I have been taking Ritalin 10mg x 3 a day for the last few months with minimal results so my Dr just switched me to Adderall this morning.

For those of you who used to be on Ritalin, how do you feel on Adderall?

Ritalin offered me some focus and clarity but that came with dry eyes, sore stomach, tiredness and depression.

I am now taking 20 mg Adderall ER. Just filled it and got the brand version.


How long did it take you to feel the effects? How would you compare the two?

Thanks!

Hi there and good luck! About 3 weeks ago, I switched from Ritalin IR 5mg thrice daily to Adderall 20mg once daily. Ritalin was a bust for me, side effects up the yingyang and unimpressive benefits.

In comparison, I like Adderall a lot better. The side effects are much more bearable and there is an actual improvement in focus, concentration, etc. But I still don't love it. There is still an unpleasant comedown, in the vein of confusion/depression, and I don't think the benefits outweigh those side effects. Still, an improvement.

Bear in mind that people have such different reactions that it's impossible to predict how you'll react based on others' experiences. On the far ends, some really love it, right away, while others just can't stand it. Side effects that I've had, that seem pretty common, are total wipeout of appetite, severe insomnia, and unpleasantly dry mouth. Although really strong at first, these side effects faded away within a week for me. They seem to last a long time in others. So I'd say give it a little time. For some reason, it's not unusual for people to have a really strong reaction, one way or another, at first.

Day one on Adderal is almost complete. I took my first 20 mg XR around 11am...

I felt kind of wired all day, zero appetite and a bit of a stomach ache.

Let's see how tomorrow goes.

I take 72 mg of concerta and 60 mg of Ritalin for rebounds and I like it because it is motivating for me compared to Dexedrine (which I have taken forever), I have sleep issues with Ritalin which I don't like. I don't have the kind of doctor who'd give me my ideal med schedule, Ritalin in the morning and Dexedrine at night.

Adderall was okay but I had to take a high dose so I didn't last on it too long.

I felt Adderall had less "hills and valleys" the onset was gentler and the ware off smoother plus I did not get the head aches with Adderall I did with Ritalin.

I have not slept a wink!!! I feel exhausted but my eyes will not close! This is supposed to be Day 2 on adderral but I am a little scared to take it.

I would take it still as prescribed I get that from Ritalin and I tolerate it because that side effect evens out after a few days.

I have not slept a wink!!! I feel exhausted but my eyes will not close! This is supposed to be Day 2 on adderral but I am a little scared to take it.
Don't worry, that's normal when you first start taking it. I don't remember how long my adjustment period was, but I think it was a week, maybe two.

On the other hand, if after a while you're only falling asleep from sheer exhaustion, you may want to discontinue the adderall. It doesn't help concentration much when you're overly fatigued.

Also, are you drinking plenty of water?

I am feeling fine today, not as agitated as yesterday so that is a good thing. Hopefully I will be able to sleep tonight as I am feeling very tired!

Absolutely no appetite yesterday or today but I had a protein shake this morning and a slice of toast with peanut butter a little while ago so I do not feel ill.

My first few days were exactly like that, I was going nuts. Luckily it faded quickly, otherwise I couldn't have kept taking it. Watch out for dehydration, it's amazingly easy to forget to ingest anything, including water.