Sorry for the long post, but I'm not sure which are the important details...

Has anyone here switched from name-brand to generic Spansules? I was diagnosed with ADD about four years ago (at age 24), and after experimenting with a couple of different treatments, I ended up settling on 15mg Spansules 2x a day (around 9am and 2pm). It worked great--in addition to helping me focus, it greatly improved my verbal dyspraxia symptoms (though not the motor problems). But dealing with triplicate forms and fighting with the insurance company made me decide to try going without it...

Recently, after about 18 months off, I decided to go back on Dexedrine, at least for a while. In the time since I went off it, a generic Spansule became available and I thought that was good news (if I'm ever without insurance, I can afford it), but after being on it for three days, the side effects are driving me crazy. I'm constantly clenching my jaw, my mouth is always dry, I can't sleep and I have to schedule time to gag down food because I have NO appetite.

On the name-brand Spansules, I remember only minor side effects; there was some insomnia and decreased appetite in the beginning, but nothing like this, and other than that there was just minor GI problems (not happening this time...yet).

Aside from me teeth kind of hurting (from clenching my jaw) and minor anxiety, I feel fine. But I know these side effects (not eating or sleeping properly) will soon catch up with me. Anyone have any advice? I'm hoping these side effects will subside when my body adjusts to the drug, but from reading this forum and other online sources, I get the impression that they might be serious. Is it the switch to generic? Or is it possible that my body is now reacting differently to the drug than it did the first time? (I'm probably about 20lbs heavier now than I was back then...)

I've been dealing with my primary-care doctor (an internist) on this because I thought going back on the drug would be no big deal. Due to the side effects, I plan to track down a psychiatrist in the next week to discuss changing the dosage or the medication. But any advice in the meantime will be much appreciated.

Thanks!

It could just be from not being on Dexedrine for a while. I just started Dexedrine (name-brand tablet form, 15 mg 2 times a day) a couple weeks ago and I had the same side effects as you did with the dry mouth and loss of appetite. I still have the dry mouth problem and my appetite is way down, but I don't have stomach pains like I used to so the negative side-effects have eased down and yours probably will too once your body gets more used to the meds. With your anxiety problem, I get a bit of a faster heart beat on my meds sometimes, I think that's normal. Hope the side-effects ease off for you.

wow my dexadrine are 5mg tablets
and I do 1 a day in the morning

yours are 15 mg

crap Id be flying on them

I take 15 mg 2x daily and suppliment with a 5mg am and 2-3 2.5 mg during the night to help me stay asleep! I only feel like Im flying when they wear off completely.

Having said that the amount of drug I take (doctor prescribed and is aware of my dosage) worries me no end I want to stop but cant seem to function without it.

No side effects any more! - just calm and relaxed.


I had same side effects when i first started - about 8 months ago.

They went away within a few weeks. If the effects are bothersome (and they are) reduce the dosage for a while - Try the short acting 5 mg tabs. Work fast and effective. For the sleeping this might be a leep but I found the ONLY was I can even get to sleep is by taking a small dose (1.25- 5mg - still experimenting) before bed!! I think it is the rebound ? My doc says there is no rebound, but when it wears off LOOK OUT! I get wired.



hope some of this helps - good luck.