Posted by wondering on November 8, 2003, at 10:18:23
In reply to Re: Adderall XR vs Dexedrine Spansules » Greg, posted by Ame Sans Vie on November 5, 2003, at 11:02:48
I too am very interested in hearing about experiences with Adderall vs. Dexedrine.
I was diagnosed with depression and ADHD (inattentive) a couple months ago (mid-40s). Started on Wellbutrin for a month or so, then my doc added Adderall XR. Started with 5 MG for a week, then have upped by 5 MG each week. Am now at 20 MG.
My reaction to the Adderall seems quite mixed. At this dose, about 30 to 45 minutes after taking in the AM, I do feel more focused. I do yoga in the morning and find that my practice is much improved (able to breath more deeply and regularly; more focused). When I get to work, although I’m definitely more focused, I've been noticing a lot more neck and shoulder tension (I tend to carry lots of tension in neck "normally"), and find myself sort of holding my breath. This seems paradoxical to the ability to relax and focus in Yoga. When I do notice the tension, I do seem to be able to "let it go," but as I get back into a task, the tension is back.
Whatever positive effect I seem to get in focusing (along with the muscle tension) wears off quickly, and about 3 or 3.5 hours after taking the dose, I feel very tired. After an hour or so of fighting the fatigue, I feel sort of ok (when the second half kicks in), but don’t feel much, if any, benefit over baseline. Later in the afternoon, I feel sort of ill, like I’m coming down with the flu or something, complete with slight swelling to in neck glands.
This pattern has been very consistent for the past couple days. I’m wondering if perhaps some of the longer acting amphetamine salts in Adderall "don’t agree with me" or something. If that is possible, I thought that perhaps Dexedrine alone might work better for me. I also think that whatever I take, I'd prefer immediate release, so I have more control over timing.
Any input from folks who have experience with Adderall and/or Dexedrine would be much appreciated.
Also, any thoughts on alleviating the muscle tension would be appreciated. Might you expect more or less muscle tension from Dexedrine?
My neck has actually gotten a bit sore from the tension. I’m also grinding my teeth at night. I read that Neurontin can help with the teeth grinding, but have read mixed things about it, and have no idea if it would help with the neck tension during the day (or would it just cancel out the stimulant effect?).
poster:wondering
thread:276674
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20031105/msgs/277712.html