Adderall as a Weight Loss Drug
Adderall is an amphetamine used to treat ADD/ADHD. Like many pharmaceutical medications, some of the side effects include loss of appetite and weight loss (particularly in adolescents).
A CNN story has highlighted the ethical concerns surrounding a doctors decision to prescribe the drug for the purpose of weight loss.
Ziai's [pediatric endocrinologist[ approach to treating obesity -- he says he has prescribed Adderall for weight loss to about 800 children and teens -- raises an important ethical question: Has the obesity epidemic among children become so severe that it's OK to prescribe a drug not approved for weight loss when the drug can have serious, sometimes life-threatening side effects?
This is a question that needs to be asked. The article mentions a 17 year old boy who was on the drug from the age of 11 (followed by 18 months off the drug). His parents are happy with the results and would "give their son Adderall again".
Here we need to ask: What are the health problems that arise from obesity, and do they compare with potential risks or side effects from being on such a drug for years?
More like this in Diet Pills and Teens and Kids
185 Comments
Add Your Comment
ADVERTISING
New
- FROM DIET BLOG
- Kellogg's Nailed Over "Immunity Supporting" Cereal
- How Obesity is Changing the Healthcare Industry
- Plus-Sized Nightclubs: Rattle and Rolls?
- Obesity Liver Damage Worse Than Alcohol?
- Is The Human Body Meant For Distance?
- FORUM
- Does Phase 2 of South Beach Stop Sugar Addiction?
- Awesome Chipotle Chicken Recipe
- HCG Diet Has Stopped Working
- Christelle's Blog
- 6 Months and Still going...
Categories
| Body Image Celebrities Diet Pills Diets Exercise |
Fast Food Funny Stuff Success Stories Teens and Kids Tips and Tools |
RSS Feed
Follow @DietBlog on Twitter
At least the Romans weren't trying to poison themselves.
ReplyI am an adult with ADD have had it ever since I was a child but due to my mother's abuse and neglect I found out when my daughter showed the same signs as I had. We both went on Adderall and I felt great! I could focus, Remember things and I was not affected by my CFS (my daughter actually is narcoleptic and not the hyperactive usually associated with ADD (ADHD). One great side effect was weight loss. My daughter became a good student and actually thrived for the first time in her life and that eased her depression and anxiety problems she was having due to studying only to later fail. I did better at work and felt alive. So I get so upset when people take drugs for fun it makes it hard for those of us who take any of them for medical reasons. There is so much I wish I could say about this but this is only a reply to statements from people who do not realize there are actually people who do need these meds. It's the same problem with pain killers some people and alot of doctors treat people taking pain killers like drug addicts or whiners while some really can not function with out these meds due to extreme pain.
ReplyMay I ask, are there certain side effects I should watch for besides the obvious listed ones? I have had ADHD for a long time but had learned to cope. The last year however, my symptoms became so intense they were interfering with every aspect of my live. I didn't consider ADHD until I saw symptoms intensifying in my 17 year-old daughter. Always successful academically, motivated, etc., over the course of about 6 months, she's gone from an achiever to a student at risk of not graduating. Our doctor recently prescribed Adderall for both of us. We haven't taken it yet; we're still waiting for it to go through insurance. I've done a lot of research but I haven't actually spoken to anyone who's taken it. I'm aware of the risks and want to be cautious, not only with my own health, but with my daughter's as well. I don't want to create a bigger problem like addiction but her quality of life is being affected in major ways. I'd love to hear your advice and opinions. Thank you!
ReplyWendy, I have the exact same story as your daughter. In high school I had a 4.0 up until about my 16th birthday. I lost all interest in sports (that were once my main focus) and was constantly being called to the office about my failing grades. I barely graduated. When I got to college I went to see a doctor about this because i didnt want to fail out of college as well, he prescribed me adderall and it has made all the difference. I feel like a normal person again and most importantly am passing all my classes again. Adderall was the right choice for me and I hope it is for you and your daughter as well.
Replyto Wendy, I am 16 years old and have been taking adderall for 4 years. Before i took adderall i was very scatterbrained and unfocused. Since taking adderall i have been able to focus on the philosophy section of english and expand my view of things deeper in life. in the beginning i had some slight weight loss and decreased appetite, eventually that went away and it made my confiedence go through the roof. In small doses its a non-addictive and very productive drug.
