I am taking 30 to 40 mg of adderall xr in the moring. I have only been using it for about 2 weeks. In any case it is starting to make me tired? Will this pass? Focus is good - lethargic is not.
Is there an antidote?
Thanks for any comments.

hey luckygirl I have been on ADderal XR for just agbout a month and have not had any problems being tried. I switched from Strattera which did make me very tired. So far I am having good results as much as you can tell in one month. It's hard to say in shuch a short time but I feel it is working for my attentivness. I seem to be getting task completed and will definetly keep trying it.

Maybe your dosage is too high. Check with your doctor.

Just curious. How are you taking 30-40mg? Adderall XR comes in 10, 15, 20, and 30mg doses. Do you have more than one dosage? IE : 30mg and 10mg, or are you taking the non XR? If you are taking XR in 40mg, it must be two 20mg, one 30+10, or two 15mg+10mg.

I've been taking Adderal XR for two months now. I started at 20mg and the first two weeks I felt like I was on speed. My focus and concentation was great. After about 2 weeks, the "speed" feeling has completely gone away, but my focus and attention is still there (Thank god!)

I'm surprised that it would make you tired.. When you first took it (The first day) did you feel extreamly motovated?

I took a 30mg and 10mg of the XR in the morning. I think the 30 is enough. Every metabolizes it differently I hear so maybe that is my problem. I do get the focus but it wears off so fast. I wish it had the get up and go for me that the Concerta did. I felt tired when the XR would wear off completely and in the evening I am spent.
Questions for you:
Do you feel groggier in the morning since you have been taking it?
Did you ever take the regular Adderall. (If all that is in your original e-mail sorry - I will re-read.)Thanks for the reponse.

I find if i take Adderall XR late morning i tend to focus better and tend to get more stuff done vs taking the meds early morning like you are supposed to take it early morning, but i cant b/c i will either lost site of focusing and not pay attention and jsut easily be tuned out of things and do other things i am not even aware i am doing them. take care and wish u the best of luck!!

I have been on XR for one month now and just went up to 20mg from 10. I was having trouble with it wearing off. Worked great during the day but whenI got home and needed it the most it was gone.

Have either of you experienced this and did higher doses help that?

THanks

I am taking 30 mgs of the XR in the morning. I went up progressively as I found it does wear off and it was not that effective at the lower dosage. As people seem to say on the boards "Everyone is different," but I imagine there are some general experiences. I started to take 10mgs XR in the afternoon but I did not like it. I felt a little spacier. My doctor thinks that using the regular Adderal might work as a sufficient boost in the afternoon and counter act it wearing off while also not ending up in any of the extended release from preventing me from getting to sleep. What I do not like is that I am very groggy in the morning. I feel like the Adderal is becoming my morning coffee. That is not what I need it for.
Keep in touch I will be interested to hear your experience as I am a new user myself.

Adderall wears off sooner and sooner the longer you take it. I've seen patients who start with 30 mg Adderall XR, and for the first 2 days it lasts the full 8-12 hours. By the end of the second week, it's only lasting 4 hours, and by the end of the first month on the drug, it only lasts 1-2 hours. They feel very tired after the drug wears off, because Adderall is speed, to put it bluntly. Adderall makes your heart, lungs, muscles, basically your whole body--work harder for the time that it is working. After it wears off, your body is more fatigued than it would have been had you never taken the drug. This is the "crash" people experience after being under the influence of stimulants for any length of time. Example: someone may continuously use crank (an amphetamine, frighteningly similar to Adderall) for 30 hours. After the 30 hours, they may sleep for 30 hours, ("crash") because their body is so worn out from being "up".

This may explain some of the fatigue you all are feeling. Even if you don't feel "high" or "speedy", Adderall is a stimulant and does stimulate your body. After your body is done "running on high gear", it's bound to feel tired.

Maria

Well luckygirl

So far pretty good for me. I seems to be doing well with the Adderal XR 20mg it's been oh 10 days or so. I do feel like I am covered better for the day time wise. Will keep posting.

Maria just curious, are you ADD? and do you take meds for it?

I guess my reaction to Adderall is slow compared to the rest you on this site. I started out on 10mg generic (non-XR) for one month, then was put on 20MG XR for 6 months. I am now thinking of upping the dose because it has started to lose its effectiveness, when compared to the way it was when I first took it; however, it still does miracles for my studying. I am curious how long it will work on a higher dose, and what happens when I "max it out?" Are there good alternatives to Adderall that I could switch to at that time? Is it safe to only take it a few times a week, when I really need it, instead of taking it every day? How bad would it be to take two? Thanks for your input folks

Also, I wanted to make a comment to the people that are anti-adderall. I used to be a big preacher on how close it was to drugs and how bad it "must" be for our kids. But after trying to figure out why I was having such a hard time in school, I decided to try it. Now, I wish I had been put on this stuff in high school! It has made an incredible difference in my life. If you don't need it, don't take it. If you think something is wrong with you when you try to focus, try it. It can be the difference between night and day.

