Hi guys,
I was diagnosed with ADHD last year and have been on titration since December. I feel like the meds I am on (Elvanse) are not 100% right for me, and I would like to try a methylphenidate medication. However my provider has said if I try the methylphenidate and don’t get along with it, I will not be able to go back to Elvanse, which I know works, but makes me anxious. The clinician said because I am not paying (I’m on RTC) then I don’t have the ‘luxury’ to switch between medications.
Are they allowed to do that? Can I change provider if they won’t let me back on Elvanse? My life on Elvanse is way better than before meds, but I am very anxious all the time and if methylphenidate works without the anxiety, it would be a godsend. I feel like I haven’t been treated like a human during this whole process.
Thanks for your help!
You could ask your provider to put their reasons in writing, which can sometimes help with how they respond or give you some clarity if you wanted to challenge the process in the future. If the provider didn’t agree to return to your previous medication and you wanted to explore other options the usual step would be going back to your GP to discuss a referral to a different provider. The provider may offer to adjust the dose to improve its effects.
I do want to confirm that I’m not a medical professional, so I can’t say for certain what route would be right here!
I’m also sorry to hear your experience with how things have been communicated. Trialling medication, the effect one or more of them can have, and trying to work out what direction to take and what is best can feel like guesswork and spinning plates sometimes. It’s a lot to process, and I hope you get some clarity soon and a way forward which helps reduce the anxiety.
Thank you for the response- I know you’re not a medical provider, but by ‘challenge the process’, what do you mean? Some friends have told me to make a complaint to the provider but it’s a smaller company and I’m worried that if I complain they’re just going to discharge me. Thanks for any advice you can give, I am very grateful!
Of course. Yes I can see why that might have a little ambiguous. I was referring to challenging the process of titration, and your concerns about the provider saying they wouldn’t allow you to go back to your previous medication.
If you felt that the decisions made by your provider were not the right route for you, for example, if you felt that a different medication would be more beneficial and effective, and it was refused by your provider, you have a right to challenge the decision or route taken.
If after this you still didn’t feel comfortable with the outcome after this, then informing your GP and discussing with them would also be a reasonable option for you to consider. Sharing your views or disagreeing with a particular route would not be reasonable grounds for a provider to refuse your treatment or to seek the best solution for you.
I hope that’s clearer, and others in the community might have things to add to this based on their experiences. I hope you can feel increasingly supported as the conversations with the provider continue!