Amphetamine prescription info re: foods & drinks

[Ace]

I was diagnosed about ten days ago. I am on the fourth day of a trial of generaic Adderal: Amphetamine salts, 5mg tab. I start doing 3 of these each morning. I actually think I got more out of the first day's single 5 mg tablet dose than I got today out of two 5's, but whatever.

This drug has really put wind in my sails. Unfortunately, it hasn't given me a rudder. I feel okay, though. Yesterday I was at home and able to select a project (tidy the kitchen cabinets) but the "task" quickly generated a massive amount of stuff, which expanded to fill the kitchen. I got the feeling that I'd end up just putting everything back and neither tossing nor recycling anything. I accomplished something, but didn't do as much as I hoped. Today I did some necessary stuff, but after lunch called it a day, and have been surfing, as I so often do.

On to the question at hand (it's unrelated to what I just said, above, naturally!):
The patient information sheet says,
"Foods and drugs that make your stomach/intestinal tract acidic may decrease absorption of dextroamphetamine. A partial listing of these items includes: fruit juices , reserpine, sodium acid phosphate, vitamin C....Drugs that make your stomach/intestinal tract basic (alkaline) may increase absorption of dextroamphetamine. A partial listing of these include: sodium bicarbonate, acetzolamide." It also says, "Avoid alcohol use."

So what do you who are taking Adderall do? Do you never drink sodas or orange juices or lemonade, or eat salads with vinegar or lemon juice? Do you never take anti-acids like bicarbonate of soda, or Tums, or use baking soda? Is it ever okay to have a drink in the evening with dinner, or is the drug still in the system? What's the future look like for a one-drink-a-day person? Do I give away the beer and empty the wine rack? No more margarita's for me? Forever?

Sure, I'll ask the M.D. at my next appointment, but until then, do you have any helpful comments or observations?

[PrettyPerfect]

do not take them an hour before or until an hour after you take them.
brittany

[Ace]

Thanks for your response, brittany. I appreciate it.

I was told to take the daily doses each morning. I chose 9 a.m. (total of 15 mg today) so that I'd hit my stride in the middle of the day. Eight hours later, I feel like I've worked a shift at a factory. No more effects from the amphetamines now.

Combined with my first question (whether I can have something that has fruit juice and/or alcohol in it EVER while I am prescribed this med) does this added info suggest anything to you who have more experience with Adderall generic?

[Margreet]

Hi Ace.

I don't understand the second part of your last post, but I think that's because my Adderall is wearing off. ;o)

You can drink fruit juices later in the day, after your drugs have kicked in. It only affects it while the meds are in your stomach, and that isn't the whole day. I'm not much of a drinker, don't think about it and wouldn't really miss it, but I've certainly had wine while on Adderall and didn't notice much difference.

A non-acidic version of Vitamin C would probably work, but if it's the common ascorbic acid variety, I wouldn't take it at the same time. Wait a little while, or take your C in the evening.

I'm taking Adderall XR, and it seems to be smoother than the generic. With the generic, I feel more of the cardiovascular effects
and it doesn't last as long.

Margreet.

[Ace]

Thanks, Margreet. I am afraid that if I "clarify" it any more, nobody will be able to understand the question. The pharmacist said not to worry about drinking fruit juices. On the other end of the pH see-saw, I often brush my teeth with baking soda, and I guess if I do that only at night, I'm okay.

Except for the mild intestinal cramping I experienced, I liked this drug, but don't have anything else to compare it with (except maybe coffee, which I am too goofy to think to make on a regular basis).

For now, I am about to begin a mini-trial of methylphenidate (12 x a5mg to be used up over 6 days, just the same as with the generic Adderall. I guess I'll be wiser (?) after that. Then I see the shrink and discuss the two medications.