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Suggest Medication For Adult ADHD
Posted on
Fri, 19 Feb 2016
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Fri, 19 Feb 2016
Answered on
Fri, 6 May 2016
Last reviewed on
Question : I've had a history of adult ADHD. Everyone wants to give me adderal but I really just need a little Ritalin. I don't understand why they want to over medicate me.
I'm looking for a doctor who understands that I just need a nudge not a shove if that makes any sense?
I'm looking for a doctor who understands that I just need a nudge not a shove if that makes any sense?
Brief Answer:
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.
I'm sorry you're having trouble getting on the right medications for ADHD. Let me give you my thoughts.
First, Adderall and Ritalin are very different, as you know. But the difference is not in strength (nudge vs shove) -- rather, it is in duration of action. Adderall lasts throughout the day. Ritalin is used for short bursts when concentration is especially important. For example, in teenagers Adderall is taken in the morning, but Ritalin is taken in the afternoon to help with homework after school.
My suggested strategy for you is to suggest to your doctor a combination of Adderall and Ritalin -- Adderall as a baseline to help you throughout the day, with Ritalin to help you concentrate in short bursts when it is most important to you.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me at my private link below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.
I'm sorry you're having trouble getting on the right medications for ADHD. Let me give you my thoughts.
First, Adderall and Ritalin are very different, as you know. But the difference is not in strength (nudge vs shove) -- rather, it is in duration of action. Adderall lasts throughout the day. Ritalin is used for short bursts when concentration is especially important. For example, in teenagers Adderall is taken in the morning, but Ritalin is taken in the afternoon to help with homework after school.
My suggested strategy for you is to suggest to your doctor a combination of Adderall and Ritalin -- Adderall as a baseline to help you throughout the day, with Ritalin to help you concentrate in short bursts when it is most important to you.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me at my private link below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Answered by
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