ReplyI understand your frustration with people taking these drugs recreationally, but you should try to understand those people's side of the story. Personally, I do not really agree with the ethics behind this drug. People who say that they don't care all of a sudden about school or are depressed are prescribed this drug to get focused and do well. Well what about the rest of us? I have been an excellent student and am now applying to medical school. I have taken adderall a few times and from my point of view, I need the drug as medication too. I want to go to medical school and it helps me focus. Instead of shooting espresso shots all night and trying to stay awake to keep reading but not being able to retain any information I would rather pop a pill and study all night and lose weight and still have plenty of energy. I just graduated from a top liberal arts school and now I have a full-time job and class every night and on weekends and am constantly exhausted. Who is to say that just because I do not have ADHD I couldn't possible have trouble focusing and wouldn't need adderall. It's not fair that people who are not interested in furthering their education have adderall and other drugs forced down their throats but others have to do it the natural and hard way. I don't want to hear about people needing it who are suffering from depression or obesity because I have both been diagnosed with depression and have had an eating disorder for 8 years. Most people today would be diagnosed with depression, and ADHD or ADD. I mean who wants to do a bunch of schoolwork that they don't feel like, or go to work and actually care about what you are doing.
ReplyIf you are sick & tired of hearing about all the complaints re: adderall, quit going back for more to hate to hear.
ReplyFind Peace somerewhere ! It works for me, not trying to be rude. PEACE OUT !!!
The people who really need Adderall are the people who are unable to be successful students without it. You don't need it, you want it. I want marijuana, but I don't do it, because I don't need it, and it's UNSAFE (and illegal), just like taking prescription medication that hasn't been prescribed to you, y'know? The fact that you have been successful without it is the reason you don't get it. What WOULD be unfair would be taking any possibility of having a normal life away from the people who actually need it. I myself had a 4.0 GPA until the middle of seventh grade, when I completely dropped the ball. From then until nearly the end of eleventh grade, my grades steadily declined, with lower grades on every report card. I am not completely sure, but I would guess my GPA today to be somewhere around a 0.8. This last school year ('08-'09) was my junior year, and it was the year I got diagnosed with ADD--it came in March, if I remember correctly. In May I began the medication, and, literally, ALL OF MY GRADES went up by AT LEAST twenty points. My testing average in Honors Chemistry had been a 47, but I passed every test after that, and I got a 98 (only one question out of 74 wrong [it has a downwards curve near the top]) on my Chemistry Regents in June. (The Regents tests are the NY State standardized tests, used in place of midterms and finals on some required courses.) And saying most of the people today would be diagnosed with ADD, ADHD, or depression is just plain wrong. ADD (which is now actually called "ADHD of the Primarily Inattentive Type"), ADHD, and depression are only relevant diagnoses when the person is unable to function adequately (in terms of emotions or achievements). Without medication, people with ADD would be unable to lead successful lives, whereas people without ADD are able to be successful (even though they may, understandably, not enjoy the work involved.) Without medication, I would not be able to get into a decent school, even with my 99th-percentile PSAT scores. It would be a shame for good, intelligent people to suffer the consequences of an untreated neurological disorder.
THAT'S why people without ADD/ADHD generally don't get the medication, and people who have ADD do.
ReplyThat's not really fair to say. The drugs aren't giving someone an unfair advantage over you, it's more like giving a person that can't walk a wheelchair. Adderall doesn't make you smarter, it just helps keep your eyes on the page. If you had ADD, you would understand that the inability to focus feels like someone randomly hijacks your brain, it's not laziness or boredom. Apparently you don't need the extra help anyway, you're a college graduate and now in medical school. I understand you feel under pressure, and you have a lot on your plate, but you can't marginalize the experience of others just because you're having a hard time.
ReplyI know that i am a kid but when i was in the third grade i took adderall because i did have anxiety and i didnt focus but i was on it for a now about 5 years but back to the story when i took it in the third grade i weighed bout 60 pounds i never ate and i kept losing weight every day the doctar said that i was to skinny so i finally got off of it last year
ReplyI am an adult with ADHD and I just got prescribed the drug yesterday, I am on 10mg pills taking 1-2 a day. It has seriously helped out, of course a lot of it is psychological as well! I am taking this drug so my brain tells me to do things I need to accomplish, thats half the battle. Instead of procrastinating with my school work I work before play, and it has great benefits. Of course, with ADHD you obviously have to be diagnosed with it before you are prescribed a narcotic. It took me about a month with various therapist appointments and tests but finally I was diagnosed with it and now I am glad I went through the trouble!
