Just started taking Adderall...

[medeski]

Hey guys, I haven't been able to find a lot of good information on this medicine since I started taking it so I figured I might find the best answers here. I started taking it 3 or 4 days ago, I'm a big guy and was started off at 60MG a day, (yes I realize most people start off much lower and some do not exceed 40mg, but I assure you this is my prescribed dosage.) Anyway, the first day I took it, I felt great...I know some people have described a "euphoric" sensation from taking it, I've also read responses to people who have said such things that they might not have ADD/ADHD if they are experiencing such sensations, however, the first day I started taking it I felt great, I'm not typically a social person and I avoid social gatherings like the plague and as a result I have, in the past, simply stayed at home a lot unless I literally HAD to leave the house to go out. Anyway, back to the topic at hand the first day I actually felt like going out, going to different places and interacting with people again. The most "euphoric" feeling I experienced from taking Adderall was after I went into a store simply looking for different items and a clerk attempted to help me, in the past I've on average been typically irritable of this for reasons which I've never understood and simply don't have great social skills but for whatever reason I felt the need to explain to the person that I was just looking around but I appreciated the help regardless, after walking away I suddenly realized how different of a typical response that was from me and a feeling of happiness literally warmed over me. I would assume if that's the most "euphoric" thing I've felt from the drug then I should not be concerned.

Unfortunately the happiness was short lived, in some ways, as that night (approximately 6 hours or so after taking my last dosage (2 10MG tablets)) I experienced somewhat of an anxiety attack prior to going to bed, my heart rate increased and I started to breathe deeper, now, I had read all of the precautions of the medicine prior to taking it and remembered that possible signs of overdose were increased heart rate and heavy breathing, not sure on the exact wording but something to that effect, that only seemed to make my anxiety attack worse as the only thought that came to my mind was, "oh god am I overdosing?" I literally wouldn't go to sleep, I immediately began to look up information on the web trying to find out of this was a normal reaction or not, I then reread the directions/precautions and saw that nervousness was a possible side effect that was not life threatening. I laid down for a little bit and took several deep breaths after the next and the symptoms I was experiencing went away within a short period of time, so the first night I went to bed around 6AM due to staying up most of the night researching and worrying over what seemed to be nothing.

The next day, after talking with my pharmacist, I lowered my dosage some in the event that my body was only getting used to medication. Since then everything has been great to a certain extent, I am now back to 60MG a day (2 10MG's 3 times a day) and am mentally feeling/focusing better than I have before in my life.

I do have a few questions for any of you that have been on Adderall for awhile now, did it ever cause you to have a burping sensation? This is the worst side effect I have experienced so far from the initial anxiety attack I had which has not repeated itself, after taking the medicine in the morning, from that point on I for whatever reason develop a burping sensation, it literally feels like bubbles from my stomach gradually just work themselves out and I asked the pharmacist about it and they said they had never heard of that as a side effect so it left me somewhat puzzled. Other than that, I experience slight headaches in the morning which have gradually decreased with each day so I am not as worried about that side effect as it seems to be working itself out with time. I know some people experience insomnia-like symptoms from taking Adderall but it has had the complete opposite effect on my sleeping habits as I am now able to go to bed without a thousand thoughts of what I could be doing besides sleeping running through my head, that in itself is a euphoric feeling if you ask me I also had a decreased appetite for the first few days which I read/heard was to be expected, I have since tried to eat atleast one full meal a day although I am not terrified over losing a few pounds from not eating as vigoursly as I used to, I also notice I eat slower, which in many ways is also a good thing

But anyways, if any of you can offer help of any kind it would be appreciated, I have been extremely careful while taking this due to the high potential for addiction, and so on and so forth but nevertheless, thanks in advance for even reading through this if you did

[Tara]

I don't know why your doctor started you on such a high dose. A person's size should not be a factor in the dosage. It sounds to me like he/she may not be as educated about AD/HD medication as he/she should be. They are supposed to start low and titrate the medication to find the right dosage. 60 mg may be your correct dosage but you probably should have begun low and moved up.

