Adderall (3894 hits)
Category: NoneLabels: Miscellaneous
Rating: 1.61 on 32 reviews (Rate this item) (V)
Submitted by Jimbo (View user info) at 2005-04-12 13:59:35 EDT
Before I really begin on this pro-Adderall rant/ affirmation, I'd like to point out that I just don't subscribe to the philosophy that a patient "is" or "is not" ADD or ADHD. Every time I say the following statement-
"I have ADHD."
-I get bombarded with Physicians or Physician Assistants or Nurse Practitioners shrieking animatedly to me-
"No no no! You don't 'have' ADHD. You 'are' ADHD. Let's remember that at all times, shall we?"
-but that doesn't even make sense. Just think about that for a second. Don't use the acronym. Say it out the long way-
"I HAVE Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder"
"I AM Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder"
-I think that illustrates my point beautifully. So if it comes up in this post, I'm going to do it my way.
*tangent over*
Okay, a few years ago, I was diagnosed with ADD. More specifically it was ADHD, but I'm by nature pretty damn lazy, so I'm not sure how the Hyperactivity part of it came into play. Anyway, the testing results indicated that I am easily distracted (knew that), have difficulty sitting still (um, maybe that Hyperactive piece makes more sense now), and have problems multitasking (very true). The fact that I managed to earn degrees in science and engineering (disciplines which require a fairly high level of concentration) served more as a testament to my level of raw intelligence (according to the Physician) than my study skills and abilities (Yay me).
Because I was diagnosed so late in life (and I hesitate to think what I may have accomplished had I been medicated as a child), Ritalin was out as a possible treatment. So Dr. Happy Physician prescribed Wellbutrin SR for me. Now, here's the funny part: I don't know if the improvements in my work/ study habits were a result of the medication, or simply the result of having the knowledge of my ADD diagnosis. Self-realization is a powerful force for change, I suppose. I started making efforts to not interrupt co-workers when they were talking. I started to really think about things that were being discussed in meetings. I started to be more attentive to chores that needed to be done around the house. And that self-realization lasted for quite a few months. Then I fell back into old habits.
And I also noticed that I was feeling increasingly sluggish and foggy.
I went back to the Physician, and he suggested changing to Strattera. To be honest, it was quite a bit like when I initially went on Wellbutrin, in that I became more self-aware and/ or self-conscious when at work. And then I, of course, lapsed back into old habits. My wife remarked that she couldn't tell the difference between when I was on Strattera and when I wasn't. So I decided to conduct a little experiment. Without telling my wife, I stopped taking Strattera for about four weeks, and then innocently brought it up in conversation. I couldn't say she was surprised. She suggested that I go back to the Doctor's office for a sample trial of something else.
As a side note, my older daughter has been having remarkable success with Adderall. Just a phenomenal improvement in her study habits, and subsequently her grades. So I tried a sample of her Adderall this morning for the first time.
What a difference. I'm going straight back to the Doctor's office tommorow.
I can describe it no better than to explain that it is the mental equivalent of standing on top of a tall mountain, high above the cloud cover, looking out into the bright blue sky, with the sun shining strongly down upon me. Everything is crystal clear, and I just understand. I see everything better. I hear everything better. And I feel everything better.
Suddenly, all the projects I'm struggling with at work seem simple now. I don't feel spastic (a real concern of mine with regard to stimulant ADD medication). I don't feel jittery. I don't feel depressed, or talkative, or nauseous, or thirsty, or any of that.
I just feel....unencumbered.
You may be wondering right now what my point is. It is this:
I feel like a different person since last night. I'm better than I was before.
User Reviews
Submitted by nrduncan (user info) at 2005-08-09 11:43:20 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by Siren (user info) at 2005-04-18 05:09:21 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
I typed a whole thing out, but I'll just leave you with a 1.
Submitted by Wiggles (user info) at 2005-04-18 03:41:12 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I'm pretty sure Adderall is the same exact stuff as Strattera, but Strattera is a more even 24-hour dosage, while Adderall is a bit more powerful but must be taken more than once a day. I've been on the whole circuit of ADHD drugs, but Strattera is what I'm on now. I take it instead of Adderall because it's just more convenient to only take it once in the morning. I don't notice any difference in the effects of the medicines.
I want to get off this stuff BADLY. I also take Paxil, and these pills fuck up my appetite, my sleeping schedule, and they make me a totally different person. (It also lowers my sex drive, but that is probably a good thing since a high sex drive would leave me very unsatisfied.) I feel generally more content, but it's just creepy being so stable. I'd like to experience some euphoria and depression here and there, just to be human. I wrote a post about this a while ago.
I don't deny that the stuff works for what it's supposed to do, but I recommend avoiding it if possible. If you do stay with Adderall, keep a small dosage.