ReplyEveryone wants the quick fix so badly that they are willing to risk the side effects. I can understand that way of thinking, but I find it kind of sad, you know?
Brian
Replyyeah it is pathetic. but have you everhad to live as a 250 lb girl "with a pretty face? too bad she's so fat?" it sucks, trust me. I will do anything ANYTHING (except heroin or crack) to lose weight. I want the lap band but need to save up for it. eating disorders are the worst kind of addiction in the world because you can not live the rest of your life with no food. You can live the rest of your live with out dope, alcohol, tobacco or gambling.
ReplyHow about making your kids stop eating and sending them to military school? The solutions ARE easy- problem is that they take discipline.
ReplySure thing. You got 20K lying around to help pay for it?
I am an adult with ADHD. I just started, at age 41, on Adderall and I feel like a brand new person. I feel like I was robbed of 40 years of my life and I am damned glad I have it. Military school wouldn't have a done a thing for me, but mess me up more than I already was.
ReplyI think that's a really flippant, uneducated and unfortunately, typical response from someone who doesn't live with ADHD.
Everyone feels the same "high" on adderall, or any amphetamine/amphetamine derivative. Why should ADHD clients be given the extra boost and not "regular" people? That doesn't seem fair. It helps everyone focus.
ReplyLindsey....Everyone does not experience the same "high" in response to adderall. I am 57 years old..diagnosed at age 30 with ADHD (mixed...inattentive)... I have taken the same dose for the past ten years when other ADD medications did not seem to work for me. I do not feel high but rather centered, not scattered, and in fact, calm and peaceful. I suppose it is the way "normal" feels.. If you feel "high" it is because you do not have ADD...for me, my dose has remained the same for all these years and once, when the pharmacy accidentally gave me 30mg. instead of the 20 mg. I am used to, it only made me calmer...too calm...I feel absolutely no "affects"...other than a general sense of well being..not the energized "high" feeling that some people (probably those who do not need it) describe...
ReplyHas nothing at all to do with what you are saying. Sorry to say, the world is full of uneducated people like you.
For one thing, if you are a candidate for Adderal, you don't SPEED up, you slow down.
One of the reasons we can't concentrate is because our minds are going faster than we can keep up with. I am a 37yo female and after almost 20 yrs of being dx with anxiety/depression, I finally got diagnosed ADD. I have been on Adderal for 5 months now and sure it is nice to have lost 40lbs but also I want to be able to eat healthy and have to watch that I do eat. Adderal makes my appetite totally drop and unless someone puts something right in front of me, it's hard to eat at all.
I hope this clears up some of your confusion.
Replythis is sick. i was prescribed adderall in middle school and took it throughout high school. i made good grades, was very thin, and very miserable. i was unable to eat and felt horrible because of that. i eventually stopped taking it in college because i hated the side effects so much. the weight came right back and i ended up almost 200 lbs. i lost the weight on my own, and learned how to study without it. i can't believe they would prescribe this as a weight-loss drug, especially for children.
Replyhow many mgs were you on?
ReplyI've written openly and honestly about my experience taking Phentermine last year, which I understand to be related molecularly to amphentamines. This rationale was exactly what my Dr. used - the risks of my obesity (5'10", 349 lbs) were greater than the risks from the pills. I lost 10 lbs prior to taking them, 30 lbs in 2 months on them, and 20 more lbs after I stopped. For me, I experienced no withdrawal symptoms from Phen, but did have some weird crap happen when I stopped taking the Meridia my new Dr prescribed to replace it (she had the opposite opinion of the old Dr - I moved during this time).
If I had to do it over again, I would. YMMV. I don't feel like I need it to lose weight now, but I needed it then to help me break some very bad habits - frankly, if there is such a thing as a food addiction, then I was displaying it.
ReplyWhat happens with weightloss if you stop taking the Adderall for a month or more and then go back on? Do you start losing weight all over again like you did in the beginning or no? Has anyone gone off and on it?
ReplyThe rumor is this is what Nicole Richie's using to stay thin.
I think we can all agree that purely from her example it's an unhealthy way to go about things.
