I have some concerns about my adderall. It has raised my blood pressure significantly, from 120/90 to 140/90 in just a month. I also heard it can cause stroke. I am worried about it showing up in blood tests, too.

I have depression on top of my ADHD symptoms. If I don't take my adderall, I am tired all of the time, sleep all day, eat too much, my mind is in a fog, and I have a tendency to want to act on all my impulses. I can't focus on anything and I am irritable and pessimistic. I feel empty inside and don't care about doing anything. Plus the housework doesn't get done, I lose everything, I forget to do things I am supposed to be doing, I procastinate, I say I am going to do things but I never do, etc. I will start to do things and they NEVER get finished, my mind sometimes tunes out, I can't stick to any decisions and am flaky as hell.When I talk to people I only hear bits and pieces of the conversation and I have a very slow reaction to questions. It takes forever to come up with answers and then I am not thorough enough, or I don't get to the point. I also will get stuck on just one topic for waaaay too long. This drives my mom nuts! Ok, enough rambling. ( Oh yea, rambling is another thing I do if I am not medicated. LOL).

When I take my adderall, I am alert,easily stay awake during the day, feel like doing things, can think clearly, I am much better at holding a conversation, and my housework gets done!!! I don't get distracted a gazillion times a day, am more patient, and am more sensitive to the needs of others. My mom and I don't fight and argue all the time. Actually we haven't had a single arguement or fight since I have been taking it. I don't feel my temper flaring up, can much more tolerate small irritations, and I feel happy.

On time I took adderall and it didn't do anything for me, but 95% of the time it has worked for me. However, I feel much more happier and optimistic. I have really great insight when I am on it. I am much more energetic but am not so hyper I can't sit down. Even when on it, I can sit at the computer for 2 or more hours at a time. Is it normal to feel this way on the adderall? Would you consider this being high? I mean, I feel much much more happy but I don't act like Jim Carrey or anything like that. My dad says I am much more pleasant to be around, think more clearly, and don't get p*ssed off. He says when I am not on it I am grouchy and irritable.

I have never found a drug that does all this for me.. but I am still worried about my blood pressure.

IMO, any blood pressure that is xxx/90 is probably a bit high to begin with. I guess I would ask ... how old are you and how much physical activity do you get. Those factors are important. If you aren't getting much physical activity - those things can and wil come back to haunt you in the form of high BP and a myriad of other things.

If you are "older" like me (not "old" - just "older") you need to keep on top of BP a bit more. Of course talk to your Dr. But then again most pDocs don't even have a BP cuff - let alone check it - so you have to be proactive. Perhaps get a home BP monitor and see how you are during the day vs. at night when the meds have worn off.

It sounds to me like the adderall is really working and changing your life considerably. So, at least in my opinion, I woldn't yet throw in the towel. You can tell I haven't had my Adderall yet today - but the bottom line is how old and active are you? Thats if you care to share ...

IMO, any blood pressure that is xxx/90 is probably a bit high to begin with. I guess I would ask ... how old are you and how much physical activity do you get. Those factors are important. If you aren't getting much physical activity - those things can and wil come back to haunt you in the form of high BP and a myriad of other things.

If you are "older" like me (not "old" - just "older") you need to keep on top of BP a bit more. Of course talk to your Dr. But then again most pDocs don't even have a BP cuff - let alone check it - so you have to be proactive. Perhaps get a home BP monitor and see how you are during the day vs. at night when the meds have worn off.

It sounds to me like the adderall is really working and changing your life considerably. So, at least in my opinion, I woldn't yet throw in the towel. You can tell I haven't had my Adderall yet today - but the bottom line is how old and active are you? Thats if you care to share ...

I am going to be 31 next week. I am still pretty young but I am considerably overweight. I have been trying to lose since February 9th. I have been on adderall since March 9th. I went in to the doctor's office on April 4th ( less than one month) and been informed I had lost 13 lbs!

The reason I got so heavy is due to the fact that I love to eat ( preferably fattening stuff), I have a good appetite, and I have trouble with my impulses. The medicine is helping with both the impulses and the appetite so it's been much easier to lose weight. The past 2 months I have been eating healthier but slip every now and then.

I move around more than I used to but I don't do enough exercising, like bicycling or aerobics. I don't get out and walk enough either.

Also I used to be a pretty heavy smoker. 2 days after the last doctor's visit I quit smoking and plan on staying quit for good. As a matter of fact, the day I had my appointment I only had to wait 5 minutes and I just got done having a cigarette before walking into the building. I usually have to wait 20 minutes or more.

Plus I was running late that day and had trouble finding a parking spot. I had been under a lot of stress a few days before, too.

I am wondering if any of these factors could also contribute to the higher blood pressure.

Well I have rambled enough for now. I guess I answered your question and then some.

I will definately consider exercising more. Tonight I rode my bike and took the dog for a 20 minute walk. Not too bad for someone who is totally out of shape.

most dieticians will tell you that exercise is essential in losing weight. exercise alone can help lose weight for most people even without dietary changes, but exercise plus a fairly healthy diet is best. of course, if you're working out regularly, you'll find that it stops mattering what you eat.

plus, exercising makes you feel better, and depending on the sport or gym you choose, can also help you meet chicks.

I am wondering if any of these factors could also contribute to the higher blood pressure.Yes, but you've got the right idea. Go work out. It will help lower blood pressure, make you feel better in lots and lots of ways. Quitting smoking will help you fell much better as well. I quit smoking and started exercise when I was about your age - and now feel better than I have ever felt - and this is 20 years later.

Look at it this way - the ADD meds will help all of this happen. Exercsise, etc .. will make you feel better. Things will change all across the boards. So congratulations - really...

Sort of an added plus of taking ADD meds. Yes, BTW - you should keep good track of your BP through all of this.

Jon