Strattera or Adderall? Please help... | ADHD Information

Glen,

it's hilarious, you get your teeth grinding about me, then wham bam, someone comes along and just blows that away.

I don't know where some of these people come from.

Back to the misplaced info.

Stimulants CAN and or MAY be addictive.

it does not state that they are, just that they can or may be.

And the amounts given are SO LOW.

I hate mis information.
And angela, don't pm me with your drivel. I don't need your lecture on addictive personalities. If your addictive personality does not inform your dr. like you know you should, then it is you fault. [QUOTE=emilyx13]

Hello everyone. I am new here. Today I went to get evaluated for ADD, and although I will find out for sure tomorrow what the tests show, she said I do show signs that are "too close for comfort" and talked of possibly putting me on Strattera. I am 17 years old, and going to graduate in June, so I know it's late for me to be starting something now, but I figure I should now before I go away to college. Anyways, I have been doing research on Strattera and found that in a lot of cases it causes suicidal thoughts/depression/etc. I also did research on Adderall and found some of the same types of side effects and a few others. My question is, has anyone out there tried either or both of these, did you think it helped, any side effects, etc. I really want to be able to have as close to a normal life as possible, and I do not want to feel sick every time I take a medication. Do you think I even have a say in what type of med they put me on?

Also, I know weight loss is a side effect in both Adderall and Strattera, but is one more extreme than the other? If I were put on Strattera, does my appetite gradually come back, or is it always going to be decreased, much like I hear Adderall's?

Thanks for any help!

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I was on Adderall and switched to Strattera. Strattera improved my mood quite a bit, but didn't do much for my ability to stay on task. My doc said that Strattera works better for people who have never been on stimulant medications. We get used to a certain type of concentration on stims and Strattera doesn't work the same way. If you are going to try Strattera, I would suggest you try it first - then switch to Adderall if it doesn't help you. That way you won't have any expectations from other medications to overcome.

Emily dear,

Please do not take either Straterra or Adderal; the side affects of both are horrible.
Straterra after a month made me think suicide; I am a happy, energetic, loving person otherwise. Aweful drug.

Adderal, as others have stated, works really well, then doesn't work at all.

If you in fact believe you are ADHD, consult a doctor in which you seriously trust.

At 17, the drugs you take now, will infact change your brain chemistry.

With Peace and Kindness,

Angela

With all due respect to my ADHD sister angela, I must disagree! When it did no longer work for angela she should have gone back and had either dosage adjusted (needs to periodically when starting them) or the med type. Either way it does wane until you reach a critical dose for working optimally.

For sure - get an MD that you TRUST. Very essential and can make all the world of difference to you!

Yes at 17 it will change chemisty in the brain - for the better. There are definitely problems with chemisty in the ADHD mind and stabilizing with meds can be very effective. And as always take in conjunction with therapy. One without the other just isn't as effective.

Emily,

Listen to other females in regards to the medication.
Women and Men are different. All of our DNA is different, but men and women have disctinct levels of "normal hormone balance"

I am a very happy, loving person; so advice I give you in regards to medication is only what happened to me. It could be different for others. Read as much positive and negative about the medications, find the commonality in truth, and there you will find your answer.

Healing and Peace,

Actually during studies of both dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate the studies found no difference in efficacy whether the person studied was male or female. There's not many things that can say that! They found that the receptors worked on by both equally find relief from symptoms be they male or female.

Just my 2 cents worth.

ARE U SERIOUS!!? adderall is very very addictive..... im not argueing the fact that it isa good drug is relly really is... BUT if it is misused in which i have to admit I did.... it had a hold of me.... I loved adderall it was my dream drug, but once i got tolerant to it, it stopped working..... but now im on straterra and i agree it sucks..... i want to try concerta??? any opinions on that?

full of crap??? well look at this from MEDLINE PLUS (a good internet health source)

Stimulants can be addictive in that individuals of longtime use. Taking high doses of some stimulants repeatedly over a short time can lead to feelings of hostility or paranoia. Additionally, taking high doses of a stimulant may result in dangerously high body temperatures and an irregular heartbeat. There is also the potential for cardiovascular failure (heart attack) or lethal seizures.

and no im not againt the drug at all, i just would take the lowest dose that is possible... i think my doctor put me on too much at first

bman - I know you hurt yourself on meds but isn't going full attack on them in this like an alcoholic attacking the weekend 2 glass of wine drinker as being in danger?

Firstly you had the addictive gene long before you took meds. It's inherited and without it it's hard to get hooked on less than crack and crystal meth. It's proven that if the chemicals hit the endorphins normally there's no true risk.

Yes MASSIVE doses of our meds are dangerous. But the MD regulates and the government regulates and the Rx is for a short supply if you are a junkie on it. You'd have to up it so often only the dumbest MD would up it so quickly. And I would figure you'd have to go black market for them after only a short time or be a weekend junkie getting a burst a couple times a month just on what they Rx you.

