emme99

Hi, this maybe should be posted in a different section I am not sure. I was prescribed Adderall yesterday because I have been having concentration issues for a couple of years. I have always been able to focus and concentrate on projects at work, etc but for the last approximately two years I can't focus like I used to. I get worried that I won't be able to complete projects or at least not complete them to the standard that I expect because I can't concentrate.

I wasn't looking or asking for medication (I didn't even know any was available for this) and she asked me if I wanted something to help. I had heard of Adderall but knew nothing about it. I did some research last night and I am a little concerned because it states not to take it if you have a history of drug/alcohol abuse. I know no one can offer medical advice I am just concerned about developing another addiction. The only drug I have ever abused is alcohol. She also said it would help with weight loss, which is also one of my goals this year and something I could really use help with. I am just a little worried about it. Does anyone have any experience with Adderall?

Dee74

I have no experience to share but maybe it's worth 'breaking cover' and telling your Dr about your addictive history emme?

D

emme99

D thanks

Sorry, I should have mentioned this was a visit with my psychiatrist and she is aware of my history with alcohol. When I told her of my concerns with becoming addicted, she told me that as long as I didn't take them for the "high", I wouldn't become dependent. The way I see it, by the time I start taking them for the high, I am probably either addicted or well on my way. Maybe I am just overthinking it. Thanks for the response

Dee74

I'm sure you'll hear from others who've had experience with Adderal

D

Wastinglife

I have ADHD and have been prescribed drugs like Adderall. ADHD is a condition that someone is born with. Symptoms ate present from early childhood on. You said for only the past 2 years you have had trouble concentrating. Your doctor should have never prescribed Adderall for you if you do not have a diagnosis of ADHD. Stimulants have a different effect on ADHD people than they do for normal people. They can be highly addictive drugs.

I am shocked that you were given a prescription. There are many other causes for poor focus that should have been considered before getting Adderall.

Anna

Emme, I think it's great that you your psych dr knows of your addiction to alcohol. It seems that she is unconcerned about you abusing adderal, but you are concerned. My suggestion would be to do some more research yourself, to go back and have another talk with your dr, or possibly to get a second opinion.

Nic233

I have no history with adderall... But my doctor who I have been seeing for my alcoholism seems very eager to write script after script for diazepam. He knows I have a history of drug addiction and alcoholism so I have decided to wean myself off them very carefully..I'm like you are and do not want to end up with another addiction...
Go with your gut feeling, if you feel there could be an issue then you are probably correct. I would recommend getting a second opinion with another Psychiatrist.

emme99

Thanks everyone~
I think I am overthinking it. She did tell me it was an ADHD drug but that was as far as it went. The dose she prescribed is a small, if not the smallest available dose. I think it will be ok I am just going to be really careful. I am sensitive to stimulants anyway so it may be too much for me and then I would just stop taking it. Thanks again for your responses.

Best of luck weaning off the diazepam Nic.

Nic233

Thanks emme- I'm not on much now anyway but was a little taken aback at how readily my doc was willing to prescribe another bottle know wi g my history. Had to refuse...
Just stay aware ...be careful X

Dropsie

If she is prescribing Adderall it must be because she thinks you may have ADD.

Many adults have undiagnosed ADD -- if you have the hyperactivity in ADHD you would have known it by now.

WL is correct, if the diagnosis is correct you will react differently to Adderall than someone without ADD would.

If it were me, I would have an independent diagnosis of ADD before I took it.

You probably know this, but Adderall is similar to meth, so not to be taken lightly.

BUT, my former sister in law was just diagnosed with ADD in her 50s and I have known her for 30 years and would never have seen it.

She is taking Adderall and says it has been life changing. She never knew how others could see things until now. Amazing.

So, if it were me, I would spend the money to get a second opinion from an ADD specialist.

Soberwolf

I back up Anna's post about getting a 2nd opinion Emme x

INgal

Do NOT take a single pill more than you've been prescribed. My son was prescribed Adderall in his late teens and it quickly escalated into abuse. Very very scary. Even though he stopped immediately, he still worries that he damaged his heart. Please be very careful with this drug.

emme99

Thanks everyone

I never thought about ADD, I know for sure I don't have the hyperactivity part. I looked into the symptoms of ADD and I have a lot of them. I will look into it some more and will consider seeing a specialist and getting a second opinion. Thanks again everyone.

Wastinglife

There are 3 types ADHD. ADD-Primarily Inattentive is basically ADHD without hyperactivity. aka- The Daydreamer. It is more common in females and often goes undiagnosed because they are not as disruptive as those with hyperactivity.

thomas11

I have a friend and his 16 year old son both started taking adderal recently. His son's grades have improved greatly. My friend said it has helped him tremendously with his concentration level. That being said, I think he likes it a little too much. He's also lost a noticeable amount of weight.

emme99

Thanks for your comments Wastinglife, interesting info on ADD/ADHD.

Thanks Thomas, I am going to try one tomorrow and even though I am taking it for my concentration issues, I am hopeful it has the same weight loss effect on me as it did your friend.

thomas11

Emme, please keep in mind that it is a derivative of methamphetamine. My friend is a business owner and has to spend hours writing detailed estimates which is something we all hate. But it is necessary. He claims it helps him finish writing an estimate down to the finest detail without frustration. I get it. But his significant weight loss and high energy level has concerned me. He is an adult and I have to trust his judgement. I am just saying, be aware of pitfalls.