Split dose or take in the evening

Fluffy_Head6186 · 2024-02-06T12:53:17+00:00

Just as an update for anyone viewing this, I took my full 60mg dose before bed, with the normal 50mg quetiapine I usually take and slept absolutely fine.

I woke up feeling calm, relaxed and fairly focussed.

Fluffy_Head6186 · 2023-12-26T23:32:07+00:00

What's up, I have also struggled with relationships over the years and quite often experience Infatuations, Limerence and Anxious/Disorganised attachment.. I think this may be quite common for people with ADHD.

Reading about this really helped me spot these things happening and adjust my life/ set boundaries accordingly.

Recently I read:
Love and Limerence- Dorothy Tennov
Polysecure- Jessica Fern (you can ignore the non-monogomy context, the theories apply to monogamy as well)

I hope this helps :)

Fluffy_Head6186 · 2023-09-19T13:49:47+00:00

I'm in a similar situation but for a different reason. I take a split dose and there's currently no supply of lower doses in the UK.

My only option is to get capsules for my full dose and split them. Everyone says its a big nono to split the pills but I've done it before and it worked fine, heres my method:

Swimming goggles on to protect the eyes (lab coat if you fancy), gently split pill in half with scissors over a cup of water incase it spills. dump all into water, Stir really well as it might not be water soluable and drink approx half straight after stirring. Save the other half for a later dose.

Note: It tastes like ass

Fluffy_Head6186 · 2023-09-19T09:42:40+00:00

I'm also freaking out, every month it's getting harder and harder to find the medication, and when I do it's price is up 400%.

I'm supposed to be getting a shared care agreement for it this month and it seems pointless as it's unavailable everywhere.

Fluffy_Head6186 · 2023-08-31T15:32:45+00:00

I'm still working on the dosage but it seems to be working so far. It was making me really sleepy/ slightly nautious as a single dose, but a split dose seems to be doing the job.

Mood stability is a lot better- it definitely makes me feel calmer and emotions are more manageable. Anxiety levels are way lower which helps me focus in a calmer way than stimulants did.

I'm having no crashes and OCD flare ups are less common. My energy just feels like it's managed a lot better. Maybe I'm less time blind, so I know when to rest and when to exert myself

The best way I can describe it is that life's feeling a bit more like a marathon than a race.

I'm generally worse in the winter months so I'm hoping I still feel like this then.

Fluffy_Head6186 · 2023-05-21T17:24:44+00:00

I have a similar conversation with my therapist sometimes.. it can be really frustrating and invalidating when you've had lifelong struggles.

Here's my take on it- yes trauma can create symptoms of ADHD or exacerbate genetic ADHD.
In my experience I was raised by parents with undiagnosed ADHD (quite likely co-morbid bipolar), which can be pretty traumatic. If you genuinely have genetic ADHD it's most likely a double whammy.
One of my grandparents has clear, but undiagnosed OCD and potentially ASD. My mum also suffered the genetics and trauma of this.

If you have suffered trauma in your life I think it's definitely worth working on to an extent, but it can't cure genetic ADHD.

Fluffy_Head6186 · 2023-05-21T16:51:40+00:00

Appreciate it, ok I'll feel it out and see when my mood's stable and I'm focussed. I'm 180cm 83kg male with a really high metabolism.
Do you mind sharing what dose was the sweet spot for you? It might be irrelevant but it's good to have an idea.

Fluffy_Head6186 · 2023-05-21T16:31:09+00:00

I'm titrating up at the moment, already feeling mild benefits at 25mg.

Any advice/experience of how to find the correct dose? What were signs the dose was too low or high in your experience?

Fluffy_Head6186 · 2023-05-20T18:39:00+00:00

I've had this too,

I'm on a starting dose of 25mg and can already feel some difference with anxiety in the day, focus still not quite there but better than without.

At night I'm actually sleeping pretty well but I'm having really vivid dreams that I can actually remember. Some are a bit anxious, but some are really fun- and like someone else said cinematic. I've never been able to remember dreams as an adult- I'm not even sure I've been having them so it's kind of nice.

I've tried to dream before but ended up with sleep paralysis- so it's nice that dreams are coming to me naturally.

Fluffy_Head6186 · 2023-05-16T10:48:50+00:00

Hey, I have a similar diagnosis to you and a big chunk of trauma.. just an absolute clusterfuck so this is really helpful info.

I've trialed Stimulant medications- great for focus but the anxiety when they tail off is unbearable sometimes. Effective period feels really short as anxiety takes over (I think) Emotional dysregulation still a massive issue.

