Meds for ADD for folks over 70 yrs. Old

Good to know about Adderall. I have ADHD and am 76 years old, also taking Levothyroxin and medicine for high blood pressure. I am not on any ADHD meds right now but have an appointment with a Nurse Practioner to help me figure out my meds more. I take Duloxtein for Major Depression. I have read that there are now many different medicines for ADD and ADHD. There might be one that would work for you other than Adderall. You might ask your primary to refer you to on the medication question,

I have iron deficiency anemia. My hemo/oncologist tried me on iron pills and I was not absorbing the iron at all. Can you get a referral to a hematologist? I have 7 autoimmune diseases and but most of my fatigue comes from the anemia. I get tested regulary and if I am low (which is most of the time) I take a series of iron infusions. A few times, I was so exhausted that I felt like I wanted to fall to the floor! I have had several blood transfusions. I think it is important for you to see a hematologist.

@sharpy1946 Thank you for your post and starting this discussion. Getting one's medications straight and balanced to improve your quality of life is so very important. Like @carole888 I'm wondering what alternatives there are to Adderall? What does your primary care physician suggest? Or can they refer you to a specialist who can figure this out with you?

@sharpy1946, I moved your message to the Mental Health (https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/mental-health/) and Aging Well (https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/aging-well/) groups. I think you'll get more responses this way.

In addition to the responses (and further questions) you got from @naturegirl5 and @carolee888, I'd like to also tag @cloudedepiphany @tim1028 @berit and @jt318 in this conversation about Adderall and ADD.

@miray67 started a related discussion about reviewing and possible replacing medications as we age here:
- Depression: What medication can I try after so many years? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/when-you-are-much-older/

Sharpy, have you discussed the sleep issues with your doctor?

I did an Internet search and found a lot of information like: Healthline.com/health/are-there-natural-alternatives-to-adderall-and-do-they-work#precautions,
Now seniors are in a different catergory from regular adults: I found the below when I goggled:
Can an 80 year old take Adderall?
"Medications that are FDA-approved specifically for ADHD in adults are the stimulants Adderall XR, Concerta, Focalin XR, Vyvanse, and the nonstimulant Strattera. The approved maximum age for use of these medications varies from fifty-five to sixty-five." If you are over sixty-five,you need something different.

https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2021-10-28/use-of-ritalin-other-stimulants-can-raise-heart-risks-for-older-adults
I am consulting a specially trained nurse for what ADHD medication that I can https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2021-10-28/use-of-ritalin-other-stimulants-can-raise-heart-risks-for-older-adultsafely take instead of my primary. I also have been diagnosed with Mild Dementia. I have traditional Medicare so I do not have to be referred. My neurologist told me that I have to see a pyschiatrist but there are none in ,my area who accept new patients! The one that I chose has experience in treating senior patients with ADHD. I thought she would have more experience than my family doctor.

The psychiatrist I see regarding Anxiety and ADHD has me on escitalopram for anxiety and bupropion for ADHD. The important thing is that the physician thoroughly evaluates the patient's individual health situation and prescribes accordingly. Follow through is also essential. At age 73, I am thankful to have such an expert physician caring for me.

Hi, I thought i would mention a drug I was put on many years ago when diagnosed with ADD. Now I was in my thirtys at the time and because of the military concern on taking a psychological drug I just learned to deal with ADD on my own. But I have thought now 25 years later (I'm 63) and my memory is giving me Some issues, of seeking help again. At the time I was on a drug called Imprimine and everyone I mention it too says that they have never heard of it. It's a drug used for mild depression and as it turns out for kids with bedwetting problems. But the description does mention Nero transmitters and that's what I remember the Neurologist saying is the problem with us with ADD. Lack of neurotransmitters. So maybe check it out with your doctors.
Blessings

My husband, who has several other health issues, including diabetes and chronic kidney disease, uses Stratera for his ADD. Every year or two, his primary physician orders a thorough med eval for him, and this one has never been mentioned in a problem due to age or other health issues.
Sue

I have an annual in addition to my diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol quarterly checkups with my primary doctor. The main thing with age is that some medicines that were fine when we were younger are no longer a good idea when we become a senior. My dermatologist prescribed a medicine for itching, Later on she left the clinic, I don't know why. I requested the history on a scalp condition that I have. Her notes did not indicate that she knew what it was and I had no biopsy. Later I receivcd my complete history from the clinic. There was a lot of communtication between the clinic head amd my neuorologist about the anti-itching medicine. They told my clinician to stop iy immediately because it can cause dementia in seniors!!! I saw this at least four times in the history. I now have dementia! I think age is very important when it comes to medicines.

I hope you are doing better than you expect.

Since you’ve been taking this medication for so many years your body is dependent on this stimulant and you could experience potential drug withdrawal symptoms. Hopefully if you do this you’ll do it in a controlled setting.