Adult ADHD meds- Need thoughts, opinions, experiences ahead of appointment tomorrow please

[freckles20]

I have recently been diagnosed with ADHD (primary inattentive with hyperactive traits).

After waiting for 18 months on the NHS for an appointment, I paid to go privately (and saw the same consultant privately that I'd have seen on the NHS ).

Tomorrow I have another meeting with the same psychiatrist to discuss medication.

His report suggested Atomoxetine (Strattera an SNRI) or Guanfacine as an initial suggestion. He also mentioned Vyvanse or Elvanse as a possibility.

I'm aware that the first two are non stimulants, and the second two are stimulants.

I am supposed to have done some research but I'm a bit overwhelmed by it all.

I already take sertraline which is and SSRI. If possible I would like to keep taking it and I'm unclear if that's ok with the first two options.

I appreciate that everyone is different, and that I need to listen to his advice. But I'm mindful that every appt. is very expensive and for each prescription I have to pay a prescribing charge and also pay for the medicine myself.

Once (or if), we settle on a medication and a dose the consultant can pass me back to the NHS and my GP will prescribe. But the longer it takes and the more options we try the more skint I'll become!

I would love some thoughts from other people with adhd- especially wrt any medications that did or didn't work for you, or anything else that maybe I should know.

ATM the symptoms that make life must difficult for me are horrendous procrastination, lack of motivation, brain fog, disorganisation, forgetfulness, short term memory loss. My brain has a thousand tabs open and I am chaos personified!

I have had no issues with substance abuse, I don't drink alcohol and am in generally good health. I had bloods, an ECG, BP and heart health check and all was fine. I am in my mid 40s.

I initially didn't like the thought of stimulants but having heard how much difference they make to some people I feel more keen to try than. I did previously. But then I worry that I'm expecting too much.....

Any thoughts would be very gratefully received.

I don't know what job you do op, presumably a 'normal' one where this wouldn't be a problem, but do be aware you cannot take adhd medication in certain jobs. DS is in the Army and they are not allowed, also certain civilians working alongside them in postings. So functioning without medication even when diagnosed is the reality for many.

I couldn't take the methylphenidate due to side effects and couldn't afford the atomoxetine that was prescribed instead. I'm on an SSRI and take a variety of nootropic supplements which are helping. I still can't talk to people or ever return to my career though following burnout.

@scarpa hey. Intrigued reading ur story, I have only began thinking I’ve adhd as past few months. Waiting list is at least another year to be seen. I can’t afford private so I am going to have to wait. I also think I’ve serious anxiety and depression. Been trying AD’s as few months and can’t find one that suits. Now thinking maybe adhd meds would be better if doctor would
give me them without a proper diagnosis? My brain and overthinking never stops. I’m exhausted

Yeah this. DS has the same issues. No idea what other jobs make this stipulation, but he says there are quite a few.