It took me 3 months to find and get an appointment with a Psychologist. I am very grateful Strattera works for me. Not so much with my hyperactivity, but with my racing thoughts. With those under control life is much more enjoyable. With doctors and ADHD patients in my own family, I can surely say everyone is different and will respond differently to treatments.
My family doctor did refer me to a psychiatrist for diagnosis when I said I think I have add however, the psychiatrist left it up to the family doctor to prescribe and monitor medication.
After not finding a concerta dose that works, finally tried 27mg. I might ask to try ritalin or adderall. I just hope he can prescribe those properly. My only quibble is that it might have been prefaced with a sympathetic nod to the bulk of specialists doing their level best to help people, albeit imperfectly.
That said, too many clinicians succumb to a swag of cognitive biases and assorted other very human flaws that can make for some pretty crappy judgement. Together, these clinical behaviours mount up to big costs worldwide—costs to our personal health, wellbeing and bank balance, not to mention an enormous and unnecessary toll on the public purse.
Happy to supply references if people are keen to dig deeper. How do we turn this around? First, we doctors and patients need to admit we have a shared problem. And it turns out one of the most effective ways to start dealing with it is to empower patients with solid, understandable, evidence-based advice.
Something ADDitude magazine does in spades. Good job, folks! I recently got my formal ADHD diagnosis. Yay me! I found the her to be a lovely person, very professional, and with none of the god syndrome one too often sees in medical specialists.
But… As lovely as my psychiatrist is, she is also human. And one or two things about our first appointment still irk me, and a couple of them are on this list.
This is something that very much appeals to me; the last thing I want is to become overly dependent or outright addicted.
Well, silly me. Nerves, I guess. You know? How to deal with difficult shrinks, the sorts of questions to ask, when and how to query their judgement respectfully but firmly , how to establish a good working relationship, how to deal with the trial-and-error drag of finding the right clinician… That sort of thing. I finally found a great Dr.
We had weekly appointments and we increased my dose gradually. I finally found my right dose. He let me decide when the dose felt ok. I ended up moving out-of-state to Florida and finding a Dr. The Dr. Florida is extremely strict with controlled medications, I get it, some people abuse them.
Doctors are afraid to prescribe anything outside of the recommended dose. What happened to doing what is best for your patients? After being diagnosed and on the right dose of Adderral, I was able to slowly get off of anxiety meds and a mood stabilizer. I consider that a win. You must be logged in to post a comment. It appears JavaScript is disabled in your browser.
Please enable JavaScript and refresh the page in order to complete this form. How a patient responds to a prescribed dose depends on many factors, including: Your history of taking stimulant medications. Those who have taken stimulants in the past might be less response-sensitive than people who have not. Genetic differences — some people metabolize the medication more quickly than others.
Co-existing conditions — anxiety or a mood disorder, for example, and their current treatments. Weiss offers these guidelines: Symptoms tend to improve within hours after taking stimulant medications, but it can take a few days to fully appreciate these changes. Nonstimulants take approximately five days to go into effect after dosage changes, and it often takes six to eight weeks to realize the full benefits of medications like atomoxetine.
Functioning improves within months. Developmental changes happen over years. For example, the individual who never had a friend can now make and keep them. An adult who could not keep a job can now hold onto one for a year. Sources 1 Federal Drug Administration. Jump to Comments. Because of this side effect, some people misuse Adderall as a weight loss aid. Adderall is often misused by people without ADHD to increase focus, concentration, and endurance when studying. This occurs especially often with college students.
In addition, it could worsen memory. Adderall tablets are approved for treating ADHD in children ages 3 years and older. Adderall tablets are also approved for treating narcolepsy in children ages 6 years and older. There are other drugs available to treat your condition. Some may be better suited for you than others.
Talk to your doctor to learn more about other medications that may work well for you. Adderall belongs to a class of medications called stimulants. Drugs in this class are usually considered the first choice of medications for treating ADHD.
Other stimulants that are options for treating ADHD include:. Some people also use herbs and dietary supplements to treat ADHD.
For most of these supplements, there is very little research showing that they work, or research findings are inconsistent. Examples of these supplements include:. Despite these similarities, there are some differences between the drugs that might make you prefer one over the other. Vyvanse is approved for treating ADHD and binge eating disorder.
Vyvanse is also used off-label to treat narcolepsy. Adderall comes in two forms: an immediate-release tablet Adderall and an extended-release capsule Adderall XR.
Vyvanse is available as a delayed-release capsule and a chewable tablet, both of which are taken once daily. The chewable tablet may be a good option for those who have a hard time swallowing pills. However, individual people may respond better to one over the other. Because Adderall and Vyvanse are very similar medications, they also have similar side effects and drug interactions. Both medications can cause psychological and physical dependence and can be misused or abused.
However, Vyvanse may be less likely to be misused. This is because Adderall has a more immediate and intense effect when taken, which might be attractive to people who want to misuse it.
