Adderall doses and side effects?!
Question: Adderall doses and side effects?
I'm a college Freshman, and we've always thought I've had a minor ADD problem. It's become more apparent as I started college classes, so I went to see my doctor, and she suggested that we try Adderall as a starting point and see if that helps me focus a bit more.
Anyway: I'm not sure if she prescribed 10mg or 20mg (I think it's 10, but for the sake of this question, I'd like to ask for both doses.) I have long work and school days, so she said we might try doing two a day, if one doesn't last long enough for me. The insurance company is approving my prescription this week, so I haven't gotten it yet. But I wanna go ahead and clear some of the questions I neglected to ask her last week.
1) I am also on Prozac (20mg, and it's a wonder drug.) She said there may be side effects, but for most people, they aren't apparent. Does anyone know what I should watch for in case my Prozac interferes with the Adderall? The Prozac is much more important to my mental health, in this case.
2) If we go to two doses a day, I know they wear off for different people at different rates. She said I'd probably last about 3-4 hours on one dose. For both 10 and 20mg, when would be a safe time to take another dose if I need it? 5 hours? More? I know this is a stimulant, and I don't want to cause any health problems OR become addicted.
3) (Final question,) she said if Adderall doesn't work quite well for me, there are other drugs to try. The only one I know off of the top of my head is Ritalin. Does anyone else know any other variates of ADD drugs that might work better than Adderall? Especially if I'm taking Prozac at the same time?
Thanks! I'm hoping that my GPA will improve a bit with either Adderall or some other ADD medication. Like I said, I don't have a major case, but I'm not sure what dose she prescribed me either. Also, I'll most likely only be taking it on Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays, the days I have classes. Maybe at work, but I have to see how it effects me first. I really only feel a large need for assistance in school.
Answers:
Its best to take one hour before you need it and it usually lasts 6 hours with a peak time. There are also a smaller dosage to extend its effectiveness throughout the day. Some of the side effects include nausea, headaches, stomach aches, and loss of appetite leading to decreased weight. Overall your ability to remain focused for long periods of time will increase. Also, try starting with a low dose. You can always increase if you feel necessary.
Son on adderall
My Grandson (who is a few yrs younger) has just been changed from Adderall to Vyvanse...was on Prozac but changed to Geodon and is also on Depakote...he has ADHD, ODD, MDD, & most likely is BP (testing soon).
You are in my prayers.
God bless you
me
adderall is legal meth... do yourself a favor and never start taking any add/adhd meds.
edit - welbutrin had no bad effects but wasn't exactly very effective either. i just kept trying to focus by being healthy during college and working hard... i took XR and all it is is smaller doses of adderall absorbed over a longer period of time. i couldn't imagine taking add meds again now that i have a real job. no one would want to work with someone who is starving all the time but can't eat.
been prescribed to many add/adhd meds including adderall and ritalin and have suffered from insomnia and eating disorders because of them
I cant answer all of your questions but I can tell you that I have been taking 60mg Prozac and 15mg Adderall XR daily since I was 16. I am 20 now and I have never had a problem with them of course drugs effect some people differently than others. But you wont know until you try it. Both medications greatly improved my life!
I take Adderall XR and Prozac.