Real ADD, seeking the right kind of help

[nullbit]

SWIM wants an ADD script, concerta/ritalin/adderall/whatever, to help him focus on his work and be a more productive an effective person.

As a result, he has made an appointment with a psychiatrist who is apparently somewhat flexible with his prescriptions.

SWIM would first like to make a few things clear:
- His problems are likely rooted in depression, but he does not want an SSRI or SNRI (strattera)
- He has tried concerta and adderall with great success, but has not obtained them officially through a doctor
- He has a good GPA and standardized test scores and generally could be considered successful, but is dissatisfied because he is unable to sit and accomplish work, but is quite able to cheat/sparknotes/bullshit/groupwork his way into good grades.
- SWIM has no intention of getting high with these drugs, but just wants them to get his work done and perform better mentally.
- SWIM is insured and lives in the US.

Currently, SWIM is able to acquire concerta for the critical days when sitting and working *must* get done, but this solution is less than ideal.

Here is what SWIM wants to know:
- How can he convince the doctor to give him any methlyphenidate or adderall?
- How can he avoid a depression diagnosis and make sure he does not have an SSRI/SNRI pushed on him?
- Should he tell a psychiatrist that he has used concerta/adderall at low dosages to effectively treat his symptoms?
- What other tips would you give SWIM for going to a psychiatrist?
- Are the testing procedures defined? How can SWIM tip the scales in his favor?

Thanks,
--nullbit on behalf of SWIM

[Kodi]

For the most part, telling a doc that swiy self medicated with adderall leads them to the conclusion that swiy is a drug seeker. It really depends on the doctor.

For SWIM, trying to get a benzo script by doing the same thing did not work out, as he was promptly prescribed the SSRI (prozac) after the first meeting.

However, SWIM then went to a different doc and took the same approach and was prescribed concerta.

Take that as you will, it could have been just because asking for benzos is worse than asking for adderall, or it could have been the doc switch, or even a little bit of both.

Swiy may want to go in the first time and not specifically mention trying anything, but attempt to avoid a depression diagnosis. Then depending on what happens, continue on and eventually tell the doc about the self medicating.

Feel it out, and if swiy do decide to mention the unprescribed use, maybe just say that a friend gave it to swiy before an exam or something and swiy really did feel it helped that one time or something.

[Event||Horizon]

If this hypothetical person were to want to not be treated like a junkie, he would not for the love of god tell the doctor that he has been self-medicating. They avoid giving people pills that people want for illegitimate reasons. This person might want to go in and give him the add spiel, and say he's heard that a certain drug works good from another swim, and that he'd like to try it because he thinks it might work.

You know, like a normal person would go to the doctor to try to get something treated.

normal as in: wanting it for legitimate treatment purposes.

I've been on ritalin, legitimately, and there's no special handshake you give the doctor to get the stuff. You just have to have the symptoms. They want you to feel better, and if you suggest a treatment option, they will go for it, because a happy patient is a happy customer is a happy patient.

[JudgeJudy]

When a doctor tries to get SWIY to take Strattera first, tell doc that SWIY has already tried it. (and have a legitimate doc's name ready in case asked, and SWIY switched insurance companies and don't see that doctor any longer due to him being an out of network doctor)

Tell doc that Strattera gave SWIM stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting etc and didn't do any good for help in concentrating. Doc's hate hearing about bad reactions to medications. That scares them.

SWIM has gotten double scripts of different stimulants by using this method.

To avoid an SSRI make it clear SWIY is NOT depressed, sleeps good at night but can't sit still and focus when doing home work. Do not mention taking it with out a prescription.

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