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Actually, Ritalin (methylphenidate) is not an amphetamine.  It is closely related, and both are  under the umbrella of the same parent; phenethylamine.  I think the distinction lies in amphetamine and it's derivatives functional CH3 (methyl) group, an R-group that methylphenidate does not have.

People seem to have very strong beliefs about AD(H)D.  Those who believe psychostimulant use is very beneficial, and those who would rather see them eradicated as a therapy.

 I do agree that ALOT of the alleged cases of AD(H)D could be remedied without pharmacotherapy.  There are alot of kids who receive psychostimulant treatment, and alot of times, they are just being KIDS.  It is crazy that some parents/doctors are so quick to turn to stimulants, when the child's "syndrome" could be remedied by exercise and diet change.  But, thats what happens when you have lazy parents and malleable doctors who can't turn down the perks offered up by drug-reps.

However, I dont think that all cases of ADHD can be treated with healthy diet, therapy, and exercise.  Especially in the adult population.

I think the approach in diagnosing the disorder is becoming more selective and structured, and it also appears that alternative treatments are becoming more common, but stimulants are definitely important for those who need them.

I wouldnt say you are addicted to them, or even displaying behaviors indicative of pseudoaddiction either.  If you benefit from the therapy, then it is no different than taking a multivitamin for optimum health, regardless of the fact they are scheduled.  

As far as getting a doctor to rx stims and narcotics, I would be cautious.  It is not unheard of, I have seen quite a few patients filling prescriptions for ADHD meds and narcotics quite often.  In fact, I was offered methylphenidate or amphetamine to offset morphine-induced drowsiness while I was taking Kadian.  It was offered to me, but I declined, as I don't like stimulants.  Not all doctors would go for it though.  

  Have you tried Strattera yet?  I have heard mixed reviews, so I dont know how effective it really is, but everyone responds differently.  There used to be a drug called pemoline that was pretty effective, and I dont think it was scheduled (not sure though), but I dont know if it is still available (I think there were some instances of hepatoxicity).

Good luck, hopefully you will be able to get the help you need. 

For acute, severe pain, narcotics are often the first choice.  In conditons where a diagnosis is not yet established, such as a person with abdominal pain in the ER,  narcotics are usually not used until a diagnosis is established because narcotics may mask the progress of symptoms, and make diagnosis difficult.  Some people with severe pain respond equally well or better to NSAIDs!  For migraine pain, migraine specific medication is almost always faster and more effective than narcotics.

I almost always advocate a trial of all appropriate non-narcotic therapies because the nature of chronic pain and narcotic use is that of tolerance and dose escalation. 

There is not a lot of "harm" done by witholding narcotic treatment for a few days or a few weeks.  People get upset about missing work, or not being able to go waterskiing, but, that cannot be the primary medical consideration. 

I have to disagree that if people are getting high taking a prescription from a doctor that they should stop. I think they should talk to their doctor and decrease the amount of narcotics because obviously they are being over medicated.  I have yet to get any eurphoric feelings but I think it is because I was being undermedicated and finally came up with an amount that worked and kept me alert although there will always be pain but an amount that I can deal with. There are many times in the month that I have an extra amount of b/t med's

Thank you for your thoughts.  My physician laughed when I told him I was scared to mention the issue coming back up with my CFJ syndrome because I was afraid he would label me a "drug-seeker"  He told me that he appreciated that I cared enough about my health to even worry about such a thing, and that he has some patients that will ask straight up for anything, even such controlled drugs as Fentanyl.  He sent me for a series of X ray just to see if anything had changed, and is currently awaiting some of my other radiology reports just to confirm the Dx.  In the meantime, he placed me on a short acting narcotic at a low dosage to be used as needed for pain, as well as Methocarbomol, and Meloxicam.  I find the Robaxin helps more than the Mobic, but obviously the hydrocodone is more effective as it is a semi-synthetic opiate drug.  I have been on long acting pain medications before and would rather find something that has less side effects but will still cut the pain.  Opioids and Opiates would be the perfect medications if tolerance was never an issue, unfortunately it does result in escalation of titrating doses and stronger meds...Its an ugly cycle that I would rather avoid, but I will let the physician weigh the benefits versus potential side effects and make a judgment that way.

Yeah, I understand what you are saying.  When I initially fractured my neck they put me on Oxycodone for the pain, and at that time I was on Concerta™ for my ADD.  The combination of the two induced an uncomfortable feeling to where I discontinued the stimulant when I needed the analgesic medication.  My PCP is going to refer me to an anesthesiologist for pain treatment, and he suggested that Methadone in a low dosage would help with the pain while not causing too much interference with the Adderall®.  He also said that Nalbuphine injections would also help with the facet dysfunction, but at this point all he could really do was refill my pain medication.  He did so, and put me on Norco™ 10/325 at 2t PO Q6H PRN for Pain. This is until I can get in with the anesthesiologist.

my dr put me on this drug and it really to work for me.it has a low potential for abuse because it has to have stomache fluids to work. it really calmes me down. i also take lortab for chronic pain. it does seem to bother me

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