Need a change

[Queenof3_]

I have been on concerta since I was 7 I am now 30 I have been on ritalin combined with concerta for the last 10 years. I have only been on concerta and my body metabolites it fast. I keep coming back to vyvance and mydasis they are prescribed more in adult adhd. I really want to try switching medications to see if it works better. I literally JUST got a new doctor because the last two have left the practice. I’m nervous about her judging me if I ask to switch. I need advice

[Gettingittogether]

Switching meds is totally normal. It's part of the process of finetuning treatment. We find a med that works or seems to work, but we wonder: hmmmm ... would that other medication over there be better? ... And the answer sometimes is a loud yes! ... Sometimes the answer is no and sometimes the new med is about the same in its effects.

Just express with your new provider what you've said here. I do have one hesitation. In my experience, the new doctor usually wanted to continue with the old prescription. But then at the next appointment, they feel more comfortable (or maybe I felt more comfortable) with the idea of seeking a change.

You can say at your next appoint that you would like to try out a new medication. The best way to do this is to lay out what's working well with concerna and Ritalin ... and what areas are you still struggling with. Give some examples. Be ready with examples.

Good luck. Totally normal to want to try out a different med. I've been on Adderall, Concerta, Concerta + short-term Ritalin, Vyvanse, Adderall (at higher dose than at first), another Adderall increase in dose, and now I'm on short-term Ritalin, and I just had a dose increase (in the short-term Ritalin) a few months back as my provider noticed I seemed to be struggling. This is over a period of 14 years.

[Queenof3_ in reply to Gettingittogether]

Thank you this helped so much

[Gettingittogether in reply to Queenof3_]

BTW: a key step I try to take when meeting a new doctor is to get comfortable and clear within myself, within my own body, that I am a real patient and I have a legitimate condition and that I am fine to ask for a change in medication.

Unfortunately, we can sometimes feel so nervous (dare I say guilty?--though about what is unclear!) or worried about how the new provider will view us that we take ourselves out of the game. We come in feeling nervous, act nervous, act like we've got something to hide, and I don't think any of that sends a good signal to the new provider.

I would say go in with a detailed description of what's going on in your life and what's working and what's not working as far as the meds go. Be really specific. Practice ahead of time or write down some notes if you have to. Pulling out notes is actually impressive.

Just drop as much of the fear and worry about how you're being perceived by the new person. Make sure you are your own advocated.

[sharkticon]

It does seem like doctors are hesitant to take you off something if it is working. Especailly because it can sometimes be so hard to find something that works. But the way I see it is, give it a shot. You can always go back to the old medication if it doesn't work.

I would just be completely open and honest with why you want to try it.