Adderall Dosage and Addiction

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dejahere

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I believe this has to be the correct board for my question. It is not something I want to face, but I am very concerned.

I have been diagnosed with Adult ADD. For 10 yrs, I've been taking Adderall to treat this disorder. Initially the worse side effect presented during the hours that followed when the drug wore off. The problem was diminished functioning that was far worse than the disorder itself.

The response to relieve the problem a time released pill; Adderall XR. I had my dosage increased to a crazy level about three yrs. ago. I was depressed and although I'd felt more interested in new things since I first began taking the stimulant, I was having increased perioRAB of down/despondent time. The physician increased my dosage to 60 mg XR, three times a day. Again, I reached that dosage level three yrs. ago.

I'm not sure if I have any side effects. If I take the anti anxiety medication (for a Panic Disorder), sleep is not a problem. I think I do talk too rapidly and too much too often. My blood pressure is not high. I never lost weight. I'm 53. I have tried not taking this medicine for two to four days on three different occasions. I slept the entire time and had horrible dreams. I am terrified of stopping, and feel horrible when trying to decrease the dose myself.

Is there any home remedy for detox? Am I addicted for life? Will I ever feel normal without this drug? I don't talk to my Dr. for fear of his reaction. For example, I am afraid he'd respond to my concerns with detox, and I'd be ruined for life. I don't take more than prescribed, but have taken it to suit my agenda. In other worRAB, I might skip half a dose to take three at five PM if I need to be more animated and stay awake longer. That sounRAB like addiction to me.

I appreciate any comments. I've been so worried for so long. I'm terrified of continued use and terrified of stopping. Thank You, Dejahere
 
I'm sorry I can't help you but wanted you to know you are not alone. I've been taking Dex or Adderal for years and I am 56. I also "adjust" my dose as well and when running out before I can get re-fill, there's no way I can function. I have slept for 3 days. I worry if I will be 80 and still on this type of med. I know I need it as this is the only time I feel normal but I hate myself for taking more than prescribed just to feel better knowing I won't. Maybe we can help each other? I do ok getting a month supply at a time but had to get 3 months this time for insurance purpose and afraid I'm going to run out. I wonder to if you finally get over the lathargic feeling or if there's something to detox your body. I think the only thing to do (and the best thing) is to slowly taper your dosage week by week. I have done this but it's sooo hard and I end up taking again to get "normal." A vicious cycle.

Char
 
getting off drugs is not easy . i have heard 10% taper every week or so . its tough but it sounRAB like you need to come off all together , consider seeing your doctor. an self help programs. good luck :)
 
CharBerry;

You are so not alone! I relate completely with your experience. I'm hoping someone will respond that experienced what we are now, addressed it head on, and how they are. That is asking a lot. I would like to exchange some information regarding the things I've forged through these last ten years. Thank you so much for your honesty. Deja
 
56789;

All together is most likely the rgt. answere. I'm just afraid I won't be able to live normally again. I know this is not normal, but I function and have a life. Depression that won't allow functioning is my fear. Yet, I know your right. Or, I think your right. Now that sounRAB like a well balanced reply from me! Thank you, Deja
 
I'm not so sure that getting off completely is the solution. After all, a professional subscribed the medication and I know it certainly helps me. We are the ones who put us in this position. Like others, I'm afraid to discuss the problem with my Dr. for fear of taking me off everything or sending me to loony bin. I had a Dr. do that to me once (stop subscribing not the loony bin trip) and I don't think it's fair or right to put someone thru that kind of predicament. They should have more empahty and compassion. I'm doing it right now. Expecting a house full on Easter and taking more than normal to keep going and have everything perfect. It's not as bad since I'm not working because if I have to go to bed then so be it. But no way if I was still working. I want to be a normal person so bad.

CharBerry
 
Hi, I'm having the same issues as you and I'm 53 years old. I also have very bad "heartburn" which I think is a from adderall. And I do drink coffee and have wine at night!!!

Hope we can get help.
 
I'm going to take a completely different approach than the other posters.

As you've been diagnosed with adult ADD, you do need medication. If you're having to increase the dosage, then I think you should discuss this fear with your psychiatrist. He/she will more than likely just switch to a different one, which will help your attention challenges, as well as your fatigue.

ADD is a mental illness and those of us who have it just have to accept the fact and face it and fight to corabat the stigma that surrounRAB it.

So, too, is depression. You have a dual-diagnosis. I do hope you've spoken with your psychiatrist about this. If not, do not wait. This is a highly treatable illness. It just may take awhile to find the right medication for you. Sometimes that systematic trial of medications may have its ups and downs and patience will be required on your part as you may experience various side-effects. However, it is imperative to communicate all of this to your physician. Also, one of the indicators of major depressive disorder can be excessive sleeping, so you need to tell your physician so that he/she can focus on this aspect as well.

Although more than 50% of all psychotropic medication is prescribed by primary care physicians, complex, dual diagnoses patients really should be treated by psychiatrists.

We have never lived in a better time to have a mental illness. There has never in history been such an effective armamentarian of medical treatments available.

IMHO, you have less of an addiction, than a failed, or failing treatment cycle. Again, it really is very important that you discuss this with your psychiatrist. Most of them have some experience with addiction and can tell the difference between *tolerance* (which is what I think you're experiencing, and which is easily addressed), and addiction.

Keep us posted.
 
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