I'm no expert, but It seems to me that maybe she is overmedicated or maybe on the wrong meds. Im going to guess from the no weight gain that she might be on Adderall. Those symptoms seem pretty in line with ADHD. It could be that they are only visible now because her brain was hypo-active without the meds or she may be misprescribed and not need a stimulant based med.
One way you can check for stimulant addiction is by stopping the meds and looking for signs of withdrawl from anphetamines. I take Adderall, an anphetamine, but I can stop taking any time I want (no really). This is one sign that I need it. I know I'm not addicted because I forget to take it, and addicts don't usually forget to get high.
Maybe talk to the doctor about a non stimulant med?
Some of those symptoms also go hand in hand with a troubled relationship.
I second Parduse's opinion 100%. I too take Adderall. I don't forget to take it but I take a medication vacation every weekend (except when I am playing golf). I also don't take it when there is no need for me to focus or be non-hyperactive. I show no signs of withdrawal. In fact, I don't even think about it unless the weather is bad and I am bored. At any rate, if you feel it is a problem, then talk openly and honestly with her. Possibly suggest that she get reevaluated. If she becomes extremely defensive, this may be a problem.
I only advocate this as a last resort, but if she keeps her meds in a medicine cabinet, count pills. Most stimulant meds are schedule II controlled substances meaning you can only get a 30 day supply. If she is going through them faster than 30 days there may be a problem.
It may also be that she is misdiagnosed or had a co-morbid condition that the meds are making worse-i.e. bipolar, OCD. Either way, she needs to be discussing her meds and symptoms with a good psychiatrist.Thank you for your replies. We did talk her into going back to a lower dosage (or so she said she would). She has said she will go off the meds when she finishes school (and she is doing really well in school) so I guess we won't know for sure about an addiction until then.What are the signs that someone is abusing their ADHD medications? If someone really needs ADHD medication, then shouldn't the medication calm them down and help them focus as opposed to make them act like they are druggout out on speed? Here are some of the symptoms I've observed:
1) Eats but gains no weight
2) Plucks eyebrows obsessively-until there is almost none left
3) Sleeps only about 3-4 hours a night
4) Some portions of day where she doesn't stop talking-talking just to talk
5) Scared of the dark-sleeps with light on
6) Cleans and organizes obsessively-almost manic
7) Bizarre behavior if she drinks alcohol-eyes are huge, scary.
When this person is not on meds she acts normal, still talks alot but not compulsively like when on meds. We are concerned she is getting addicted to being on ADHD and may not even really need it. Does anyone know by this post whether we have something to worry about or is this typical behavior for an adult with ADHD?
Wow! That is some situation to be faced with, Chach! The supervising professional and the person signing scripts need to know about the details you have listed above. Obsessive/Impulsive/Compulsive/Addictiveness are found in people with ADHD Profile. Using alcohol with Meds is in general a No No..but in moderation and rarely it can be ok! and then it depends on individual case by case basis. The one question i would think about if it was my situation, the degree of Impulsiveness allied with degree of Obsessiveness. If you are seeing a high degree of Anxiety then back to the Psychiatrist to review as soon as possible. Is she self-medicating with another substance, is another thought i would explore.. Also please note that citric acid in fruit juices can unbalance the delivery of meds if they are ingested 2 hrs before or after dosage time.Dose was too high. 3-4 hours a night of sleep. Obviously too high. Too much of a stimulant also causes fidgeting (picking eyebrows) obsessive compulsive behaviors (cleans obsessively) Paranoia (Scared to sleep on w/out the light) . Don't Over take, worst thing you can do and if anyone is. Talk to doctor ASAP!
[quote=Vickie]It may also be that she is misdiagnosed or had a co-morbid condition that the meds are making worse-i.e. bipolar, OCD. Either way, she needs to be discussing her meds and symptoms with a good psychiatrist.[/quote]