Submitted by A-Daamage (user info) at 2005-04-18 03:06:28 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
I should also express that I'm not blaming every ADHD case solely on TV. I should've specified. I know there are legitimate cases of people who are born with it. But, I do think it is HEAVILY over-diagnosed. Also, I just remembered a joke I heard at work the other day:
Q) How many people with ADHD does it take to screw in a lightbulb?
A) Wanna go ride bike?
Submitted by A-Daamage (user info) at 2005-04-18 03:01:52 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
First time I've ever not +2ed a Jimbo post, but I just can't support drug dependency. Nothing personal, I think you're my favorite Uberite, but in my own opinion, relying on a drug to improve your perception of life is a form of weakness and I think a great many ADHD cases most likely stem from too much television as a child. Everything is packed into nice little 30-minute bundles, with 30-second ads and jingles sprinkled throughout. A ton of information is blasted into your retinas and ear canals in a relatively short amount of time, causing the brain to have to react faster, and when not in that setting, life seems to run too slow.
I guess I'm saying it's pretty much a form of conditioning and if removed from those settings for extended periods of time, a person could eventually get better. So, take as much vacation time as you can and enjoy the simplicity of nature whenever possible. Go out and do nothing important, where your only concern is whether to crack another beer or maybe check to see if the fire needs another log. No cellphones, no clocks, no stress-inducers whatsoever. Damn that was long.
Submitted by TheSpook (user info) at 2005-04-13 20:54:09 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I can't wait to have kids and steal their drugs.
Submitted by IcyBlackHand (user info) at 2005-04-13 20:31:21 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Took Strattera. Ended up feeling like I was a heroin addict going through withdrawl and puked all over the nice rugs at work. Taking adderall now occasionally when I need it and that stuff works, even if you dont have ADHD.
Submitted by loki (user info) at 2005-04-13 10:10:50 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I've thought the same thing about being ADHD versus having ADHA.
you have a cold
you have the flu
you have a sprained knee
so why ARE you ADHD
it's not a label like I'm right handed, blue eyed, and tall with a model-like body
ok I lied about that last part but I am right handed and have blue eyes.
I say that we fight "them" on this.
It's hereditary you know. I tried to talk to my mom about this once because I think she could benefit from a bit of the head meds but I got nowhere with it.
loki: you know that ADHD is hereditary right
mom: do you think your dad has ADHD, you know what maybe he does, hey check it out that blue chickadee is back at the bird feeder ooh ooh when I get all of this finished, do you want to head up to Grandfather for a cookout?
loki: no I don't think dad has ADHD
mom: huh well I wonder where it came from, look at this I got it in the mail yesterday it's a list of all the overlooks on the Blue Ridge Parkway
loki: I see, say have you ever been tested for...
mom: honey I'm kind of busy right now and can't seem to get anywhere with all fo these tax returns, would you mind printing off some of this payroll information for me
loki: sure mom, whatever I can do to help
Submitted by Herman (user info) at 2005-04-12 19:27:08 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I have also just begun taking Adderall. I was taking Ritilin beforehand, but the side effects sucked anus. I have never felt any better than I do now. +2
Submitted by QueenAshlee (user info) at 2005-04-12 19:09:46 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
I switched to Effexor when I found out that a possible side effect of Wellbutrin is bed-wetting. Then I said fuck it, tossed my Wellbutrin and my Effexor in the trash, and went back to being flighty and undependable. Oh well.
Submitted by zakalwe (user info) at 2005-04-12 18:52:20 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by Phinch (user info) at 2005-04-12 15:01:31 (#)
Ranking: 2
maybe I should check that out. I've been off meds for a long time. perhaps its time to go back.
========
Americans talk about this medication like it's normal. DRUG DEPENDENCE IS BAD. BAD.
Submitted by G-prime (user info) at 2005-04-12 18:01:30 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by Spuds002 (user info) at 2005-04-12 17:47:47 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
what the hell does rant mean
Submitted by joekerland (user info) at 2005-04-12 17:34:47 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
yay jimbo!! :) one thing I've learned about adderall... if you *need* it - like medically, it is a miracle drug; steadies your though processes, calms you down etc.... if you don't need it though, its basically legal crack. Take a single 12 hour time release adderall and I can drive 800 miles after virtually no sleep. not recommended of course, but you get the point.
Submitted by JonnyX (user info) at 2005-04-12 16:52:51 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
I have teh ADHHHHHHHHHHD - zing!
Submitted by munkeypants (user info) at 2005-04-12 16:38:17 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by BLITZKREIG_BOB (user info) at 2005-04-12 14:06:55 (#)
Ranking: 2
I pretty much have all of those symptoms, but I prefer to leave it unchecked and rampant.
