What Causes Confusion, Lack Of Focus And Forgetfulness?

Posted on Wed, 7 Oct 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 7 Oct 2015 Answered on

Tue, 27 Oct 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I will be 74 years old in Dec. And Have not been feeling well for about a year. I am very confused, cannot focus, very forgetful and really don't pay attention to what is going around me. My quality of life has not been very good, I do have a lot of family issues on my plate and just cannot get out of bed most days. I have beren hearing that Many older people are taking adderal. I do go to a phychiatrist and she put me on it about 3 years ago but my family said I was acting wierd and took me back to the Dr. and she took me off. Maybe its time for me to go back on it. what do you think.. Is there another frug that can help me

Answered by Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Try adderall again

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query.
Based on your query, my opinion is as follows:

1. Better to start Adderall again.
2. This time I would suggest a lower dose.
3. As most of your symptoms had improved, it should help you again. A lower dose may reduce the side effects. Also avoid any caffeine intake as it can have additional effect.
4. All your symptoms do not match into any specific condition and very difficult to prescribe any medications without a diagnosis.
5. Hope your blood pressure is normal. Side effects will be seen again, however, side effects are a norm with all neural medications. Need to manage side effects. Discuss about previous side effects your family noticed and discuss the same with your psychiatrist. She should be able to help control some of the side effects.

Hope it helps.
Any further queries, here to help again.

Dr. Prakash HM

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar