Adderall XR Dilemma | ADHD Information

I was recently diagnosed with ADHD at 25 years old.  I became aware I had it because a friend who has it noticed a whole bunch of symptoms in me and handed me "Delivered from Distraction."  As I read it , I freaked out because it was like I was reading my life story.  We talked more about treatment (I've been on a kick about getting organized and focused for about a year now...before I even knew I had it), and she recommended I go to a Pdoc. I made my appointment, but it took him a month to get me in. 

I was very anti-medication, but I talked to her about it and she eased my fears.  She even gave me a few 20 mg Adderall XR's to try to see if benefitted from them.  OH MY. Immediately, my best friends (they didn't know I took anything) said it was great to see me being so productive and light hearted again.  They made a comment that I was being very lethargic and flighty, but that day I seemed on top of my game.  The second day was the same thing.  I went to work and finished 3 projects that I had been dragging on for months and was able to go to school and block everything out.  I never cry, but I almost did that day. It was as if I was finally living up to my potential.

When my Pdoc appointment came around, he said I was a clear cut ADHD combined case.  He put me on Concerta.  He likes to start on that because of methylphenidates long history.  I figured I'd give it a shot.  Well, it is now a month later and I don't like this at all.  Its expensive as hell, boosts my heart rate, and lowers my body weight (I have about a 6% BMI now).  It doesn't help me focus, but it does cure my narcoleptic tendencies.  It also elimates all desire I have to drink alcohol (I used to be a big drinker...go figure ADHDers).

Tomorrow is my next appointment.  Another friend who has ADHD goes to this Pdoc and told me that he will put me on Strattera next.  I don't want to be on Strattera, though.  I've read too many bad things and don't want to wait a month for it to regulate itself.  I also know the adderall XR worked wonders for me.

My dilemma is this: Do I tell my doctor that I have taken Adderall once before and it cured all of my symptoms? I have no history of drug abuse. The only drug I have ever taken is Ecstacy, and I have only done that a handful of times.  I don't want him to think that I am some junky who is just trying to get prescription speed.  It worked wonders for me and I don't want to waste any more time or money on crap.  What should I do?

Sorry about being so verbose.  You all know how it is.
Thanks for the response, Glen.  I had a feeling you would be the first to answer.  After all, when are you not.

Hmm, the weight loss thing is weird.  I have a fight coming up in 7 weeks.  I just told the promotor I can fight as 147 now.  What to do if I can't stay this low? Ehhh, there is always ephedra, cocaine, or crack.   Actually, I still eat 4 times a day and my appetite is exactly the same.  Who knows, maybe I can keep it off.  Since I have been on meds I have very little desire to have all forms of caffeine (coffee included, Glen...don't be jealous).  I drank a lot of soda, too.  Now I just want water.  I also don't want any fast food anymore and would rather eat fruits.  Its weird, but its like some of my impulsivity is gone - mainly my diet - but things like movement and sound still distract the heck out of me.

I'm just going to tell my doctor I'm not taking Strattera.  The bottom line is he works for me.  I'm not taking anything that may change my personality, especially if there are other alternatives I can try. I hope he sees it my way. 

My insurance kind of sucks.  It only covers psychiatric care for diagnosis of ADHD and evaluations of medication.  It doesn't cover therapy sessions or prescriptions.  I am going to work with the psychologists at my university for the therapy.  After all, it is only a session.  I also read a whole crapload on the subject and have recently discovered lots of my friends who have this ailment.  I seem to have unknowingly found a group of friends where 25% of them seem to have it, yet all are embarassed to talk about it.

What kind of urge are you talking about?  Do you mean things like the movie I just watched when I was supposed to be studying?  I went in the kitchen for a water and heard a line, then sat down and two hours passed. Damn it. 

That's the kind of urge I am talking about.  We get those urges to go against what's in our best interest.  I still get them only they whisper instead of shout.

As for your weight loss I think we should send you a heavyweight to pound some sense into you - Ephedra, etc. indeed.  Blah to you.

I found once I increased my exertion during the peak med times (at work for me) that I sweat out the meds and I eat like a pig.  Heavy calories and they stick where and when they should.  I think the trick is to either reduce amount of meds or work it out where it doesn't suppress the apetite.  It usually levels out soon either way.  I wouldn't worry if your doc isn't.

Stratterra would be disastrous for a fighter I'd think.  It slowed my reflexes at work until I felt like I was in amber.  Very nasty feeling and it would come and go.  Like "tripping" to me.

good luck to you - and drink lots of water!

Look around the forum my friend - you have been most brief! LOL!!

Don't fear the "addict" label too much.  Most doctors who have seen ADHD realize that people don't always follow the rules.  He may give you a bit of a verbal spank but most times it's no big thing.  And definitely where Ritalin helps some there are an equal number helped by the dexedrine derivatives.  I'm one of the latter.  Many with inattentive ADHD work better on Adderall but it's a wobbly rule so it's something you'll have to test for yourself.

As for the weight loss - it usually goes away on any of the meds in about a month.  That's one of the reason amphetamines never kept going as a weight loss aid - you must keep taking higher doses to keep the weight off.  It's a temporary thing.  The trick I found is for the first month on a new med - just like you must try and remember to take the med you must try to remember you NEED food and to force it in you 3 times a day.  It's hard but doable.  I lost a few pounds at first but most of it is back.

If your doctor doesn't help you and tries to force a med you aren't comfortable with (and stratterra would be my LAST choice after ALL is not working) then move to another - preferably a qualified psychiatrist.  They can not only prescribe meds but give you therapy sessions which I must strongly advise you to take whatever you do.  You must learn new ways to live - if you don't these meds will only help you until an urge comes along and you'll blow it my friend.  Meds are just the 1st step no matter what.

Good luck!

So the psychiatrist tried to put me on standard release ritalin so that I may control the dosage better, but I convinced him to try Adderall XR.  I said that the methylphenidate helps a little because it keeps my energy level consistent, but my focus is unchanged.  Since we are trying to find out what works best, I should take an amphetamine-based drug and compare and contrast the two.  It took him a while to work with me, but all I had to do was agree to a follow up in two weeks.  Everything worked out and I didn't mention I have taken Adderall XR before.

I am also going to make an appointment with a physician for a stress test just to make sure I am not operating at an unhealthy physical level.  I think I am OK, but I don't want to be the poster boy for the banning of amphetamines when I drop dead of a heart attack during a match.