Should I worry about these side effects?

[OldSouth]

Hi all,

I was prescribed Adderall IR 10mg x60 (2x daily) a few weeks ago for adult ADHD, after taking Concerta 36mg for 2 months. The reason that I switched was that the Concerta was affecting my personality, and also because I was experiencing cold hands and feet, specifically my digits.

I am still experiencing cold hands and feet, but only occasionally as opposed to the constant freezing fingers and toes caused by the Concerta. Is this normal? Is there anything that I can do to stop these side effects, or is there a medication which will correct this without additional side effects?

Besides cold hands and feet, I am also experiencing pretty bad muscle tension and pain. The pain/tension is only in my upper back and neck. Is this something that I should be concerned with? Any suggestions as to what I can do to ease this discomfort, besides hydration and proper posture?

Also, while I am on Adderall, I feel a bit unhealthy due to a racing heartbeat when exercising. Is this something that I should be concerned about? I am not sure if I had the same symptoms with the Concerta, seeing as I did my exercising in the morning before taking the Concerta. The side effect itself doesn't bother me too much as long as it's not a threat to my long-term health.

I am also prescribed Alprazolam 0.5mg to take as needed for stress. I have read a few posts about Clonidine and its effect in dealing with muscle pain and it sounds like it would be possible to replace the Alprazolam with the Clonidine and possibly ease my muscle tension while addressing the stress issue, thus killing two birds with one stone. Any opinions on that idea?

Of course I will express all of my concerns to my doctor when I see him in a week, but it would be great to hear from people who have actually experienced this type of thing. I'd appreciate any feedback and specifically suggestions for other drugs that I could try achieve similar effects minus the side effects.

Thanks!

[muldoon]

Stimulants can cause vasoconstriction, leading to cold hands and feet. Try a supplement called L-Arginine. It is a precursor to Nitric Oxide in the body, which is a vasodilator. You usually need about 5 grams daily to be effective if you are on a stimulant medication, and to absorb it properly it should be taken on an empty or semi-empty stomach.

[OldSouth]

Originally Posted by muldoon

Stimulants can cause vasoconstriction, leading to cold hands and feet. Try a supplement called L-Arginine. It is a precursor to Nitric Oxide in the body, which is a vasodilator. You usually need about 5 grams daily to be effective if you are on a stimulant medication, and to absorb it properly it should be taken on an empty or semi-empty stomach.

I picked up some L-Arginine today, and took 5g, as suggested, on an empty stomach. I didn't notice any change in my cold hands and feet. Should it begin to work immediately, or will I have to use it for multiple days to see results?

[muldoon]

I started out @ 5 grams (5 1000mg tablets split in half for better absorption) and have worked my way up to 10 grams. There's definitely a difference. I, too, noticed I was cold when I shouldn't be & my hands were freezing in climate controlled areas after being prescribed stimulants.
I'd say it was a week before I really noticed it was opening up the blood vessels (veins more visible, flush body feeling, no more shivers). I also implement a vigorous exercise regimen.

Bodybuilders use it all the time so they can get a better "pump" in the gym and deliver more nutrients to their muscles.

[crashbang]

Had a majority of the side effects you described (except tension was in jaw from grinding). It should go away in a couple of months. The cold fingers and toes seemed to go away for me EXCEPT when I take alot of adderall all at once. then I get one cold finger..which kinda makes me laugh because it is so weird. Tough it out..should settle down

[Old School MBD]

The cold feet is because your body is in "fight or flight" mode, and your blood is being directed to your brain and body core.

I found some compression socks at the pharmacy that go up to me knees that are designed to enhance leg circulation. They really help to keep my feet warmer, because of the increased circulation.