Focalin update

I’ve been on 15mg of Focalin XR since September and it’s been amazing. No side effects and I’m adjusting well to the slight “drop-off” at night when it starts to wear off. My focus has improved and a couple of close friends said I seemed calmer. I think this is the one!  Woohoo!

Feelin’ good

I’m nine days in on taking Focalin XR.  I had a headache the first few days but I haven’t the last two days.  I definitely feel more focused and clear.  It’s difficult to describe but I don’t have that “brain fatigue”  feeling as much.  I only feel that way at night when I am tired and the medication is wearing off.  I’m supposed to increase the dosage on Tuesday but this level may be good for me.

On your mark, get set….

GO! 

If ever there was a time for me to focus, it is now.  I’m going back to school, looking for a new job with a better schedule, working on mending broken relationships, and managing issues with myself and my children.  Whew! 

I’m really going to need help.  I thank God that I am not alone in all of this.  When I get overwhelmed, I have strong shoulders to lean on. 

I am hopeful that my new medication will lend a hand in the focusing department.  I started Focalin XR 4 days ago and so far, so good.  I’m not up to the full dosage yet but the only side effect I’ve noticed is a slight headache.  I feel good.  My brain feels a little less “hectic” and I’ve been able to focus better while reading.  I feel like I’m absorbing more, not just skimming over the words.  Much better than Vyvanse at this point.

Here I go again.

I’m going back to school to finish my Bachelor’s degree…another unfinished “project” thanks to ADHD.  I’m excited but nervous about staying focused throughout this program so I’m going to give medication another shot.

rrrrrrrg!

I had to wean myself off of Vyvanse.  It became quite obvious that it was not a good choice for me due to the side effects.  I was so focused on how crappy I felt that I don’t even know if it was helping my ADHD.  After doing a some research, I realized that not all of my joint and muscle pain was caused by running.  Apparently, stimulants can cause that.  I also  felt extremely irritable and over-stimulated.  I’m not taking anything right now and I’m not really sure if I’ll try another medication.

Drug free me…

I’m not handling Vyvanse well.  After some research, I learned that stimulants can cause joint and muscle pain for some and I’m one of the lucky ones.  As an avid runner, I don’t think I can deal with it.  I have enough joint and muscle pain from running.  Also, I’ve had a lot of headaches and my mood has been unstable.  I was unsure about taking meds initially so I think I’ll go without.

Better living through chemistry?

I decided to give medication a try.  I’ve been taking Vyvanse for almost three weeks, slowly building up to the full dosage.  I feel jittery at times and I’m extremely tired when it wears off after about 10 hours.  I honestly don’t know if it’s helping me or not but it’s probably too soon to really know.  I have noticed my coffee cravings have diminished because I’m getting the stimulation effect from the meds.  Sorry, Starbucks…I won’t be visiting as often.

I don’t expect medication to fix me but my hope is that my symptoms will be easier to manage.

The irony of ADHD…focusing on managing your ADHD!!!