medications | ADHD Information

Hi Dance,

I'm 5'8" and weight 138 right now. I was up to 149 (eek!) at the beginning of the year. That was right after Christmas and I think that was from eating almost a whole pot of potatoe cheese soup on Christmas break.

Got back down to my usual 142 before the meds. Now on the meds, right now I'm down to 138.

According to the weight charts I'm supposed to weigh 150, but I think that's too much. I was not comfortable at that weight.

As for starting dose, they say you should be on the smallest dose that gives you benefit. Guess that makes sense. They probably start you out at 5 mg (immediate release) or 10 mg of the XR and take it from there. Usually the doc will ask to see you in 1 month to see how the meds are working and, if necessary, change the dose.

My doc has issues with me taking this med because in high school (like 30 years ago) I used to take speed. Guess she thought I'd become some sort of drug addict on Adderall. So I'm almost afraid to ask for an increase in dose. I see her again at the end of September (that will be 2 months between appointments).

Adderall is nothing like the stuff I took in high school. The adderall is much milder and smoother.

. . . Kim

In response to Kimo, how much do you weigh (if you don't me asking), I am 5'9", and 130 lbs. Was wondering what kind of dosage I would be looking at starting at for Adderall. Thanks to all for the imput, am looking forward to hearing from more people.

Lynn

Hi Kimo,

I agree, the stuff I get from my doctor is lot different than the stuff floating around at parties back in the 70s (at least what I can remember of the 70s). I am on a stimulant again (Concerta), and given my past, my doc was worried about addiction issues.

But I do not seem to have any desire to exceed my prescribed dosage. I also do not have much desire to try to self-medicate with alcohol. The time-release dosage I have gives me a pretty stable level of alertness all day long.

But I also am avoiding caffiene, sugar, and other substances that produce roller-coaster effects.

[QUOTE=Chazinmo]

Hi Kimo,

I agree, the stuff I get from my doctor is lot different than the stuff floating around at parties back in the 70s (at least what I can remember of the 70s). [/QUOTE]

ROFLOL!!! I understand.

I usually drink a couple of cups of coffee in the morning. Well, actually a cup of green tea with honey at home then 1 cup of coffee at work. Wonder if that's why I feel kinda lousy around 10 am.

I'm seriously trying to avoid those carbs, but with my sweet tooth, it's difficult. I had tuna fish for breakfast this morning instead of cereal. So at least I started the day off right.

I am trying to pinpoint what the majority of us have had the most success with in helping us to be more effective. If there is Anyone who has achieved a total 180 degree change due a certain treatment, I would love to hear what worked.

Thanks

Good idea. I'd like to see what people say. I've only been on Strattera but next week I'm seeing the doctor about new meds.

I started on Strattera but it was too much so now I am on generic for Ritilan called Methylin... but also I am bi-polar on Risperdal & Lexapro.

I am just seeing my family doctor for the medication, not going through any counseling - lack of money and lack of insurance here.

I've tried Strattera for 5 weeks (hated it) and now on Adderall XR. I'm also going to therapy. I like the Adderall a lot, but I'm thinking I may need in increase in dose. I'm taking 10 mg (which equates to 5 mg immediate release and then another 5 mg releases 4 hours later). We'll see.

But so far, it's helped a lot!

Hi dnace,

hope my imput helps, but remember that each and every person responds differently to any of the perscribed medications. I am 43 just started AdderallXR, with get this, a benziodiazinpine for the co-morbid disorder of Anxiety.

This regieme is working well so far.

I have had a lifetime of the usual rounds like anyother ADDER.

Allen

[QUOTE=Chazinmo]

Hi Kimo,

But I also am avoiding caffiene, sugar, and other substances that produce roller-coaster effects.

[/QUOTE]

Like yourself I was put on Concerta about a month or so ago. The second I was first treated for ADHD I have never even wanted caffeine anymore. Sugar for me is another story, I don't go out and crave junkfood but, I am also hypoglycemic and I have to have something like ice-cream or a shake at night.

Since I have been on Concerta I am a pretty mellow and happy person. Have you ever tried Stratera? What is the difference between the two?

Have you also been noticing that your med doses for ADHD keep going up? Or does it level off after a certain point. I am currently taking 38 mg of Concerta and the time release is pretty nice with only a few rather minor side effects. Concerta only has the 56mg pill after the 38mg. That concerns me. My biggest fear is that the milligrams will keep going up when previously the same dosage used to work? Is that a normal issue to worry about?

Hello.

How long does the Adderall XR stay in your system?? The regular adderall is "gone" within 3.5 hours. If the XR is supposed to last for 8 hours, for example...I can probably count on six.... Confused

Actually, according to the PI sheet, Adderall is supposed to last 12 hours. But it doesn't for me. I'd say it lasts 8. And the regular release lasts around 3 to 4 hours for me.

. . . Kim