![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 25. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by jp on October 15, 1999, at 12:18:36
Started taking Ritalin today. The question is: What is "better": Ritalin or Dexedrine? I am an 27yr old ADDer.
Please share your insight or experience if you've tried both...
thanks,
jp
Posted by dove on October 15, 1999, at 13:32:54
In reply to Ritalin or Dexedrine? Which is "better"?, posted by jp on October 15, 1999, at 12:18:36
I take Adderall, which is comparable to Dexedrine in theory. Ritalin was the first CNS Stimulant my daughter was prescribed. She had some major problems with it, real moody, roller-coaster feelings. She said it would work and then suddenly not work, there seemed to be no predictability, completely random.
Next, she tried Ritalin Sustained Release, which had the same profile only add the sometime longer lasting ups and downs, more intense onset and the occasional no onset.
Adderall is apparently smoother, longer-lasting and has less negative side-effects for people I personally know. Dexedrine appears to work in a similar manner to Adderall. This would give it a longer period of action, smoother onset (no racing heart/less panic or anxiety rushes)Less instability (constant rather than up-down-up-down) and a slow down as opposed to Ritalin's big crash.
If you look around the current board and the archived boards you'll find a lot more info. Watch or search for keywords like: ADD, ADHD, Stimulants, Adderall, Dexedrine, Ritalin and Ritalin SR. Really, that should be enough, there's quite a few posts on this board about the Stim's. Take care.
dove~
Posted by JohnL on October 15, 1999, at 17:30:02
In reply to Ritalin or Dexedrine? Which is "better"?, posted by jp on October 15, 1999, at 12:18:36
> Started taking Ritalin today. The question is: What is "better": Ritalin or Dexedrine? I am an 27yr old ADDer.
>
> Please share your insight or experience if you've tried both...
>
> thanks,
>
> jpHi jp. Sorry, I haven't tried either of these. So I speak not from experience. In reading and researching however it seems if one doesn't work well, or is poorly tolerated, another will do better. Some docs favor Dexedrine. Some favor Ritalin. I have heard comments of Ritalin creating a roller coaster ride, up and down and up and down, I think due to it's very short half-life. Peaks and valleys. That's about all I know. Some love it. Some hate it. Just gotta try em and see how they work for YOU.
Posted by Noa on October 15, 1999, at 21:03:26
In reply to Re: Ritalin or Dexedrine? Which is "better"?, posted by JohnL on October 15, 1999, at 17:30:02
My doc has always asked if I notice rebound irritability/depressed mood when the ritalin wears off and I always used to say, don't notice anything. Now, as I am beginning to feel better, coming out of severe depression, I do notice. As the ritalin wears off, I feel irritable and spacy, and cranky. Especially midday. My doc suggested maybe two doses of ritalin SR-one in the am, one at noon. I am concerned it will be too stimulating to sleep. On the other hand, if it takes away the roller coaster effect, maybe I should try it.
BTW, Bob, re: sleep: I have little problem falling asleep, despite jitteriness that I think is seratonin induced. It's just that I wake up at 2 or 3 am with these jitters and tic-like movements, and a verbal tic, like talking in my sleep only it continues after I am awake, and overall yukky "squiggles" feeling. I have always been sensitive to the seratonin, it causes myoclonic jerks and twitches, too, when I am at rest. They wake me up just as I am falling asleep, which is annoying, but I am able to go back to sleep again. ALl of these movement difficulties is why I have such a complex cocktail in the first place, to augment, so I wouldn't have to go up in my dose. Now I am up in dose and these annoying effects are coming back. I am always asking, must it always be a trade off like this?
Posted by saint james on October 16, 1999, at 22:07:25
In reply to Ritalin or Dexedrine? Which is "better"?, posted by jp on October 15, 1999, at 12:18:36
> Started taking Ritalin today. The question is: What is "better": Ritalin or Dexedrine? I am an 27yr old ADDer.