Yes it's easy to get to love the feeling of euphoria when a strong dose hits. But it's short lived and if you aren't already prone you'd be distressed at it really. I admit I like when I take my med vacation and come back on my first dose singing some tune and feeling groovy. But within about 2 days I'm back to sharp focus and drive with no extra euphoria.

I like ya man - but maybe look at the roots of why you craved rather than what you craved. You think maybe I'm right??

Oh and bugz?? Love ya dude but lighten the hell up. You're even getting me grinding my teeth. Let's love the ADHDers and hate the trolls. That way we keep it all straight.

LOL, Emily,

I am new to this too, just diagnosed w/ severe (whatever that means) ADHD last week. You might say I started late too, almost 40!

I just started the Adderall today, 5mg am and 5 mg afternoon. Not sure anything is different, but we'll see. I was very concerned about the addictive possibility of this med, but in reading several respected books, found that true ADD/ADHD folks react just the opposite, and it is not addictive.

As far as you having a "say" in your medical care, stand up for yourself, only you know how your body reacts to different meds, etc. Yes you do have a say! Dr's aren't guru's , just people like us. Some better informed than others.

Good luck!

Beakersmom,

Hello: Hey take 5 min and read my post...I was diagnosed ADHD (severe) this past April...I originally wrote this for my doc but every now and again I read a post like yours and fire it of again.

David’s ADHD

I always knew that there was something wrong I just didn't know what.

I think a part of me was always fighting taking medication because I felt it's somehow cheating, that I should be able to get things done if I just had enough self-will and determination. I *know*, intellectually, that my ADHD is real and biological, but emotionally...

When I first began taking medication for ADHD, I was overwhelmed by the amount of quietness in my head. It was extremely scarey and made me hesitant to do anything. For the first time in my life I could actually hear my own thoughts without interruption. It's difficult to explain but I will try to explain by an analogy. It was like sitting at a rail road crossing watching as the train goes by and trying to read the graffiti written on each car, wondering what’s in each car, how long is the train and how many cars are there, does the conductor like his job and I wonder how does he get back home? The train disappears in the distance, some horn blows, the lights green and I can't remember what my last thought was....... Driving forward waiting on my mind to catch up! So I can get back to what I was supposed to be doing. I have become accustomed to the diverting traffic in my head, but now on medication the traffic has come to an immediate halt. But, because of my experience, I am afraid it might be a trick to get me in the middle of the road, where the train would come speeding down the track and kill me. With Adderall I have gained the ability to stay focused and trust that I’m not going to lose concentration and get hit and learned that it is safe. Not panic and start passing cars and run to the other side of the road in the wrong direction or wait for other cars to go by, so that I could make it to the next parking lot to pull over and get my thoughts together.

I started looking into ADD a few months ago and said "this is just like me." It angers me sometimes that I wasn't helped a long time ago. I hated school, hated my job, never really had friends ( my way or no way), and my parents were so unaware of my problem. Of course, my self esteem lacks, because I was always told that I was lazy, a dreamer, always take the easy way out, overly sensitive, never finish anything, unapproachable, etc. The knowledge coupled with the medication has given me the freedom to be able to change. In essence, however, medication does not change one; there is still work to be done. I wish that it were like a magic wand because I struggle in many areas of coping with what some view as basics.

I have been doing a lot of reading on the internet, message boards and chat. Trying to gather as much information as possible on how to implement some necessary changes, adjust to the quietness and comparing medication dosing and reactions. There are many POTENTIAL risks involved with stimulants as with ANY medication. I don't want to be scared off from them just because of the horror stories I have read and heard. When I read of people taking 10mg a day and having bad side effects, it makes me think twice about asking for a dosage increase. Although there are far more success stories than failures. On October 3 I will be 40 years old, I was diagnosed a few months ago with ADHD. I am currently prescribed Adderall xr 30 mg/once daily. I'm 6'5'' and weigh 235lbs. I have been involved in starting my own business the last year. I wake up around 3:30/4:00a.m. go to the gym and out the door to work by 7:00/7:30a.m. Business moves at the speed of life, so I never know when I am going to have a long day or a really long day.

