The First Few Days of Adderall XR

SNWidget — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:05:41 -0800

AdderallFilter: I've just started a new prescription, and I'm wondering about some of the effects and what I should be feeling. I've read the backlog of what AskMe has to offer about the medication, but I've got a few specific questions that I couldn't quite find.

Background: The usual. Couldn't focus, couldn't concentrate, couldn't do any project without checking e-mail 30 times, refused to do work. Went to the doctor (GP), ADD diagnosisgot a scrip for 10mg of Adderall XR, as needed.

The Co-Conspirators: I'm also on Buspar for anxiety, which has been absolution amazing and transformative.

Questions: I popped my first pill around 5pm today, and it's about 8pm now. From what I'd heard, I was expecting "WHOA," but I got more of a "Huh." I did manage to feel a bit more focused, but I also felt hazy and a little... weird? Just like everything was a bit off. I did manage to get some work done, which was uncharacteristic for me.

I know that pharmacological reactions vary by the person, but was I expecting too much too soon? I had friends that used to abuse Adderall like crazy in college (I don't think it was XR, though), and it would hit them pretty fast. I feel focused, but it's not WHOA, like they seemed to get. I understand the XR principle, but am I ever going to get like that WHOA? Or was that just their uncontrolled dosages?

Is it like SSRIs where you need to take it for a while to get the most effect? Will tomorrow's dosage feel different than today's?

Side Question: I like the increased focus, but I'm having trouble harnessing it. I was doing great on some work I had to take care of, but then I switched on the TV, and BAM - TV was in my focus. It's like I have a laser, and I'm swinging it a bit wildly. Is something that just takes practice?

Thanks in advance for the help, medicated (and non) MeFites.

So dudes I've got this pro--whoa shiny!

schroedinger — Mon, 24 Oct 2005 10:09:19 -0800

Has anyone had experience coming off of ADD/ADHD medications? How did you cope with the return of all the negative ADD/ADHD symptoms, and the nagging feeling that you were a better person on the meds? I've been coming off of Adderall XR for the past month or so as I can no longer afford the medication under my current health insurance. Luckily my psychiatrist kept me well-stocked with a variety of dosages so I've been able to step down gradually. It's been painless, except for the past week. As I reach the lowest dosage and approach total elimnation the decrease has gotten particularly noticable. When trying to focus and when interacting with people I have the same impulsive all-over-the-place fidgety thinking that I did before I started taking the meds. Added to that is the realization that I'm a heckuva lot less obnoxious when on Adderall.

So, ADD/ADHD Metafilterites, anyone successfully take themselves off of meds? How did you do it? Any mental hacks, coping techniques, tips or tricks that you use to keep up the same level of effectiveness that you had on medication?

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The First Few Days of Adderall XR

So dudes I've got this pro--whoa shiny!