Actually Maria isn't very far off. Adderall XR is very gentle for the most part, but it does have a powerful stimulatory effect on the central nervous system. After it wears off, you're going to be tired and irritable as the body copes. That doesn't mean one shouldn't take it, though...far from it (and I don't think Maria meant that either).

Most pdocs will discuss techniques for dealing with withdrawal symptoms. They might involve taking an afternoon immediate-release Adderall or even Ritalin. I've also heard of taking Wellbutrin for this. Some (probably most) don't experience a very pronounced withdrawal at all. This is likely due to their unique biochemistry.

I'm interested in whether those who do have bad withdarawal symptoms (I do) also have acid indigestion a lot or are lactose intolerant? Theory says that things which raise one's stomach pH should also raise absorption of Adderall XR, which makes it last longer and reduces withdrawal. OTC baking soda is one such product. Zantac is another. But this should be discussed with a Dr. It is best to be on the safe side though and avoid fruit juices and other acidifying agents.

Best Wishes,
Steve

I have been on Adderal for years .. I am having a lot of trouble stopping it has anyone else tried to stop that was on it a long time

Actually motherof2, MariaMarchita's comment's were more than accurate. Adderall is an extremely addicting drug. Adderall was like speed for me, and when my doses started to wear off I began taking more and more to the point where I was staying awake for 5 and 6 days at a time, I lost 30lbs. I didn't need to be losing, I developed substance induced psychosis, need I continue? So I went into a drug treatment center and stayed there for 4 months. Your use of the term "drug addict" makes me wonder if you know anything at all about addiction. There are a plethera of people all around you that suffer from addiction of some kind. You don't have to be a bum on the street to have a drug problem. In fact, studies now are saying that children with ADD/ADHD are more likely to become addicts b/c they say that ADD may be an early symptom. Be more sympathetic to what you hear and say, and also be weary about what you may be giving your child, b/c I've been there and it's not a fun place to be.

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One day at a time...

Aderrall....
I have moments of the day when i LOVE it, and at the end of the day i feel down and upset...then comes the part where i cant sleep, and i'm burping , and the next day i cant get out of bed.

Its a rollercoaster somewhat...a cycle. For the first time I am able to concentrate, focus, study, take an INTEREST in school.

I thought I was slow..I got held back in 1st grade and had a horrible time in school. Now I am 24, was finally diagnosed a year ago, and returned to college, and am learning SO much, so quick.

So its a toss up. I choose to stay w/ it and try to find ways around the side effects. I'm going to start working out again, get healthier, and see how it goes.

http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/tired.gif
I have been on adderall for about two years now. I take it for the false sense of well-being. With my ADD it does nothing to make me focus at all. It just makes me more confident in social situations. It puts me to sleep at times where I can't keep my eyes open - about 20 minutes after taking it. The XR is useless because after a while it wears off by two hours or less. For me it is much better to take the regular one. Again, some of us are sleepy from Adderall and maybe that is a good thing for children who need to slow down to pay attention in school, for hyper folks who need to slow down. It makes me so tired I have to fight my way through the day. But....I can't give up the nice feeling it gives me...feeling like I am on top of the world for a few hours a day. Heaven help me when coming down, so then does my whole world. Have tried all of these drugs and nothing makes me speed up at any dosage, maybe for a few days but nothing after that. I wish they had something that could stay with us for at least 10 hours. Wishful thinking....

BTW...also on Effexor XR....trying to get off of it, my doc will be switching me. This drug does cause most to be very tired...it isn't all that great.

Be well all....and stay awake...we only get one try at this life.

Fellow ADD'er http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/yawn.gif

Crimson... umm are you sure you have ADD? Adderall shouldnt make you feel "high" -- ie false sense of wellbeing, more confident in social situations, and does not help you focus... doesnt sound like you are taking this medication properly...

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Learn from the mistakes of others. You can't live long enough to make them all yourself.

Hello Free Spirit, http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif thanks for your "ummm" http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/confused.gif concern with my diagnosis of ADD. My doctor is quite knowledgeable in his work and has even written books on this subject. As you know in order to re-new prescriptions of Adderall the Rx must actually be picked up from the Physician. My doctor requires a consultation for every Rx written when it comes to this med. I have been on it for over two years. So to answer another one of your questions, yes, I do take my medication as prescribed and correctly.

Free Spirit, since you are surprised and show concern with Adderall helping on the social front and euphoric edge, you may want to do some investigating on the net. In your browser type "Adderall Social Situations" "Adderall And Tiredness", etc. Type the word Adderall in different word combos and you will find scores of sites discussing these issues. Even your local library will have resources just the same. For some of us Adderall works different even on a daily basis, the drug is very powerful and can provide both "bad" and "good" but the good usually outweighs the bad. Just like any type of highly addictive drug of this nature, repercussions are always a concern.

Anyway, the original author who started this thread may no longer be in need of information but for the sake of others who read for information, I did share my experience. But I do appreciate the concern over my own personal medication regiment.

