Adderall does wonders...but I have my concerns.

[yevonite]

Hello. My name is Ryan, and this is my very first post. I've registered here today because I have an important question I would like to ask. I hope I can receive some friendly advice. :-)

I am twenty years old, currently a college student. I am not diagnosed with anything. However, for as long as I can remember I have been fighting daily spontaneous fatigue and lack of focus. Let me explain my symptoms more clearly. Almost every day of my life, several times throughout the day (four to six times daily) I experience a 'wave' of fatigue. When this wave comes, the only way I can describe it is hazy and with as a strong feeling of needing to sleep. These waves can last anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour. If I have nothing better to do, I give in and go to sleep. But often times they happen when I am doing something important like being in class, studying/doing homework, socializing with people, etc. So, I struggle to fight off this sleepiness. Problem is, it is not an easy fight and all I can think about when the wave comes is keeping myself awake and trying to stop myself from perpetually nodding off. So hence, I cannot pay attention to anything else but trying to not nod off...very hard, considering the sleep that comes from it is so very sweet. Sometimes the fatigue wave is milder, sometimes stronger, but I do not think there has ever been a time when I couldn't will myself to fight through it.

I've tried things like coffee and caffeine pills, even ginseng extract. None of these things made a significant difference and I hate the jittery feeling excessive caffeine gives me.

It is interesting though, that when I am driving or playing my guitar, that the waves of fatigue never come. In fact, these activities do the opposite and wake me up. This makes me wonder if it is a psychological problem, though I feel as if I am in great mental health.

I remember these symptoms happening since middle school, possibly even before. Without a doubt, the problem has effected various parts of my life including making good grades in school. I have mostly been a B and C student, which I am disappointed in myself for.

I already get PLENTY of sleep and I exercise and am in great physical shape. In fact, I get more than 8 hours of sleep some nights, so it doesn't make any sense to me that I have to get tired several times throughout the day. So several months ago, I went and saw a campus doctor and told him my symptoms. He said he could not find anything wrong with me, but that he wanted to test my blood just to make sure. He admitted he was fairly certain that he would find nothing wrong with my blood. I too, do not think I have any 'blood problem' as I got my blood checked only a year ago and the symptoms have persisted for much longer. I decided against the blood test as it costs money and my family and I are just barely able to fund myself for college. So basically, the doctor gave me absolutely no help at all. Since then, I have considered going to a psychiatrist and see if they can help.

But recently, I made the startling discovery of adderall. I have known about it for a long time, as one of my good friends is prescribed it for ADHD. I know it is unlawful, but my friend was confident that adderall would help me stay awake, so he gave me two of his 20 mg instant release generics. I was at first reluctant and the pills sat around for a week before I even touched them, but one week I had several tests coming up and really needed to get the most out of my classes so I gave it a shot. I broke a pill in half and ate it after my breakfast in the morning. And it was brilliant. My symptoms were entirely gone and I was much more clearheaded, no foggy/hazy like symptoms. And I learned SO much more because I was able to focus SO much better not having to feel like sleeping. I was essentially a new person that day...I was CURED!

A couple days later, I tried taking a whole 20 mg, which I didn't like because it made me really talkative and lose my appetite. But my symptoms were still gone. Day after I took the remaining 10mg half and found the smaller dose a more subtle and appropriate fix.

I would like to get a prescription so I can function like a normal person and not waste many hours of my life fighting off fatigue. I do not think this is too much to ask considering I know people who are prescribed adderall or things like adderall and abuse it all the time (sell it or use it to get high when they don't even really need it). If these people can get a prescription, I surely should be able to as well when I have a legitimate reason.

I admit that I have several concerns about obtaining an adderall prescription. First, I am 20, and most people get prescribed this sort of medication when they are much younger. I am not sure how to confront my doctor as I already mentioned my symptoms to him and he gave me the cold shoulder. Should I mention that I tried adderall? Or would this be a bad idea?

Also, I've heard bad things about what adderall can do to people. I know it can be highly addictive and that it also messes with peoples metabolism and heart rate and blood pressure. Can anyone speak from experience any problems they've had from adderall?

I am determined to get this prescription and open to trying other medications because I now know there is a solution to my symptoms. I hope I am doing the right thing.

