[Valadis]

Hello.
I have recently started to take Adderall XR for my add. It does its job well in keeping me focused in school and I feel as if it will really help me. I have alot of concerns though.. browsing around on the internet. I've read it can do permanent brain damage over time.. ect. I currently take 25 mg per day and it seems to be the right amount.
My main question for now though is about my lack of sleep from taking the medication. The only side effects I seem to be experiencing are the loss of appetite, dry mouth and insomnia. I cannot sleep at all. I am severely exhausted.. and I still cannot manage to fall asleep. I haven't been able to sleep for almost 3 days now.. and I am wondering if there is anything I can do to help me sleep and still take the medication?
Thank you

[pharmd06]

you could ask the doc for the tablets which you could only take during the AM for work/school. they are not extented release (XR) and might fade out before bedtime.

[BrokenSorrows]

I personally would try Melatonin, click the link to learn more, it is an over-the-counter sleep-aid, it works great in my opinion... it helps to relax you and help you fall asleep, it helps with my restlessness, too. So I would give that a try, and see how that goes for ya.

[renviss]

Originally Posted by Valadis

Hello.
I have recently started to take Adderall XR for my add. It does its job well in keeping me focused in school and I feel as if it will really help me. I have alot of concerns though.. browsing around on the internet. I've read it can do permanent brain damage over time.. ect. I currently take 25 mg per day and it seems to be the right amount.
My main question for now though is about my lack of sleep from taking the medication. The only side effects I seem to be experiencing are the loss of appetite, dry mouth and insomnia. I cannot sleep at all. I am severely exhausted.. and I still cannot manage to fall asleep. I haven't been able to sleep for almost 3 days now.. and I am wondering if there is anything I can do to help me sleep and still take the medication?
Thank you

I had a lot of trouble with Adderall XR when I took it, too. I was prescribed about 65mg or higher, per day, though. I call it the super model's pill because I never slept and never ate. I ended up fainting on it. However, I should stress that that was MY experience. A lot of people have dosages that are more compatable and are finding that it's very effective for them. In general, the stimulant drugs (like Adderall) will affect your sleep. The idea is to take it as early in the morning as possible so that when the 2nd round kicks in it will be early enough in the day/afternoon to not affect your sleep at night, hopefully. I've never heard about the brain damage, though. Have you asked your prescribing doctor about other possible A.D.D. medications? Good luck, and I hope it all works out for you and that you finally get some good sleep.

[inhalexxhale]

Originally Posted by renviss

I've never heard about the brain damage, though. Have you asked your prescribing doctor about other possible A.D.D. medications? Good luck, and I hope it all works out for you and that you finally get some good sleep.

From my research, extended use (especially abusive use... like using amphetamines to stay awake and avoid eating for long periods of time)... causes Tics and extreme paranoia. I've heard personal stories of both accounts, which, in my head, strengthens the warning.


You should take breaks every now and then to lessen your tolerance (therefore keeping your dose) if you're woried.

It's a pretty intense brain thriller, so the "brain dammage" bit doesnt shock me.

[inhalexxhale]

Just found these... the first six defiently apply to "abuse." Ones below that make sense though.

What are the long-term effects of the condition?
Amphetamine abuse causes long-term changes in the brain that interfere with memory and coordination. People who abuse amphetamines increase their risk of stroke. Other long-term effects of amphetamine abuse include:
• being out of touch with reality
• depression, leading to a high risk for suicide
• exposure to HIV, the virus that causes AIDS
• heart problems
• hepatitis B and C from contaminated equipment
• lead poisoning, from contaminants in the drug
• malnutrition as a result of low food intake
• paranoia
• psychotic disorders
• violent behavior


I'm surprised that they prescribed Adderall for you. Thought that Shire was tryin' to rack in the cash with Vyvanse.