The costs of brand-name versions of Adderall and Vyvanse are similar. However, Adderall is also available in a generic form, while Vyvanse is not. The FDA has determined that the patent for Vyvanse is valid until It will be at least until then before a generic for Vyvanse is available. Generic drugs are typically less expensive than brand-name drugs. But in some cases, the brand-name drug and the generic version may be available in different forms and strengths. However, there are some differences that might make you prefer one over the other.
The Adderall tablet is taken one to three times daily. Adderall XR is taken just once daily. Like Adderall, Ritalin also comes in two forms: an immediate-release Ritalin tablet and an extended-release capsule Ritalin LA.
Ritalin tablet is taken two to three times daily, and Ritalin LA is taken once daily. Generic versions of Ritalin also come in other dosage forms, including a chewable tablet and an oral liquid solution. These forms may be a good option for people who have a hard time swallowing pills.
However, individual people may respond better to one than the other. Ritalin tablets may work slightly faster than Adderall. However, Adderall works for a slightly longer period of time than Ritalin:.
Adderall and Ritalin are very similar medications. They also have similar side effects and drug interactions. The cost of brand-name versions of Adderall and Ritalin are similar. The actual amount you pay will vary depending on your health insurance plan. Adderall and Ritalin are both available in generic forms. The generic name for Ritalin is methylphenidate. Adderall and Concerta methylphenidate extended-release are medications that are commonly used for ADHD.
They are both stimulant medications and work in a similar way. There are some differences that might make you prefer one over the other. Adderall is also approved for narcolepsy, but Concerta is not. Concerta is used off-label to treat narcolepsy. Adderall comes in two forms: an immediate-release Adderall tablet and an extended-release capsule Adderall XR. One difference between the drugs is how fast they work and how long they last. Adderall may work slightly faster, but Concerta lasts longer:.
Adderall and Concerta are very similar medications. Both medications can cause psychological and physical dependence, and can be misused or abused.
Both Adderall and Concerta are brand-name drugs. The generic name of Concerta is methylphenidate extended-release. Adderall and modafinil, a generic drug, are both stimulant medications, but they affect the brain in slightly different ways. Modafinil increases wakefulness and alertness. Adderall can also stimulate wakefulness and, in people with ADHD , can produce feelings of calm and focus.
Modafinil is approved to treat narcolepsy, shift-work sleep disorder, and sleep apnea. Modafinil is used off-label to treat ADHD. Both Adderall and modafinil are effective treatment options for daytime sleepiness in people who have narcolepsy. Adderall is considered a first-choice medication for treating symptoms of ADHD.
Adderall and modafinil are both stimulants and have some similar side effects. However, Adderall is more likely to cause side effects than modafinil. Both Adderall and modafinil can cause physical and psychological dependence leading to misuse or abuse. However, dependence appears to be more common with Adderall than modafinil.
Due to these differences in side effect risk, modafinil is often preferred over Adderall for treating narcolepsy.
Adderall and modafinil are both available in brand-name and generic versions. The brand name of modafinil is Provigil. The generic versions of medications typically cost less. But in some cases, they may not be available in all strengths or forms as the brand-name drug. The generic version and the brand-name version Provigil of modafinil usually cost more than the brand-name and generic versions of Adderall. Adderall is a stimulant medication that increases norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain and produces calm and focus in people with ADHD.
It works as a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor and increases the amount of norepinephrine in parts of the brain. Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter , a chemical that sends messages between cells.
Adderall, a stimulant, is considered a first-choice treatment for ADHD. Stimulants are the best studied and most effective treatments for ADHD. Adderall and Strattera are both available in brand-name and generic versions.
The generic name of Strattera is atomoxetine. The brand and generic versions of Strattera usually cost more than the brand and generic versions of Adderall. Adderall and methylphenidate are both commonly used to treat ADHD.
Both are also used off-label for treating similar conditions, such as depression and anxiety , in combination with other medications. The chewable and solution forms of methylphenidate may be good options for those who have trouble swallowing pills.
Methylphenidate tablets may work slightly faster than Adderall. However, Adderall works for a slightly longer time than methylphenidate:. Adderall and methylphenidate are very similar medications.
Adderall is a brand-name medication. Methylphenidate is a generic medication. Brand-name Adderall costs more than generic methylphenidate. However, generic versions of Adderall cost about the same as generic methylphenidate.
The exact cost will depend on your insurance. Deciding which medication to use may come down to which is covered by your insurance, the drug form that you prefer, and how your body responds to the medication. Picking the best medication is often a matter of trial and error.
Your doctor will guide you through the process of finding the right medication for you. Consuming alcohol with Adderall can be a dangerous combination for some, especially for those who drink too much. Drinking alcohol while taking Adderall can make you feel less drunk than you really are. This can lead you to drink too much. In addition to other effects, drinking too much may worsen symptoms of ADHD.