>
> Please share your insight or experience if you've tried both...
>
> thanks,
>
> jpJames here....
I feel dexedrine is. It is a longer acting stim so you don't get the peaks and valleys that Rit
tends to cause. The spansule formulation gives very even dosing, and seems a better time release
formulation than Adderal. I also question the use
of L-amphetamine, as it has negative side effects.
Another "least patentable difference" ?j
Posted by Ann on October 17, 1999, at 4:10:36
In reply to Re: Ritalin or Dexedrine? Which is "better"?, posted by saint james on October 16, 1999, at 22:07:25
> > Started taking Ritalin today. The question is: What is "better": Ritalin or Dexedrine? I am an 27yr old ADDer.
> >
> > Please share your insight or experience if you've tried both...
> >
> > thanks,
> >
> > jp
>
> I'm new here--my son does great on Ritalin for ADHD, but it gives me headaches so much that most of the time I don't even take it. After this small sample I plan to ask my doctor for a trial of Dexedrine. I don't have ADHD, by the way, I am taking it to boost my energy while we look for a new antidepressant, my Effexor stopped working after five years!
>
Posted by dove on October 18, 1999, at 10:24:33
In reply to Re: Ritalin or Dexedrine? Which is "better"?, posted by saint james on October 16, 1999, at 22:07:25
S.J. wrote:
I also question the use of L-amphetamine, as it has negative side effects. Another "least patentable difference" ?What exactly does the preceeding mean? Is this a difference between Adderall and Dexedrine?
I'm very interested and I have searched and searched for more info on the Adderall, it seems to be too new or not prescribed often enough to generate much info. I usually end up reading about dexedrine and I know they're not the same.
all ears,
dove
Posted by saint james on October 21, 1999, at 2:10:14
In reply to ? for Saint J: dexe vs Adderall, posted by dove on October 18, 1999, at 10:24:33
> S.J. wrote:
> I also question the use of L-amphetamine, as it has negative side effects. Another "least patentable difference" ?
>James here...
Adderal was on the market as Orbitol till the 70's, was pulled because of abuse. Was re-introduced as Adderal as of late.
Adderal is a 50/50 mix of D and L amphetamine.
D and L refer to isomers, isomers mean a chemical with the same # of atoms, but in a different arrangement. D is "left handed" arrangement, L is the right. Biology mostly runs on D isomers, the universe is rather left handed, though there are exceptions, like the aminos. Look on the net about isomers, you really need graphics to understand this ! Many times the L is not active in humans, or is not useful, or has negative side effects.Dex is all d-amphetamine, proven to be active in humans. L-amphetamine has some action, but tends to have more negative effects. Reported are: makes you more shakey, dysphoria, sweaty, ect.
The D vers is more smooth feeling."Least patentable difference" is the least chemical difference you can change a compound from the patent to get another patent. In this case it is the addition of L-amphetamine, and a few other things.
j
Posted by cityboy on October 27, 1999, at 1:14:17
In reply to Re: ? for Saint J: dexe vs Adderall, posted by saint james on October 21, 1999, at 2:10:14
> > S.J. wrote:
> > I also question the use of L-amphetamine, as it has negative side effects. Another "least patentable difference" ?
> >
>
> James here...
>
> Adderal was on the market as Orbitol till the 70's, was pulled because of abuse. Was re-introduced as Adderal as of late.
^^^^^^
Obetrol was not pulled because of "abuse" exclusively. It was discontinued because the AMA re-evaluated the use of amphetamine for long
term obesity therapy. At the same time, the AMA discontinued the use of all amphetamine/barbiturate mixtures, calling them
irrational; e.g., Obedrine, Eskatrol, Biphetamine-T, all of which were called "goof balls.">
> //snip//
>>D is "left handed" arrangement, L is the right. Biology mostly runs on D isomers, the universe is rather left handed, though there are exceptions, like the aminos. Look on the net about isomers, you really need graphics to understand this ! Many times the L is not active in humans, or is not useful, or has negative side effects.
