Hi All,
I was diagnosed by a psychologist as having ADD and depression 7 months ago. After SSRI's freaked me out, I found great success with Welbutrin. My ADD symptoms have reappeared after 3 months of focus I never new existed. The psychologist suggested Adderal first and Vyvance as an alternative if the MD would not permit me to use a controlled substance. The thing is, I just want a medicine that will work regardless of what the government thinks of it. I'm 30 years old and I have a lot on the line right now with work and my latest attempt at college. I cannot afford failure anymore.
So now I need to find someone who can write prescriptions but I don't want to look like a drug seeker. How do I go about finding a new doctor? The neurologist my psych. suggested never got back to me after several attempts at making an appointment. And do I really need such a specialist? I'm working with bottom of the barrel insurance here. Can't I just have a general practitioner monitor my condition along with the psychologist? I'm frustrated and confused. I loathe dealing with these people, as they seem to put themselves on lofty pedestals, but I'm desperate for help since I have finally figured out what's wrong with me. This has been a life long struggle and I'm starting to feel like the help I need is being kept just out of reach. I'm almost in tears as I write this.

Thank you.

Hello, Sillysuperdog! Welcome to DF!

Sorry you are having such a difficult time right now. MH challenges can definitely take a toll on us, and it seems like you are trying your best to get the meds you need to deal with these challenges.

First, Adderall, Vyvanse, as well as Ritilin are all controlled substances....VERY controlled substances. Hate to have to say this, but it's highly unlikely you are going to find a GP who is willing to have her/his licence scrutinized by precribing amphetamines, yet they are clearly defined treatments for some conditions. A psychiatrist is really going to be about the only bet you have in getting these meds dispensed. I really don't think the FDA considers a family doc quaulified to supervise treatment with these meds, and even a psychiatrist is likely going to tread carefully.

I know how the hassles of insurance can go, too!(not sure if there are generics for any of these meds as their use is so restricted).

I think your best bet is to seek further assistance from your psychologist in getting you referred to a well qualified pdoc. In all likelihood, even the pdoc will require you to undergo further testing before prescribing any of the above mentioned meds.

One other thing is, do you have a state supported mental health service available to you? That would work great if you do, as you'd get free access to a pdoc, and likely would qualify for free medications, or at least highly discounted meds. Seek it out. I'm actually surprised that your tdoc hasn't assisted you in this, yet again, this may not be available to you where you live.

I wish the best for you, and truly support your efforts in being well!

Deepster

This post has been edited by Deepster: Oct 31 2009, 08:18 PM

Hello sillysuperdog,
I completely agree with Deepster !! You are NOT allowed to tell doctors what you need. Thats what there there for. I was wondering how many doctors you have tried to get what you think you need or what your physcologists reccommmends? I highly agree with Deepster that if your own phsycologist recommeded something and the pyschiatrist says no, then they dont think you need it and you probably dont if you have been to have been to more then two.
Good Luck and Happiness!!

This post has been edited by SerenityForever: Nov 2 2009, 07:24 PM

It`s important to be properly diagnosed, before they are willing to start trying medication, as these stimulants must not be used on someone who does not have ADD/ADHD. We react differently to how one with ADD would react. It can be a long process, but once you are fully diagnosed you should get the help that you need. Also, a regular doctor ought to be brought in, as you should do some medical tests and measure blood pressure and other things. I am not a professional in any way, but my sister has ADHD and she needed to be put through a lot of tests to be diagnosed and also needed to see a regular doctor several times during the process of finding the right medication. Trust the professionals, if you`re worried, then explain why and let them know about any doubts you might have.

ChrystalR