Help- Adderall XR, AM I abusing it?

[jnny88]

Am I abusing adderall? I almost tend to think I am because I almost feel dependent on it. I started taking Adderall XR 15mg when I was 15y/o. I had taken that dose almost daily until after turned 19y/o and I started a job that had me working 14 hours a day, so I upped my dose to 20mg. I have been taking 20mg on most days for about 8 months now. I've always known the effects of Adderall and whatnot and never thought I was abusing it, and have always been concerned about future health risks and dependency. The reason I say I feel dependent is because whenever I go a day without any adderall I can barely do anything like I'll sleep like a baby, I'll hardly think about anything, and my movements are very clumsy- almost like a physical dependence. It <scares me a lot> to think I'm addicted to something.
And I have become a moody person. I'm not a naturally "edgy" person, but I think the adderall can turn me into one sometimes. It has taken so much of my own brainpower to combat the side effects of Adderall. I'm tired of combating the side effects, I want off of this stuff. But I can't just "go off" of it right now because I'm starting a new job next week. Does anyone have any adivice/tips or has anyone experienced what I'm talking about? If so, please feel free to talk!!

[janewhite1]

Okay, this sounds like something you might want to talk to your doctor about. Do not use the word addicted, or he may feel legally required to stop your prescriptions.

Here's what I'd guess. Are you sleeping enough, especially with those 14 hour days? 20mg, in an extended release form, could easily keep you up nights. Then, when you don't take it, your body finally grabs the sleep it needs. Adderall is mean to improve concentration, not let you function without sleep.

Can you try not taking it on weekends? Or at least taking less on weekends? It helps prevent or reduce tolerance.

[rheanna]

jnny88,

It might be that your symptoms are a result of taking too high a dosage. I am taking regular (generic) Ritalin, so I don't have experience with extended release meds. But I have read on other posts that it might be better to keep your first dose of the day at your previous lower level, and then take another dose of non-extended release med when that starts to wear off. That is, find some way to extend the effectiveness over a longer period rather than increasing the dosage all at once.

--Rheanna

[Thunor]

The only thing I would add to what's already been said is that it doesn't sound like you're abusing your Adderall. Abuse generally means that you're taking more than your prescription recommends or you're taking something you're not supposed to. If you find that your current dose is insufficient and start taking a second dose during the day, then you really have to worry about words like 'addiction' and 'abuse.'

Your withdrawal symptoms are a concern, but it sounds like you just have to work with your doctor and find the right dosage or perhaps a different medication to minimize your issues. I've never taken Adderall, but from what I've seen on this board, it does seem to be more likely to cause overt symptoms of dependence than some of the other ADD meds (Concerta, Ritalin, etc.).

[addprogrammer]

jnny,

Back c. 1970 I abused meth. I know what abuse and addiction mean. Good news, you aren't abusing anything other than your body. Your 14 hour job has got you operating near the red line. Adderall masks fatigue. No Adderall and your body says, "time to pay up on your energy deficit."

So pay it by sleeping the entire day or get a job that takes less out of you. As mentioned, do not drive yourself further into exhaustion by upping the Adderall. There comes a point when nothing will keep you going. Sadly that point corresponds to addiction.

Bob