Recently started Adderall- signs that I should increase + concerns long term.

[Phenomena]

Hi there. I’m newly diagnosed ADD adult that while I have been dealing with moderate to severe depression and anxiety (DandA) for 6 years clinically, I am now completely in a “duh” state that I didn’t see it’s connection with my “undiagnosed but fully aware I have ADHD” situation until I recently met with a psychiatrist. I have been treated for the DandA by my primary care Doc- whom I still really like and don’t blame for not seeing my ADHD.

Anyway- I started 10 mg Adderall 4 days ago, added to my already prescribed Prozac and Wellbutrin. Right away my depression was better, my anxiety was better, but I also did not feel euphoric, which made me think that we were on to something positive. Today is the first day that I found that it just wasn’t working the same. For instance, my daughter was trying to tell me her schedule and I couldn’t get farther than 4-5 words sometimes. I also got really tired in the afternoon even after my 2nd dose (which has been a problem prior to starting Adderall). Can anybody share your experience on what you went through for titrating up? I don’t want to request more than I therapeutically have to. I’m also concerned about long term affects- like heart issues, and addiction. Any insight on how to manage this?

[Rainbow_Brain2008]

Hi there, I am a (f) ADHD'er (both hyperactive and inattentive) couldn't help but notice the part where you mentioned how you felt your medication wasn't working the same suddenly. Please don't feel obligated to reveal your gender (in case you respond)- but I too experience this feeling; however, this issue comes and goes for me. Which lead me in doing some research. I recently came across this ADHD account on IG that discussed some reasons why our medication might feel like it's not working sometimes. One reason is PMS. chadd.org/adhd-weekly/the-c... additudemag.com/women-hormo... In case you're not a PMS sufferer (haha), I also found this following article helpful. additudemag.com/adhd-medica... Hope some of this helps.

[white_raven in reply to Rainbow_Brain2008]

Thank you for posting Rainbow_Brain2008, those articles are very helpful. I am new here and searching for information that could help me make sense of my ADD. I also have issues with my meds not working any more and looking for answers. The docs I’ve been seeing are useless. Thank you for posting 🙏 this gave me some answers.

[75ADHDgal]

Well for one thing , Wellbutrin has an off label use for ADHD- I am a Health Care Provider and was not diagnosed with ADHD until I was in my mid 50's. I always knew something was wrong - and it was not until I read an article in the Sunday NY times magazine section about a woman in her 40's with high IQ and a graduate degree who kept getting fired from jobs because she was interrupting folks too much - if she had a thought or idea she felt the need to immediately share it - , did not manage to finish her projects on time etc. I thought boy that is me- After diagnosis , I was started on Adderall I think but in any case I was also on Wellbutrin for Depression . I looked into it and the Wellbutrin could be used for both - I loved Wellbutrin - did not cause increase heart rate or Increase in Blood Pressure nor insomnia - Unfortunately I developed an allergy to it . Currently I am not on any ADHD meds since I also have a history of cardiac rate /rhythm irregularity and my Cardiologist says NO - but I was on Adderall several times .there is a long acting kind that you only have to take one time a day- And I would never take any in the later part of the day because you might find you cannot get to sleep which is an issue with us sometimes anyway. work up slowly and do your homework and look up the XR Adderall . I am treating the ADHD with Cannabis CBD tincture and discussed this with a pharmacist who is doing Cannabis research to come up with correct dose. But not everyone undersands Cannabis nor believes in it . My Psychiatrist knows I use it - they cannot say yes or no since it is still not leagal on the federal level and almost every medical group or hospital gets federal funding - anyway if interested will be delighted to discuss with you. I am a Nurse Practitioner who worked for 6 years as Cannabis Medical evaluator and consultant .

[Hidden]

No real insight but my psychiatrist gave me a prescription for AdderallXR earlier this year and I began taking it with the hope that it would help, and I was quite surprised that even at a high dose of didn't seem to do anything at all except give me headaches. My limited understanding is that everything is connected and everyone is somewhat different in their response to medications and an individual's response can change drastically based on numerous factors which makes it very difficult to determine appropriate dosing.

My one comment would be to not be concerned about long term effect including heart rate and addiction until you know whether or not it works in the short term, so that it would be worth trying higher dose under psychiatrist guidance.