Adderall dosage

[J1Vegas]

I understand that the suggested adult dose is 20 mg/day. I'll ask my doc, but I thought I'd ask her about starting at 5 mg and titrate up to see how it goes. I'm pretty susceptible to some of the listed side effects. That way, I can see whether any side effects develop. Is that the approach that's usual? Thanks.

[BlessedLady]

I think starting with 5 mg sounds good. I assume you are referring to immediate release Adderall. If you are,chances are you will have to take several tablets throughout today.

It might be a good idea to see your doctor again in a week or ten days. That way if you need to increase your dosage. You will not have to wait the usual 30 days before you get another prescription. Your doctor has to write the prescription or fax it to your pharmacy because it is a Schedule II. Schedule II drugs cannot be called in. They also have to be filled with 24-72 hours of the date on the prescription in most states.

[J1Vegas in reply to BlessedLady]

Thanks. I should have said Adderall XR. It's much more convenient. I get 90-day's worth of meds through my insurance. If 5 mg works out after a week or two, I could take 2x5s and have plenty left. The doc always can transmit a script for higher dose pills if/when needed

[BlessedLady in reply to J1Vegas]

If you need a new prescription before a current one should be out. As long as it is for a different dose. Your insurance should cover it. The number of days a prescription is suppose to last is on the label on the bottle.

You might want to try a combination of XR and immediate release. For example take 5 -10 mg XR in the am. If you need a little more help in early afternoon. You could try 5-10mg immediate release. You can cut immediate release tablets in 1/2 or 1/4. But Do Not Cut XR (Extended Release)tablets.

Please let us know how it goes. We care and it might help others. Good Luck🍀

[J1Vegas in reply to BlessedLady]

The doc will start me on XR 10 mg. She thought 5 mg was pretty worthless, perhaps just in my case. As required, I completed an ADHD questionnaire, which basically was off the charts. But, if side effects become intolerable, I'll quit, and see whether there's a "Plan B." Regarding Prilosec, I can take the Adderall in the morning 30 minutes after the Prilosec. As I live in such a warm climate, Raynaud's shouldn't be too much of a concern, and she'll check my BP when I go back in a month.

[J1Vegas]

Thanks! I'll take this good advice to the doc.

[Best_me in reply to J1Vegas]

Please let us know how it goes. I'm 60, and having my assessment tomorrow, and *hoping* to be prescribed meds - but I want the most benign affordable meds possible. I've lived with this for so long and I'd like it to go away, but I'm not willing to sacrifice my overall health just to get meds.

[F_RN_Dx_at_39]

I started at 10 mg and got horrible migraines and nothing worked to stop them. I tried a ton of other alternatives that not work well and it wound up being the best medication for me after all, until it worsened my Raynauds and I realized I needed to change to something else. I had to start 5 mg and then titrate up.

[J1Vegas in reply to F_RN_Dx_at_39]

Thanks very much! I also have Raynaud's. However, it's not nearly as troublesome since I moved to Vegas from Montana, though my toes still get a bit numb occasionally. I used to have to run my hands under hot water, but not in Vegas. I also had high BP, which is very well controlled with meds, as is my chronic constipation. Plus I take Prilosec 2xday. I see the doc today. I have to do something!

[Purplejl]

This is an interesting chat! I am 46 years old and have been taking Adderall for about 5 years--I was diagnosed with ADHD later in life. I started out taking the extended release Adderall 10mg twice a day. It really bothered my stomach so I switched to Adderall rapid release. I have found that after awhile, the body builds a tolerance and it loses its effectiveness. I now take 15mg rapid release in the morning before work (around 7:30am) and then when the first does wears off, I take a second dose of 15mg rapid release around noon-1pm. I work 10 hour days and have to be very focused and read a lot, so this is why I take the amount I do. The doctor has also given me an RX for Adderall 10mg rapid release to use in case I have to work late and need more than the 30mg total. I rarely need to use more than the 30mg in a day, but when I do, I cut the 10mg in half. I've never taken a total of 40mg before and don't think I would want to--it will make sleeping challenging.

