I Need Adderal!

[Completeconcentratio]

First I would like to say that I am in no way a junkie...
Now that we have established that hehe, how can I get my doctor to prescribe me Adderal?
I have seasonal depression, recently diagnosed, along with ADD. Which somehow the doctors missed the three times I was tested as a child(I'm now 19). I know the exact med I would like because I have tried it out before. Adderal  XR 15 mg. 30mg makes me jittery, and ten does not seem to help enough. How can I get my doctor to allow me to try a prescription of it. The problem is that I was diagnosed by a psychologist rather than my doctor, and the doctor is most likely unaware of my needs. The psychologist couldn't prescribe anything and recommended I see a psychiatrist for medication, however my insurance will not cover a psychiatrist, and I'm truly sick of explaining to people what is so messed up in my head. Should I be honest with my doc? Tell him I've experimented with Adderal before and have found a suitable and effective dosage(15mg). I feel like if I were a junkie trying to sell I would be asking for 30mg, and he might possibly see that I just am looking out for my own self interests. Please help soon, my appointment is in two weeks.

[specialmom]

Hi. I was confused if it was the seasonal depression that you say was missed or the add.  I'm not sure if it is beneficial to know that before your age now, antidepressants that would be used for seasonal depression aren't used as often.  Your depression would need to be debilitating for such medications to be prescribed.  If you were diagnosed with this--------- and to be honest, a true clinical psychiatric diagnosis should come from a physician and a psychiatrist at that (I say that as a psychologist myself)-------- you should know that you will most likely suffer traditional depression as the years go on.  They usually go hand in hand.  The issue with antidepressants as well is that taking them during the "blue season" usually doesn't make sense if it is shorter than 6 months as these medications have a start up period to begin doing their job and then must be tapered down when finished.  Most physicians do not like to start and stop antidepressants over and over--------- so if you have seasonal depression of a clinical nature, they'd most likely treat with one of the most tolerable classes of medication.  Things you can do for season depression that are not related to medication--------- sunlight.  (OTT lights are used to mimic sunlight and can be bought on line easily).  Exercise-------- releases the bodies on "happy" chemical and reduces stress.  Volunteering (not sure what the true brain chemistry effect is--------- but it is well known to improve mood).  Eat a healthy diet and take a multi vitamin.  And last, stay busy and distract yourself.

Why do you think Adderall is the drug for you?  May I ask how you took it before and know that it works so well for you?  I will tell you that drug seeking red flags start with someone showing up in an office asking for a drug by name and dose.  And I'm curious why your insurance would not allow you to see a specialist.  I'm sure your primary care physician would give you a referral and if he is covered by your insurance, a legal referral is what you need to see the specialist.  The co pay may be  higher but I've not heard of specialists being off of an insurance plan.  Typically a psychologist works directly with a psychiatrist and if your insurance plan covered your visits to a psychologist, then I imagine you'd be able to get a referral and be covered to see a psychiatrist.  A primary doc really isn't best to give you the most ideal care for add or depression.  

I'd be open to the physician suggesting whatever treatment option he/she feels is best as they may have more experience in what is available and the nuances to them than you do through your own experimenting.  good luck  

[Sandman2]

  Boy, have I seen this problem come up a few times on this forum.
  First its not unusual to miss ADD, particularly if you have intelligence.  Doctors always look for the hyper kid, not the one who is pulling B's and C's when they should be getting A's.
   But you are lucky, you have a psychologist who diagnosed you.  Have him write up his diagnosis and take it to your doctor.  You should not have to reexplain anything to your doctor.  Its just like taking an xray in.  Doctors always (or should always) start out on a low dose and then wait to see how the patient reacts.  Hopefully, your doctor has experience working with ADD patients.  If not, ask him for a referral to someone who does have the experience.  This your insurance should cover.
  Finally a lot of adults try and use meds on an as needed basis.  In that situation an extended release would not be necessary.  In any case, it may take some trial and error to find out what is best for you.
  By the way, if you are still in school, you should definitely take your psychologist's diagnosis to your school counselor and get a 504, so that you can get more time on tests, etc.  Hope this helps.
   Oh, a very adult site for ADD is     http://jeffsaddmind.com/     Its worth your time to check it out.  Hope this helps.