ReplyI was on Adderall for about a week to lose weight. Sad thing was I only had about 10 lbs to lose. I felt really awful, even though I lost about 5 lbs. The side effects were too much and when I was taken off of it, I slept for days! I literally could not stay awake and the weight came right back on.
ReplyPrescribing this for weight loss? Crazy!
I have been on adderall for a few years now. I never lost weight. But it is like a drug. If I run out for a day, I crash. And I can tell because it is not the normal kind of tiredness. It is like groggy and gross. I don't know exactly how to explain, but my body is very dependent upon it.
ReplyI completely understand!
ReplyMy sis was on another similar amphetamine for ADD, and like Carolineh, she was constantly miserable and underweight. She looked forward to weekends when she didn't have to "take her pill" and could actually enjoy herself. Once she got into college, she stopped the pills because she hated the side effects. She gained weight, but she later told me that she'd rather work a little harder to keep the weight off than feel like crap all the time. I can't believe they'd actually prescribe this for weight loss! Because, yeah, we need to have speed-freak kids running around. Geez, parents need to tell their kids to go play and just not buy the crappy snacks that are making their kids fat.
ReplyMy boyfriend takes Adderal (he's narcoleptic) and it definitely affects his appetite. When I wake up in the morning I am VERY hungry but he never is because that's when he takes his "speed" as he calls it (well, that's really what it is!) One of his daughters is also narcoleptic and also takes it and she's told me "I am hardly ever hungry but I have to force myself to eat, otherwise I would lose too much weight" (They are both of a healthy weight.)
When ephedra was legal I took that to suppress my appetite (Yes, I know this was a BAD IDEA). I can't imagine feeling like that all of the time, let alone having a doctor tell me that that kind of thing was okay.
This gives me the creeps.
ReplyI agree with Nic. This is creepy.
ReplyI was on concerta for 3 years, and now I have Crohns disease. There is no guarenteed connection but once I went off the medicine the majority of my symptoms were gone.
ReplyI have found concerta has negative effects on my childs growth. He was finally permanently taken off of it. The lack of growth was limited, but I could tell. Especially considering he wouldn't grow until the summer and then he'd go through huge spurts (which was when he was off the medication). However, blaming colon issues on the medication may be secondary to the ADD itself. ADD adds unneeded stress to your mind which shows in a lot of people as things such as IBS or Chrons, or Excema. Just a thought.
ReplyAlthough there probably are instances where Adderall should be prescribed, I agree that it seems to be given out so freely that this medication has abuse potential for sure. A healthy diet/healthy living plan is what's needed. Thanks for posting the question and getting us to think about it!
ReplyThe whole implication of this is just scary.
ReplySpoken like someone who has no kids. Just send them to military school... really? Just like that? You seriously can't see a scenario where that would not be possible, either financially, emotionally, or perhaps your child has an anxiety disorder that would bar you sending him or her away? I get really irritated at extremist comments like this.
ReplyI agree. People say the stupidest things sometimes. Our whole society is structured to being fat. We don't exercize, we watch TV, we either work or go to school 10 - 12 hours a day. The foods we eat are bad. It's not an easy problem to fix
Replyyeah--I thought erica's comment was kind of absolutist myself. Our kids are constantly berated by advertisements geared towards their impressionable developing minds. Adults' vulnerabilities are similarly targeted. You can't go anywhere today without being exposed to an advertisement for some product. Even my doctor's office now has a video screen that plays drug advertisements. It's not simply a question of discipline, but a matter of social reform. That's not to say people aren't responsible for their own actions, but let's not forget how hard commercial interests make it for us to take the right actions.
Reply
ReplyMy daughter is taking concerta and all I can say is that she is made a day and night progress. I do recomend it to who need it, but if you are going to take it for weight loss your only putting your self up for desapointment when you gain all the weight back
I too was on Concerta in high school and I had to get off of it. I only weighed about 95-105lbs in high school and am 5'2". When on Concerta I dropped to about 80-85 lbs. I didn't eat and constantly had headaches. I just wanted to inform you to keep a watchful eye on your daughter. Concerta made a night and day difference for me with my ADHD but I soon found another medication that didn't suppress my hunger, it's called Mededate. It works just as well as Concerta without the horrible side effects.
ReplyMy daughter is 9 and has been on Mededate CD for 3 years. She does wonderful on that med. They put her on Adderall and it was like she would have breakdowns when she was home from school and she had also got rail thin. Now she can concentrate and eat...That is the med is would recommend for any child.
