Another question (or 2)

[musicpainter]

Okay, so I posted earlier and got some helpful responses, and from reading other peoples' posts and experiences I got some other questions answered. I started Adderall today and am taking, I think, 20mg of the Adderall XR and have some 10mg Adderall IR for those moments when I need extra help. However, there is still one unanswered question I have, and a new one I am curious with:

1. Is there a specific feeling that I will have to let me know that my Adderall is working? This sounds weird, I know. But with anti-depressants, you feel happier; with anti-anxiety medicines, you generally feel calmer and less worried; with pain medicines, you have less pain; etc, etc, etc. (I hope those examples make sense). But is there a feeling of motivation that comes? or is it just the feeling of almost mental clarity and not having my mind constantly cluttered with thoughts. Today I have felt more energetic and like I could complete things, but I don't think I'm completely there yet, but I just started Adderall today so that would truly be a miracle if it worked immediately.


2. Has anyone been able to quit smoking easier on Adderall? I don't mean taking Adderall to quit smoking, I know that's now what it does and that's certainly not why I'm taking it. But, I have been trying to quit smoking for a while but just lacked the motivation to do so. I am hoping that if the Adderall gives me more motivation to complete tasks, and hopefully start working out again with my new-found energy (fingers crossed Adderall will boost my memory and motivation, it's too early to tell) that it will help me have ability to quit smoking once and for all. I know I should quit and smoking is bad and all that, and I could make a million excuses for why I do it, but I'd rather be honest about it. I started as a coping mechanism for some things going on in my life, and now as I am 9 months clean, it is my only vice and I've grown to love my numerous daily breaks of sitting outside, smoking and reading. I have read A LOT of books since I started smoking. But again, I feel like I'm finally ready to quit and don't know what people's experiences (if any) with taking Adderall and trying to quit?

Any input or answers to my questions would be so incredibly helpful and greatly appreciated.

[trishcan]

As far as a feeling, most people experience a slight euphoria, increase in energy and sociability the first few days. Afterward, there really shouldn't be any specific "feeling," just an ability to function more effectively than without the medication. If the medication is working, there won't necessarily be a surge of energy or motivation, aside from the first couple days. After that, it's up to you to harness the ability to focus and motivate yourself to get things done. Mental clarity would be an effect that you'd expect to continue, along with the ability to concentrate on things.

As far as stopping smoking, I doubt it. Adderall typically increases the desire to smoke (as do most stimulants). Many people find themselves smoking much more when taking Adderall, but I don't mean to say that there aren't exceptions.

If you do want to quit smoking, you might ask about wellbutrin, or whatever they're calling it these days. It's often prescribed in conjunction with stimulants to treat mood, supplement the effects of stimulants, and (under a different name) to stop smoking.

[Maurice]

Welcome there Musicpainter! I take 2 25mg. Adderall XRs a day. And it was literally the difference between night and day for me when I first started taking them. I had more motivation and clarity. I quit taking the anti-depressant Prozac, since depression was not really my problem. I was also able to follow peoples conversations better and communicate better also. When I read books I could absorb what I was reading without having to reread and reread over and over to get it.

It is not a "Cure-All" by any means. I have bought quite a few books on the subject. Including "You Mean I'm Not Lazy, Stupid or Crazy?!" and "Attention Deficit Disorder: A Different Perception" and "The Edison Gene ADHD And The Gift of The Hunter Child" Both by Thom Hartmann and "Daredevils and Daydreamers New Perspectives on Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder" by Barbara D. Ingersoll, Phd.
P.S. As far as smoking goes I had quit for three years and I have unfortunately started up again. I have read that it is much more difficult for ADDers to quit cigarettes.
Maybe you might want to give one or two of these a shot?
Best of luck to you!

[CptNemo]

Originally Posted by trishcan

If you do want to quit smoking, you might ask about wellbutrin, or whatever they're calling it these days. It's often prescribed in conjunction with stimulants to treat mood, supplement the effects of stimulants, and (under a different name) to stop smoking.

Thanks Trishcan,your whole response was exactly what I wanted to say,but you did a better job!

I quoted part of it above,because you made so many good points in such a small space,that it deserves to be read a few times.

