SubscribeAdderall 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 · Mar 26, 2007
At least the Romans weren't trying to poison themselves.
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
ReplyHow about making your kids stop eating and sending them to military school? The solutions ARE easy- problem is that they take discipline.
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.
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.
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!
My 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.
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.
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.
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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
my 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.
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 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
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).
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.
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?
Replyi 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.
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.
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.
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