Replymy son was on adderall for ADD and hated it. He's only 12 but has made his own decision that he just can't live with it. He never ate, he's tiny for his size as is and I just couldn't bear it either anymore. His health is more important to me than his grades. He was always wired. I can't believe people would take it to lose weight, it's basically speed in a prespcription. My sister takes it for ADD and while it helps her, she is obese and hasn't lost an ounce on it. It also modifies your behavior, my son was very angry coming down from the drug and it made life very difficult.
ReplyIf your sister is obese and hasn't lost any weight on adderall it may be because she forces herself to eat even if shes not hungry. Some obese people eat because the taste of food is like a drug to them. I am very overweight. I'm a 27 year old male. I started my prescription for adderall xr 25mg a week ago (for adhd)and have already lost 11 lbs (350lb as of today)because it helps me realize when I'm really hungry, rather than when i crave the TASTE of food. Some people who are severely addicted to eating for pleasure may IGNORE the full feeling adderall gives them. I know I can look forward to losing much more weight on adderall if I take advantage of it as an opportunity to curb my hunger while I learn healthier eating habits so I can keep the weight off.
Replymy grandson has been on adderall for about 8 yeard now some times I wonder if it's really doing him any good.he has a lot of mood swings that are some times real bad to the point that it gets a little scarey.he's 15 now and getting to the point he hates taking it.he says that he don't need it and a lot of times he don't take it .right now I don't know what to do should I not let him take any more or what?
ReplyI would call and talk to his Dr. He is still a minor, so I would think the Dr. could talk to you about it. Good luck, and good job for staying on top of this.
ReplyI am 60 and trying to lose weight. I understand that it will take work, and will take a change in my diet. I am thinking about starting the Zone diet, but would never take a diet pill. My hope is that diet and exercise will be enough, without drastic medication.
ReplyI've been taking Adderall (and ramping-up!), mind you, for over a year now. I started off at the 5mg, and was a bit frightened... this was only due to the fact that I was asked to monitor my heart rate (!) to see if it stayed normal (as compared to what?).
Currently, 12+ months later, I'm on 20mg capsules, three times a day. I do, admittedly, suffer from Borderline Personality Disorder which, for the uneducated people who thinks that means "crazy," it's just a fancy way of saying that I'm VERY VERY VERY prone to thinking that I'm fat / ugly / self-consciousness, paranoia about others talking about me, hating myself, etc....
I find that the drug works for weight loss. Is this for everyone? NO! Everyone needs to know this is true, prescribed amphetamine.
"Educate yourself on any diet pill," they'll all say; this one, however, is different. If you're prone to mood swings, have behavior disorders, etc., be careful with this one!
Shire US manufactures this and they're great about getting you 30 days free (with prescription, of course); you'll need that coupon. The pill can run around $500.00 per prescription refill. It's a "blue slip," meaning you have to be in person, ready to self-identify with driver's license, etc., if you've never had to do this before. Prescription refills are nearly impossible with this drug, so count on a revisit almost every time. I got a couple refills, only due to having to go through mandatory job training; I also have a good, long-standing relationship with my doctor and keep in constant communication.
To also note about Adderall, if you're going to take it, take it, or question this about it: taking it as prescribed is of the utmost importance. Do NOT*** double-dose, overdose, etc. The idiots at the local college got into huge messes over this; one girl puked for a while, another guy had a heart attack. I'm sure he wasn't telling "oh man, what a party, I was soooo drunk," stories all day the following Monday. I got in a habit of taking all 3 pills in the morning for a while due to NOT wanting to have to follow my regimen thereafter; this got me into trouble. I felt an urge to turn back to the Adderall when I was tired / when I needed a boost / etc. This is really bad.
All these mishaps are from experience... all in all, it works REALLY well for weight loss, but if you're looking to drop pounds quickly, this is NOT the prescription to be on; those on it are those who need it (weight conditions, etc.) It's primarily meant for ADD / ADHD / Adult ADD.
If this helped even only 1 person, my entire rant wasn't in vain.
Cheers,
E
ReplyYou say you started with 5 mg. I started a couple of days ago taking 5mg at breakfast and 5 at lunch. (it is not the extended release kind) I really don't feel any different. I was wondering if you could tell a difference right away, or did it take awhile? I am not taking it to lose wait. I have ADD. Thanks!