Within the past few months it has become easier to recognize when the medication is increasing my concentration and focus and when it is wearing off. Taking my medication as prescribed (1x30mg) the past three months, I’ve experienced about 5 hrs of focus and concentration max before I start to hear the train coming. More often than not my business requires me to work late physically and mentally. I tried taking my dose later in the day, but that’s like putting out a forest fire with a squirt gun, might as well let it burn its self out. I feel on and off again in the afternoon starting around 1p.m./2p.m. The release of the medication is unpredictable especially after the first initial hrs of focus. Taking it later in the day just seems as if the hrs of focus are spread apart (not all in a row) and this effect seems to make me feel unusually tired. So, I have realized that taking one 30mg xr is just not enough for the entire day. I understand the extended release capsules were designed for easier dosage control for children and to control potential abuse of the medication. With my financial situation being more of a concern than the potential to abuse my medication, I will not be able to continue my treatment if I have to take more Adderall xr. The cost of #30 Adderall xr 30mg is 5 and there is not a generic substitute. Through my research online and asking the pharmacy, I have found that the cost of regular Adderall and Ritalin is much less and there is a generic substitute. I am not interested in taking non-stimulant substitutes. My doctor added 20mg Ritalin, I am taking one daily at approximately 5pm. The Ritalin is helping fill the "afternoon gap" and the generic brand cost much less.

I've had a really good few months: Clarity, depression better (because I can think better), less squirming, better concentration, etc. Not a single bad effect, and I have had no adverse effects from the med. In fact, in my opinion I'm calmer, sleep better, coffee consumption reduced dramatically, my appetite is fine ( not taking Zantac on a daily basis) and certainly not having any negative effects on my sex life ( because we get along better). I exercise (cardio and weights) almost every day. My personal relationships as well as social have improved dramatically. When I hear of these horror stories people tell about Adderall it leaves me to believe that they must not suffer from the same thing I have for the last 40yrs. The medication creates an instant quietness in my head which has given me the ability to attempt to change many of my ingrained coping with ADHD mechanisms... I realize the medication is not magic. Yet, it is so much better than it ever was prior to the medication. Now I know, I have spent most of my life unaware of my behavior, and these behaviors have greatly impacted the quality of my life and the lives of those around me. For example my poor time management, confusion, interrupting others, poor study skills and even overeating have fostered low self-esteem and ill with others.

When it comes down to it, I personally believe that every individual should weigh their options and choose what's best for them. For me, it is to take Adderall. Yes, there are many potential side effects from it, but you only get one chance at life, and for me, I would rather spend my life at least somewhat "put-together."

Quite frankly, every drug has its dangers and side effects..it's a matter of what works for a particular person.

I'm finally being treated and I'm looking forward to a better and successful life ;)

David Mauller

Thursday, September22, 2005

David,

Thanks for re-posting that!

My Dr is conservative, understandable. She wanted me to take the 10 mg Adderall XR to begin. I had already stumbled onto this group, and talked w/ my Aunt who is a pharm. I decided I would rather start w/ 5 mg reg Adderall 2xper day, and the doc RX the 10 mg tabs so I could increase it if necessary.

Being the great ADHD person that I am, I am frustrated that I really haven't noticed much difference, other than about 4 hours after the first dose I was REALLY tired, and 3 hrs after the 2nd dose I was grumpy.

Today I started w/ the 5 mg, same thing, nothing but tired 4 hrs after. So I tried the 10 mg for the second dose. A little better. Went to a mtg I had to facilitate (scarey) and followed along well w/o impatience and fidgeting. I was tired, so tired by 4:30 tho, so tried a 5 mg. This has helped and tonite I feel like a few of the voices have quieted.

Is this normal? Am I just too impatient and expecting too much? GRRRRR. I understand the problems w/ others b/c I have to have it my way, and right now, thank you very much.

I was just so darned relieved to have a name for this. Truely thought I was worthless, lazy, and scattered. I did clean my house today, and did not jump all over the place like I usually do, lol.

Again, thanks David for posting that, I can relate to much of it. Good luck on your business. I am facing that in my future, and frightened to say the least.

Kristin, the not so crazy person

ADDERALL is VERY HABIT FROMING (ie. ADDICTIVE)....

But thats not to say its a bad drug. It works really well, but one misuse can leadto serious problems.tylenol... or on a psyhciatric based drug, zoloft....for instance. These can be misused with little problem, but the tolerant effect of adderall is what sucks.

When i say Misused i mean one extra or something, not like 4 or 5

Bman -

Adderall IS NOT VERY HABIT FORMING!!!

It is far less addictive than most other meds - or alcohol, tobacco, etc. I get sick of the use of the addictive card on it. I like ya bman but to be at all addictive you have to take massively larger doses than any respectable MD would prescribe over a long period of time!!

One misuse of adderall may make an addictive personality say "hey this is nice!" and want more but the average ADHDer will find it a waste of good meds.

Tylenol's active ingredient abused once though can cause critical failure of the liver and death.

Why are you so bent on knocking adderall and other amphetamine-based meds? I fail to understand. Ok you had a bad time - but most likely you liked the euphoric feeling and kept upping the med dosage. You certainly didn't get hooked on anything if you stayed on the prescribed level at the prescribed times. No sir.

And one extra pill causing this kind of thing? Please give the forum readers and posters more credit.

I must say I'm shocked and appalled. Do try and stay in the line of truth ok?