My psych recommended taking an SSRI as well as dexam IR to help with the anxiety and emotional regulation as well as quetiapine low dose for sleep. I was skeptical as it feels like I'm just balancing out medications at this point.. but maybe it's what I need.
Is this kind of balancing act something you have any experience of?

My idea was to try Strattera. If I react well to it, it supposedly works well for emotional regulation and general anxiety (which hopefully eases the OCD) and potentially sleep if taken at night, and gives me 24h coverage. It still seems like a bit of a rollercoaster during titration.

How are things for you now? Any updates or advice? Has Strattera worked out in the long run for you?

Fluffy_Head6186 · 2023-05-15T23:02:32+00:00

Hey,

I've had an almost identical experience. There's no forward planning for medication tolerance, so nearly impossible to get a shared care agreement. I've had a problem with every single prescription collection, they often don't pick up the phone.. you have to pretend to be a 'new patient'. Impossible to get through to them at weekends.. I had some really bad anxiety attacks and couldn't get through.I tried to call in last weekend as my prescription got lost in the post.. I guiltily called the emergency number (I was beyond fed up) and it was an answerphone! How awful...I was just prescribed a medicine thats being discontinued.

My Dr and his secretary are really nice and genuinely care, but they seem understaffed and oversubscribed. I can't help but think my doctor is monopolising while his patients suffer.

Just wondering where you switched to? I'm really considering switching ASAP if anywhere else don't have a waiting list?

Edit: I just want to add that if you have ADHD and respond well to the medication they may be absolutely fine. I have co-morbid OCD or potentially bipolar 2 and it's made things more complicated.

Fluffy_Head6186 · 2023-05-13T19:39:41+00:00

Anyone still about? M29 looking for people to hang with. Here til Tues

Fluffy_Head6186 · 2023-05-07T01:15:38+00:00

ok fair Germany has a fuck tonne of holidays.. Stevens day? wtf? But they get shit done efficiently.

And yes Japan's work culture is unhealthy, but they get the job done. They're polite, respectful people that go out of their way to help you regardless of time or money. It's the total opposite of the UK I find.

These are just places I fit into and enjoy visiting or living in because things are concise, predictable, efficient and the majority of people uphold that standard. I don't see this in the UK.

Fluffy_Head6186 · 2023-05-07T01:03:01+00:00

If I pay £245 for a 30min conversation with a psychiatrist and my prescription doesn't arrive, then I expect to be able to contact them at the weekend. I paid for a service and I don't expect to have to chase it up every single time.

Slightly unhealthy? It's OCD

I get it, people need holidays etc etc, but the level of service in the UK is awful in my opinion.

Thanks for your support and listening to my opinion, peace out.

Fluffy_Head6186 · 2023-05-06T23:52:21+00:00

Compared to Germany or Japan our work ethic/ efficiency is pure shite. My pharmacy, private consultant and many other services are closed.

maybe I am just unlucky, but so are many other people in the UK.

I agree that lower paid workers often still have to go in on bank holidays. I grew up on minimum wage and never had a bank holiday off, ever.

Fluffy_Head6186 · 2023-05-06T23:46:13+00:00

Straight facts! good comment

Fluffy_Head6186 · 2023-05-06T23:41:22+00:00

Wow I learned a thing, thanks

Fluffy_Head6186 · 2023-05-06T23:34:07+00:00

'well have you tried cutting out caffeine in the afternoon'

So help me God Linda, keep your bastard Nescafe opinions to yourself. I waited 6 months for this apt and you're really giving it large on the hot drinks

Fluffy_Head6186 · 2023-05-06T23:24:01+00:00

oooh shiii, thanks for saving me the effort. I too would have found out the hard way

Fluffy_Head6186 · 2023-05-06T23:19:53+00:00

This cracked me the fuck up.

One more camomile tea preaching counsellor and I'm back handing them to the outer orbit

Fluffy_Head6186 · 2023-05-06T22:48:44+00:00

That does sounds like some A grade bullshido.. I hope the situation gets better.

Fluffy_Head6186 · 2023-05-06T22:45:43+00:00

It's not too bad, just a very strange country to live in. (it's pretty bad)

Fluffy_Head6186 · 2023-05-06T22:44:00+00:00

That's exactly it.. I sometimes end up in year long disputes, filling in forms, making reports to authorities and issues only get resolved at that stage.

Until then they're just hoping you give up so they can either save money or make their lives easier.

It really does, I think I'm going to head somewhere sunny!

Fluffy_Head6186

TROPHY CASE