Posted: 13 August 2006 at 2:53pm | IP Logged

Hello All....

Sadly, I have been on Adderall (no more than 30 mg/daily ever) for around 7 years now... I say sadly because the drug has done wonders for me but it's also harmed me. Although I've never abused it I have developed a dependency on it due to fear of who I'll become once off of it.

I've been a chronic nail biter since birth but now it's much worse..I believe it's a result from the adderall...But that's certainly not all, I find that all my paranoiahs and emotional issues have grown much more intense. Sometimes I make myself crazy because I'm so overlly aware of myself and I'm always wondering what people are thinking...Of course, self esteem issues are a common among ADD folk but the adderall has definatly increased the struggle.  Another huge thing is digestive issues...when I stopped using adderall in the past I would be plauged with constipation and depression. I went over a week without going to the bathroom and as soon as I took the adderall things we're normal again...(not really).....I also have night time hives (uticaria) and have developed a condition called Dermatographia -  Is Adderall the culprit? - wish I knew dang it! So honestly, I feel narly most the time....narly as is YUK not as in WAY COOL DUDE...my fingers look like I stuck them in the garbage disposal, my carb cravings and food binges are out of control, my self-esteem has plummeted, I'm always picking at my skin (looks like hell as a result) and my mood swings are growing worse by the day. Each of these ticks have grown stronger, about 50 times stronger with my adderall usage...In turn I believe the cons are out weighing the pros for me and I just want to stop this drug...I'm scared to death of gaining weight and feeling like a zombie (one big tired fat constipated zombie)....yeah, there I said it.....Thanks Adderall.......So, my main question is, once you quit, how long will it take to feel normal again...anything help relieve withdrawl symptoms? How will I keep from eating everything in sight and crying till the cows come home? Geeze, I love good stuff of ADD, but I HATE the bad stuff...my life is a series of chaotic moments...

Posted: 13 August 2006 at 6:43pm | IP Logged

I get the neck break outs too....I think a large part of my break outs is due to the fact I can't keep my hands off my face and neck. The bacteria from your hands cause break outs. It just sucks because it's almost like I can't control the constant picking, biting, tearing, and any other destructive tick you can think of. I was sitting in a meeting the other day and I couldn't stop picking at my fingers and nails....I held my hands low while I did it so know one would see....Even when I'm aware of what I'm doing I can't seem to stop...Anxiety city I guess!...Makes me feel so lame, almost like I'm some little critter knawing away at something...Definatly affects my self esteem because it produces a lot of shame...I feel so different than everyone else, so out of control...Sometimes it's quite comical, or I like to tell myself that. I mean, I'm a full time professional with a several full time anxiety driven ticks. I hate it....The adderall has made it worse I know...However, the adderall helps me so much in other areas that I'm afraid to stop it. Sometimes at night I can't sleep because my legs and feet are all heated up and itchy...my feet get so bright red that it looks and feels like they are going to pop. I'll lie in bed itching my brains out so I have no choice but to take some antihistamines to control it...the antihistamines will in turn make me fall asleep - but woah! In the morning I feel like I'm waking up to the world's worst hangover due to all the meds I had to take in order to stop the hives. So....I then have to take an adderall to even function...In the mornings, I'm so dizzy that I've almost fallen down the stairs. Of course, once the adderall kicks in I'm feeling A-OK and I can go on with life.....the sad scenario repeats itself daily.

~GP

Posted: 13 August 2006 at 6:45pm | IP Logged

Thanks guys....I pray we all get through this junk.

~GP

Posted: 13 August 2006 at 6:53pm | IP Logged

Oh yeah, I wanted to try an anti-depressant instead but after I read about all the weight gain it worried me. Then I read about Wellbutrin...however, I read several times that it as well causes anxiety....darn.

~GP

Posted: 13 August 2006 at 9:16pm | IP Logged

I must agree with calico that your troubles sound more like OCD than ADHD.  It would be highly unlikely to get those kinds of side effects at such a low dosage.  Most likely the meds have plateaud and you need either a combo med for your ADHD and OCD or a change in meds altogether.

Do talk to a doctor and preferably a psychologist about your concerns and symptoms.  Nobody deserves to have the problems you have and if you just sit around worrying about them you only make them worse.

Posted: 13 August 2006 at 9:18pm | IP Logged

It depends on the anti-depressant. I started with Lexapro a few months ago and food cravings did increase, however, it was excellent at helping me deal with anxiety. However, because of the food craving my doctor switched me to Cymbalta which has been an excellent med for me. No cravings, mood is stable and I deal much better with anxiety and compulsiveness.

MaxDad

Posted: 14 August 2006 at 1:47am | IP Logged

I agree too, sounds like a severe anxiety problem, and/or OCD problem. The Adderall probably just exacerbated it. A different family of stimulants may work better for you. I can take Concerta, but I can't take Adderall. Adderall makes my anxiety get completely out of control, while the Concerta helps it. I know someone else that had the opposite reaction to those two meds though, as I did.

My guess is that you will have to get the anxiety under control first though before a doctor will try another stimulant.

You will do fine coming off the stimulant. Remember that it leaves your system every day anyway. Your body is used to it wearing off. The hard part is getting used to feeling like your normal ADHD self again. Your anxiety sounds so bad right now though, that quitting the stimulant, may reduce your anxiety enough that you may actually feel better.

Keep in close contact with your doctor. Good luck!