[medeski]

Not really sure myself but the results so far have been far greater than I would have ever imagined so I don't have much room to complain I was however, like I originally said, careful and still am about taking the medication...I always make sure to have a family member or friend monitor any changes in my actions or behavior since I first began taking it and on the first day if I hadn't actually felt my first dosage wearing off at the time it was suppost to I would have been more reluctant to take more. I'm not sure if how bad the condition of ADD/ADHD may be in the individual pertains to the initial dosage but I was to the point where I was literally acting like a little kid although I was a grown man. I can't even begin to describe what a relief it is to finally act my age. Now if only I could figure out what is causing me to burp...but I guess if that is my main concern I should consider myself lucky. I for one am just glad to finally feel like I have a second chance on living life now that I am able to function and interact with people on a normal basis.

[tryn-optmsm]

I just started Aderall the other day, so tx for posting your experiences.

Do I understand correctly that your insomnia has improved?
Glad to hear you are doing so great & full of optimism

[medeski]

Well it seems my good experience was short lived as I relapsed into what felt like another anxiety attack last night, a lot of chest tension out of nowhere, almost like really bad heartburn. It kept me awake literally almost all night, the bad part is that I was actually tired but was freaked out to the point where I couldn't fall asleep. After the effects had subsided I went to the local 24-Hour Walmart and tested my blood pressure and it was high. I called my pharmacist early this morning with my concerns to no avail, I'm not sure if I have always had high blood pressure or if this is a result of having taken Adderall....I know that if you're taking medication for high blood pressure it can be lethal to combine the two but have not found information on the general use of Adderal in a person who has high blood pressure.

Unfortunately I'm in the best of both worlds at the moment as it helps me tremendously in the day, experiencing no side effects while actually taking it, and approximately 6-7 hours after my last dosage I experience chest tension/heartburn? at night. I'm kind of in a sinking boat as I won't have health insurance for a few months and seriously doubt my resources to be able to see several specialist about this with the possibility of bouncing around to different medications in test phases, or at worst not being able to take medication for AD/HD at all due to high blood pressure, not to mention I'm worried about starting a new job if the problem isn't resolved with the realization of how much medication actually does effect my attention and focus. Oy. Just a little stressed today

[neuroangel]

I started Adderall XR on 06/09. I took 10 mg for the first three days and upped it to 20mg. I take it with 18 mg of concerta. (I'm also on lexapro 20 mg and wellbutrin xl 300mg) Anyway, I tried 30 mg of the adderall yesterday, without the concerta.

It made me feel sluggish and medicated. It took me about two hours to start functioning after the morning meds, when it usually takes about 20 - 30 minutes. I was also slightly more irritable.

Oh, does anyone get involuntary movements (tics) from adderall? On concerta, I was getting tics very bad at night, but the adderall is making it less at night and more during the day now. Anyway, going back down to 18 mg of concerta and 20 mg of adderall; and I am calling the dr about it this week.

Cyndi

[coolwoman]

Cyndi,

The info I got with my Adderall prescription states that individuals with uncontrolled movements (tics) should not take this medicine. I've also read that elsewhere.

[neuroangel]

I've heard the same, but it's like that with most adhd meds, isn't it? My cousin got neurotic on adderall, but it seems to help my little half-bro a lot. The doc said since the adhd was affecting me so badly (in pretty much every aspect of my life) that it might be worth staying on it, even if it does make me tic worse.

Cyndi

[coolwoman]

I don't believe I've seen that warning about tics for any other ADHD med.

[Penultimate]

I quit Ritalin because if tics. I have not had them on Adderall.

[typogenerator]

Originally Posted by medeski

But anyways, if any of you can offer help of any kind it would be appreciated, I have been extremely careful while taking this due to the high potential for addiction, and so on and so forth but nevertheless, thanks in advance for even reading through this if you did

When I first read your post, I thought your dosage was a bit high, but considering many people who take 40 mg/day do so by taking 20 bid, you're really still in the high end of the average range (since you take it 3 times a day).

As to the "heartburn" type feeling, it may indeed be just that. Are you eating anything in the AM? I've found that if I dont have any breakfast, I get that same feeling. As to addressing that feeling in the evening, you may want to try taking 10 mg for your 3rd dose so you taper off more gradually. I take 20mg/day, but have been on higher doses, including 30mg bid (60mg) as well as other variations in dosing.


FOOD FOR THOUGHT:

What's working best for me though, is 5mg in the AM (supplemented by 2 cups half-caf coffee ... gotta have my coffee), then 10mg at noon, then 5mg in the PM. I metabolize this stuff in about 4.5-5 hrs so my dosing is closer together than some people's, but in any event, this combo makes the side effects non-existent while still providing me the improved functioning.

