Posted by chemist on April 26, 2004, at 23:17:14
In reply to Re: adderall or dexedrine for adult adhd?, posted by Gumball on April 26, 2004, at 23:13:52
> > > Chemist,
> > >
> > > Thanks for your response. I noticed I should have stated that the dose of Dexedrine wasn't prescribed based on equivalencies between Adderall and Dexedrine and more about what would be a better fit for me. I should have been more clear with that. If you happen to read this, do you have any opinion about the long term use of amphetamines for adult add (w/o the hyper component). Sometimes I wonder if I'm causing irreparable neuronal damage and will pay for this in the long term. I try to take a lot of supplements (milk thistle, antioxidants, alpha lipoic and others) and to lead a healthy lifestyle despite taking "speed" on a daily basis.
> > >
> > > Also, the only real concern I have with side effects from the adderall is the resting heart rate which is always high (at least 98, sometimes 115 and even escalated to 180 after being on a treadmill for 10 minutes, even though I wasn't really feeling out of breath). Should I be highly concerned about this? My blood pressure is low/normal, despite the tachyiardia symptoms?
> > >
> > > Thanks in advance if you see this - you really make a difference to so many people on this board with your taking the time to answer so many questions - I'm sure others appreciate your generosity as well!
> > >
> > > Thanks again, Katie
> >
> > hi katie, thanks for the compliment!...although i am out of my league on many issues, i try to help (and get help too!) if i can....as far as long-term neuronal damge from amphetamine use, the answer is (as in most cases in science): it depends. there are compelling clinical data that long-term use of stimulants leads to altered dopaminergic response, and hence drug-craving and/or inability to safely withdraw. there are also data that suggest that - if your dopamine ``circuity'' is miswired - the benefits of staying on a stimulant will set you straight. your blood pressure is nothing to worry about, and perhaps your high pulse is attributable to an interaction from whatever supplements you are taking, underlying anxiety, or the very real chance that you know you are taking ``speed,'' (you aren't: speed is methamphetamine, or desoxyn) and thus you are in a heightened state of arousal. bottom line: your dopamine receptors could very well be functioning at a sub-par level, in which case the stimulant(s) are going to be the right answer; if not, then you would be racing all over the place and not be able to sleep or even eat occasionally. from what you present, seems to be the former. you can always taper a bit and see if life gets better or worse, and adjust from there. and if you find yourself needing more and more of the stimulant, then you are looking at an abusive pattern, and then it is time to seek an alternative....hope i could shed some light, and all the best, chemist
>
> Hello,
> I've just stumbled across this resource, and I'm glad I did. Tomorrow I'm to be 'officially' tested for ADHA. However, I've done my homework, and talked to a number of people I trust, and I'm 98% sure that it is part of me - and 100% relieved, come to that.
> I would greatly appreciate some input regarding meds. As a first timer it's more than a little confusing: methylphenidate (Ritalin, Metadate, Concerta, Focalin), amphetamine (Dexedrine, Dexedrine Spansules, Adderall), methamphetamine (Desoxyn), fast acting, sustained release . . . ? Any suggestions as to initial type and dosage would be most welcome? Thanks very much.
>
>
gumball, see my post to your thread at bottom of page....let me know if i can be of any assistance, all the best, chemist
poster:chemist
thread:339575
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040423/msgs/340408.html