Posted by manowar on November 23, 2001, at 23:06:03
In reply to adderall update neuropsychological tests, posted by Peter on November 22, 2001, at 1:25:46
Hi Peter,
I've been diagnosed with ADD and cyclothymia. I just started on the stimulants about 3 months ago. I also have had the same concerns. I take Adderal XR (30 MG a day), Wellbutrin, Aricept, along with Seroquel. I love the Adderal XR -very smooth effect. My doc (he specializes in ADD) doesn't seem to be overly concerned with upping the dose of the stimulants if he sees fit. His reasoning is that eventually the tolerance to the attentional effects of the drug will stop once we find the right dosage. He assures me that the stimulants are not anti-depressants. Evidently euphoria can be a side effect from the psychostimulants for some folks along with weight loss and some other good ones. He assured me that these were just SIDE EFFECTS. They do wear off:( That's why they're lousy for weight loss. They may work well for a couple weeks but that's it. But the Adderal is for concentration and cognitive enhancement-- not euphoria, diet and good sex. The dose can be increased as tolerance sets in. He assured me that eventually we would find a good dose for me. But since the side effects make me feel good unlike the horrendous side effects of the ADs, it's kinda freaky. But remember, if you do have ADD, you're doing the right thing for yourself. Psychostimulants are very effective for people with attention problems. Drug abusers (or at least the ones I've known in the past) would not be interested in Adderal XR. They aren't hanging out selling Ritalin. They use stuff that is a hundred times more potent. It's good that we're concerned, but from what I've read and heard, these drugs are a lot safer than the ADs- well at least the dirty tricyclics and MAOI's. Anyway, I did have a Neurological exam, and it did confirm that I had ADD along with cyclothymia. I had a SPECT scan done and what I saw on the computer screen convinced me that ADD, depression, bipolar etc. are physical problems that can be seen - its not just speculation.>I'm now up to 5mg 3 times a day (every 4 hours).
That is a very small dosage. You'll like the Adderal XR. It's smooth in effect and one dose lasts all day long. Right now I take 30 mg a day. I hated taking Ritalin and Adderal because I had to take a dose every three or four hours. It just made me feel like a drug addict having to take so many pills throughout the day. So taking the XR once in the morning is a psychological plus for me.
>My doc said that the med has NOT 'pooped out', yet he doesn't want to consider increasing the dose until after my irritability is calmed down.
That makes perfect sense if he’s concerned that an increased dose of Adderal might trigger more irritability and a manic or hypomanic state.
By the way, did your doctor put your brother on a psychostimulant, and if so, how's he doing?
-- T
poster:manowar
thread:84890
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011123/msgs/85025.html