The one thing I wanted to add...I used to struggle with a more sluggish digestive system--always feeling backed up (not to be gross). This is something I almost NEVER have to deal with now and I know it is because of the Adderall. I usually have coffee and Adderall in the morning and my bowel movements are like clockwork as a result. I can actually tell when the Adderall kicks in because I have to use the restroom. Hope that info is helpful Hope you find the Adderall improves your BMs

Also...I have Raynaud's. I didn't have any Raynaud's symptoms until I started Adderall. It does say it can be a side effect of the medication. Did you all have it before taking Adderall? Just curious. I'm guessing Adderall caused mine? The doctor does not seem to be concerned. And thankfully, the Raynaud's has only been a minor issue for me at this point. Hoping it doesn't get worse!!

[J1Vegas in reply to Purplejl]

I started on XR 10 mg today. I first completed the required ADHD questionnaire, which basically was off the charts. I can take the Adderall in the morning 30 minutes after my Prilosec. As I live in such a warm climate, my Raynaud's shouldn't be too much of a concern. My BP med works well, and doc check my BP when I go back in a month. I have IBS-C and take Motegrity and milk of magnesia daily. I can add Trulance if Adderall makes my constipation worse. I already us Biotene spray and lozenges or dry mouth and Lunesta 3 mg for insomnia. I took my first Adderall at 7:00, so I hope its effect on sleep will b gone by 10:00 tonight.

[J1Vegas in reply to Purplejl]

I've been on Adderall XR for only three days, but it has seemed to worsen my insomnia. Plus, I've been on Lunesta and other sleep meds for so long, that I developed a tolerance, anyway. So, my prescribed Halcion, 25 mg. She said that she uses it regularly in similar cases.

[Mvep1492]

I don’t know what a typical starting adult dose is. I’m 61. Female. Was diagnosed ~2 years ago. I have high blood pressure. My BP was elevating at 20 mg so I’m down to 10mg/day with 1mg of Guanficine at night. Not sure it’s the optimal dosing for the ADD symptoms, but I don’t want to hurt cardiovascular health. Good luck!!

[J1Vegas in reply to Mvep1492]

Thanks. I take Lisinopril for BP and it's been working very well. My guess is that my BP could increase modestly and reach a worrisome level. 20 mg is a higher increase than the data suggests.

[Purplejl]

In response to blood pressure, thankfully I do not have issues with mine. My doctor requires me to come in for a yearly physical and monitors my blood pressure to continue prescribing Adderall. Hopefully the dose I'm on doesn't cause issues later on. Benefits and risks type of thing....I guess.

[Gymini]

I've had adhd for 2 yrs and it's been a hell of a ride. Right now I'm at 15 mg and going to 20 mg soon. I approach the choice of meds this way. Start at the lowest dose first then pay close attention to your adhd symptoms and note the Suttle positive changes over several months in your everyday routine, then you can decide to increase the dosage at first u won't notice much, but like me the symptoms of adhd became more pronounced and I was getting nervous but decided to wait it out to see what happens and over time it faded away and then things (symptoms) arted to improve.

[Gymini]

Forgot to add, I take the adderall in the am and at nite I take 100 mg of hydroxyzine to sleep.

[J1Vegas]

Thanks. That's similar to Benadryl. As I've had chronic insomnia for years, I've tread such drugs, but they didn't work form me. Another downside is that they may cause dry mouth and constipation, particularly in older folks like me. As those side effects also are inherent in Adderall, I wouldn't add them to my regimen. I've been on Lunesta 3mg (max dose) for years, although I've developed a slight tolerance to it. On the other hand, supplements like passion flower and valerian root may be helpful for sleep I took my first Adderall 10 mg this morning at 7:00. My hope is that its sleep effect will be gone before I go to bed at 10:30.