Needing advice

[DaphneA]

I am 45 and have had ADHD my entire life. I wasn't diagnosed until my early twenties. Recently I have been having issues getting doctors to prescribe me my medication because it is so highly abused. I have recently switched doctors and she is accusatory almost. She switched me from adderal which was working for me to Vyvanse. It did not work for me at all and it was two months of hell. I'm now on Adderall XR however I am so tired that I'm wondering if it's worth it. I'm almost afraid to say anything to her because she makes me feel ashamed. I'm afraid if I switch doctors again the people are going to think I'm Doctor shopping. I'm so unsure as what to do?!

[Multivac]

Hello DaphneA,

Is your doctor a primary care physician or does she specialize in mental health? If she's the former, I would seek a referral to a mental health practitioner. If you have a counselor or a therapist, they should be able to provide a referral. If not, there's absolutely nothing wrong with requesting this from your doctor. I know that might be difficult given how she makes you feel, but that in and of itself is a good reason to find someone else.

Take care,

[Doballe in reply to Multivac]

Agree with the above advice. For me, consuming and avoiding certain food and drink matters greatly for ME. I now avoid all sugar, most carbs and all caffeine. I consume protein before I take it. You might ask for a referral to a nutritionist; if you aren’t currently following a recommended food plan for those with ADHD. I am a big believer in breaks from the RX’s and supplements with vitamins and other herbal supplements.

[GatsbyCat]

Hey DaphneA~

I totally agree with the other 2 responders about asking your doctor her background. You can also look up her background by typing her name into rate my doctor. It will tell you her educational background, and what other patients say about her.

I switched doctors 2 years ago, to find my current one. She is younger, and I do think that the younger doctors have more studies about mental health. Also, she is a lot more compassionate than my previous doctor, who I really could not talk to about anything comfortably.

Find someone you are comfortable with, because YOU and your health are worth it.

A supplement that I find helps with energy is vitamin B12. I take them first thing in the morning with breakfast and meds (Focalin). Really helps me.

Best wishes on your journey DaphneA.