What’s your Experience w/ Adderall? | ADHD Information
I just started taking Adderall, 20mg, 2 times a day. I've never taken any meds before and was just diagnosed as "inconclusive" for ADD.... I was tested as a child and those results where the same....I would love to know everyone elses experiences with Adderall, their dosage and what level of ADD you were diagnosed with.
Thanks!
Ok, so far...it's great at waking me up (I LOVE that). I can understand things really well. I can concentrate. My memory is great.
BUT
I am still procrastinating and wasting tons of time doing stuff like surfing the web, message boards, etc. I PROMISED myself to stop and be productive....and I feel like a big piece of human waste right now for not reading books instead of goofing off for weeks on end.
My stomach hurts reall bad and I get a giant headache when it wears off.
My stomach doesn't hurt but I do feel like I can concentrate more. Actually, I am running into a problem with only wanting to do things like research (a lot about ADD & about the industry that I work in). I have 2 kids, 1 who is only 5 mo old... I don't have time for researching when I get home but.... that's all I want to do!!!
KSGCSG-
Hey there! Don't know how much you know about Adderall... I have done a ton of research on it. The first thing I found is that you will know if you have ADD/ADHD for sure when you start taking this... You will NOT feel the "speed" effects of the drug at all. It will actually calm you. Since Adderall is a member of the amphetamine group - people who don't have ADD and take it will have similar effects as if they were taking the street drug "Speed". But Adderall xr is a control release and it doesn't have as much of a speed effect on "regular" people if they do take it.
I have been on Adderall xr since July 1st. I had a rough couple of days at the beginning... Then was fine. Here is a list of things you will probably experience...
MAJOR appetite suppression. You will lose weight - but not in a healthy way. My first suggestion is to go to the store and buy as much generic Ensure as you can afford - store it in your fridge and start drinking. Actually - mix it half a can in a full glass with milk. It thins it out and makes it taste better. Ensure has vitamins and minerals that you need to keep your immune system healthy. Otherwise, if you just don't eat - you will lose weight and also get really sick.
DRY MOUTH! Don't leave home without a water bottle. I couldn't drink enough water!!! It has gotten a little better, but I still have to drink a ton of it... Which is healthy for you, but it gets rather annoying when you can't finish a damn sentence without interupting yourself to take a drink!!!
Now, this next thing is something I am still looking into. I haven't found much research on it, but I have found some. I have developed skin spots. Not a lot of them and they really don't hurt or itch... They just kind of came about and are THERE!! I dont' know how else to explain it. There is one big one (the size of a half dollar) on my mid to lower back - and about four more that just showed up like a week to a week and a half ago. They are much smaller in size. I think it is called Vasculitis (which is inflammation of the blood vessels). I am going to go to the dr. on Tues or Weds though. I'll let you know.
Other than that - side effects are pretty limited... Just be careful with the weight loss thing. I have now been on 30mg for three days. I don't see any changes in the side effects so I think it should be fine. Let me know if you have any other questions...
So, you shouldn't feel the speed like effects even if you are ADD rather than ADHD? Because I read a lot of the side effects of Adderall are speed like . (ie. teeth grinding, anxiousness, etc.)??? Looking at your doseage it looks like you would be classified as "severely ADD/ADHD?I have noticed that it helps me concentrate and focus but, I did have speed like effects for the first 2 days???
Yes, I have ADHD in every sense of the description... And the funny thing is I just found out about it too!!! 
I always thought I was just weird!!!
Anyway, to answer your question.. Yes, if you have ADD or ADHD you should not be feeling the effects of the "speed". Now, I know that Adderall tends to work a little better with people with impulsivity than with those who don't have impulsivity. Different drugs work for different variations of the disorder. Let me try to explain. My mom has ADHD also, but not the impulsivity like me... she is WAY more disorganized than I am (although I'm pretty bad, I can find most things). I really don't think Adderall would work well for her at all. I think she would benefit more from Zoloft or Paxil. Do you see where I'm going with this???
You had the speed-like effects for the first two days because your body was adjusting to the chemicals.... How long have you been taking it? If the speed effects still are there, then you probably need to switch meds to a Non-Stimulant. (Stratera, Zoloft, etc).
Now, don't go thinking I'm a medical doctor or anything - but I am a nursing student and I have done a ton of reasearch and talked to a ton of dr.s about this. So I seem to know a little more than the average person about this anyway. 
Let me know if you have anymore questions...
You can email me if you like.... animalnutzo@bellsouth.net
Laura
I used adderall xr 40mg, and had to stop. My side effects were restlessness, mild hostility, lack of patience. I started at 20 mg and progressed only to find that I can focus better when I'm by myself with no distractions But,in public with other people, EVEN one-on-one I was a scatter-brain. So I just started with Concerta.My point is if the Adderall dosen't work? Keep trying.
Also, ask several close friends(That you can trust) to keep an eye on your behavior. Make sure they understand what the SPACIFIC symptoms of ADHD is!!!!! Check in with them from time to time. Fortunately I have several perceptive friends in different social circles that I get feedback from.