^^^^^^^^^
Pardon me, but you have these terms mixed up.
The "D" refers to "dextro" or RIGHT HAND ROTATION of the molecules.
The "L" (levo) is the left hand rotation.
The "dextro," "d-," is always the more powerful of the two.
Both "d-" and "l-" are latin terms.An example of L-amphetamine is benzedrine, or "Bennies," a truck-driver's friend (good movie: DEATH IN SMALL DOSES).
Benzedrine was also stuck in an inhaler called BENZEDREX to dry up mucous tissue in the nose.An example of d-amphetamine is dexedrine, or "Dexies," a delightful "house-wife" drug which can lead to the Mad-Hatters Syndrome, if abused (and it usually is).
Another difference between the two is the way the almighty DEA "sees" them.
Dexedrine is classified as a CONTROL II substance, whereas benzedrine, as
a rule, is considered a CONTROL III drug (DIDREX, an anoretic from UpJohn).I suppose you could mix the two, but that would send the DEA into a tizzy.
ADDERALL, from what I understand, contains amphetamine resins, whatever that crap is.
> Dex is all d-amphetamine, proven to be active in humans.
> L-amphetamine has some action, but tends to have more negative effects. Reported are: makes you more shakey, dysphoria, sweaty, ect.
^^^^^^^^^
See DIDREX reference above.> The D vers is more smooth feeling.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Meaning what?
> "Least patentable difference" is the least chemical difference you can change a compound from the patent to get another patent. In this case it is the addition of L-amphetamine, and a few other things.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
This makes no sense at all, sorry.> j
The point of all this: when choosing between Ritalin and Dexedrine, go with the one that's been around since 1927; i.e., tried and true d-amphetamine.
Of course, you might want to ask your pdoc for DESOXYN (methamphetamine - Abbott) providing, of course, he doesn't laugh you
right out of his office.citiboy
Posted by saint james on October 29, 1999, at 3:22:55
In reply to Re: ? for Saint J: dexe vs Adderall <<-SAY WHAT?, posted by cityboy on October 27, 1999, at 1:14:17
> Obetrol was not pulled because of "abuse" exclusively. It was discontinued because the AMA re-evaluated the use of amphetamine for long
> term obesity therapy. At the same time, the AMA discontinued the use of all amphetamine/barbiturate mixtures, calling them
> irrational; e.g., Obedrine, Eskatrol, Biphetamine-T, all of which were called "goof balls."
>Obetrol was a single agent ( really 4, but all amphetamines) no barbiturate
> Pardon me, but you have these terms mixed up.
> The "D" refers to "dextro" or RIGHT HAND ROTATION of the molecules.This is what happens when you have mixed domance.
Thanks for the correction !>
> Another difference between the two is the way the almighty DEA "sees" them.
> Dexedrine is classified as a CONTROL II substance, whereas benzedrine, as
> a rule, is considered a CONTROL III drug (DIDREX, an anoretic from UpJohn).Didrex is not and amphetamine. All amphetamines are Sch II
>
> I suppose you could mix the two, but that would send the DEA into a tizzy.
> ADDERALL, from what I understand, contains amphetamine resins, whatever that crap is.Adderal is 4 chems, d-amphetamine as 2 salts and l-amphetamine as 2 salts. resin(s) refers to the slow release agent the amphetamines are bound in, thus making a slow release med.
>
> > Dex is all d-amphetamine, proven to be active in humans.
> > L-amphetamine has some action, but tends to have more negative effects. Reported are: makes you more shakey, dysphoria, sweaty, ect.
> ^^^^^^^^^
> See DIDREX reference above.
>
> > The D vers is more smooth feeling.
> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
> Meaning what?Causes less negative effects, like sweating. Tends to cause disphoria
>
> > "Least patentable difference" is the least chemical difference you can change a compound from the patent to get another patent. In this case it is the addition of L-amphetamine, and a few other things.
> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
> This makes no sense at all, sorry.EX... take Prozac (a patent) and change one atom,
then you can patent it as a new drug, which may or may not be the same as Prozac in effect. This was done with the TCA's...Tofrinil was the first
AD, someone got a patent on it. A slight change of atoms produced all the other TCA's and each new AD had enough difference so the make could get a new patent. This is "least pattentable difference"j
Posted by Nick Caruso on June 26, 2001, at 16:53:00
In reply to Re: ? for Saint J: dexe vs Adderall, posted by saint james on October 21, 1999, at 2:10:14
Ask around or do the research and you will find that some people prefer dexedrine and some prefer adderall. People react differently to them. Dexedrine is all dextroamphetamine which is a syntheticly altered amphetamine. Adderall is both dextroamphetamine and amphetamine. Adderall controls the release of amphetamine with the different mixes (sulfate, etc...). It allows for a much longer acting slower releasing med. Dexedrine is primarily controled by a spanule. But if this thing is broken, it will cause a quick short speed rush. Short as in about the time methylphenidate lasts. However, methylphenidate is a MILD central nervous system stimulant. Dextroamphetamine is a all out CNS stimulant. It is way more powerful than methylphenidate hydrochloride.
Anyways, Adderall contains Dextroamphetamine Sulfate + Dextroamphetamine Saccharate + Amphetamine Asparate + Amphetamine Sulphate. All get an equal share of the pill. 1/4 for each solution. Amphetamine is more powerful than dextroamphetamine. Amphetamine Sulfate is a widely abused street drug.
Overall, in most cases, Adderall seems to be the choice for people. It lasts longer and is more powerful than dexedrine. Its "speed rush" comes on more gradually. And it comes down more smoothly. Most people on dexedrine crash after it wears off. I've been on both and I can definitely say Adderall is by far better than dexedrine. Many of the people I talk to agree. In fact, I've never heard of someone who preferred Dexedrine to Adderall, at least yet.
Posted by Nick Caruso on June 26, 2001, at 17:09:08
In reply to Re: Ritalin or Dexedrine? Which is , posted by Ann on October 17, 1999, at 4:10:36
Ritalin is a weak CNS stimulant. It is more powerful than caffeine but much less powerful than amphetamine. It is very fast acting which is a positive. However, it doesn't last long. Even the sustained release is poorly controled. Alza Pharmaceuticals new Concerta is a good controlled release form of methylphenidate. So the multiple doses are fixed as well as the ups and downs. No crash basically. But its still not anywhere near as powerful as dextroamphetamine. Dexedrine has a good sustained release form using spanules. Both Concerta and Dexedrine can be all messed up dose wise if you tamper with the pill. So the answer is dexedrine. But it does depend on the situation all things considered. The severity of the ADD, narcolepsy, etc... But once again, Adderall seems to be, if not is, even better than them both.
About this stupid patent thing. The l-amphetamine in Adderall is a significant part to the med. It has no negative side effects. You wouldn't know unless you tried them all and got other people's input. Adderall is similar to Dexedrine, but is very different at the same time. The're not "altering one atom". You're theory is completely wrong.
Posted by Andy123 on June 26, 2001, at 21:50:31
In reply to Re: Dexedrine vs Adderall, posted by Nick Caruso on June 26, 2001, at 16:53:00
>Dexedrine is all dextroamphetamine which is a syntheticly altered amphetamine.
All amphetamines are synthetic:
dextroamphetamine is an non-racemic amphetamine. It has been separated into its dextro-rotary and levo-rotary pairs, and only the d- type is kept. The d form is more centrally acting than the l form. The l form has more peripheral activity, and is therefor considered less desirable. Peripheral stimulation is often associated with anxiety and other side effects (possibly chronic ones like elevated blood sugar.)
