AboutSijka Expertise I was diagnosed (finally) with A.D.D.at the age of 38. I always knew there was something not connecting in my brain, but little was known when I was growing up about A.D.D.
I know how hard it is to explain to others about your "brain patterns" and habits.
I know how hard it is to keep things in order and to find those "IMPORTANT" papers you know you just had in your hands and now they are missing--right into thin air. I've been there and am still there!
Experience I studied, attended seminars with the experts, worked with psychologists and doctors to become the only "informed teacher" in a school district.I worked with teachers and parents to understand the mind patterning and the options of medication and behavioral patterning.
I also have worked with adults on pstructuring their lives to assist in development of routine organization (I must admit that I am a lot better with others than myself!!)
I am "pro" medication-but NOT the generic. For adults there are several meds that can be used and combinations that work well.
I have been away from working with children for 12 years but am able to come up with strategies and resources for you. .
Organizations
Publications "Cooperative Learning" (johnson and Johnson Method) in Exceptional Children in early 80's.
Did research on "hooked-On-Phonics" before "they" had any themselves!
Education/Credentials I have a Bachelors in Speech Path and Audiology
A Masters in Educational Psychology and Counseling.
I taught a total of 27 years-regular ed., spec. ed., administration, consultant and advocate for children and adults with ADD.
Awards and Honors I am still optimistic that one day I WILL BE ORGANIZED!!
Expert: Sijka Date: 5/30/2008 Subject: adult add and hypertension
Question I have been on concerta for over a year and in the first 7 months all was
great, but around February, I decided to try adderal because i thought it was
less expensive but it spiked my blood pressure considerably, so i went back
to concerta. Strangely after that the concerta slowly started to spike my blood
pressure as well. when i don't take it i am in the range of 120/60-138/70
When i have taken it, i have gone up as high as 168/105. The last day I took
it, i wen up to 173/93, so i stopped. I feel terrible and lazy and have suddenly
started biting my nails again and binge eating, like I am starving, but clearly I
am not. I can't remember anything and can not get myself moving. Having
terrible headaches(although that could be due to allergies) and just overall
feeling awful. I had tried the past few months before stopping the medication
using a various array of blood pressure medications, but none seemed to
agree with me, benicar affected my libido and cause terrible joint pain, to the
point where i could barely walk upon rising in the morning, mycardis wiped
me out completely, avapro , same thing but also huge change in libido and
sensory issues, (could not taste anything) and weigh gain. Diuretics, made me
hve cold fits and vomitting, nausea and flu like symptoms, even at a quarter
tab. Most of the meds just made it so i had absolutely no energy, it just
wasn't worth it. I have heard that Focalin possibly causes less side effects, and
my question is basically what can you do if you have add and the blood
pressure won't stay within normal range? are there any answers for us adults
with this problem?
Answer Bette,
All I can tell you is that I take Focalin XR and regular Focalin and a blood pressure medication and am doing great. I also had higher BP with other drugs for ADD
Sijka
If you are under the care of a psychiatrist for your ADD-that person should also be able to assist any other Dr with BP meds
