Posted by Sarah T. on July 20, 2005, at 19:04:39
In reply to Re: On second thought. . . » Sarah T., posted by KaraS on July 19, 2005, at 22:12:50
Hi Kara,
I prefer the name-brand for most drugs. In most cases, I do think it makes a difference, but I know others would disagree with me. Is it possible to go back to the doctor and ask him for an rx for the name brand? The trouble is, it might be a lot more expensive; however, it's an old drug, so I would think it wouldn't be nearly as expensive as Adderall XR or Concerta.
As far as the timing of the Spansules, well, I can't remember what the PDR says, but I think the drug lasts anywhere from 5 or 6 to 9 hours. I don't think it ever lasted 12 hours for me, but since this med is so new for you and you haven't developed any tolerance, you might be very sensitive at first. I suggest taking it as early in the day as possible.
Try not to take very acidic food or fluids with it. I took my vitamin C and juice at night before bed. Acidic products hasten the urinary excretion of amphetamines, and that, in turn, might hasten the development of tolerance, which you want to stave off as long as possible. Also, try to take days off from the med whenever you can, like on the weekends. Another thing that helped for me was to take it an hour before or two hours after meals. Food does seem to weaken the effects of the drug, but DON'T starve yourself, and don't try to go without food for too many hours because, in addition to the importance of maintaining good nutrition, ketosis (which happens when you don't eat) creates an acidic environment which, again, hastens the excretion of the drug and hastens tolerance.
I thought it was the only med that has ever really helped me, but I developed a tolerance to it, so I'm trying to build up more sensitivity to it again by staying off it as long as possible. I would like to go back on it at some point. I doubt it will ever be as effective as it once was, but I do think it will be somewhat helpful again.
Dexedrine has been around for years (over 50 years, I think), and there has been a lot of research on it, so it's not like taking a new SSRI or SNRI which might result in a lot of unpleasant "surprises" a few months or years down the line. It's a shame that there is such a stigma attached to amphetamines. If used carefully, conservatively, and judiciously, Dexedrine is an excellent medicine.
poster:Sarah T.
thread:530246
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050718/msgs/530777.html