At least your starting out on a small dose.
Good luck! Today is going to be my last day taking it... The first day I took it I felt like I was going to jump out of my skin and not in a good way! The second was better but I notived I really didn't feel like doing anything. I became a little obsessive about researching ADD & this messgage board. Actually, I became totally obsessive about. I went out w/ some friends that night and noticed that it seemed that I missing my personality. I'm typically very outgoing and friendly, comfortable with meeting new people, etc. I was pretty uncomfortable that night and wasn't interested in conversation... The next day...well...I don't really know what effects the meds were causing and what effect the lack of sleep was on this day, I was out late and my baby is teething
...
Which, brings us to today... I have been depressed! Very depressed... I
mean I've been down before...this felt terrible! There seemed to b e
nothing that I wanted to do. There seemed to no place that I wanted to
be. I felt... the best way that I can put it is miserable, wretched,
uncomfortable in so many ways... So, I'm done... I think I'm going to
try Wellbutrin...
Hey again-
Definately this is NOT the right med for you. It actually sounds like you need a Non-Stimulant med. Something like Stratera or Zoloft. You should not be feeling depressed and out of it STILL. Call your dr. first thing in the morning. Tell them this isn't working for you. If it was the right med for you, then the side effects would have disappated by now. Let me know how it turns out...
Laura
Thanks for your concern! I agree it certainly is not for me! I'm thinking about trying Wellbutrin...Sek119- I had the same problem with it the first few days. I am usually very social and can talk to anyone but, I became withdrawn and uninterested in talking to anyone and if I had to I had nothing to say. I have read this from other people also. Like I said in my previous post I started out on 40mg a day... it made me miserable! Withdrawn then eventually depressed. My Dr. told me to start again, a week later, on 5mg 3 times a day & I feel great! I'm not depressed, I am just as social as I was before but like others have mentioned just more focused, don't interupt which is amazing, I am more patient, don't lose my temper as fast, much better memory & just overall clarity. I'm so excited! I was terrified to try again or even another med. I'm so glad I did! I would suggest starting at 10mg or maybe even less for the first few days... I had noticed on this message board that most people were on much lower doses and had been taking Adderall for a while.... I even have a poll up about what doses of Adderall people started on... Good luck!
I takeAdderall XR and I can barely tell I am taking it. I mean I feel no big surge of energy just calmness so I am glad but I wonder if I am taking the right dose. I am kind of sluggish no matter what time of day, no peaks or valleys at least. concerta was a hellish emotional roller coaster. I have had no change in appetite. I sleep very well and can still take a nap during the day. I also take regular release Adderall around 3:00 p.m. I must really have ADHD bad. I have been fired from a few jobs and they always said "it was not that you did not try" so I should have known but I just kept hitting my head on the wall (so to speak) and did not look into ADHD till my adopted daughter was diagnosed. Now, at least I know why all of school work had "careless" written on it when I really tried hard to study. It is a relief. i JUST wish I had had a coach to keep me on track or parents that were not divorcing when I needed them most. I quit school because I thought I was stupid. Dixiepeep38250.5884259259what are anticonvulsive drugs? I have a problem with obcessing and impulsitivity too.Adderall can definitely be addicting
I am a 24 male who has recently been diagnosed with ADD. I am taking the generic version of Adderal 20mg 3x a day. I don't know if these symptoms are normal but I seem to become withdrawn socialy when i'm on it. I become more quiet and less social. I seem to be more worried, and very sad, less willing to smile. What does this mean? I have only been taking it for about three days and I'm not sure I should continue taking it.Thanks.
Working really well for me. I have a highly technical job and I know that when I take it, I am as sharp as anyone here and have amazing access to my memory--not embarrassing fumbling around for words or memories. It's all right there in my head.
And, I also KNOW that if I cannot understand a concept that an engineer is telling me about (I'm a technical writer), that hardly anyone else gets it either and I need to find someone who can do a better job of explaining. That's very powerful to me. I am also SOOO organized and on top of things when I take it. I can hold very intelligent conversations and impress the daylights out of those around me. I get a lot of compliments for being on top of it and I feel very proud of myself.
They must really wonder when I'm not on any medication what my problem is. LOL I come to work late and leave early and my writing is a mess; often disjointed, missing words, mixed tenses, horrible subject/verb agreement ("I are going to..."). I feel that they go between thinking, "Wow, she kicks ass" and "Wow, who on earth hired her?"
I usually only take 10 mg XR in the a.m. But, now I also take one in the afternoon if I have a lot of work to do and am feeling sluggish. This usually results in me having a bit of insomnia.
In the beginning I was having some stomach trouble, headaches, grouchiness, etc. But, I don't really notice it so much anymore.
Also, I take 5-HTP, Omega 3 fish oil, and Liquid B vitamin complex. I hardly have ANY depression symptoms now. I was VERY depressed since high school and it has affected my entire life and have resorted to the major meds in the past. The Omega 3 is working just as well as those did, but without the side effects.