Consuming alcohol with Adderall can also increase your risk of heart-related side effects such as:. Adderall can interact with several other medications.
It can also interact with certain supplements as well as some foods. Different interactions can cause different effects. For instance, some can interfere with how well a drug works, while others can cause increased side effects. Below is a list of medications that can interact with Adderall.
Before taking Adderall, be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use.
Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions. If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Medications that reduce the amount of acid in your stomach can increase the amount of Adderall your body absorbs.
This can raise your risk of side effects. Examples of acid-reducing drugs include:. Taking Adderall with MAOIs can increase the risk of dangerous side effects, such as very high blood pressure , chest pain , severe headache , and increased body temperature. Taking Adderall with medications that increase serotonin in your body can raise your risk of developing serotonin syndrome , a drug reaction that can be dangerous.
If you take any of these medications, you may need to start with a lower dosage of Adderall. Taking Adderall with a tricyclic antidepressant can increase the effects of Adderall in your body and increase your risk of heart-related effects and other side effects.
Examples of tricyclic antidepressants include:. Taking Adderall with certain medications that block how the body breaks down Adderall can result in an increased risk of serious side effects, including serotonin syndrome. If you take these medications, you may need to start with a lower dosage of Adderall. Examples of these medications include:.
Adderall and Xanax alprazolam are sometimes prescribed together, especially for those who have both ADHD and anxiety. Adderall helps improve concentration and focus, while Xanax is calming and can help relieve symptoms of anxiety. Adderall and Prozac fluoxetine are sometimes prescribed together, especially for people who have both ADHD and other conditions.
These conditions include depression, anxiety, panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Adderall helps improve concentration and focus in people with ADHD. Prozac is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor SSRI antidepressant that can improve symptoms of depression. These medications should only be taken together if your doctor prescribes them.
Combining Adderall and Prozac can increase your risk of developing serotonin syndrome , a drug reaction that can be dangerous. Adderall and Zoloft sertraline are sometimes prescribed together, especially for people who have both ADHD and other conditions such as depression, anxiety, panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
Zoloft is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor SSRI antidepressant that can improve symptoms of depression. Combining Adderall and Zoloft can increase your risk of developing serotonin syndrome , a drug reaction that can be dangerous.
Adderall can interact with certain vitamins, supplements, or herbs you may be taking. Taking vitamin C supplements can make your stomach more acidic and can decrease the amount of Adderall your body absorbs. This can make Adderall less effective. Supplements that affect serotonin can increase your risk of developing serotonin syndrome.
Taking Adderall with marijuana cannabis can increase your risk of heart-related side effects. These include rapid heartbeat , arrhythmia irregular heartbeat , and heart attack. Fruit juices are often acidic and can decrease how much Adderall your body absorbs. Caffeine in foods and beverages such as coffee might add to the stimulant effects of Adderall. This can increase the risk of stimulant-related side effects such as anxiety , nervousness, trouble sleeping, and others.
While taking Adderall, you should avoid consuming large amounts of coffee or other drinks that contain caffeine. Symptoms of overdose can include:. If you think you or your child has taken too much of this drug, call your doctor or seek guidance from the American Association of Poison Control Centers at or through their online tool. But if your symptoms are severe, call or go to the nearest emergency room right away.
Treatment of overdose will partly depend on the symptoms you have. In many cases, people who have overdosed will be agitated. Medical personnel may give an injection to calm the person. In some cases, intravenous fluids may be given. Also, tests may be done to check for heart problems, breathing problems, and oxygen levels. And medications may be needed for heart problems or seizures if they occur.
Drug dependence can occur in people who take Adderall. Prolonged use can cause both psychological and physical dependence.
This can make it difficult to stop taking the medication. In some cases, it can lead to drug abuse and inappropriate usage, resulting in severe side effects.
Misuse and abuse of Adderall is a growing epidemic , especially on college campuses. Many college students use Adderall to help them study. The half-life of a medication refers to the time it takes for half of the medication to be inactivated or removed from the body.
Half-life is used as a measure of how long the medication will work or stay in the body. The half-life of Adderall is typically from 9 to 14 hours. Each Adderall tablet or capsule contains two stimulant drugs: amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. Both drugs cause the body to release increased norepinephrine and other neurotransmitters in the brain. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that send messages, or signals, between cells.
Increased amounts of these messengers in the brain can result in more focus and attention. In people with ADHD , it can also result in a calming effect. In people with narcolepsy , it can help reduce daytime sleepiness.
Some research in animals has shown negative effects to a fetus when the mother takes this drug. Some infants born to mothers who are dependent on drugs similar to Adderall during pregnancy have shown negative effects.
These include an increased risk of being born premature, having low birth weight, or having symptoms of drug withdrawal. This medication should be used during pregnancy only if the benefit justifies the potential risk. Adderall can pass through breast milk and cause side effects in a child who is breastfed.
You may need to decide whether to stop breastfeeding or stop taking this medication.
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