ReplyAfter years of not understanding why certain things were so difficult for me, I finally got answers when I was diagnosed with ADD.
Along with the diagnosis came a prescription for Adderall.
I was advised by my physician that it affects appetite and reminded to eat regular, healthy meals everyday.
Well, Adderall does indeed reduce hunger, however if does not stop me from eating.
What it does is allow my ADD brain to make a rational decision when it comes to putting food in my mouth. This is a very new thing for me and I'm grateful for it.
The key here is that I use the drug for the purpose intended.
I strongly believe that taking or prescribing any drug shoud only be for the primary condition that it is intended.
Using Amphetamins for weight loss or to be able to drink and stay "alert" is simply wrong. It is meant as ADD relief and it pains me to think that it is being used, abused and prescribed inadequately.
But in our haste to be righteous, we shouldn't condemn the drug, but instead feel sad for the adults who abuse it and disappointed in the physicians who prescribe it for the wrong reasons.
ReplyI will actually come clean and admit that, as a current high school student who will be going to college next year, I am taking Adderall. My brother was originally given the prescription for his ADHD and I new there was a bottle in the medicine cabinet, so I decided to try it this year (his second year of college). I agree, that the medicine is overprescribed, but there are some non-ADD/ADHD people that can seriously benefit from using it. When I started taking the adderall i was 5'11, 250 lbs. and now only about a month later I am about 230 and people always tell me that I look thinner. I obviously don't tell anyone why, I just act surprised, but any of the larger people out there will tell you that when people say those things to you, It feels really good. Weight loss aside, the drug has also done wonders for my academic life. Though I do not have ADD I find it much easier to concentrate in certain classes, and read the boring books in English class. Sure, it's not prescribed to me, but the effects it is having on me are so amazing and I've been trying to make these things happen naturally but it took this little pill to make it happen. The only negative side affect I have noticed from it is the severe lack of sleep I experience, even if I take the pill as soon as I wake up, I generally don't go to bed until 2-4 hours later than I did before...but I am willing to take that risk for the benefits I am receiving. I only take a 30mg dose/day and I know I am not physically addicted to it, but I also know that I need to be careful not to go overboard or else mental addiction could be what I have to worry about. And the the crazy lady who wants to send kids to military school...I bet your kids are royally screwed up, when parents drill their kids like your suggesting they generally end up on something worse then Adderall (I'm still a kid, so not only do I know, I've seen it happen).
Replytaking an rx that is not written for you is illegal and a C-2, controlled substance like adderall may be a felony i think ... please take greater care ... be well ... i take it too so i know ... but the script is mine ...
ReplyVERY WELL SAID!!!! Adderall is not a BAD thing at all! Only if taken outside of the recommended dosage. I was very skeptical at first due to fact that it dose fall in the catagory of speed, but I have found it to be truely amazing!!
ReplyNo Doctor, Pharmacy or anyone can give you refills on Adderall. It is a controlled drug and can only give 1 prescription at a time. My daughter takes Adderall. She went from taking 10mg twice a day to the 20mg Adderall Xr. I guess you have to think of all the pros and cons. My daughter could not concentrate or sit still, her education was serioudly in jeopardy before taking this medication. It has helped her tremendous.Just putting in my 2-cents
ReplyCan someone tell me the recommended dosage of Adderall for starting out and working my way up? Do you take more than one pill a day? I've just been told a lot of different stories and i don't know what to believe. Also, can you only get it as a prescription from a doctor or can you buy it off the internet? i'm a bit confused.
Replyif you get it off the internet and you cannot prove a legal doctor / patient proper relationship and that a legal script was issued, you could get in legal trouble with your job or if in a car crash, they could charge you also if you have it in your system without a legal script - research what a C-2 script is ... controlled substance ... be well
ReplyI had the same concern about the right dosage. My doctor started me with Adderall 10mg two times per day. It's been 1 1/2 months now. So far so good. The first 2 weeks were amazing. I saw instant results at work and at home. I had so much energy, I was very productive at work and was able to go home cook, clean and have fun with my family without being overwhelmed. Of course, the weight loss is a nice side benefit.
My current concern/question is how much is too much? and when should the dosage change? Right now, sometimes when I take my 1 pill--i can't tell that I've taken it or maybe I'm getting addicted to the feeling...
