Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 577027

Shown: posts 1 to 16 of 16. This is the beginning of the thread.

 

Adderall/Ritalin Tolerance Question?

Posted by Ryan2828 on November 9, 2005, at 6:46:35

Never tried any A.D.D. drug, do you build up a tolerance to these, causing you to want more and more to keep the same good feeling??

I am scared to try them because of the addiction problems, since I am in recovery in NA and AA.

 

Re: Adderall/Ritalin Tolerance Question?

Posted by paulbwell on November 9, 2005, at 20:21:03

In reply to Adderall/Ritalin Tolerance Question?, posted by Ryan2828 on November 9, 2005, at 6:46:35

> Never tried any A.D.D. drug, do you build up a tolerance to these, causing you to want more and more to keep the same good feeling??
>
> I am scared to try them because of the addiction problems, since I am in recovery in NA and AA.

It depends if you are treating a problem, (medical problem) or are 'chasing a high'-this will lead to addiction, and most folks know where they stand.

Some people cannot drink-att althought, some cannot take ADD meds-same situation!

Cheeers

 

Re: Adderall/Ritalin Tolerance Question?

Posted by paulbwell on November 10, 2005, at 23:50:56

In reply to Re: Adderall/Ritalin Tolerance Question?, posted by paulbwell on November 9, 2005, at 20:21:03

> > Never tried any A.D.D. drug, do you build up a tolerance to these, causing you to want more and more to keep the same good feeling??
> >
> > I am scared to try them because of the addiction problems, since I am in recovery in NA and AA.
>
> It depends if you are treating a problem, (medical problem) or are 'chasing a high'-this will lead to addiction, and most folks know where they stand.
>
> Some people cannot drink-att althought, some cannot take ADD meds-same situation!
>
> Cheeers

To give you an example, i have 200 Ritalin tabs in my cupboard, and have NO DESIRE to 'go and take em' i take them as scripted and when needed-ie i am just treating a "medical problem".

if you are looking for a high, and/or have Alcohol/drug abuse history, you would likely not be scripted stimulants, or would just simply ad them to what ever drug you were abusing!

Medical use Vs abuse=being honest with yourself ok?

 

Re: Adderall/Ritalin Tolerance Question?

Posted by Ryan2828 on November 11, 2005, at 7:37:43

In reply to Re: Adderall/Ritalin Tolerance Question?, posted by paulbwell on November 9, 2005, at 20:21:03

Well actually I am recovered addict for 8 years so being addicted is out of my life, secondly I have been wondering if I might be A.D.D. non hyper but adult ADD.

 

Re: Adderall/Ritalin Tolerance Question?

Posted by ADDFazed on November 11, 2005, at 10:21:05

In reply to Re: Adderall/Ritalin Tolerance Question?, posted by paulbwell on November 10, 2005, at 23:50:56

Recovering addict from what?
booze or drugs?

When I started stimulants I was very worried about an addiction.
But I haven't become addicted - once in a while I forget to take it.
I also haven't increased the amount.

I did increase exercise when starting the stimulant and this helps me with ADD overall.

 

Re: Adderall/Ritalin Tolerance Question? » Ryan2828

Posted by gardenergirl on November 11, 2005, at 17:11:19

In reply to Re: Adderall/Ritalin Tolerance Question?, posted by Ryan2828 on November 11, 2005, at 7:37:43

> Well actually I am recovered addict for 8 years so being addicted is out of my life, secondly I have been wondering if I might be A.D.D. non hyper but adult ADD.

It might be helpful to get a good psychological assessment for ADD. When ADD continues into adulthood, it usually is the inattentive symptoms that continue. If there was any childhood hyperactivity, that usually wanes as you get older.

But to be diagnosed with ADHD/ADD in adulthood, you must have had symptoms in childhood, usually by age seven. So it's helpful to go back and look at old school records, talk to family about your behavior (inattentive and/or hyperactive, etc.)

If you get a good assessment and you do have ADD, stims might be a good choice for treatment, even if you have an addiction history. But you'll want to develop a good working relationship with the pdoc who prescribes them.

Take care,

gg

 

Re: Adderall/Ritalin Tolerance Question?

Posted by paulbwell on November 11, 2005, at 18:29:33

In reply to Re: Adderall/Ritalin Tolerance Question?, posted by Ryan2828 on November 11, 2005, at 7:37:43

> Well actually I am recovered addict for 8 years so being addicted is out of my life, secondly I have been wondering if I might be A.D.D. non hyper but adult ADD.

Hi Ya!

If that is the case, congrats on 8 years!! then go see a specialist and explain your situation. If you are scripted a stimulant, you can always give it to your caregiver/partner to give you when needed?

I have taken stimulants for near 2 years and they CAN help substance use, if the person is determined.

Cheers, good luck dude!

 

Re: Adderall/Ritalin Tolerance Question?