[Henri J]

Hey there!

I am 37 and was recently diagnosed. The idea was suggested to me by a psychologist at the college I attend and we took appropriate steps to get tested.

There are clues evident in my grade school report cards that pointed to ADHD as well. I was behind my class mates in math and reading. I went to the bathroom a lot. I got up to sharpen my pencil a lot. I was constantly in trouble for talking and not paying attention. I was not able to stay on task.

See if your parents have any of your old report cards or recommendations from your teachers. These things help you build a history.

If you attend a major university they should have some type of psychological services available to you. Probably for a very reduced rate. I get five per term and each session after that is 5$, very cheap.

I am not certain I would mention to any doc that you took meds illegally. They may check you off as a pill seeker straight away.

Good luck to you.

H

[jennyjay]

It sounds like you may have a mild form of narcolepsy. My co-worker had similar symptoms and had a sleep study done. She found out that she indeed does have a mild form of narcolepsy. They put her on Provigil first, and currently she is taking Adderall, 20 mg per day. Provigil might work well for you.

As for me, I have been taking Adderall for years. Currently, I am taking 60 mg a day. I have nothing bad to say about Adderall.

[Ganjin]

I think the only way you can be prescribed a stimulant is if you have been diagnosed with a specific disorder. I have experienced the kinds of symptoms you're talking about; they are consisten with some aspects of ADHD. But I don't think these alone are sufficient for any doc to diagnose you with ADHD. Do you have other ADHD symptoms? There are online tests you can take, but only a professional can make the official diagnosis.

And the blood test you passed up; did the doc want to test your blood sugar? You could very well have a problem with sugar metabolism based on what you're describing. Especially true if you have any history of diabetes and/or hypoglycemia in the family.

Bottom line; you can't legally use Adderall without a script, and you can't get a script without a diagnosis. And I agree with Henri J that when you do go see a doc, you need to be very careful not to appear "eager" to get some Adderall. Some docs are really leery about 'seekers.'

[musicpainter]

Originally Posted by Henri J

If you attend a major university they should have some type of psychological services available to you. Probably for a very reduced rate. I get five per term and each session after that is 5$, very cheap.

I would also definitely recommend going to the health center on campus. At my previous school, regular dr appointments at the health center were $6 and when I saw the psychiatrist there it was a whopping $12 ! I'd take advantage of the reduced rates of campus resources.

I'm also not sure I'd say you tried the Adderall with a new doctor, if you have a regular doctor that you're comfortable with and have a good rapport with, then I'd be more apt to say, be honest. But it's a personal call that can certainly be tricky.

If you're worried about the addiction potential of Adderall, there are other options. Because I had a recent problem with drug abuse (not amphetamines or stimulants though), I was concerned about going on a stimulant/amphetamine and my Dr. understood so started me on Strattera which is milder and not a controlled substance. Unfortunately it made me horribly sick. My Dr. told me it could take up to 3 weeks for me to see effects so if you have that time period to try it, and you are not wanting the stimulants you can ask about that or anything similar.

I have read on here many times, and have experienced that if you're taking the Adderall for ADHD problems there's less likelihood of abuse (the potential is still there, as it is with any kind of drug/alcohol/nicotine) but taken as prescribed, it shouldn't be a problem. I know with me, it doesn't produce a "high" of any sort, it just helps me focus and clears out my brain a little. And I think (from what I've read here and elsewhere) that's the case with most people.

Good luck! Hope you get relief soon and can get help from a dr to get everything sorted out!

[Polymath2009]

