I take Dexedrine right now (which so far is working great) It is similar to Adderal in that they have a common ingredient.
I agree with Barb, I think it is fantastic you are open and accepting of your ADHD. I have to say I love my ADHD I just needed help harnessing all the great qualities that go with it and that is what the meds are finally helping me to do.
I so wish I was properly diagnosed back when I was 17. I had so many great goals and things I wanted to do, I just didn't have the focus, concentration or organization to make those things happen.
As for your heart rate, ya, talk to your doctor. I know now, I don't jog as much, but I do a really fast walk instead. I'm also getting a little portable heart rate monitor I can use when I am working out and then I will know for sure what my HR is. That might be an idea for you?
Re: Weightloss, I can tell I am losing weight, but I was about 30 pounds overweight after having 2 babies in two years so if it helps with weightloss I am all for it LOL ;o) But seriously, I can eat, I just have to remind myself and now I don't crave the crappy foods, I just eat whole, healthy foods. If I don't put down in my daytimer and on my to do list for the day "EAT" then I literally forget to. So as long as you are aware that it can drastically reduce your appetite you can then work around that. I also drink alot of protein shakes/smoothies etc and that helps too. I am one of those people who want to lose weight but I am trying to control it so I don't lose more than a pound or two a week.
It sounds like you have a great doctor. Just be sure to write down all your questions as you think of them so you don't forget when you get to the Dr's office as us ADHD'ers have a tendancy to forget things sometimes ;o)
parakeet, The increased heart rate listed as a side effect usually is only found in higher doses than your dr will prescribe. Your dr will probably do a basline heartrate check and then monitor your heartrate periodically to be sure, but it isn't considered a major problem for someone with a healthy heart.
You are right about asking the dr those questions. Only he knows the state of your physical health and how it will probably affect you. A medication which works wonders for one person may not work well for another. Your dr will prescribe the med he feels has the best chance of working for you personally, then make changes if necessary once he sees how that affects you.
I'm glad that you are taking an active role in finding out about your treatment options. It shows a level of maturity that many 17 yr olds haven't reached yet. Keep asking questions and look up the things you are concerned about to learn everything you can. It will help you feel more confident in the decisions you, your dr and your parents make.
Welcome! Barb
Hey, I'm 17 years old and I've just been diagnosed with severe ADD, so they are going to put me on medication. My friend is on Adderall, and she says that it's working great for her. She says that it's worked wonders for her concentration and focus. So I was just wondering...how many of you have taken Adderall? If you have, I was just wondering if you've lost any weight on it? I know that that's one of the side effects. I know that another side effect is increased heart rate, and I was wondering if anyone experienced that? Another thing, if I work out regularly, is that something that I shouldn't do so often due to the increased heart rate side effect? Sorry that I have so many questions, I suppose I should ask my doctor them, but I'd like to hear your testimonials first! Thanks. :)