I don't understand why I am feeling this way on Adderall

[Starry99]

I am new to this group, although I signed up 2 years ago but never posted anything. I was diagnosed in 2019 with ADHD, but none of my doctors would put me on medication. I recently changed primary doctors, and he prescribed Adderall 5 mg twice a day starting 5/31/2021. For the first 3 days, I felt awesome. All the brain fog lifted, and I felt happy, calm, relaxed, and slept better.

But after 3 days, it all changed. I felt fearful; the what-ifs started, I felt uncomfortable driving across the street, and I didn't understand what is happening. So I went to the doctor, and he said to try 1/2 pill at night so you can sleep and don't take any in the morning.

I have done this, and now I have no motivation during the day. I don't have any anxiety, worries, fears, but I feel dull.

Can anyone tell me what is going on? Thank you so much

[Hidden]

It could be that you’re afraid it’s too good to be true. I’m not a doctor or a psychologist. But I hope you figure it out. Sometimes I feel like my successes are accidents. And I like to watch how to adhd a lot. Good luck.

[Starry99 in reply to Hidden]

Last night I only took 1/4 of the pill so I can have the motivation today. I slept ok. But none of the ADHD symptoms ever got better since I have been on Adderall. They are the same whether I am on it or not. I don't understand why my moods are changing; that's scary for me.

[Hidden in reply to Starry99]

Then talk to your doctor

[Pollyanna444 in reply to Starry99]

are you on other medications?

[Starry99 in reply to Pollyanna444]

yes, I am on Dilantin, coumadin, Lipitor, singular

[MagnoliaJones]

It could also be that Adderall is not the right medication for you and you should ask your doctor about trying something else.

[Starry99 in reply to MagnoliaJones]

Thank you, Magnolia, for saying Adderall might not be the medication for me. And consult with my doctor.

[MagnoliaJones in reply to Starry99]

Good luck, I hope you find some answers with that so you can feel better! 😊

[Shamany66 in reply to Starry99]

100% agree. It takes time and you have to be patient. The key is finding a Doctor who really listens and is long term because it takes time to become clear on the right drug and dose.

[Owlbird]

Try methylphenidate if possible. Usually one stimulant type works better than the other. I felt much like you describe on adderall but methylphenidate (Ritalin) worked great w/o the side effects.

[Starry99 in reply to Owlbird]

I didn’t realize anyone would feel like I do. The doctor said he prescribed Ritalin to see if this works. I was diagnosed in 2013 having executive function disorder but the neuropsychologist diagnosed me With Adhd.

[StoneJeweler in reply to Starry99]

Probably the same thing and your doctor feels better calling it that instead of ADD

[Shamany66]

It is very complex and just takes time to adjust. For that reason I suggest you first find a Doctor who really listens and you connect with. Then he/she will help you adjust. This isn't a short term thing, it takes time. Best of luck to you.

[99cents]

I'm new on this journey myself. I started strattera recently. My counselor warned me that finding the right medication AND right dose is a process. She also told me that if I FEEL different then I'm probably over medicated: that I should ask my wife if it's helping, not so much myself.

[Girl_Who_Misses_Much]

Starry99 Two years later… How’s it going? I’m having similar issues with Adderall.

[rootcausesearcher]

Hi Starry99. Our gift is a lot more complex than having a GP throw Schedule 2 stimulants at us and calling it good. The good news is (s)he started you off on the lowest possible dose without cutting the tablet in half. The "trial and error" method of medicine is not working for me, and I'd guess not for anyone.

I did pay for a DNA examination for how I metabolize certain RXs. It is called "Pharmacogenetic Analysis" (I just call it a DNA test for my meds). It completely took the Methylphenidates (like Ritalin) off my list. Your insurance may cover the cost, especially if you position it to them as "saving money and risk of trial and error side effects." your mileage may vary. Cheers!