Posted by Lorraine on June 26, 2001, at 22:58:02
In reply to Re: Dexedrine vs Adderall, posted by Nick Caruso on June 26, 2001, at 16:53:00
> Ask around or do the research and you will find that some people prefer dexedrine and some prefer adderall. People react differently to them. Dexedrine is all dextroamphetamine which is a syntheticly altered amphetamine. Adderall is both dextroamphetamine and amphetamine. Adderall controls the release of amphetamine with the different mixes (sulfate, etc...). It allows for a much longer acting slower releasing med. Dexedrine is primarily controled by a spanule. But if this thing is broken, it will cause a quick short speed rush. Short as in about the time methylphenidate lasts. However, methylphenidate is a MILD central nervous system stimulant. Dextroamphetamine is a all out CNS stimulant. It is way more powerful than methylphenidate hydrochloride.
>
> Anyways, Adderall contains Dextroamphetamine Sulfate + Dextroamphetamine Saccharate + Amphetamine Asparate + Amphetamine Sulphate. All get an equal share of the pill. 1/4 for each solution. Amphetamine is more powerful than dextroamphetamine. Amphetamine Sulfate is a widely abused street drug.
>
> Overall, in most cases, Adderall seems to be the choice for people. It lasts longer and is more powerful than dexedrine. Its "speed rush" comes on more gradually. And it comes down more smoothly. Most people on dexedrine crash after it wears off. I've been on both and I can definitely say Adderall is by far better than dexedrine. Many of the people I talk to agree. In fact, I've never heard of someone who preferred Dexedrine to Adderall, at least yet.I prefer Adderall for the reasons you have stated.
Posted by Zo on June 28, 2001, at 1:50:38
In reply to Re: Dexedrine vs Adderall, posted by Nick Caruso on June 26, 2001, at 16:53:00
Whoa. Vote here, for Dex. Adderall is nice, but wired! Anxious! Whereas Dex was the one single chemical my brain had been waiting for for years. . .and without it, my life just isn't worth living. It addresses some particular probably family-wide problem. . .And as for rush, I only wish. My pdoc has one patient who takes hers right before bed. For me, it's oil on troubled waters, allowing my brain to work smoothly and right.
That said, my best friend has the same experience with Adderall.
If I have a really tough day ahead, I'll sometimes chip an Adderall. . .wish it were my med, but it's not.
Zo
Posted by stjames on June 29, 2001, at 2:46:50
In reply to Re: Dexedrine vs Adderall, posted by Nick Caruso on June 26, 2001, at 16:53:00
> Overall, in most cases, Adderall seems to be the choice for people. It lasts longer and is more powerful than dexedrine. Its "speed rush" comes on more gradually. And it comes down more smoothly. Most people on dexedrine crash after it wears off. I've been on both and I can definitely say Adderall is by far better than dexedrine. Many of the people I talk to agree. In fact, I've never heard of someone who preferred Dexedrine to Adderall, at least yet.
James here....
Adderall contains 50 % l-amphetamine (in 2 salts)
and there is evidence that l-amphetamine is the more speedy, nervous amphetamine. D-amphetamine tends to be the smoother one. I have tried Adderal and just l-amphetamine, I prefer Dexadrine. Adderal does seem to have a better time release formulation.James
Posted by stjames on June 29, 2001, at 2:59:01
In reply to Re: Ritalin or Dexedrine? Which is better?, posted by Nick Caruso on June 26, 2001, at 17:09:08
> About this stupid patent thing. The l-amphetamine in Adderall is a significant part to the med. It has no negative side effects. You wouldn't know unless you tried them all and got other people's input. Adderall is similar to Dexedrine, but is very different at the same time. The're not "altering one atom". You're theory is completely wrong.
James here....
Least patentable difference is not my theory but a common term in the pharmaceutical industry. It drives many patents. I used the anology of "altering one atom" cuz you did not seem to get it the first time. It is difficult to describe 3-D chemistry in words. In the case of d or l amphetamine it is not one atom but position that is altered. In some cases it is the addition or subtraction of a one or a few atoms. This is enough of a difference to get a patent.