Submitted by rurumon (user info) at 2005-04-12 16:38:10 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Whatever happened to focusin?
Submitted by DirtySpoon (user info) at 2005-04-12 16:20:52 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I got on Adderal full time a little over a month ago. I took it some in college (got it from my roomate), and it was great, but could never find a doctor that would prescribe it for me. They took my success in life as proof that I didn't need it. I'm like you, I have two degrees, got great grades, and am very successful in my work, but was overall unhappy and constantly losing focus.
I finally found a doctor (it took moving from California from North Carolina surprise surprise)that believed me when I said that it helped. Over the past month I have gotten more accomplished and felt better than I have in years. It isn't a cure, but it helps me clear my head of the cobwebs and focus on the things that I am doing wrong in my life. From there I am able to find solutions that make me happy.
I'm so glad to hear that you've found something that helps you so much. The highs that you feel for the first few weeks of taking it will eventually mellow out a little bit (not as much of a euphoric feeling), and be prepared to lose some weight because your appetite might leave you. I wish you much success with it!
Submitted by Caulaincourt (user info) at 2005-04-12 16:14:00 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Americans speak of mental medication like car brands. It looks so common down there, from the Uber populace anyway. No wonder they're so crazy.
Submitted by loki (user info) at 2005-04-12 16:02:39 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Welcome to the dark side. Why do they waste time and money with that other crap instead of going straight for the Adderall. I especially like the one that isn't a stimulant. So how is that supposed to do anything exactly since what a stimulate does is stimulate the brain to produce the normal amounts of dopamines.
I can do my job without it, but I can't do it in time to screw around on uber.
We all make choices in life don't we.
Submitted by Caulaincourt (user info) at 2005-04-12 15:58:14 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by zakalwe (user info) at 2005-04-12 14:11:12 (#)
Ranking: 0
again, is no one on this site without mental disorder?
---
I'm losing hope. I think there's only us.
Submitted by Fartman (user info) at 2005-04-12 15:44:48 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
You go, Jimbo!
Submitted by Jeanneee (user info) at 2005-04-12 15:10:40 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Adderall is apparently better than crack. My old roommate took one once and she later said it was the best day of her life. I'd really like to try it.
Submitted by Phinch (user info) at 2005-04-12 15:01:31 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
maybe I should check that out. I've been off meds for a long time. perhaps its time to go back.
Submitted by Davros (user info) at 2005-04-12 14:22:16 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Good luck man.
-Dave
Submitted by CoreaPeekay (user info) at 2005-04-12 14:22:10 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
My friend sells his adderol. $5 each is quite a bank. he makes 70/week by saving his lunch money and selling his adderol.
Everyone around here just takes it to get stoned.
Submitted by Teephphah (user info) at 2005-04-12 14:14:35 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
In all seriousness, thank God for Adderall.
I was on Straterra for almost a year, and I don't think that it worked but for about the first month of that time (with the added bonus of a near-constant "blue-balls" feeling down below the beltline).
When work started getting out of control again, I went back in and got put on Adderall. Not only have *I* never been happier, my wife hasn't either. Did you know that it is possible to stand in front of the kitchen sink and wash ALL of the dishes that are sitting there, instead of always inexplicably leaving four or five? IT'S TRUE!
Did you know that you don't have to sit at your desk staring at the mounds of work you have to do, and not starting any of it because it just seems like too much work? ALSO TRUE!
I've tried describing Adderall as that little "nudge" I've always needed to get me off my ass and doing things. Up until about two months ago, I would inevitably get "stuck" before I got anything started. I just couldn't do it.
No shit, Adderall has changed my life and all for the better.
Now if I could get the dosage ramped up, because I don't think 20mg is cutting it the way it used to. But how do you ask that question without sounding like a junkie?
If you're interested Jimbo, my testimonial is here: http://www.ubersite.com/m/62227
Sorry to link-whore, but it seemed relevant.
Submitted by SiskelandFatboy (user info) at 2005-04-12 14:14:35 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by zakalwe (user info) at 2005-04-12 14:11:12 (#)
Ranking: 0
again, is no one on this site without mental disorder?
--------------
Yes! I is. No that's not right, I are. No that isn't quite....
No, I guess there isn't anyone here without a mental disorder.
Submitted by zakalwe (user info) at 2005-04-12 14:11:12 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
again, is no one on this site without mental disorder?
Submitted by BLITZKREIG_BOB (user info) at 2005-04-12 14:06:55 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I pretty much have all of those symptoms, but I prefer to leave it unchecked and rampant.
Submitted by Sassmasterr (user info) at 2005-04-12 14:04:24 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
flawless victory!
Submitted by knucklesnelson (user info) at 2005-04-12 14:01:19 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
good luck with all of that