I’ve been recently diagnosed with ADHD combined type (aged 41) I’ve spent a lifetime assuming I have depression, before something prompted me to find out more about ADHD and then everything made sense! I’ve always struggled with motivation and work- it’s as if there’s a force field around the things I’m meant to be achieving and working on. I’ve been taking Xaggitin xl for almost two months (18mg for two weeks, then 36mg and now 54mg). So far, I’ve not felt any changes, I’ve been on 54mg for just a few days now, and I’m wondering will things get better or will I most likely need to try a different medication? I’ve got an appointment with the specialist next week. I’m not on any antidepressants (they’ve never made a difference anyway).Any advice at all would be very welcome!
Xaggitin XL no effect : I’ve been... - CHADD's Adult ADH...
Xaggitin XL no effect
Many people with ADHD have depression and anxiety... and I can't tell whether you think your issue is now purely ADHD ... or if you are also getting depression treatment ...
There can be some subjective overlap in symptoms, but for me the depression is what tells me the world is a hopeless place and the depression sends me to a bad mood even when there is no crisis going on ... and yes, depression does sap motivation ... and anxiety can also create brain fog and over thinking ... and obsessing ...
Thanks so much for your reply. The ADHD diagnosis makes so much sense to me- everything clicked when I read the symptoms. Depression is something I always assumed I had, I spent about 20yrs taking antidepressants which never helped with motivation, concentration or anything like that. I’ve not been on antidepressants for about two years now. I’ve always felt quite down about myself for underachieving, but never depressed. I’m really hoping adhd medication will be the thing that helps me, but the one I’m on at the moment hasn’t had an impact.
54mg is high to be feeling no effect. I worry about your diagnosis history of depression. I know so many people who had low and moderate-level depression for so long that their standard for happiness was so low ...
Time to try another medication ... Here's the thing: your provider will probably want to shift you to the Adderall-Vyvanse family, the amphetamine family ... but at some point, I'd try out more meds in the Ritalin family ... the formal scientific line is your drug and concerta and others are all versions of ritalin (methylphenidate) ... but people have different reactions to different drugs in the same family. People even have different reactions to short term vs extended release of the same drug.
So report back to your provider that you're seeing no effect. And usually the provider will propose a change.
Thank you for your advice, it’s much appreciated. I’m seeing my specialist soon to discuss how I’m getting on. I’ll be sure to mention the points you’ve made! Thanks again for being so thoughtful in your reply.
For my situation, Ritalin had no effect on me. But Adderall was obviously the right Rx for me. 'Gettingittogether' may have the right advise for you also. Something else in the Ritalin family may be to your benefit. Also, consider that a generic formula may not work for you, where as the name brand would. On top of that, each manufacturer of a generic has to 'Tweak' the formula to stay away from the original manufacturers formula (Patent laws). But most insurance companies don't want to pay for name brand because generics are cheaper.
You said "it’s as if there’s a force field around the things I’m meant to be achieving and working on". I haven't thought about that phrase in a long time-but, yes, I know it very well.
From all that I've read, finding the Right Rx for you is all trial and error. A doctor may have a starting point for an Rx and dosage, but it's all about how it works for you. They can't base anything on Male/Female, age, height, weight. The only advantage someone MIGHT have is if a blood relative has found success with a certain Rx at a certain dose.
A lot of doctors will say that ADHD Rx is to help with concentration. Which is true. But for me, it slows my mind down from running 100 mph. Also it reduces my anxiety, and also acts like a (short term) anti-depressant.
2 months can seem like an eternity when you're trying to find help for your problem. But keep going.
I wish you relief, peace of mind, a positive place of contentment (and persistence!).
Thank you so much for the advice. Something to stop my mind being in constant overdrive would be amazing- to be able to sleep, feel rested, cease the impulsively etc. Hopefully I’ll find something that works 🙏
I have never heard of this medication! Yet I’ve tried so many! Ha. Sometimes it takes months of trial and error with meds. If it doesn’t work, don’t wait, ask for a change.
It took me approximately two years to find the right medication for me. It was what gave me the most effect with the least side effect. Vyvanse was it for me but I tried basically everything. It’s not only about medication though, now that you have a diagnosis and personal understanding I would suggest some form of adhd related therapy as well. I really jived with CBT (Cognitive behavioral therapy) and DBT (dialectical behavioral therapy). If you don’t already see a therapist it would be worth getting a referral to someone who ideally specializes in adhd and CBT (I live in a place that has many hospitals and it wasn’t terribly hard to find this).
As for the depression symptoms they can often be a side effect of untreated adhd. I do not have clinical depression but my adhd was causing disappointment in my close circle of people and the feeling of not being able to do anything BUT disappoint them was very difficult and making me depressed. You feel like you can’t exit the cycle and that can be crushing. For me I am highly inattentive and I would get distracted even during important conversations with my partner. She thought I was being purposefully obtuse which gave me great anxiety because try as I might I would miss things and was unable to cognitively perform on the level I thought I should be capable of.
Keep trying new meds until you find the right one from you. I encourage you to learn as much as you can about relearning how to be an adult with the brain you have and the way it’s wired. I was 35ish when I first understood I had adhd and it took a lot of effort to understand a lot of my learned behaviors to cope with everyday life were coping mechanisms. Good luck!
I’ll definitely look into other therapies besides medication- it all helps I guess! It’s having to pay for expensive medication until the right one is found which is also stressful. I know exactly what you mean about being inattentive- I’ve spent my life basically daydreaming. Thanks so much for your advice!
No further forwards at 47 
No appetite
Finally opening up about my ADHD and Autism
Longing for therapy 
