Hi, I'm new to the forum, and I've been checking out various postings about meds and would like any input about Adderall XR.
I am recently diagnosed with ADHD (inattentive). I've suspected some form of ADHD for years, but I decided to get tested because organization and focusing as I neared the completion of grad school (at age 45) became next to impossible. Now I know why I've been so frustrated when it comes to organizing my thoughts on paper!
My doctor prescribed Adderall XR starting out at 5mg for 3 days, then 10mg for 3 days and so on. 5mg did absolutely nothing, however, I'm finding 10mg to have a really positive effect. It seems I can read better and complete more tasks on time. The effect in general is pretty smooth, although I don't have anything to compare it to medication-wise. I realize 10mg is a sub-therapeutic dosage. I will try 15mg. in a couple of days. How do I know if what I'm experiencing is a placebo effect, or when I've found the optimum dosage?
The other thing is that I'm a distance runner (which I believe is how I've been self-medicating for years). Does anyone have any experience with the effect of exercise with Adderall XR? Also, I've noticed some sleep disturbance, I get to sleep just fine, but I've been waking up after about 4 hours. Thoughts, suggestions, comments...?
Most of what I've read on the forum, I really like. I look forward to hearing from you all. Thanks!
drumrunner38390.8242824074
Hi,
I am newly dx'd and just started adderall about 2 months ago. I take 10 mg. 3x a day. I exercise almost every day. I was on 20mg 2 x a day and found it was too much because I would sometimes get a fast pulse. I lowered my dose and spaced them out and that seemed to help.
I exercise between 1 - 1 1/2 hr. per day. I have horses and the care they need daily keeps me active. I clean the barn and walk and exercise my dogs and horses each day so it might compare to our level of activity-although yours is probably more vigorous. I always feel better after I've been outside exercising. I don't think I could do without the activity. I found I am so much more relaxed and focused- with or without medication after I do this.
My problem with adderall has been I tend to not want to eat. My eating and sleeping patterns are altered so I do take medication holidays to recoup. Overall the medication has been positive but I do get a sense it is harder on my body. My muscles seem to tense more easily. I have added some supplements (magnesium, b vit., Omega fatty acids, l-tyrosine) to try to build myself up.
I have heard melatonin helps with sleeping problems. I am on an anti depressant that I take in the evening. I think it helps counter the sleeplessness that I might get from adderall although this morning I got up 1 1/2 hrs early.
I hope things go well for you. I'd be interested in hearing as time goes on your experience.