I was diagnosed about 2 mos. ago and started adderall xr 30 mg. Since I have started it, I have been picking my finger nails like crazy!!!!!! If its not my fingers its my toes!!! I feel like a freakin nut!!!!! I just dont feel like myself anymore.
I used to crack jokes and be a real clown with a huge sence of humor. Anymore, im a bump on a log and too serious.
Wondering if its the meds? or this is what a medicated add adult is supposed to be like. Is there anyone else out threre that can give me some insight??????

I suggest you see your doctor immediately! Stimulant medications can sometimes exacerbate other conditions or create new ones from side effects. If you are suddenly having a compulsion to pick at your fingernails then you may be experiencing one of these side effects. It is akin to someone starting methylphenidate (Ritalin) and developing a facial or somatic tick. Go see your doctor, more specifically go see your psychiatrist immediately so that you can get this sorted out.

You could have been misdiagnosed and suffer from Bipolar or OCD and taking stimulants will exacerbate symptoms from those illnesses (ie your "bumb on a log" feeling and the compulsion to pick at your self).

To answer your question, 'no. that is not what being an ADD/ADHD addult is like."
MM

These could also be symptoms of anxiety, also aggravated by the adderall.
The only thing I could think of to add to the above.
Greg

If it don't feel right .... it AIN'T right.

nods head and agree with ADDled. My son was put on Adderall XR and we started noticing a lot of different behaviour's such as depression and so forth. Come to find out he is possibly bi-polar and stimulant's only make the symptom's worse. I would definatly speak with your health professional as soon as possible.

Good Luck and please keep us posted.

When I was on Ritalin, I picked my skin like crazy. Like someone said above, ADD meds can induce anxiet or make it worse. See if your doc can prescribe something for your anxiety, like paxil or zoloft.

oops! I meant to reply not a new thread, Anyway, ignore that.
I have an appt. today @ 2:00. I will keep ya posted. Thanks everyone for the info!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Explained everything to my psych. he still feels I am on the right meds, He just lowerd the dose to 15 mg., along with adivan 1mg for anxiety. I will give it 1 week, if nothing changes I will not take the adderall anymore. ***K! I want part of the old me back again!!!!

There are still other stimulants you could try. Often different drugs have different side effects. Ritalin, desoxyn or dexadrine.
And if they don't work you might try Strattera....
Don't give up on the "old me" yet!
Regards,
Greg

My husband is on Adderall 20mg (he is ADHD) and found it wonderful. He's far more focused at work and seems to have some energy now. Previously he was on Strattera which did nothing but made him sleep. The first few days he was really hyper but then it settled down. Now he doesn't find quite the same effect but I sure notice if he forgets to take it. Maybe your dosage initially was too high.

I hope it all settles down for you soon..

Lori, I had the exact same experience. I am curious if you are still on this board and what you are taking now? I was diagnosed 2-3 months ago, started on Adderall XR 10mg, went up to 30-40mg (30mg in the a.m. and 10mg after lunch-not always). I bit and picked all my cuticles down to nothing, and I have felt an inner anxiety that was not there before--or at least not as much. My doc decided I should try concerta so I started on 36mg 3 days ago. Still biting my nails, and its making me feel even more restless. Also, when I took the 40mg of adderall xr, I frequently had a headache later in the day. Had the same headache -- worst--the first day on Concerta, but not the past 2 days. Anyone else have these side effects and what works for you??? I do not want to take a benzo, but I have taken kava-kava with some relief in the past.

Thanks for any suggestions...

Jen