What do you'll think?.... what's your take?
ReplyAdderall will always work differently for each individual. If you found that a dose has worked for you, but after taking it for some time, it does not provide the same "boost" it used, I suggest the following:
Cut your dose in half for two days
On the third day, do not take the medication
This will minimize withdrawal effects
Spend the rest of the week off of the medication
Start again at your normal dose
You should never increase your dose as it will only make you more dependant..
When I started, I tried 10 mg and that did not work. I then moved to 20 mg and it did wonders. I noticed a change in effects after using the medication. Instead of increasing my dose, I just reset the clock by following the steps above.
I have seen people turn their 20 mgs/day prescriptions to 20 mgs, three times daily. Do not let that happen to you, the side effects will become more bothersome.
Replyand is there anyside effect if youre on the pill????
ReplyJust wanted to say that this is a really interesting forum and thanks for shedding so much light on Adderall. Coming from a ex-vicodin junky I am reluctant to use this medication for more than a few days (worried about chemical/psych addiction) Anybody feel totally addicted? Whats the most anybody here takes in mg? I gotta say that a 30mg adderall feels a lot like 2 lines of coke so there's got to be a catch to taking this stuff. Does taking amphetamines make you look like a meth head? What are the long term effects?
ReplyHey scooter I'm just the man your looking for and I am pretty confident I can shed light on the topic for you. You were and "Ex-Vicodin Junky" as I had been hooked on Oxycontin for 3 years. Vicodin yes can be addictive as I have taken my fair share of Hydrocodone based medications. Hydrocodone is in the same family as Oxycontin but far less potent. Both are Derived from the opium poppy. Oxycodone is the active ingrediant in Oxycontin(pure oxycodone continiuous release tablets) as well as Percocet/Endocet, Roxicontin/Roxicodone etc. Vicodin never did to much for me the oxycontin thats a different story. Through 4 relapses guilt, pain, serious mental side effects and withdrawal countless times I just stopped and it was the hardest thing I've ever done. To get to your question Ive displayed ADHD(New Term/No Longer ADD) symptoms since I was a young child, you could say the poster child of inattation and Hyperactivity. Back then, 25 years old now, they knew nothing compared to what they do present time. I have been on Adderall XR for 2 years now started at 20mg a day now 80mg's a day over 2 year period. I am quite sure and those with ADHD who have had substance abuse problems a rather large majority escape the pain of feeling worthless, inadequte, not being able to perform simple tasks to completion becuase of a very real mental disability, though where im at now its actually a gift I wouldnt trade for the world, though specific techniques and certain changes in the way you orient your life are needed to properly manage as well as benefit from the creativity and many other gifts that accompany ADHD. To this day now 3 years sober havent pick up a Drug legal or illegal since I've been properly managing my ADHD. For those saying it makes you speedie and always talking any other uneducated assessment or opinions, little do they know recent medical research finds those with ADHD are actually calmed down by the medication as well as significantly lowers Substance abuse rates of those with the Disorder. First it works on the nuerotransmitter Dopamine and the Dopaminergic system of the brain, causing more dopamnine to be released to the receptors which in turn helps us actually focus our energy which is abundant into one task instead of 10 tasks like before the diagnosis. Also with the dopamine ADHD'ers have a shortage of the chemical being released to the receptors which can cause depression and eventually to numb the pain addictions. With the meds dopamine is restored to a sufficient level helping with depression and the need to abuse a substance. To note I eat better now on the medication than before because I'm more scheduled oriented and eat actual meals instead of junk foods all day. I've accomplished more in the last 2 years than ever before in my life, I can finally be my true self without hiding behind a wall built by drugs. I agree it doesnt effect everybody like this and I've seen others not gain the benefits that I have. So I agree it may not be for All people but, I can assure you If you truley have ADHD it could possible change your entire life and the way you see yourself, all in positive ways, nothing negative has come out of it.
