I started ADDerall XR about two weeks ago. Today I had my first test. I actually had 2 tests right in a row. I was excited. I wanted to see if the ADDerall was really helping and if my grades would be higher. I am a test person, so if it could help that would be amazing. When I say I am a test person, my test grades are the only things that keep me passing with minimal effort. I dont study a lot but its never been a problem. I also have accomodations for testing (extra time and computer access), but only use them if I need to type (I can't write to save my life). These tests were in 2 differant linguistics courses and I need to be able to write in the phonetic alphabet and draw so I couldn't type them. Today things were diffferant. I was the last one out of the room, time ended and I wasn't even close to done. That has never happened before, I've never even been close to the end, even on the SATs which youre not supposed to finish, so I know it wasn't just an off day or something, I am honestly a slower test-taker now. Also, looking back on my answers, some of them were, well, stupid, very stupid. They were just very poorly answered questions, and not answered the way I would have wanted to, it wasnt logical, and it rambled (a lot like this post). This is all very concearning to me. My question is basically, Can ADDerall (or any other med) actually be a hinderance in testing situations? Should i be using ADDerall on the days when I study and when I attend class, but skip doses on days when I have tests? Has anyone had a similar experience? Any advice or ideas?

Well I personally take longer while on adderall but it is for the better, i now try to check my answers and make sure they are logical instead of just putting the first thing that pops in my head down. But it the tests give you a problem while on adderall I just wouldn't take it on the days of tests. I also however had to start taking an ativan before tests so keep my anxiety down. it might be anxiety? who knows i never would have thought it was until Doc. mentioned it and told me to give it a shot. Now i am focused and common were as before i would shut down mentally on tests. Good luck and you may want to not take it on tests, take a lower dose, or you may just need some more time to get used to the meds.

Aside from the test experience, are you able to concentrate better? If not really obvious, talk to your doc - you might need a dfferent med or a change in dose.

I would be worried about the possibility that you may have an incorrect diagnosis. If it is not indeed ADD, the Adderall will likely make your symptoms worse. Bipolar disorder is often confused with ADD.

Then again, perhaps you just need to try a different med.

Barb

russ3,
Just had a similar experience myself.
Mitigating circumstances: a) I've been taking dexedrine for a little under a week; my test day fell on the day I was supposed to raise my morning dose from 5mg to 10mg, which I did, b) I was writing under a considerable sleep deficit.

Anyway, my experience. I got to my class. I sat down. Things are fine. We get the examination booklet and essay question. I read the question, and I reflect on it. Then. I start writing a bunge of hodge podge that, the more I think about it, had nothing to do with the question I was being asked. At several points during the examination, I referenced back to the question, and I KNEW I wasn't answering it, but for the life of me, I could not reorient my thoughts, or pull things together. Some part of my brain was on override, and hell bent on discussing something else. I don't think it was an unmitigated disaster; the things I discussed at least peripherally dealt with the topic at hand. To be honest I'm not even sure what I wrote. Alls I know is that I kept writing and writing and writing in the futile hope that I would get to the information I needed to get to. I can't think of anything more excruciating than having to look at that exam booklet again. Very disconcerting and disappointing and I'm trying not to dwell on it. But, it's early days so I guess these things are probably par for the course.

I personally am a great test taker, first one out always good results. I have always believed it was the amazing shot of adrenaline that comes over me when I know something big is on the line. It sounds a lot like you were the same way. Besides tests, homework and projects usually kill my grade. I cannot stay focused long enough to do good work. I imagine that the adderall somehow hindered your natural abilities on that one. I'm sure its been used before, but my psych has always said my brain is like a huge car engine without a steering wheel, but during high pressure situations I get my steering wheel.

Although I am not a professional neurologist, I took intro to neuroscience this year and one thing i learned was about drugs. They say if you do drugs while studying, you will remember things better if you are in the state that you are in when you are taking your test. I think it could definitely have a reverse cause and could have had an effect on your test. I dont know this for sure, but meds arent always helpful if your body is not used to them.

Although I am not a professional neurologist, I took intro to neuroscience this year and one thing i learned was about drugs. They say if you do drugs while studying, you will remember things better if you are in the state that you are in when you are taking your test. I think it could definitely have a reverse cause and could have had an effect on your test. I dont know this for sure, but meds arent always helpful if your body is not used to them.
You've made an excellent point that I plan to work into my lectures. THANK YOU!

What you're describing is "state-dependent memory", and it's pretty well supported. So, all those kids using Adderall to study are really doing themselves a disservice. I thought so, but couldn't put my finger on how to get the point across.

You've made an excellent point that I plan to work into my lectures. THANK YOU!

What you're describing is "state-dependent memory", and it's pretty well supported. So, all those kids using Adderall to study are really doing themselves a disservice. I thought so, but couldn't put my finger on how to get the point across.That's exactly what I thought of when I read the post too. Some of that research is really interesting (e.g. underwater and intoxicated states). I've been listening to music while reading recently and now I'm wondering if that'll be a problem when music is absent at retrieval.

That's exactly what I thought of when I read the post too. Some of that research is really interesting (e.g. underwater and intoxicated states). I've been listening to music while reading recently and now I'm wondering if that'll be a problem when music is absent at retrieval.
oooo Could be!

darn... medicated, i find it easier to read when there's music on (haven't tried with other noise) than without and unmedicated it's the opposite. I need it to be completely silent. Any ideas why this could be?

darn... medicated, i find it easier to read when there's music on (haven't tried with other noise) than without and unmedicated it's the opposite. I need it to be completely silent. Any ideas why this could be?
Well, I seem to be MORE distracted since starting Adderall, although I have more control over my attention and MUCH better congnitive function.

I've been reading a lot of what people have written here and put a lot of thought into this and I think it's a matter of dosage. It seems that higher doses might result in better focus, but less cognitive functioning. I'm guessing here's a fine line somewhere that balances the two without a trade-off.

Maybe others have an opinion?

I wouldn’t think music or any other outside influence not affecting brain chemistry would have much impact in recall.

The drug I am taking (ADDerall XR) seems to change the areas of the brain that I am using. So the things I learn when using this drug might be stored differently than without the drug, and the newly learned information might also not be accessible without the drug.


James

I wouldn’t think music or any other outside influence not affecting brain chemistry would have much impact in recall.

The drug I am taking (ADDerall XR) seems to change the areas of the brain that I am using. So the things I learn when using this drug might be stored differently than without the drug, and the newly learned information might also not be accessible without the drug.
Actually, music does affect brain chemistry; virtually all stimuli does. It's a popular topic among undergrads doing their first research projects (music and memory) and, although they don't usually find anything, there's a lot of published literature on context (environment) and state (internal state) dependency effects.

The question is, is the effect strong enough to truly matter in an individual instance? Maybe, maybe not. But grad students that don't get multiple choice tests anymore might not want to take the chance.

I admit I did not read the above posts very carefully. But consider the following.

I don't disbelieve that performance can be enhanced if under the same stimulus that was present when the knowledge/ability was attained.

However, consider that while under a stimulus, one can still recall information that was acquired while not under the influence of that stimulus.

However, consider that while under a stimulus, one can still recall information that was acquired while not under the influence of that stimulus.
Of course, cell, but what we're talking about is what is more likely to be remembered. If you want to maximize your performance in school, it's a good thing to be aware of.

Agreed.

Especially in this context, which I actually lost sight of. Thanks for bringing me back.