I was on DEX, switched to ADDERALL recently on a GRADUAL increase.

I am happy to be off DEX because it left me very unmotivated. I am way behind in my college studies at the moment and very depressed and overwhelmed by it.

I switched to ADDERALL and I am hoping it helps me get back on track.. but since I am on a gradual increase I am only taking it once a day.

QUESTIONS:

1. Is it okay to continue taking DEX before or after the time that ADDERALL is in my system? Like after the 6-8 hours ADDERALL is in my system?

2. Will ADDERALL help me get back on track with school? At this rate.. I have submitted no assignments for school.. and I could very well end up failing.. I have a huge project that I have to do.. and I am too depressed to begin it. It is very overwhelming.

3. Is it common to feel such lack of motivation from DEX? Will I get the same result from ADDERALL XR?

4. Should I talk to someone at school? How can I save my semester? I feel like its too late....or will be soon.

Veighen, more questions for the doctor.

Why don't you go to student services at your school and ask for help getting caught up? Unfortunately, there is no magic pill that will allow us to twitch our noses and get it all done.

Hi Veighen. I can't help you too much because I'm so very new to medication. I'm currently just ending a little test run on Ritalin IR 10mg 1-2 tabs, 2X a day. Somewhat positive results, in the classroom mostly, but keeping focus on homework is still a big issue (as is getting started, so I can relate with you!) And I'm not liking some of the side effects, especially as it wears off. I'm back to the Psychiatrist tomorrow and I guess my options are A) increase dose? B) switch/combine in Ritalin SR? C) Switch to Dex? (I think we'll try Dex before Adderall). If you're interested, I'll let you know how it goes tomorrow.

So about your questions, maybe I can help a little.. or just provide some support!


QUESTIONS:

1. Is it okay to continue taking DEX before or after the time that ADDERALL is in my system? Like after the 6-8 hours ADDERALL is in my system?

2. Will ADDERALL help me get back on track with school? At this rate.. I have submitted no assignments for school.. and I could very well end up failing.. I have a huge project that I have to do.. and I am too depressed to begin it. It is very overwhelming.

3. Is it common to feel such lack of motivation from DEX? Will I get the same result from ADDERALL XR?

4. Should I talk to someone at school? How can I save my semester? I feel like its too late....or will be soon.
1. Because Dex is actually contained in Adderall, there should be no problem or adverse reaction if there is some of either left in your system before you take another dose of either one. But that being said.. monitor this carefully.. you don't want to have too much of these strong meds in your system all at once. But I think you know that and know what's right for your body. :)

2. About getting back on track at school... I know how difficult and overwhelming this can be, especially if you're behind. This is a big deal for me too. I can't say anything about Adderall because I have no experience, but it seems to work well for alot of people and is prescribed often, so I'd give it a try!! It may work wonders for you!

Or.. what about trying one of the other medications that other members have said worked really well for them? Like Focalin?

3. I'm sorry to hear Dex is causing you to feel unmotivated. :( I've heard from others that it's done just the opposite for them. I hope you're doing all the other things that will help you get the most out of your ADD treatments... like proper nutrition, lots of sleep, exercise, as well as some "you time" or down time to spend on whatever you like to do... hiking, beachcombing, video games, watching movies.. whatever you like! School can be even more over-whelming if all you feed your brain is school. I think it's important to mix it up a little.

4. I think you can save your semester. It's barely half over, but the time to act is now. I think you want to badly enough, you just need a little push ;) Take in all the resources you have available to you.... like a writing centre for Essay type projects, math-help sessions, ask questions to teachers and TA's about what you don't understand. (I hope that your school has this kind of stuff to offer). I think if you talk to your teachers about your position and explain that you really want to get the most out of what's left of the semester, they will be understanding and maybe even grant you some extra time to get your work done. And if they do, make sure you don't let them down. :)

So Veighan, best of luck with getting things on track! You've got my support. I'd like to hear how you're progressing.

for me personally, adderall did not motivate me. i think i was expecting it to be a magic pill and make me a better student. where it does help though, is when you're in the classroom and you can follow a lecture and actually have the ability to copy notes in a somewhat organized and efficient fashion. i could not write good notes before adderall simply because i couldn't pay attention long enough to actually understand what what was going on and also i had a lot of trouble writing things down as i heard them. it has also helped me with reading, however i will say that i simply CANNOT get through plato's "five dialogues" which i have a test on tomorrow! i find it impossible to get through a paragraph of that. i was kinda disappointed too, bc what i've heard was that one would be able to focus their attention on even really boring books and textbooks.

but, don't give up. one key thing you have to remember is that you have to be able to WANT to do things. say you have to do homework, and you're dreading it, and can't seem to find the motivation to do it. you have to just find that little bit of strength and get it started and adderall should let you stick with the task til you finish. i swear, the hardest part will be getting the motivation, but the adderall can help you follow through.

Wow, thank you for the great replies!

Its so great to be a part of this forum.. its the only place where I feel I can actually post how I feel or my problems and have someone know what it is i am feeling or struggling with.

Sometimes it seems like everything is much much harder for me then it is for everyone else (non add i guess)

I understand that the ADDERALL isnt a miracle drug... I like how it makes me feel like things arent as bad as they seem.. and that I CAN accomplish what I want.. and will be able to fix my problems.

However, as soon as it wears off I begin to feel overwhelmed again.

Its kinda frustrating because I hate feeling overwhelmed while OFF drugs.. its sad because I would like to feel Like I can manage normally.

I have gone up to 10mg now.. and I find I am feeling very relaxed and calm about my situation, yet procrastination is still a huge issue.

One step at a time I suppose.

Thanks again.