Hey Ryan,

What's up man? Haha, I hear ya brother. Been there, done that. Sound just like me a few years ago. Other than allergies when I was younger, throughout my life I've had mild social anxiety, some depression and a complete lack of energy to motivate me to do what I'm supposed to do at a level I'm satisfied with. Two years ago the love life got bad, things were rough at home, I couldn't focus in school...so I needed help. Turns out I didn't have to see a psychiatrist. I just sucked up my pride, went to the little five-room doctor's office in my small, rural hometown of 1000 people, saw the PA, told her how I felt...boom...20mg Adderall XR and 20mg Paxil twice daily. My experience with the combination was a blast throughout 2008, despite three rushed emergency room visits, a few visits to urgent care and multiple appts with my primary care physician. Yeah, I can definitely speak from experience concerning metabolism, heart rate and blood pressure. I never thought twice about that stuff before taking it, so you're on the right track, but don't cause yourself too much anxiety. It's just life. Live it. My most frequent reactions occur as the drug leaves my system. They happen all the time now, so I'm fairly used to them. Much like most allergic reactions/asthma/increased cortisol levels, my symptoms correlate with anaphylaxis. Rapid heart rate, rapid breathing, confusion, dizziness, numb left pinky/ring, drenching sweats etc. My body starts flying off the hinges, I take a Benadryl or two for the hypersensitivity and the symptoms subside. I've noticed that Adderall causes me to have electrolyte disturbances i.e. hypernatremia and hyponatremia...amphetamine salts...increased blood pressure, water retention. These never happened at first. I suppose my body has grown quite dependent upon the drug over time. Without it, I only want to sleep. It used to be all pleasure. To get the euphoric feeling now, I would have to time my two medications just right, but I'm not sure I can wake up that early anymore. Adderall is all maintenance for me at this point. I can tell I suffer from a lot of fatigue. It's most likely adrenal fatigue. I'm pretty certain my body is taxed to the max. Everything was gravy until one night of insomnia early on. I don't think I ever recovered. Then another insomnia night a month or two later. Again...again. Now I have insomnia nights all the time. Throwing off the circadian rhythm takes a lot out of the body. I don't regret ever starting the drug, but I wish I had been more responsible. If your body can't handle the drug anymore because your body's falling apart, the party's over. Use it, sleep enough, eat right, exercise, keep your circulatory system healthy...you'll be good to go. I wouldn't suggest being put on Paxil. I want to stop, but I don't know if I can handle those withdrawal symptoms right now. I hear many good things of Wellbutrin and Adderall combination. I plan to try that asap. Dopamine's where the pleasure's at brother. Got to watch out for too much excitement though. Don't want to be having seizures on anybody.

Cocaine=dopamine/norepinephrine/serotonin reuptake inhibitor (3 build up)
Adderall=incr. production dopamine/norepinephrine/serotonin (more of 3)
Wellbutrin=dopamine/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (2 build up)

Good luck,

Drew

[Roserazzle]

I have been taking adderall xr for 5-6 months now.
I have a nurse practitioner and we have a very good relationship. She knows me well.
I agree with HenriJ suggested ... do you have some old report cards?

I did not have any old report cards (nothing worth keeping, you know? mine certainly were not anything to be proud of) Then, last month I was looking through some very old photos my paretns gave me about a year ago. Inside the envelope of pictures, was my 3rd grade report card for all four of the grading periods!!!. It was terrible :-(
It said I never finished my work and talked too much. here is the most awful thing: the teacher wrote my parents that the kids in the class were getting annoyed with my behavior. It made me so sad to read this. *sigh* then I had a flood of terrible memories. It ruined my afternoon, but I just put it away and forgot about it.

I might show it to my nurse practitioner in January. Basically, every report card I ever received was much like that one. Just looking at it gives me a stomach ache :-(

You are young Ryan. get the help. do some research
I am olde. I never thought I had adhd until my sister had her little boy diagnosed. He and I are a lot alike. I wasted so many years being a spaced out under achiever. I gave up on everything
I have a very supportive husband and two great daughters.
My friends at the ice rink do not know I take adderall xr now, but I do know they see that I am much calmer and not so loud and hyper
I feel normal now.
I do not feel nervous "high" or jittery or hyper.
I do one thing at a time, and I can focus. I am learning how to prioritize my tasks
I hang up my clothes and put other things away!! <- that right there is amazing

I wish you good health Ryan. Certainly talking to a doctor about this would be a good idea.
As the others have said, I would not disclose that you have taken meds illegally, but you can say that you have a friend that does take medication and he is doing well, seems much more focused etc. that is pretty much how I brought up my concerns with my NP. I saw myself in my 11 year old nephew... only to be honest - he is a good boy, I was so much worse, a pest really when I was 11. I never did my homework, ever.
Usually we just go on and not really admit our own problem, until we compare ourselves to others.