Can you have withdrawl ?

[Newbie-1]

I posted earlier as I am new to all ADHD and stimulants. I was taking ADHD meds for a couple months. Trying low doses of concerta, and most recently adderall. Adderall is making me too anxious, so I stopped yesterday. Yesterday, I felt like crap. I slept most of the day away. Keep in mind, I was up late for New Year's Eve the night before. Today, I woke up a bit better, but still foggy so I took my medicine. Is there such thing as withdrawl? If so, has anyone experienced it before. I'm not sure I want to take stimulants...

[skeetr37]

There is definitely going to be some sort of a withdrawal. Nowhere near as bad as an opiate or alcohol, but it all depends on how long you've been taking it and the dosage you've been taking. Those two factors will determine how severe the come down from it will be. If you haven't been taking it long, then I'm going to go ahead and guess that what you've already been experiencing is going to be the worst of the short term withdrawals. In my experience, it is never a good idea to go cold turkey from anything that messes with your brain chemistry like Adderall does. So, either step yourself down slowly, or get in touch with your doctor and talk to them about a step down program. I'm sure if you just asked google about a good way to step down off of stimulants you'd find the necessary information. Good luck.

[Newbie-1 in reply to skeetr37]

Thank you. I've been taking it for a few months. Lowest dose. I'm feeling super tired. I will talk to the doctor this week.

[sweiland2325]

I did not have any problems that I remember. I went off of it when I was diagnosed with heart disease about 5 years ago so my memory is foggy. I think you're right about the adderall, I was taking a small dosage of klonopin at the time and that might have helped. I'm sorry I'm not much help.

[Mini-S8]

I’m not a professional but from my experience with medication, I’d think there would be some period of withdrawal or adjustment. I’m really sensitive to EVERYTHING so I even have bad withdrawals from too much caffeine and sugar.

I’d always suggest tapering off medication as opposed to going cold Turkey but like always, I’d speak with your doctor or professional.

Caffeine is a stimulant and I always feel tired and a bit spaced out when not having my usual coffee so I guess if you compare it to that then there may well be some withdrawal symptoms depending on the individual.

Wishing you well x

[Newbie-1 in reply to Mini-S8]

Thanks Flamingo30. I too, am sensitive to everything. I need my daily cup of coffee, or I'll feel tired all day.

[DingoDoug]

There are 100% withdrawal symptoms. However they get better with time. For more details, definitely consult with your doctor.

[RCJH8610]

I was told by my doctor that stimulants do not cause withdrawal symptoms. I only take Concerta on weekdays when I need to focus and when I’m off for break (I am an educator) I also don’t take it. I have no side effects from discontinuing for short periods of time. I’ve never taken Adderall though so I would definitely speak to your doctor about your experience.

[Pcofwork in reply to RCJH8610]

I am on Vyvanse and I also only take mine on workdays. I also used to be on Concerta. I haven't experienced withdrawal from either. But neither isn't an amphetamine, which does have a bit of withdrawal but it depends on the person. Always consult with a doctor before going off medication.

[Newbie-1]

Ok, thank you! I am also an educator, and really just need it during the school day. I've tried Concerta. I didn't notice a huge difference. I have anxiety too, so I feel scatterbrained some days. I'm working with a therapist to help with organization. I usually have a clean desk, but everything is shoved into drawers and I can't find anything! I was never like this until I went into the teaching field. I'm a second year teacher, so I'm still doubting by teaching skills. I love what I do though. I was diagnosed with ADHD (I) type. The hyperactivity is in my brain... thinking of all the things I have to do, which causes me to get anxious. Do you have any tricks that help you as an educator? Thanks so much for your reply. Happy New Year!

[Pcofwork in reply to Newbie-1]

Concerta didn't work for me either. Adults with ADHD typically don't respond to anything other than amphetamines for ADHD treatment.