ReplyP.S. Dont take over a 100mg especially if you have no tolerance, it can have potentially sever effects on your mental stability, causing Mania, Paranoia and suicide. Ive taken back in the day over 300 mg in a day 2 months after starting treatment. Gotta lot done that day Alot haha, but had panic attack that lasted well over 2 hours and thats not fun, so take as needed it can do miracles...hoped all this helped
i have been having a hard time focusing in school and motivating myself to do any of my work. as a senior in high school, i think it's important to make use of what's available to improve yourself. i was prescribed concerta (starting with 18mg, once a day) and it has shown to have some effect on me. i have lost 5 lbs in the two weeks that i have been taking it, and i have been attending more classes. baby steps. another thing is that i have been feeling happier. even my friends have noticed my changed attitude.
my doctor just doubled my dose today so i start taking 36mg tablets tomorrow and im really hoping that i will see an even greater improvement, especially with my education.
to be very honest, i absolutely love that it suppressed my appetite. i dont starve myself -- i know when it is necessary to eat and i know just the right amount to eat. i no longer eat out of boredom like i used to. i dont plan on staying on this medication for too long because its very expensive but i dont fear gaining back all of my weight. i see this as a bad habit breaker.
ReplyWere you prescribed it because you have ADHD or because you just blatantly needed help concentrating in school?
ReplyOn http://www.adderallxr.com, there is a link for 'full prescribing information', which lists the side effects. The side effects are categorized by adult and children with the most common side-effects listed first. Adderallxr and adderall are different. Adderall is instant release and Adderal XR is time released.
For me, the side effects are loss of appetite and sometimes dry mouth--I am very conscious of the dry mouth thingee so I tend to drink lots of water.
ReplyWhat do you mean meth head? Nodding and stuff. If so, I hope not..I'm only prescribed 10mg 2xs per day but I don't think you'd look like a meth head.
ReplyI have been taking Adderall for Adult ADD for 1 year( currently taking 30 mg daily.) This medication has completely changed my life!!! I used to be totally overwhelmed by day to day tasks and keeping them organized in my brain. I would start a bunch of things and never finish any of them. My motivation to do a thing was lacking terribly. There were very many instances where I felt like I was a complete failure in my life because I couldn't handle ordinary stuff or see anything through. (laundry, dishes, family needs, etc.) I could almost cry singing this drug's praises! There is one thing though, I have been taking it for this whole year, excercise daily( 1.5 hrs a day, usually group step aerobics), eat well balanced and have only seen minimal if any real weight loss. I am 5'5" and weigh 218 lbs. I also have PCOS. Any advice?? I agree completely that this drug should be prescribed for ADD/ADHD and not necessarily weight loss.
ReplyHi Sarah! What is PCOS?
ReplySarah, I have PCOS as well and metformin has helped greatly.
JAG, it stands for Polycistic Ovarian Syndrome.
ReplyThanks Jan....
Sarah have you ever tried eating small meals every 2 to 3 hours to speed up your metabolism. You can really shave down the inches quickly
ReplySmall meals are a good rec for PCOS too, and make sure to always combine carb with protein and fat, and try to stick to low-glycemic carbs. Essentially, a diabetic diet is good for PCOS.
ReplyA year ago I was a 256 lb,5'10", male.I needed to jog but knees hurt too much.I begain taking 20mg of Adderall for 5 months and lost 30 pounds.Then I stopped taking Adderall,began jogging 4 days a week,lost another 30 lbs in 3 months.Adderall worked great for me with no negative side effects.
ReplyI agree with you on this. I am actually in my 6th year of college. The reason being, I have been ADD/ADHD SEVERELY since I was a kid, but Adderall wasn't really available then. I couldn't even sit through a lecture without just getting up and walking out! Since on Adderall, my grades have went from D's to A's, everyone who knows me knows how well it works for me and can actually tell when I havn't taken it, for the mere fact I can't carry on a conversation or anything! This pill has seriously helped me out tremendously, esp. with school. I am graduating this year, which probably never would have happened without Adderall. Ps. I only take 15 a day, it's one pill and I break it in half and take 7.5 around 8am and 7.5 around 1pm. I don't take it on Sundays and sometimes I will skip Saturday. I don't "feel it" anymore like I did the first week I took it, but I know it still works because I still focus, just after a little while you don't have that feeling anymore, but it is still working.
ReplyYou are so wrong my son is adhd/add and he needs medication. there is a reason that a doctor diagnois it. I am a good stern mother and it isnt him disobeying. There brain is function so fast they need something to slow him down. To concentrate. My son grades went from f to a,s . So before you open your mouth make sure you get the facts. If i forget to give him his medicine by 830 am i know. It has changes his life , he now makes friends. His life is some much better.
Reply