The euphoria you mentioned is a common (albeit usually short-lived side effect of Adderall), but should not be confused with the intended effect, which is not so tangible. Stabile (forum contributor) refers to it as a "stealth drug", in that it's effects are not tangible, but still measurable.

For example, I was hesitant to lower my dosage since it was working (with somewhat severe side effects). So I analyzed what things I could qualitatively do better on Adderall, for example, reading and staying focused at work (completing tasks, etc.)... Then on increasingly lower doses, I tested my abilities. Surprisingly, I found I still had this increased functioning on much lower levels of the drug (and still lack these skills when not on the drug).

Anyway, I hope this is helpful and good luck!

[TXRebelGrrrl]

I had that burping thing happen to me with Strattera actually. I've only noticed it a couple of times since switching to Adderall XR. I would also love to know what that's about. It's irritating to say the least!

[typogenerator]

I would guess (haven't researched it), that the burping, or feeling of indigestion comes from the basic qualities of Adderall. I think basic is the right word (opposite of acidic); I've read that acidic substances can decrease the absorption of Adderall , while the opposite can increase apsorption. SO, I guess that means it's very... basic. I've taken other meds that have the same side effect, which I know for a fact is due to their base-ness. (Acidic things bring the stomach back into balance with those meds as well), but of course, you're affecting the efficacy of your Adderall...

Hope this helps

[danigus]

Originally Posted by medeski

Hey guys, I haven't been able to find a lot of good information on this medicine since I started taking it so I figured I might find the best answers here. I started taking it 3 or 4 days ago, I'm a big guy and was started off at 60MG a day, (yes I realize most people start off much lower and some do not exceed 40mg, but I assure you this is my prescribed dosage.) Anyway, the first day I took it, I felt great...I know some people have described a "euphoric" sensation from taking it, I've also read responses to people who have said such things that they might not have ADD/ADHD if they are experiencing such sensations, however, the first day I started taking it I felt great, I'm not typically a social person and I avoid social gatherings like the plague and as a result I have, in the past, simply stayed at home a lot unless I literally HAD to leave the house to go out. Anyway, back to the topic at hand the first day I actually felt like going out, going to different places and interacting with people again.

First of all I am only 95 pounds and by my third week on adderall xr I was already at 60mg. It had no effect at any lesser dose and in a lot of ways still had no effect at 60mg.

[/quote] Unfortunately the happiness was short lived, in some ways, as that night (approximately 6 hours or so after taking my last dosage (2 10MG tablets)) I experienced somewhat of an anxiety attack prior to going to bed, my heart rate increased and I started to breathe deeper, now, I had read all of the precautions of the medicine prior to taking it and remembered that possible signs of overdose were increased heart rate and heavy breathing, not sure on the exact wording but something to that effect, that only seemed to make my anxiety attack worse as the only thought that came to my mind was, "oh god am I overdosing?" I literally wouldn't go to sleep, I immediately began to look up information on the web trying to find out of this was a normal reaction or not, I then reread the directions/precautions and saw that nervousness was a possible side effect that was not life threatening. I laid down for a little bit and took several deep breaths after the next and the symptoms I was experiencing went away within a short period of time, so the first night I went to bed around 6AM due to staying up most of the night researching and worrying over what seemed to be nothing. [/quote]

This also sounds just like me. I had multiple panic attacks, each time a different body part going numb. Once I was driving home and my legs began going numb. Needless to say my attack got worse to the point where I was sure I was dying and my heart was about to stop. I had had multiple panic attacks and I know its just a panic attack but they are so different everytime that I always think that maybe its not this time and I am dying. Well once I spent days looking up info on this forum I stopped having them bc I realized I was probably not gonna die. I also stopped taking the prozac which helped tremendously.

I also began to develop eye tics while on adderall. I switched to concerta today and they seem to be a little better. My doctor said she would take me off of stimulants if the tics continued and I tried so hard to hide them yesterday. Apparently she didn't notice because she didn't say anything.

Neuroangel, I don't seem to have great affects from adderall or concerta, both at really high doses. I mentioned to my doc about combining yesterday since I still have a full bottle of adderall when she switched me to concerta, but she said it wouldn't be good to combine meds because I wouldn't know what causes what. So far I have kind of self diagnosed myself and made suggestions on what I should take with everything that is wrong with me. Do you think I should try them together?

[danigus]

Sorry I messed up on the quoting.