James
Posted by kazoo on July 1, 2001, at 0:47:09
In reply to Re: Dexedrine vs Adderall, posted by Nick Caruso on June 26, 2001, at 16:53:00
> Dexedrine is all dextroamphetamine which is a syntheticly altered amphetamine.
^^^^^^^^^^
*All* amphetamines are synthetic, whether they be dextro, levo or meth. They are made in a laboratory. You will not find this chemical occurring naturally in nature. You may have some amphetamine-like reactions to some natural products touted as diet drugs or "energizers," but it is not amphetamine. Amphetamine was formulated by a chemist, like any chemist would do for, say, a new gasoline additive, in 1927 and has been used/abused ever since.Go here for the dirt on why this drug got a bad name. Bear in mind that the paper was written for a law journal / text-book and is dated 1972: http://www.geocities.com/zoots90210/index.htm
> Amphetamine is more powerful than dextroamphetamine. Amphetamine Sulfate is a widely abused street drug.
^^^^^^^
"Amphetamine" is the GENERAL name for the whole group.Personally, I think this entire genre of drug should be banned permanently. The short-term benefits aren't worth the long term risks and addiction.
Hollywood speed horror movies: "Speed is of the Essence," "Death in Small Doses."
kazoo
Posted by Nick Caruso on September 3, 2001, at 12:24:22
In reply to Re: Dexedrine vs Adderall » Nick Caruso, posted by kazoo on July 1, 2001, at 0:47:09
Which is the most potent amphetamine? Levo or Dextro? Meth is obviously the strongest. But what's next in line.
Posted by ben on September 3, 2001, at 12:31:37
In reply to Amphetamine Potency, posted by Nick Caruso on September 3, 2001, at 12:24:22
> Which is the most potent amphetamine? Levo or Dextro? Meth is obviously the strongest. But what's next in line.
Dex- or dextro means d-amphetamine...this is more active than the stereoisomere l-amphetamine = levo
Posted by dennison on September 4, 2001, at 5:30:27
In reply to Amphetamine Potency, posted by Nick Caruso on September 3, 2001, at 12:24:22
> Which is the most potent amphetamine? Levo or Dextro? Meth is obviously the strongest. But what's next in line.
Hi Easy ? there dextro form is considerably more potent on magnitude of about 4x!!!
Posted by Nick Caruso on September 4, 2001, at 18:57:16
In reply to Re: Amphetamine Potency, posted by dennison on September 4, 2001, at 5:30:27
Amphetamines have been linked to some growth suppression. How serious and common is this. If it occurs in only high doses, how high? And if in only chronic use, how long? Is it something to worry about? Also, when does this issue die off (around what age typically)?
Posted by SalArmy4me on September 4, 2001, at 23:15:59
In reply to Amphetamines and Growth, posted by Nick Caruso on September 4, 2001, at 18:57:16
Casat, Charles D. MD. Hartnagel, William MD. APPETITE AND WEIGHT IN CHILDREN TREATED FOR ADHD. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. 38(7):792-793, July 1999:
"Appetite suppression is a common accompaniment of stimulant use in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Not infrequently, there is a slowing in growth parameters with stimulant treatment, although the ultimate impact of stimulants on growth has been characterized as negligible. In some children, however, weight loss may be significant, leading the clinician and parent to consider stopping treatment. This may present a considerable dilemma because the symptoms themselves may lead to exclusion from important academic and social experiences vital to a child's development.
In the accompanying Letter to the Editor, Dr. Callaghan has described several examples from his practice of children whose weight loss was apparently reversed when bupropion was added to each child's stimulant medication regimen. However, it is not clear whether stimulant dose was reduced as bupropion was added, and the daily dosing was not described. Also, the presence of any comorbid clinical conditions, especially depression, was not mentioned.
