Posted by ODAT on November 14, 2005, at 19:25:17
In reply to Re: Experiences w/ generic Adderall?, posted by zuerlein2001 on May 4, 2004, at 21:32:29
Hi, new to these forums! Found this thread looking for info on Google. Was looking more info, but it looks like I may have more info than has been posted thus far, though I found the chemical explanation of the 4 salts helpful--no wonder the generic stuff tastes so sweet.
As background, I was diagnosed in 2002 by a licensed clinical psychologist at age 30, and have exhibited ADHD/ADD symptoms from early childhood without treatment or recognition, apart from my kindergarten teacher, who told my parents I was hyperactive and should take ritalin, to which my mother said no way. I have taken Paxil, generic ritalin,Celexa and Adderall XR for treatment of my symptoms of adult ADD (a combo of spaced-out and impulsive subtypes, no hyperactivity). Currently only taking generic adderall. SO that's my background.
I had taken Adderall XR 30mg per day for about 6 months until my insurance changed, and I just couldn't afford it anymore. Due to a county program, I can afford the generic non-extended release. These are the oval, bright blue scored pills described, which I take 2x a day at 30 mg. each dose. I have been following this regimen for a little over a month, and here are my observations of how this drug compares to the name-brand XR:
~ last about 3.5 to 4 hours. I take 2nd dose 3.5 hrs after first so I don't take a dip in the middle, which is exhausting.
~Less appetite depression for me
~If I don't eat regularly, I get depressed (emotionally), dizzy and confused (I'm borderline hypoglycemic), and all the positive drug benefits disappear, which didn't happen if I skipped a meal on XR.
~More frequent depression when I come off in the evening, although this is not always. Definitely is related to my blood-sugar. Once I eat, I usually perk up again.
~Works better (more quickly, noticeably) when I take before a meal, as opposed to with or after a meal.
~Less dry-mouth.
~More up and down feeling unless I time the second dose at just the right time, and there is definitely more variation in strength of effect/efficacy with other variables-food, timing, how much sleep I've gotten, type of foods eaten, water intake, etc.Hope this helps. I feel it is acceptable as a substitute for XR, and if I could go back to XR, I'm really not sure if I would or not. I have lost less weight with this stuff, which is a good thing for me, but I have a concern about my increased occurence of depression, which negatively effects my job performance.
I think it may be because I really don't like my current job, but the emotional boost I get from the drug helps me just keep on track and DO the job instead getting distracted by how I feel about it. Anyone else with some experience with mood swings on the Adderall drugs? I'll post a new thread so this one doesn't get jacked--of course I'll have to remember to do it! OK, gotta go now. See ya.
poster:ODAT
thread:103958
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20051112/msgs/578752.html