Just prescribed Adderall, and have questions... - ADD / ADHD Message Board

skyp56 · 10-04-2008, 09:01 AM

Hi! My psychiatrist just prescribed me adderall for ADD. I have heard so many bad things about ADD, and the drugs prescribed for it, that I am anxious, now, too.

First question: I read that you are not supposed to take this long term. So why do the drs prescribe it? What's it supposed to do for me, short-term?

Second: My drs' prescription read Adderall, but when I got the bottle home, it says amphetamine. Is this the same thing? I will be calling the pharmacy when they open, just to check, but thought I'd throw this question in as well.

Third: I am already on lots of meds: Effexor, Lyrica, Ambien, lisinopril/HCTZ, prilosec, Vytorin, xanax, and Albuterol. I've read that you shouldn't take this if you have high blood pressure (thus the lisino/HCTZ), so did my dr make a mistake giving me this?

and Fourth: How will I know if it affects me? If I do see some minor "bad" effects, how long should I take it before I give it up?

I would appreciate anyone's comments on any or all of my questions. As "Johnnie #5" from the movie Short Circuit said: "More Input!!!"

Thank you for reading.

skyp

james0906 · 10-04-2008, 11:08 AM

People that do not live with ADD have no way of understanding what we go through. They think that this can be managed with will power. Take it from someone that has been fighting with ADD for 20-25 years .. will power is not what is at question. Our brains are different and we need help to function with the rest of the world. There are side effects with all medication. Read about your meds as much as your and pick the brains of your doctors and pharmacist. Then you can make an informed decision on what is right for your condition. Yes it a condition that we have. Not a character flaw.

Adderall is a mix of amphetamine salts. The ampetamines the pharmacy gave you are the generic version of Adderall. They work the same. Adderall costs me about 30 dollars a month with my insurance where the amphetamine is about 7.50.

One thing you might want to consider once you get a feel for the Adderall is to switch to Aderall XR. One dose will last me most of the day. The Adderral has to be taken every 4 hours and gives me a roller coaster effect. The XR is much better for keeping me on an even keel. I did have my Doc up the dosage from 20mg to 30mg after starting the XR. It did not give me the ups and downs but also did not seem to be as effective as the immediate release Adderrall. One thing is for sure though. I am no longer like a radio stuck between two stations. I am tuned in and looking for ways to manage my add and rejoin the rest of the world.

I am on blood pressure medicine as well. My blood pressure has been staying within normal levels. I have had no change since starting the Adderall. Everyone reacts differently though.

I am completely unqualified to give advice on how the Adderall will interact with meds you are on. Check with the pharmacist and your doctor. Also, research the meds yourself. There are plenty of places on the net where you can info on drug interactions and side effects. Educaute yourself . Don't just blindly listen to your Doctor They make mistakes too.

Please don't take any of this as fact. Reserch it yourself. I am only about four months into this and learning how manage the ADD myself. This has been my experience so far.

LilliePup · 10-13-2008, 10:17 PM

You need more input from a doctor who is knowledgeable about the combination of drugs. You are taking a LOT!!!

skyp56 · 10-15-2008, 08:25 AM

Thank you, James0906, for your reponse! You sound like you are doing your own researching, too. Thanks for the character boost about ADD not being a character flaw. That was the first thing I thought of when my P-doc told me that I had it. And, yes, I've had people tell me that I should just "change" how I think, and that they could do it, why can't I? Well, maybe my years of fighting depression stemmed from having ADD. I've recently been diagnosed with PTSD, also, so that definitely explains a lot, for me.

Thanks for all your suggestions.
skyp

skyp56 · 10-15-2008, 08:27 AM

Yes, Lilliepup, I agree with you, that I'm taking a lot. But, that is why I have the one P-Doc that I do. He is well-known in my area for being knowledgeable. And, I have been seeing him for almost 2 years, so I've come to trust him.

Not to say that I'm not scared about how many drugs I'm taking now. Counting my inhalers for asthma and my pain meds, I have over a dozen scrips!

Thanks for the input!
skyp