Appetite is under complex control of endocrine (insulin and leptin) and neural (norepinephrine, opioids, and neuropeptide Y) mechanisms, mediated especially through the ventromedial hypothalamus (Kalra, 1997) [4]. Although progress has been made recently in understanding the control of appetite, much remains still to be elucidated. With regard to weight changes associated with medications, a large variety of drugs will impact such changes. Those with significant histamine-blocking effect will generally dispose to weight gain, while medications with significant noadrenergic activity may cause weight loss.
The mechanism(s) of bupropion action is thought to involve enhancement of extracellular dopamine levels, the down-regulation of the locus ceruleus, decrease of tyrosine hydroxylase activity, and net improvement of the functional efficiency of norepinephrine (Davidson and Connor, 1998) [3]. Bupropion has no antihistaminic or serotonergic effects (Settle, 1998) [5]. Its net effect on weight across studies in adults is generally reported as being of negligible consequence or of inducing mild weight loss. Two short-term, double-blind studies of bupropion in children with ADHD have been published, including a 4-week, multisite comparison of bupropion (n = 72) and placebo (n = 37) reported by Conners et al. (1996) [2] and a 15-subject cross-over study of bupropion and methylphenidate reported by Barrickman et al. (1995), [1] with 6 weeks in each arm and an intervening 2-week washout period. Weight change was not specifically referred to in the studies. However, unpublished data from the Conners et al. (1996) [2] study (data on file at Glaxo Wellcome) showed no significant weight change among the 72 children receiving bupropion during the 4-week trial.
Bupropion is a useful drug for the management of ADHD in a subset of children who cannot tolerate stimulants. It also possesses the advantages that it has little abuse potential and no cardiac side effect profile. However, its use as an adjunctive orexigenic medication for children on stimulants who experience weight loss is not supported by the existing literature or by the putative mechanisms of action. Its usefulness in combination with stimulants in children with ADHD has not been systematically evaluated to date, but one would conjecture that the negative effects on appetite would most likely be additive. Other than the thoughts put forth above regarding the possible effects on comorbid depressive symptoms in the children, there is no current explanation for the weight gain observed by Dr. Callaghan.
Other strategies commonly used for minimizing the anorectic effects of stimulants include changing to another stimulant or to another class of drug, changing the timing of administration (e.g., making sure that medication is always given after meals), changing the preparation (e.g., from short-acting to a longer-acting form), and enforcing drug holidays. The hope is that, for the future, other classes of drugs with specific symptom-reducing, attention-focusing properties will be developed that will have a less negative impact on appetite and weight for children requiring medication for ADHD."
Posted by Zo on September 5, 2001, at 20:19:00
In reply to Re: Dexedrine vs Adderall, posted by Nick Caruso on June 26, 2001, at 16:53:00
I prefer Dex. . .because Adderall winds my gut up in a knot of purely physical anxiety. Tho I *wish* I could take it, it's defintely more powerful.
And, get no crash whatsoever, nor much of an up, for that matter, on 10-15 mgs.
Zo
Posted by steve MCQUINN on August 14, 2003, at 21:23:27
In reply to Re: Ritalin or Dexedrine? Which is better?, posted by stjames on June 29, 2001, at 2:59:01
IVE BEEN ON DEXEDRINE NOW FOR TEN YEARS AND FEEL ABSOLUTLY NOTHING FROM IT........I WAS ON 230MG FOR 2 YEARS AND MY TOLERANCE GREW,NOW IM ON 100MG DAILY,BUT STILL SCREAM FOT STREET SPEED......AT LAST adderall HAS BEEN MADE LEGAL IN THE UK.IM GOING TO SEE MY DR. IN THE MORNING AND MAYBE GO ON ADDRELL 4 TIMES A WEEK DEXEDRINE 3....IT SOUNDS OK....I HATE DEXEDRINE IT DOES NOTHING YET WITHDRAWL IS HELL HOPEFULLY THIS WILL BE A NEW WAY THROUGH.....
This is the end of the thread.
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