winking2
08-31-2008, 02:12 AM
I am reading people say that add medications are the same as crystal meth side effect wise. They are saying adderall can cause premature aging and that freaks me out. I don't want to look like an old drug addict just because I have a disorder that I need medication for. Does anyone know anything about this?
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rheanna
08-31-2008, 03:10 AM
winking2,
People who abuse drugs -- who take far more than the dosages that are prescribed for ADD -- are abusing their bodies and minds. I am sure that these large quantities of drugs are aging their bodies faster than normal. Wrinkles are the least of the consequences.
However, these drugs as prescribed for ADD are meant to be taken in small quantities. If one finds that a particular drug isn't effective or has unwanted side-effects, it is a simple matter to stop the drugs and either try another drug or try other methods. I have never heard of premature aging as a result of taking these meds in prescribed dosages.
I've been taking a small dosage of generic Ritalin for over a year. I've got 1 year's more worth of wrinkles, but I'm sure that the fact that I'm 59 years old has more to do with that than the meds.
So the question for you is, how much trouble is your ADD causing you? If you are having lots of problems coping with life, the universe and everything, then it might be worth it to consider finding a med that will help your brain to slow down enough to be able to learn some better life-handling skills. Some people are able to work with a coach and find ways to handle life without using meds.
Meds are indeed not for everyone. But please don't avoid them for fear of aging faster. Spending too much time in the sun will age your skin far faster than any small dosage of prescription meds. :cool:
--Rheanna
People who abuse drugs -- who take far more than the dosages that are prescribed for ADD -- are abusing their bodies and minds. I am sure that these large quantities of drugs are aging their bodies faster than normal. Wrinkles are the least of the consequences.
However, these drugs as prescribed for ADD are meant to be taken in small quantities. If one finds that a particular drug isn't effective or has unwanted side-effects, it is a simple matter to stop the drugs and either try another drug or try other methods. I have never heard of premature aging as a result of taking these meds in prescribed dosages.
I've been taking a small dosage of generic Ritalin for over a year. I've got 1 year's more worth of wrinkles, but I'm sure that the fact that I'm 59 years old has more to do with that than the meds.
So the question for you is, how much trouble is your ADD causing you? If you are having lots of problems coping with life, the universe and everything, then it might be worth it to consider finding a med that will help your brain to slow down enough to be able to learn some better life-handling skills. Some people are able to work with a coach and find ways to handle life without using meds.
Meds are indeed not for everyone. But please don't avoid them for fear of aging faster. Spending too much time in the sun will age your skin far faster than any small dosage of prescription meds. :cool:
--Rheanna