I still like you but you need to work on overcoming your demons without demonizing what you blame for your grief.

Thanks for any help!

ok listen im 18, and in college. Just about this same exact time. last year. i started adderall...... i had great success with it at first BUT i came very tolerant it... (basically didnt work anymore) and needed more ..... Im on tapering off adderall now and getting on straterra..Its caused anxiety and depression, wieght loss, sleep problems, fidgeting.

with straterra, I havent had any other problems with it except for a little drowsiness.... no suicidal thoughts or things like that. it also is starting to be working im on week 2.

SO, If i were you, i would try Strattera or Concerta first.... Seeing that your around my age, i would seriously try to stay away from adderall... side effects are terrible and its very habit forming. The main drug in adderall is AMPHETAMINE. Very close to the drug METHAMPHETAMINE (Speed)

bman3038736.6752199074Listen you yutz.

I take adderall.

I can go 3 days or a week or a month without it. I have. I don't have any habit forming problems with it.

we don't get enough mg to be habit forming.

And they put other ingredients in it to keep us from becoming dependent on it, if we were to try to abuse it taking maybe 100mg or more.

The highest script for ir is 40 mg. and the highest xr is 30 mg.

And I started on 20, went to 25 the went to strattera then came back to adderall, at 30 mg. Then I said, this is too much and went to 10 mg every other day.

Now how can an addict drop in dose, and go to every other day?

So I guess your full of crap bman.

I am proof.

and strattera sucks.

It gave me bladder control problems and muscle problems.

"And yes bman30 is right when he said Adderall is an amphetamine but so is Concerta."

No concerta is not and amphetamine. Its a methylphenidate.... Its a stimulant if that what you meant. Yes, but adderall with its mixed salts are VERY habit forming. After a year and a half. It worked AMAZING! yes but after it quit... OH MY GOD, depression anxiety terrible. Amphetamines are way more powerful then the methylphenidate. But this all being said, everyone is different

bman - shame on you!! I am very surprised at your attitude as it's very troll-like.

Like methamphetamine? Not even close! Crystal meth has special chemical bonds specifically made to attach to pleasure centers in the brain - something that our meds are simply not equipped with. That's why meth is addictive as soon as your first dose - your brain becomes bonded to the meth and can no longer receive pleasure signals the normal way. Bad comparison and if you are smart as I know you are then you know that's a lie. Don't be a liar.

Concerta IS in the same amphetamine family as adderall so why are you singling it out? Just because methylphenidate doesn't contain the word amphetamine in it doesn't say it isn't. It is. Either give comparible relief and work similarly on the brain. You are 18 and smart - do some research ok?

I'm just surprised as I've seen you post logically before.

Don't make me change my thinking that you are a bright young person - that would be a shame.

I am also 17 and was just diagnosed with having ADD (inattentive type) back in May of 2005. I am in the same boat as you, for I am also getting ready to go away for college next year. When I was first diagnosed with ADD I was prescribed Concerta. I took it for about a month before I had to get off it. It caused me acute anxiety and did not help with my lack of concentration or focus. I was then put on Strattera since it is a non stimulant and would not cause me as much anxiety as a stimulant would. I was on this medication for a little over 4 months and this medication did absolutely nothing for me except make me feel very tired and lethargic all day, everyday. Also I feel the Strattera is partial to blame for my sudden onset of depression back in October. I would not recommend Strattera to anybody.

I was then put on Adderall and also Lexapro to help with my depression/anxiety. And let me tell you Adderall works amazing. I noticed a big difference the first day I took it. I was already a good student previously to taking the Adderall but the Adderall helped me so much more to stay on task, stay organized and sustain my focus during a boring lesson. As of right now I am taking 60mg of Adderall instant release in the morning as well as 30mg of Lexapro and then taking another 20mg of Adderall in the afternoon. The only complaint I have with Adderall is that it will dramatically suppress your appetite. And also many people will tell you that Adderall is habit forming. This is very misleading, the only way taking Adderall would become a habit is if the person is abusing it by taking more than the prescribed dosage. And yes bman30 is right when he said Adderall is an amphetamine but so is Concerta. Concerta is a methylphenidate and contains many of the same properties as cocaine.

I hope this helps, good luck!
Jimmy4th38736.7537037037 [QUOTE=believe77]Emily dear,

Please do not take either Straterra or Adderal; the side affects of both are horrible.
Straterra after a month made me think suicide; I am a happy, energetic, loving person otherwise. Aweful drug.

Adderal, as others have stated, works really well, then doesn't work at all.

If you in fact believe you are ADHD, consult a doctor in which you seriously trust.

At 17, the drugs you take now, will infact change your brain chemistry.

With Peace and Kindness,

Angela

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It made her that way but that doesn't mean it will make you that way. I belive you should find a doctor (Psychiatrist) that you trust and check with him.