Posted by Ritch on May 30, 2002, at 23:38:22
In reply to Concerta vs Adderall and mood swings, posted by JuniperF on May 30, 2002, at 16:49:06
> I have been taking Adderall 30mg three times a day for 4 months. I have noticed that since I started taking this medication I have more mood swings. I notice these especially if I haven't eaten or if I have consumed alcohol. Mainly I get angry or very irritable. Sometimes I will cry. I am also on Paxil. Before I started Adderall I didn't have these mood swings or angry outbursts with alcohol or without. I have been on Paxil over a year. I was rarely grumpy and now I am grumpy much more often. Now, the good part of Adderall. I lost 20 pounds, but I don't want to be an unhappy thin person. I can concentrate way better and am able to read more. I do a much better job at work. I am much more focused. I will be going back to school and it is immensely helpful for that. I was going to just drop this med altogether, but then I read some stuff about concerta being better with controlling anger, etc. However, it is still amphetamine based so I am doubtful. Thanks!
That is a very high dose (90mg/day of Adderall). I believe the maximum recommended by the manufacturer is 60mg/day for narcolepsy. I would suggest tapering the Adderall carefully and slowly (over weeks) to see if the irritabilty improves(perhaps a target of 30mg/day). You may be getting dopamine "depletion". Also, high levels of the stimulant may be exhausting your adrenal glands and playing havoc with your blood sugar levels, hormones, etc. I wouldn't mess with a different stimulant until you see how a dosage taper on the Adderall fares, IMO.Mitch
poster:Ritch
thread:108092
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020525/msgs/108118.html