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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by B2chica on December 8, 2005, at 9:38:34
i'm currently on 20LA and just don't feel it's doing anything for me. the last few weeks i've noticed this. i can't even say prayers, have to say them like six times cuz i keep interupting myself with stupid stuff like, look the lights on, or what color are the walls...you get the picture.
how do i ask my pdoc for an dosage upping without sounding like an addict??
do you think he might take me completely off it if i ask?and what is an average dose?
b2c.
Posted by Emily Elizabeth on December 8, 2005, at 12:03:58
In reply to asking for more ritalin?, posted by B2chica on December 8, 2005, at 9:38:34
I don't know your pdoc, but mine is very responsive to how much stimulant I need (I take dexedrine to augment antidepressants). Several times she has enouraged me to try a little more, but to back down again if it wasn't helpful.
Also, after some time you may not respond to the same dose any more, so there is a physiological reason that you may need more. I'd say, just ask in a straightforward way. "I feel like I'm having some more probs w/ inattention. For example... I was wondering if I could try a higher dose of ritalin."
Good luck! Let us know how it goes!
Best,
EE
Posted by B2chica on December 8, 2005, at 12:26:32
In reply to Re: asking for more ritalin?, posted by Emily Elizabeth on December 8, 2005, at 12:03:58
Posted by vbAgent on December 9, 2005, at 1:29:05
In reply to asking for more ritalin?, posted by B2chica on December 8, 2005, at 9:38:34
I told my pdoc the 20mg Ritalin LA had lost it's effectivenes. We switched to Adderall 10mg taken 3x/day. She even told me I could adjust the dosing (to a degree) and timing to find the combination what worked. They want to help you. Be honest. Be forthcoming. Don't be afraid to ask for what you want.
For example:
"It's not working, doc, what are my options?"
Or,
"Can we increase to 30mg or 40mg? The reason is that my ADHD symptoms, like being easily distracted, are getting worse. I'm afraid of falling behind at work."
Or,
"The 20mg dose has lost effectiveness. I've been feeling more distracted and innattentive lately, like my symptoms are breaking through. Are you open to increasing the dose to 30mg (or 40mg)?"
Hope this helps. Good luck. I have no doubt you'll get what you need. :-)
Take care...
Posted by med_empowered on December 9, 2005, at 2:39:40
In reply to Re: asking for more ritalin?, posted by vbAgent on December 9, 2005, at 1:29:05
its not a big deal. When I took stimulants, the doc would just be like--"how are you doing?"--and then I would bitch or pat them on the back, depending on how the meds were working. My only tip is...shrinks seem to be delicate creatures; they have major ego issues, so be gentle, and try to praise them as you ask for what you need. Its kind of like dealing with a fussy child.
Posted by B2chica on December 9, 2005, at 10:48:55
In reply to Re: asking for more ritalin?, posted by med_empowered on December 9, 2005, at 2:39:40
i saw him last night, he said the symptoms that i explained wasn't due to the ritalin. although i feel very easily distracted and i space out into things he said it's a type of dissociation that i was experiencing not add symptoms. he left my ritalin the same.
i trust him. if in a month i still feel the same way (after the holidays) then i'll mention it like you said..."i really don't think the ritalin is working for me anymore, what should i do?"maybe i'll experiment and double my dose one day just to see.
thanks all.
b2c.
This is the end of the thread.
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