Adderall first days

June 22, 2015 3:14 PM

I was just prescribed Adderall 5mg, generic, initial release kind. I started by splitting the pill and taking 1/2 dose and then 4 hours later another 1/2 dose. Day 1 was fine, but Day 2 I had extreme muscle tension and some heartburn. I took a half dose only. On Day 3 I took a half dose and fell asleep! I also developed muscle tension and mild heartburn.

My question to those who have experienced this: will these symptoms go away, can they be managed, or should I ask for a different type of stimulant or even the same drug but ask the pharmacy for a different manufacturer?

posted by charlielxxv to Health & Fitness (8 answers total)

Sorry, did your doctor tell you to split the pills (presumably for a limited time before taking the whole dose) or did you do that on your own?
posted by nkknkk at 3:41 PM on June 22, 2015

Response by poster: My doctor said it would be okay to split them because they are immediate release. The pills also came scored down the middle. We did not discuss a ramp up period per se, I just have been splitting and taking half doses to see how it affects me.
posted by charlielxxv at 3:47 PM on June 22, 2015

Then I would talk to him about this, right away. He may have better advice being familiar with your concerns, symptoms, and plans. Four hours may simply too close together, for example, or he may want you to try something more consistent (same partial dose, same time of of day, after eating, etc.) while you self-monitor. IANYD!
posted by nkknkk at 4:01 PM on June 22, 2015

If you want advice right away, your doctors office may have an advice nurse you can call. If it doesn't, your pharmacist may have some advice or info for you. But your doctor is your best source of information here. Often you can call and leave a message and he/she will relay a message or call you back directly.
posted by estelahe at 5:41 PM on June 22, 2015

Reflux and muscle tension are not listed amongst the common side effects of Adderall, although every person is different and may experience medications differently. Definitely go ahead and discuss this with your doctor, but do you think there might be an element of anxiety with starting this new medication that could be playing into the situation here?
posted by treehorn+bunny at 8:28 PM on June 22, 2015

Best answer: Muscle rigidity and tension can be symptoms of the amphetamine. Im sure a quick Google Search of a few keywords can pull up some articles. I'm not 100% on this, but I do believe it has something to do with it's effect on magnesium, so perhaps try taking a magnesium supplement if it continues to be a problem. As far as the heartburn goes, make sure you drink plenty of water with the medication and take it after you eat.
Good luck!
posted by omgkinky at 9:36 PM on June 22, 2015

Response by poster: Thanks to all for your responses. I started taking magnesium, which is helping with the muscle tension. My new issue is tongue swelling, but I will see my doctor about that next week.
posted by charlielxxv at 10:02 PM on July 2, 2015

Response by poster: One more update in case anyone finds this helpful: my tongue issue has become less noticeable as I've continued the medication. I am taking magnesium 200 mg and Prilosec daily. I've also stopped splitting the pill and I think that is helping.
posted by charlielxxv at 4:40 PM on July 5, 2015