Again, thank you for your inquiry and hopefully your current questions on Adderall have been answered.

Best regards,

Crimson http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/angel.gif

I know plenty about adderall. Sure it can be helpful in social situations but usually thats because it helps patients focus and be more in control so they no longer have to be nervous about doing something stupid. You are getting a "false sense of wellbeing" That is not something an ADHD med is supposed to provide. That is whats called getting a "buzz" off your meds........

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Learn from the mistakes of others. You can't live long enough to make them all yourself.

For me, the negative outweighs the positive.

crimson, I think you and me have the same problem. I love the way it helps me talk to people. It's the best feeling in the world for someone who is anti-social to become outgoing and talkative. But like you, I feel absolutely terrible when I come off of it. I can't laugh or joke with my friends and have a cold, expressionless stare on my face. and no, it doesn't seem to be doing too much for my concentration either.

*I started taking adderall xr and I need help-I feel tired also!*
I have been complaining of fatigue now for 10 years. I have tried many different things, but nothing has worked. I am not depressed; just tired. Finally, my doctor suggested that I take Ritalin. I went to a specialist, and he prescribed me initially 10 mg, then 20 mg. The effects were fantastic! I could go to school and not feel bored. I was not fatigued during the day anymore, and I no longer had insomnia at night time. My doctor wanted me to compare that medicine to another, so to contrast Ritalin, he prescribed me Adderall XR; initially 10 mg in the morning, and currently 20 mg in the morning. I still get the same effects of Ritalin except I do not feel "speedy". It seemed that the Ritalin would give a quick "punch" of energy, while Adderall almost sneaks up or washes over me, and I don’t even notice that I am feeling more alert until I think about it. I feel that the XR kicks in about one hour, and stays at that level for about 4-5 hours. But, I do not feel that it lasts all day. I have a severe crash in the afternoon, and on days when I am at school from 8-5, that crash is detrimental. It seems like the minutes take hours; I cant focus, I cant concentrate. Does anyone notice that Adderall XR does not have XR effects? I respond to the medicine SO WELL in the morning, but I feel completely opposite in the afternoon. I think that I have had ADD for so long, and that the fatigue came from my boredom; going undiagnosed for so long has been really hard on me and I feel like I have missed out on so much. I guess I am scared that I am going to go back to that place I had been before: the tired person who despite trying to stay awake during the day, fell asleep and never got anything done. Its not like I am a different person. It feels like I am that person that I always knew I could be and wanted to be, but at the time I didnt have the steps I needed to become that person. I have improved so much; I take many hard college classes and instead of receiving my normal C or B, I am getting all A's and A+'s on exams (even Chemistry and Physics; I am now at the top 5% of my class). People have asked me to become private tutors, and the School of Nursing has asked me to speak to the incoming freshman classes. This is extreme improvements, but as I said, I am scared since the fatigue has been slowly coming back in the afternoon. Does anyone have this effect? Also, what is the max. adderall dose? My doctor looked it up and said that the max. adderall dose was 30mg, but from what I understand adderall has only been tested in children (and I am not saying that adults cannot take it). So, is 30mg the max. child dose, or adult dose?

kmoonshine, Sorry I can't help you with your dosage questions, but I just wanted to relate my tiredness story to you for what it's worth. I had been diagnosed with depression and the doctors tried about a dozen different antidepressants on me over a period of several years. I think all of the ones they had me on were the SSRI kind, which affects the serotonin level in your system. I've been on so many I can't even remember them all. What I do know is that none of them helped me at all with the tired feeling. My being tired was what I was always complaining about to the doctors and after trying all these antidepressants I was still so tired. I would drag myself out of bed in the morning (sometimes not until the afternoon), drag myself through the day, all the time anxious to go back to bed again that night. I felt like a zombie! A few years ago I started seeing a psychologist unlike any other professional I had ever seen. Actually the four of us (me, hubby, son, and daughter) were there seeing her because of the family problems we were having. It took just that one visit for her to tell me that she thought I had ADD, something none of the other doctors, psychologists, psychiatrists, and counselors ever picked up on! She recommended to my psychiatrist that I get on Wellbutrin. That made such a difference within just 3 days! I couldn't believe it..I had energy again! I'm still on it and still don't feel tired. I was also put on Adderall for the ADD about two years ago. I'm still trying to decide if it helps me or not, but that psychologist and my doctor seem to think that I should continue to take it. I wish you luck.

I take 20mg dose of Adderall XR daily, and I feel anything but tired. I've been taken it for 5 days. Instead sleeping 8-9 hours like normal, I only take 3-4. And I don't feel tired when I go to bed, I just go to bed because I'm afraid I'll pass out the next day at class or work.

For the people that stay awake for 5 days, like gotadd, are you incappable of sleeping or just didn't try to? I've never stayed awake for more then like 36 hours, so I'm curios what's like to stay for 5 days or so. I'm afraid my curious might get the best of me.