Adderall & Sudden Unexplained Death (?!) | ADHD Information

ElmoreBrown,  Welcome to the forum.  There have been very few deaths in association with the numbers of people taking Adderall XR.  I don't recall the exact numbers.  If you want to look back there are some statistics on the post titled Canada Banned Adderall.  From what I have read most if not all of these deaths could have been contributed to by other problems these people had such as heart defects.  One of them was a drowning death.  How they attributed that to the Adderall I have no idea.  Both my 9 year old son and I take Adderall XR and I certainly would not stop taking it because of these deaths due to the great impact it has made on both of our lives.  -Gettingagrip- gettingagrip38440.3948958333'Ello Community,

Tonight I finally registered and became member after months of browsing and reading these boards.

Anyway, now I can finally 'participate in this community and have an active, consistent voice here. Heh. We'll I do often have many questions for I am only 20 and recently got diagnosed with ADD.  Although it should have happened sooner so I wouldn't have had such a hard time thoughout my past.

Well my first question is this . . .

I happened to stumple upon "Adderall XR" on the FDA website - - you can read it here:


SUD!?  See that?

I've been on this medication for months and no problem except speeding heart at times.  Someimtes I increase dosage, depending on the situation, but I am prescribed 30mg, 2times a day (XR).  I feel I can tolerate it and it does eliminate my ADD and make me a normal person in this society - - something I have lacked my entire life unfortunately. 

I'm so much a better person according to family, friends, professors, etc.  Anyone whos seen me (now treated) is impressed and seen I've grown up, alot!

Well are my chances increased for SUD by the dose I'm on and someitmes an increase?  I never have any side effects except unpredictable: penis shrinkage, rapid heart.  But both return to normal, shortly after and don't always accompany the benefical effects I get from this drug.

Basically I am wondering am I safe and improving which is the goal?

or

Am I putting my life at great risks?

Anyone else llike to share a similiar experience or offer me some help?  Can't talk to the doctor for a while for I won't see him in months (in person for the distance between us), but he writes me a couple scripts ahead of time (I'm lucky I know but he's also known me for most of my life).

Any help?
Mucho thanks -- anxious to get some replies going to my first thread

Later folks.



Thanks for the replies.

lemonadekid:

I get the same effects as you.  My penis shrinks up to the point where its scarily small.

But I can eat and sleep, without problems.  

I also talk my mouth off and get along with everyone and get real nice.

Overall, I like the benefits.

Oh yeah, dependency is easy with Adderall.  I can go without meds but I do sleep alot and eat like crazy when I do.  And can't get any productive work done.

Anyone else?
Concerta also is similar long-term to cocaine use, and it made me act like a crack-head.
I used to take my friend's adderall xr because she didn't like it. I love adderall although it makes me sweat profusely and a bit tweaked out. I get an almost orgasmic feeling from writing, so I'm ALWAYS writing or doodling. I have learned to control it a little, but I tend to rant on and on, which a lot of people do on adderall.

I'd smoke a lot on adderall and concerta. I had no impulse control and it calmed me down and made me hungry, it seemed to work pretty well although mixing a dexie and a depressant is a bad idea.I have recently been prescribed 30 mg of adderall xr a day.  I don't take it every day, but it seems to help on me get more work done in high school, although it definately doesn't fix my problems with doing boring homework.  And, I still daydream in class sometimes.  But, overall, it seems to have helped.

On the other hand, as far as side effects go, I have had many, and they annoy me.  I get dry mouth lots of days.  I never feel like eating.  I have trouble sleeping.  My penis shrinks up like i am in 33 degree water, which is weird and causes urination difficulties.

As well, I start talking to morons whom I normally disassociate myself from.  I don't mind doing really boring stuff, in fact I almost enjoy it.  I get this feeling like I am so happy that I could cry, except that I know it isn't real.  I actually start thinking differently.

Overall, I am extremely skeptical of Adderall XR and I am strongly considering not taking it anymore.  Research shows that long-term use of Adderall leads to similar side effects of people who are long-term cocaine users.  That is, adnormal brain development.

I could easily see a brain becomining dependent on Adderall, to the point that it would not know how to function without it.  I see this even within myself if I don't take Adderall for one day after taking it four or five days in a row.

This is all just my speculation, though.  I would love for someone to tell me why I am completely wrong, because then I could continue taking Adderall with confidence that I am not actually damaging myself.

Those of you who can, please shed some light on the topic, because my doctor isn't too smart and my psychiatrist is good, but... well, I'd just like to hear some opinions from someone who has a bit more experience with Adderall and/or ADD medication than the "professionals' with whom I have previously discussed my issues concerning the drug and its effects.  Thanks.