changed to 72mg. I have a concern that it isn't lasting enough still. For example, I take it at 5 am and by 12:30 pm, I start to fidget and can't concentrate and it gives me so much anxiety. I have a mentor, he's teaching me how to work hard and etc, and I have to complete stuff the average person would complain about, paid 4,000 dollars for him.
When my medication wears off, it's easy for me to make an excuse why to smoke nicotine heavily or smoke marijuana, the benefits I get from marijuana is it makes time speed up for me, thus alleviating depression symptoms, the bad thing is, I can't get anything done and I beat myself up for wasting time. I have been feeling this for the last two years, and used other coping mechanisms, like when I live in my parents house, I can hear my family talk and my siblings. I moved out of the nest recently and live alone, (completely fine with that), what is disturbing is that, when my symptoms arise, I feel hopeless, like what is the meaning of life.
The reason I left my parents house is that it was too stressful, I feel like a lost child. My medicine helps tremendously, like I feel ok in my body, no racing thoughts. Let's switch gears real quick, my question is, I'm taking 74 mg Concerta right, I like talking with my psychiatrist (a man) but I feel shame talking about this issue. My primary care doctor doesn't understand me and is shaming me. I was wondering if I could have your insight. What I'm currently thinking is I tell my psychiatrist to lower my dosage down to 54 and show you proof, 1 54mg dose, then 7 hours later +54mg dose, I've read that adults can take up to 144mg, and I've been taking that dosage. Then I cope with my symptoms when it runs out.
When my medication wears off, it's easy for me to make an excuse why to smoke nicotine heavily or smoke marijuana, the benefits I get from marijuana is it makes time speed up for me, thus alleviating depression symptoms, the bad thing is, I can't get anything done and I beat myself up for wasting time. I have been feeling this for the last two years, and used other coping mechanisms, like when I live in my parents house, I can hear my family talk and my siblings. I moved out of the nest recently and live alone, (completely fine with that), what is disturbing is that, when my symptoms arise, I feel hopeless, like what is the meaning of life.
The reason I left my parents house is that it was too stressful, I feel like a lost child. My medicine helps tremendously, like I feel ok in my body, no racing thoughts. Let's switch gears real quick, my question is, I'm taking 74 mg Concerta right, I like talking with my psychiatrist (a man) but I feel shame talking about this issue. My primary care doctor doesn't understand me and is shaming me. I was wondering if I could have your insight. What I'm currently thinking is I tell my psychiatrist to lower my dosage down to 54 and show you proof, 1 54mg dose, then 7 hours later +54mg dose, I've read that adults can take up to 144mg, and I've been taking that dosage. Then I cope with my symptoms when it runs out.
Male | 19 years old
Complaint duration: 2 years
Medications: Welbutrin 150mg, 72mg Concerta, Ramelteon
Conditions: ADHD
2 Answers
It appears a lot of things are going on here. Go take the ADD assessment by Dr. Amen. See what that report says. Consider purchasing Healing the seven types of ADD by Dr. Amen. Since you have spent considerable funds on treatment make an appointment with the AMEN Clinic and get them to evaluate you.
Hello Sir,
I am sorry that you are suffering despite being on medication. Numbing yourself with marijuana and tobacco has not helped. Are you in therapy? When you mention Mentor, you are identifying them as your therapist or your psychiatrist. I am not a psychiatrist, and as a licensed psychologist in the state of FL, I do not prescribe medicine nor can I give any suggestions. So, I would suggest that in case you need a 2nd opinion, then you need to find another psychiatrist in your area and schedule an appointment and ask their advice. You can also ask your therapist to refer you to another psychiatrist.
Take care and remain safe.
Dr. Lata Sonpal
I am sorry that you are suffering despite being on medication. Numbing yourself with marijuana and tobacco has not helped. Are you in therapy? When you mention Mentor, you are identifying them as your therapist or your psychiatrist. I am not a psychiatrist, and as a licensed psychologist in the state of FL, I do not prescribe medicine nor can I give any suggestions. So, I would suggest that in case you need a 2nd opinion, then you need to find another psychiatrist in your area and schedule an appointment and ask their advice. You can also ask your therapist to refer you to another psychiatrist.
Take care and remain safe.
Dr. Lata Sonpal
