I was diagnosed with ADD about a year ago. My dr. put me on Strattera 80mg and I took that up until a year ago. I really didn't notice a change in my behavior (the stuff I was trying to change) but I did notice I was never hungry (lost 30 lbs), had to take it by 10:00 a.m. or I couldn't sleep at night at all (still had a lot of problems sleeping) and I was so tired all the time. If I forgot to take it, I couldn't sleep at all, it would feel like I had electrical currents running through me.
So, last month, I started Adderall XR, 10 mg. I didn't get any side affects, except I took it too late (later than about 8:00 a.m.), I couldn't sleep. I didn't really feel like it was doing anything (I always have side affects from meds), so I asked my dr to up to to 20 mgs. I still haven't felt bad from taking it, but now I do feel more motivated to get things done, where normally I would just feel overwhelmed, even at simple things like making dinner!
But, is this how I'm supposed to feel? My neighbor, who also takes it, said when she got to the right amount (she weighs at least 30 lbs less than me, she looks anorexic), it felt like a veil had been lifted and everything was clear. I don't have that feeling, but I do feel more willing to get involved with things (like volunteering for stuff), where before, I never would. The other thing is, I feel REALLY hungry at meal times now, to the point where if I don't eat something, my stomach actually hurts. What's up with that?
When should I consider going up another 10 mgs? I really feel A LOT better on Adderall, but I'm not sure if this is "it". I do feel a lot more sympathy for my 6 year old, who has ADHD and takes Stratterra, if he is feeling as bad as I was.
Excited to have found this place!!!
Shock,
I really do feel like I have more pep. I was ALWAYS so tired with Strattera, I could barely get up in the mornings, I dragged all day long. I take the Adderall the minute my eyes open (my husband brings it to me) and within a few minutes, I am WIDE awake (but not all buzzed feeling or anything) and ready to go, with lots of energy all day. And I am sleeping SO well now, without having to take tylenol PM or anything.
Thanks Kellygirl! My friend is on Aderrall and she says the same thing, however, some meds work one way with some and differently with others. I am sooooo dang sick of the Strattera sluggys. I'm only on 40mgs and next Tuesday I was suppose to bump up to 60mgs. The day I started 40mgs, the sluggys got worse and worse. Now I'm sippin' Diet Pepsi's mid day just to keep awake. Ugh.I would talk to the Doc and see if you can try a higher dosage, as long as the side effects aren't too bad. I am on Adderall and feel good, but not tons better. So I'll try upping the dose and if that doesn't work, maybe another med will.
I don't get stomach problems if I don't eat, but after I eat I have bad cramps. Not good when I didn't have a good appetite to begin with (while taking Adderall).
Good luck.
Kellygirl, do you find that the Adderall gives you more pep then the Strattera? I am on 40mgs of Strattera right now and it makes me tired all the time. I don't like it. I am going to my Psychiatrist on Tuesday and I will ask her if I can switch to Aderrall. Thanks! This really gives me hope about Adderall! I stopped taking my Strattera about a month ago. I'm not on anything and I'm all screwed up!