Posted by Ryan2828 on November 12, 2005, at 0:56:07

In reply to Re: Adderall/Ritalin Tolerance Question? » Ryan2828, posted by gardenergirl on November 11, 2005, at 17:11:19

Ok thanks for the help all you. I do remember in school as a child drifting off in class mostly stairing out the window. I never got better than C and D grades. Wether this is because I am just lazy or had too many problems at home weighing me down I dont know, I dont want to jump to conclusions without getting tested first. Let me tell you that it would be nearly impossible for me to write this paragraph without a full cup of coffee in my stomach, now remember I take Effexor 225xr so the sluggishness could be from the Effexr.

 

Re: Adderall/Ritalin Tolerance Question?

Posted by fcvalentine on November 12, 2005, at 15:02:15

In reply to Adderall/Ritalin Tolerance Question?, posted by Ryan2828 on November 9, 2005, at 6:46:35

my 2 cents...im a recovering opiate addict and suffer from adult adhd as well...my advice is to stay away from strattera (the non-stimulant) and go with Adderal XR or Concerta...they work wonders for me and the slow release doesnt hit hard and reinforce any euphoric feeling...least not for me.

fcvalentine

 

Re: Adderall/Ritalin Tolerance Question?

Posted by Ryan2828 on November 12, 2005, at 23:37:13

In reply to Re: Adderall/Ritalin Tolerance Question?, posted by fcvalentine on November 12, 2005, at 15:02:15

What does Adderall feel like though??? Does it make you wired, anxious, if you can explain it as detailed as you can that would be nice thanks????

 

Re: Adderall/Ritalin Tolerance Question?

Posted by linkadge on November 13, 2005, at 10:01:38

In reply to Re: Adderall/Ritalin Tolerance Question?, posted by Ryan2828 on November 12, 2005, at 23:37:13

First you have to be sure that you actually have an attention problem. There are plenty of people out there who never had ADD but after being prescribed the drugs, do not want to stop taking them, for various reasons. After a while, they convince themselves they actually have ADD when they really don't.

Stimulant abuse is not restricted to taking more drug than prescribed. It can include taking the drug in a way not intended such as snorting it, double dosing it etc.

Do not expect the drug to help things like motivation, or mood. While stimulants can improve both, they rarely do so long term.

For the core symtpoms of ADD/HD the drugs have been used relatively safely for many years.


Linkadge

 

Re: Adderall/Ritalin Tolerance Question? » linkadge

Posted by paulbwell on November 15, 2005, at 19:40:18

In reply to Re: Adderall/Ritalin Tolerance Question?, posted by linkadge on November 13, 2005, at 10:01:38

> First you have to be sure that you actually have an attention problem. There are plenty of people out there who never had ADD but after being prescribed the drugs, do not want to stop taking them, for various reasons. After a while, they convince themselves they actually have ADD when they really don't.
>
> Stimulant abuse is not restricted to taking more drug than prescribed. It can include taking the drug in a way not intended such as snorting it, double dosing it etc.
>
> Do not expect the drug to help things like motivation, or mood. While stimulants can improve both, they rarely do so long term.
>
> For the core symtpoms of ADD/HD the drugs have been used relatively safely for many years.
>
>
> Linkadge

^spot on^-especially about stimulants RARELY improving mood long-term.

Cheers

 

Re: Adderall/Ritalin Tolerance Question?

Posted by alohashirt on November 15, 2005, at 20:56:19

In reply to Re: Adderall/Ritalin Tolerance Question?, posted by Ryan2828 on November 11, 2005, at 7:37:43

> Well actually I am recovered addict for 8 years so being addicted is out of my life, secondly I have been wondering if I might be A.D.D. non hyper but adult ADD.

I am eight years sober and taking Focalin (a Ritalin isomer) I haven't felt any "high" from Adderall, dexedrine, or Ritalin. How does it make me feel? Like I have work to do - and maybe a little more clearheaded. It is nothing like taking MDMA in a night club, dancing, getting drunk, wondering whether the beautiful woman with teh wig sitting next toi you is a tranny and spending $500 in an evening an dfeeling like sh*t the next day.
More boring, satisfying, not "druggie"

Just my experience - others may have different experiences.

 

Re: Adderall/Ritalin Tolerance Question?

Posted by ODAT on November 18, 2005, at 15:19:43

In reply to Re: Adderall/Ritalin Tolerance Question?, posted by alohashirt on November 15, 2005, at 20:56:19

Hi, Adult ADD, innatentive/impulsive type. I've been taking ritalin/Adderall for almost 4 yrs, and used to be a pot addict (yeah, it happens). I don't feel any addictive/tolerance effects with these drugs, and have no desire to take them unless I know I have to to do my job well, etc. I do get some mild euphoria/ mood lightening at the onset, but then I just feel businesslike, focused and motivated to "get it done". This is SO great for me, since I could never seem to feel that until the situation was urgent (self-medication with anxiety+stress=adrenaline/dopamine=focus and better e- flow through the parts of the brain that take care of focus, motivation,etc.)

