Need a break from Adderal, alternatives? Please let me know your thoughts.. - ADD / ADHD Message Board

derek123412 · 12-21-2005, 10:49 AM

I have been on adderall for 2 years now and I am experiencing the common problem of it becoming less effective. I am currently on 20mg xr and it isnt working as well as it did before. I am reluctant to move to 30 mg because I know the same problem will occur in a few months. Adderall works perfect for me, but I need some advice on how to bring back the effectiveness of the drug. I was wondering if there is an alternative drug to adderall that I could use for a few months that is very similar. If I stop the adderall for 60 days or so will the effectiveness come back once I begin using it again.

My main questions are:
1. How long to I need to be off adderall before it will be 100% effective again?
2. What add medicine should I use while I am off the adderall?

I appreciate your time and thoughts, and look forward to hearing from you

hoyt · 12-21-2005, 10:54 AM

Hey Derek,

I'm sorry I can't answer your real questions but I just thought I'd warn you of something...

Adderall can cause severe mood swings as well as some forms of depression if you stop taking it after that long so please try to taper off slowly. Your body is used to having it every day. I was on it for about a week last year and after that one week I felt horrible for 1 day after stopping

derek123412 · 12-21-2005, 11:10 AM

Thankyou for your response. I do understand the need to slowly taper off. I was planning on doing this all with the help of my dr. But I just wanted to be able to suggest an alternative for him to think about

JDurden11 · 12-21-2005, 01:29 PM

i also recently started 20mg Adderal XR, but have felt ZERO difference...does that happen a lot?

just breathe 99 · 12-22-2005, 12:39 AM

How about concerta....it is the ritalin version of the adderal xr....