Newbie here - any insight on treatment in 3rd world country?

[Wendy Pace]

Hi,

Very briefly, I'm 40, was diagnosed with ADD in March 09, and am struggling to plan lessons and curriculum as a 5th year elementary teacher. I moved to Karachi, Pakistan this summer to teach at a fantastic American school, but have found out the only medication available is Ritalin. I rushed through a titration in May/June, ending up with dexadrine (7 hr) 15mg, and Wellbutrin. I briefly tried Focalin, but couldn't get a clear read on it. After listening to Dr. Parker's presentation during the recent online ADHD conference, I would be very interested in starting over again. I don't think the WB is effective, and the dexedrine sometimes puts me in a hyper state. I definitely haven't nailed down the "window". It's possible for me to continue to order meds from the US and have them brought here, but I'm interested in exploring the available doctors here and finding out why other medications aren't available here.

Any thoughts, experiences, advice??

[Unintentional stoner]

Hi Wendy. I can tell you that ADD is often taken less seriously in developing countries than say, the US or the UK, and that your med options are less. However, keep looking for a good psychologist or MD and you may get lucky. On the bright side, this may be an opportunity for you to look more closely at diet, lifestyle and alternative medicine.