If it was addictive, I would have become addicted, I feel fairly sure. I was professionally diagnosed though, so there's no doubt in my mind there. See my other post about Adderall XR on 11/4/05 for more info on my experiences with it.

good luck and remember to take it ODAT.

 

Re: Adderall/Ritalin Tolerance Question?

Posted by rina on August 26, 2007, at 16:39:09

In reply to Re: Adderall/Ritalin Tolerance Question?, posted by ODAT on November 18, 2005, at 15:19:43

ODAT, i saw an old response to this ad. im wondering are you still taking the adderall/ritalin? i take adderallxr and getting ready to add dexedrine to it to help with the daytime sleepiness so that i can stay more focused and alert. i also have ADD.

 

Re: Adderall/Ritalin Tolerance Question?

Posted by Deus_Abscondis on September 8, 2007, at 11:40:07

In reply to Adderall/Ritalin Tolerance Question?, posted by Ryan2828 on November 9, 2005, at 6:46:35

Hi,

good question!

I've been diagnosed with ADHD (inattentive) independently by two pdocs - one used wiz bang QEEG but I'm not sure about the validity of this technology.

Now trying to look back at ones childhood is fraught with difficulties if your as old as me ;-)

I'm not 100% convinced of the diagnosis - one pdoc says if your diagnosed you've got it.

My ADHD, in my view, could well be the consequence of years of excess cortisol, anxiety and pain degrading my hippocampus. In anycase stimulants should help. They certainly help with anergia in associated depression. While not directly helping with mood, being more effective does.

One thing to be aware is that you have to to recognise the effect and learn how to make use of it. In ADHD they don't do what they would do if you were 'normal'. Some ADHDers have the capacity to hyperfocus - at times easily distracted at others driven and stims can add to this which may result in you drilling into a task and giving it more time than you should.

I have often wondered why stims prescribed for ADHD don't create tolerance at least a large tolerance. I do notice perhaps a bigger effect if I skip a few days and resume or maybe this is just noticing the effect more.

I am using dexamphetamine sulphate 5mg three times a day since February (2x5mg from Nov 06 - Feb 07).

There are three meds allowed for ADHD in Australia - dex, Ritalin and Strattera.

One doc refused to trial me on dex and didn't give me a reason and I've had problems with SSRIs and Strattera is one so much first choice was dex - so I dumped the doc and found one who started me on dex.

The sulfate form of dex is slow to absorb. If I'm correct if it was in hydrochloride form it would be faster but more open to abuse via injection/insulfation. I find the slowness a bit of a problem. In the US I believe one can get methamphetamine hcl which acts faster and lasts longer. I find dex kicks in at about an hour and last 3-4 hours but with consecutive doses there is some cumulative effect.

I'd love to try Adderall and the meth forms but alas. Even the hydrochloride salt would be of benefit - especially as a morning dose.

If you are not paying attention to your dex use it can sneak up on you - you might not feel particularly stimulated or clear headed but notice in retrospect that you've been drilling in on a task or talking more than you might have wanted to. This has caused me some grief when playing a poker machine (US slot machine) - if you've got a compulsive streak stims can amplify it - they don't send you off looking for compulsive things to do. Stims don't help you make good choices about what you're doing they just make you go harder at it. They make the experience more enjoyable because you don't fuzz out or switch off - you get more done.

I think the reason why stims at the levels used for ADHD don't result in tolerance is because they are used at far lower doses than recreational doses - the neurotransimitter systems don't saturate.

Scripts here in Australia are tightly regulated - repeats are held by the pharmacy and you can't have them filled in less than the dose/duration prescribed by the pdoc. You could horde and throw yourself a party if you're dishonest and you don't value the daily effect.

In Australia you are allowed a maximum daily dose of 30mg (? IIRC maybe 60mg?). I could probably be on a higher dose, it's a matter of negotiation with pdoc and being responsible and self aware.
I have trailed different dosing amounts and spacings. 10mg in the morning 5mg in afternoon vs 3 x 5 mg at 4/5hr intervals. It all depends what effect you want and what you are doing as far as I'm concerned. Once your experienced you can titrate it to help yourself achieve the desired outcome.

Two paradoxical effects I've noticed - while initially it delayed sleep onset now I can chose to sleep even on 10mg and I sleep well and wake refreshed. I routinely take 5mg in the evening. I have pain and stiffness in the morning (arthritis/fibromyalgia) without dex at night.

The second paradoxical effect is that I thought dex might contribute to my anxiety but it actually calms me a bit.

One side effect is that I can get increased irritability if I'm a bit sleep deprived.

I don't perceive how one could get addicted to stims at the levels used and the way they are dispensed here in Australia.

Further, my alcohol consumption has dropped noticably - 2-4 standard drinks per week down from 10 or more. Being alert is now more rewarding than drowning sorrows.

I just wish I was diagnosed 25 years ago.

Cheers

D

P.S I've always been long winded :-P


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