Music,you can read up on wellbutrin(bupropion) here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bupropion

and Wellbutrin has its own category in the same section you posted this;if you want to read about people's experiences.

You will also see it mentioned in this category too (Adderall),as it is a common addition to Adderall,if the doc deems it a 'good fit'.

[musicpainter]

Originally Posted by trishcan

As far as a feeling, most people experience a slight euphoria, increase in energy and sociability the first few days. Afterward, there really shouldn't be any specific "feeling," just an ability to function more effectively than without the medication. If the medication is working, there won't necessarily be a surge of energy or motivation, aside from the first couple days. After that, it's up to you to harness the ability to focus and motivate yourself to get things done. Mental clarity would be an effect that you'd expect to continue, along with the ability to concentrate on things.

As far as stopping smoking, I doubt it. Adderall typically increases the desire to smoke (as do most stimulants). Many people find themselves smoking much more when taking Adderall, but I don't mean to say that there aren't exceptions.

If you do want to quit smoking, you might ask about wellbutrin, or whatever they're calling it these days. It's often prescribed in conjunction with stimulants to treat mood, supplement the effects of stimulants, and (under a different name) to stop smoking.

Thanks for the response. I didn't think there was a specific feeling but with every other medicine (and type of medicine) I've ever taken there has been something to notice or a specific feeling that makes you know it's working (that sentence was weird, I hope it made sense). I have felt better today than I have in a long time and feel clearer but just was curious. I was worried my mind was just placebo effecting me and just hopeful, but it's good to know that what I'm feeling today, from what I've read today, is the desired effect of Adderall on ADD. Sorry if the first question was stupid, but I was curious.

I in no way expect Adderall to help cure my smoking, but I was just curious if the motivation part can help me overcome my desire to. I have tried Wellbutrin for depression and it was no good. I was very sick all day and didn't sleep at night. I know it works for smoking cessation and was really excited that while I was on it, I might be able to quit, but sadly, the medicine was no good for me and I had to stop taking it. I know it's hard to quit, I have succeeded in quitting in the past, but again, was just curious. I have noticed I have smoked more today. But I am still (naively) optimistic that perhaps with a sense of motivation and a boost of energy, if I can get to the gym more often that will help with my quitting.

[musicpainter]

Thanks for the responses. I have never been on a stimulant before so this whole world of stimulants and finally being diagnosed with ADD is very new to me. I have tried just about every other kind of medicine out there but never stimulants. I had no idea what to expect because I don't know anyone on them. I could always call the pharmacist but they always have such clinical and medical definitions and answers and that doesn't really help me. I understand better through other people's experiences and generally prefer other peoples' experiences and know that while the clinical definitions are nice, it's nicer to be able to relate to the answer as opposed to just getting a black and white answer.

[CptNemo]

I used to know a guy about 20 years ago that used illegal street stimulants. He told me they made him smoke more.
He was getting a 'rush',on purpose,and I think that's the reason.

You are probably feeling a little rush like that since you are just starting. Hopefully that will go away in time,and the increased desire for cigs along with it.

[FrazzleDazzle]

Originally Posted by musicpainter

But is there a feeling of motivation that comes? or is it just the feeling of almost mental clarity and not having my mind constantly cluttered with thoughts.

For my son, he gets the clarity and his own thoughts quiet down so he can read and listen in class. We can actually have a conversation that lasts longer than 2 seconds or 1/2 a sentence. He has a little better motivation on it too, but he has to watch what he gets focused on too lol! I love to tell the story of when he was first on Adderall 7 years ago when he was 11. Gave him is first dose, then we went out in the yard to pick weeds. 20 mintues later, he stopped, looked over at me and said, "mom, I think the med just kicked in, I can see you now." It was a beautiful moment, a definite wow-this-is-working-moment, and one I hope to gain back with his current trials of meds. He's on day two of 30 mg XR upped from 15 mg XR, and so far it's doing just what it's supposed to.

Some people have said they know the med is working because it is like putting on glasses. When before, parts of their world were out of focus, and now they can see them. It's like that with my son too, from how he describes it sometimes.

Anyway, best of luck with the Adderall on your early days, and let us know how YOU know it's working!