Socially, I'm definitely no nonsense and so focused on what I'm doing that I'm probably annoyingly undisturbable to my lonely, board cubicle buddy...kind of. I still turn around and talk with her, but I can stop and get back to work. Actually, I think it makes me better socially...I focus on what the other person is saying and am patient enough to let them finish their thoughts and don't try to hog the talking space...like I am doing here. LOLOL! Please forgive.
My Amen Clinic dr.also wants me to try an anti-convulsant to help simmer down my temporal lobes. I'm REALLY resistant to adding any more meds to my life. (They always make you feel like a freak when you express concern, have you noticed? Get told I'm anxious. Well...YAH! I might be ADHD, but there is a time to express anxiety/concern when you're talking about messing with my brain chemistry, thanks. I really need my brain in a big way. I hate it when I'm told in so many ways to be a nice girl and do as I'm told...and then I have to pay for the visit on top of that! Ok, now I'm going to make myself mad. Grrr...)
Anyway, hope the information helps if you're still reading.
p.s. I am in full Adderal mode right now. I think this post feels well organized and carefully written compared to my posts when I'm not on it. See post to "Harleyman"--I started the post out with "Dear Harleyjack" -- eesh.
bluebird3838245.8377199074[QUOTE=sek119] I am a 24 male who has recently been diagnosed with ADD. I am taking the generic version of Adderal 20mg 3x a day. I don't know if these symptoms are normal but I seem to become withdrawn socialy when i'm on it. I become more quiet and less social. I seem to be more worried, and very sad, less willing to smile. What does this mean? I have only been taking it for about three days and I'm not sure I should continue taking it.
Thanks. [/QUOTE]
By all means, give it time! You need to adjust and your body does too. Maybe Adderall xr (extended release) would work better for you. That dosage might be too high too. Write down all of your thoughts and what time they occured and what the situation was. Make sure to keep your note pad with you. Document everything. It can tell your doc more than you think.....
With any medication, the correct dosage is a necessity. Also, with any medication, it takes a while (a while varies significantly depending on the med which you are talking about) for your body to adjust. The first four days on Adderall with me were pretty much hell. Dizzy, tired, generally space caddet like and irritable. After my body adjusted, I was in heaven!!! I could control my anger, my impulses, think straight, try (being the opperative word here) to stay organized, etc.
Anyway, Adderall is NOT THE RIGHT MEDICATION FOR EVERYONE! If you are finding yourself becoming addicted to it, or shaky, or "wired" or anyother weird feelings like you are on speed, then you don't need it and should tell your doctor you want to try a different med. If your "side effects" last longer than a few weeks, by all means - tell your doctor! It doesn't work for everyone or for every kind of AD(H)D. You do have to give it a good try though. Remember, the dosage might be the problem too. Starting off too strong would definately throw things off.
Don't get discouraged. They have a lot of things to help. Just keep trying.
Laura
What?!?
No it can't! Not if you truly have ADD/ADHD! If you really have it, you don't feel the "real" effects of the Adderall. Since your brain is on "speed" naturally, when you take Adderall, it will have the opposite effect on you and actually calm you.
Now, not everyone is ment for Adderall. Some people with ADD/ADHD work better on Concerta or Stratera or even Zoloft. But for me (adult ADHD with massive Impulsivity, Control and Hyperfocus issues) Adderall works like a miricle! It is not addicting AT ALL and sometimes I even have to be reminded to take it by my husband!
Sorry if I sound a little rude. I just get really angry at ignorance and people who only tell half of the story which is how bad vibes about things like Adderall and ADHD get started in the first place. From people who don't have all of the facts!!!
Laura
animalnutzo- I have to say you are partly right and partly wrong... my Dr. started me out on 20mg of Adderall 2 times a day and I felt strung out and eventually depressed, this was during only 5 days of taking it. During that time I hated the feeling but for some reason I kept thinking if I take more I will feel better. It scared the sh*t out of me. I gave them to my husband and went back to my Dr.. I started again a week later taking 5mg 3 times a day and I feel great! Things are clicking just like they should. I do not have a desire to take more than my dosage and I am far from depressed.... so... yes it can be addictive to everyone... its all over any side effect list on Adderall... and yes it is effective in people with ADDI was just diagnosed with ADD after many months of dealing with doctors for my kids - this all makes so much sense now! My doctor started both me and my 9yr old son on adderal xr. My son is taking 10 mg in the am and having fantastic results. He has the inattentive type of ADD and was not doing well in school at all. The first day he was on the meds at school the teacher called to say that he was like a different child at school. His handwriting is legible and he's getting his homework done. He can even read a book now where he only used to stare into space. I, on the other hand, started on 20 mg and felt nothing at all. I was really hoping this med would help me with being able to formulate thoughts in my head and speak the words to get my points across without having to write everything down beforehand. I still feel scatterbrained and don't follow through with anything - so so unorganized. Dr. upped my dose to 40mg xr in am and still I feel nothing but a little dry mouthand I fall asleep a bit later than usual. I've suffered from insomnia my whole life. Any suggestions?