Posted by gerri_mww on August 9, 2000, at 18:53:22
In reply to Re: Side Affects of Adderall, posted by Treasa on June 20, 1999, at 1:13:14
> > I am 32 and have been on Adderall for 2 years. It is the only thing that has helped me with a constant fatigue that I had all of my life. I lost weight at first because it surpressed my appetite but after awhile this wears off. It is definately a stimulant and if I take it after 2:00 pm I have trouble falling asleep.
> >
> > Good Luck
>
> I am a 33 year old mother of 3,2 daughters and 1 a son my son was diagnosed with ADHD
> when he was 5. He was given Ritilin for 2 years and it never seemed to help then Cylert and
> Clonidine also no help. 3 years ago he was given Adderall and it has helped a GREAT deal.He is now
> 14 and doing great his school work has improved and he now not only listens but also talks about
> the way he feels.Now to my question. A year ago we started talking about the out of control feeling
> that was presant befor he started taking adderall and I relized that what he was saying was the way I
> have felt all my life. It was like a light at the end of the tunnle so I thought. I desided to talk to
> Talk to my G.P. about this and he told me I was just depressed and gave me Zoloft BIG MISTAKE! I took
> it like he said 30 days faitfully. I was tired and cried over everything small problems seems to large
> handle and doing daily ruteens was out of the question.I have always had problems staying on task and
> have had problems controlling my emotions.I explained this to my G.P. and he told me to stop taking the
> Zoloft and to get on with my life. That didn't work either so became my own doctor. I desided that I
> would try my sons Adderall and see what happend. WOW it was like my life was new I was happy and every day
> problems were easy to handle I found myself looking forward to the next day.I know what your thinking
> Yes I took a few of his pills but only if one was skipped by him or forgotten I have never taken any that
> he didn't have to spare. I find myself looking forward to the end of the month when we know he has enough
> to last him and a few to spare for me. I feel like a jerk for medicating myself but have lost faith with
> my G.P. and am afraid to tell another what I know and how know it.I was told I could go to jail for self
> medicating this way. Does anyone have a sugestion for me. I know this can also be my new lease on life.
>
>
> Thank You, Treasa
First off stop beating yourself up. I am SURE all of us ADDult ADDers with ADD kids have often wanted to try our kids meds before getting them ourself. I know I would have except with my ADD I also have extreme anxiety and I am sure I would have talked myself into having a heart attack by taking just one (even though now I take 40mg/day and feel I need a slight increase or to ADD a second dose in the afternoon).
Also you should BLAME your G.P. who has done nothing to help you. Very often children with ADD have one or two parents with ADD (it IS hereditary). Talk to your son's doc and see if he can refer you to a Psych who treats ADDults with ADD.
Most new research shows you probably NEVER grow out of it. Keep looking for a reliable Psych. and do not be afraid to share "why" you think this med will be right for you. You could say it was a bad day and out of despiration to find a cure for how out of control your life is (impulsiveness is a BIG symptom of ADD and they will recognise it as one)
Say you took one pill and noticed a change as you described. They cannot put you in jail for only taking one (a few) and if you are seeking help. I would not take anymore though. You can build up a tolerance and could maybe lower the effectiveness when you do start taking it on a daily basis.
I wish you luck and remember to never give up. It took me almost a year between my self-diagnosis to get an "official" one and put on meds (we only have 1 Psych in area to treat ADDults).
Let us know how things are going now that it's been a few weeks...
Gerri
poster:gerri_mww
thread:1101
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000729/msgs/42464.html