Liveformx64,
I skimmed your thread in typical ADD fashion to gather what I think were the important points. I can't say if you have ADD or not, and the only way you can really know for sure is to objectively research, research, research... and discuss it with a doctor who is really qualified to make the diagnosis.
I just went through the whole journey of coming to terms with my Adult ADD these past few months and it's been fascinatingly liberating. I am a poster child in endless ways. I got lucky with finding a good family physician who took me seriously and he prescribed me Adderall, which is amphetamine salts. Ritalin is similar in nature but a different chemical. From what I've read, stimulants tend to be the most effective treatment.
Here's what really made me want to comment:
I get the feeling your doctor didn't really hear you out or take you seriously and that's why he prescribed Strattera instead of a potentially more effective and abusable stimulant. From what I hear, a lot of doctors are very modest in handing out stimulant prescriptions because of bad press and they expect a lot of people to be drug seeking.
I don't know if the doctor really gave you the rundown on all of strattera's side effects but they are a plenty and most people seem to experience them negatively. along with that, it takes weeks and weeks to start working and for many people, it's not effective at all. I just wanted to give you a heads up that when dealing with doctors and pills, you should always know what you're putting into your body.
This is an invaluable resource that helped me learn a lot:
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Forums You should check out the medication forums to get in depth information and discussion on the different treatments available.
anyway, where was I?
I take amphetamines every day to feel normal. They're small therapeutic doses compared to what a drug user would do so their impact on the body is significantly less but I still don't like the added physical strain I'm adding to my body by taking them. From where I was standing before and where I am standing now though, the small chip in my health is well worth the added clarity I've gained in organizing my life and feeling in control of myself again. I've been working with Eckart Tolle's "Power of Now" and "New Earth" for a while now and I've noticed that after I started taking my meds a couple weeks ago that my perception of what's going on inside of me is so much clearer. I can feel my emotions before I react to them whereas before my emotionally compass was spinning like I was in the bermuda triangle. I just couldn't focus on what was bothering me... I was all over the place! Anyway, unlike some people in the same medicated situation, I don't want to be taking these pills forever. I'm using the added clarity to create habits of organization in my life and to create a life of wellness.
in parting, I advise you to research well into the condition as well as all of the possible medicines and alternative treatments. stay informed! also, if your doctor won't take you seriously or cooperate with you and you feel like you legitimately have ADD then find another one. there are plenty of doctors in the sea.