Adderall XR for ADHD User Reviews (Page 5)

• cir...
• February 27, 2011

"On my 4th day of Adderall XR! I just bumped up to 20 mg today, and let me tell you, best ADHD drug I have ever taken! One, I feel happy and content. Two, I am a ton more focused! And three, I can sit on my couch and just chill or go out and play basketball with my friends or basically do whatever, my motivation is amazing! I tried Focalin XR, Concerta, Strattera worked for a year, then just stopped working. But I asked my doctor to let me try this medicine, and that is the best choice I have ever made. No insomnia, but be ready for a loss of appetite. I lost 8 lbs. in the 4 days I've been taking this. As long as it keeps working as it is, I can see me being on this for a long time."

• Pic...
• March 24, 2017

"I take one a day. It helps me concentrate and also helps me feel ambitious and less depressed. But when it wears off in the evening, I start feeling sad and easily agitated. I can take up to 2 a day, but I usually only take one because I don't want it to cause any heart problems."

• Can...
• December 20, 2010

"This medication has totally changed my life for the better 100%. My life before Adderall was a huge mess and full of incomplete tasks and lots of trouble with work. Now my life is finally together and on track, and almost everything I start also gets finished and pretty much right away. My daughter also is on this medication, and she went from a D and F average in school to the A,B honor roll and doesn't have any more problems in school. This medicine was a lifesaver for the both of us... MOTHER AND DAUGHTER!"

• Sea...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• January 11, 2022

"I have been on Adderall XR at varying doses for over a decade, and it has completely changed my life for the better. I honestly had a very hard time even holding a job before getting on the right medication, and for years was convinced there must be something truly wrong with my brain. However, getting the proper diagnosis and treatment of ADHD has been massively transformative. With this said, though, medication is only one tool in the lifelong toolbox to live one's best life. These medications are a bit like eyeglasses. When they're working, I can see a lot more clearly than normal; and I more or less function just as well as anyone else. But when the medication has worn off, I am right back to where I started. These drugs for ADHD are tools and are hugely helpful, but they are not cures. I believe that with the proper strategies and organization, they can be hugely helpful, but ultimately it is up to the user to put the work in and to change their life. Adderall XR can help."

• Cam...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 7, 2023

"Adderall XR is the best medication I've ever taken. I stopped a while ago because going to the psychiatrist is so expensive, but I took XR for years and it was great. I was (possibly) misdiagnosed with ADHD because I found out I have autism and my issue has always been hyper-focusing rather than trouble with focusing. However, XR improved my mood and I felt very motivated to pursue my hobbies more than when I was off the pill. I also struggle with severe depression and it improved my mood because of the energy boost. However, keep in mind that XR is neutral when it comes to mood. I was usually on 15-25mg, 30mg was way too high and 10mg was almost ineffective. Even though I focus too much on one thing at a time, XR helped me focus on things I didn't care about or didn't want to do, like clean my room or do my homework. It put a pep in my step and I'm hoping I can find a way to get back on it."

• Liz...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 1, 2019

"Please do not take this medicine. It changes you into a different person. I was on this medicine for 7-10 years. I wish I was never put on it. At first, it was working, I got good grades, focusing. Then I was zombie-like, and slowly I changed. This medicine is highly addictive, and if you think it won’t happen to me or to my child, it will! I wish they would talk about Adderall addiction more. Doctors push this medicine because it’s so well known, and it’s been around forever. Please do your research first before saying “yes” to this medicine."

• Anonymous
• July 28, 2009

"I just recently started taking Adderall XR, and even though my doctor and I are still trying to find the right dose, I have already noticed a major difference. Since I've started taking it, I've been able to get lost in books for the first time because I can actually focus without having to make myself. I have noticed a decrease in appetite, but it seems more like a newly developed aversion to high-calorie foods, and I'm wondering if that's not because of the added stimulation from the carbohydrates. Either way, I think it's important for everyone to remember there is no magic pill, and in order to get the best results, you have to change your lifestyle too. Like making sure to get 8 hours of sleep, eat foods high in fiber, and cut back on sugar."

• NHe...
• May 12, 2009

"I was diagnosed with ADHD 6 years ago by my family physician. She put me on Effexor, which seemed to help at first, but over the next year, the side effects were not worth the results. Another doctor recently prescribed Adderall, and when that worked well, he gave Adderall XR. I am so much more centered, can concentrate, and my quality of life is so much better. I hate that it is thought of as a 'street drug,' and I hate that the price is so high. The generic did nothing for me except to make me agitated/jittery for a few hours, then crashed and had a headache."

• Anonymous
• June 9, 2009

"I started taking Adderall XR 12 days ago, and I love it. I immediately started focusing better. I now feel great when I wake up knowing that I will be able to get things done that have been put off for so long. My memory and self-esteem have improved dramatically. The only side effects I am experiencing are dry mouth and mild headaches."

• Jds...
• May 9, 2021

"I started on Adderall XR 20 mg and noticed improvements the first day, eventually finding the right dose being 30 mg of Adderall XR and one 20 mg Adderall IR. Adderall XR has some side effects, but overall, if your ADHD is bad enough, it’s easily worth the few inconveniences that may occur, such as dry mouth, stomach ache, joint aches, migraine, some paranoia, and sleep issues. Granted, the only ones I have that are consistent are dry mouth and sometimes a slight stomach ache that goes away after 20 minutes. I highly recommend this drug as it really has improved my life and made me able to get through college and work. I don’t have health insurance, and for a month's supply of 30 mg XR, it’s around $50, and I pay $40 for the month of 20 mg IR. Keep in mind that medication at the end of the day will affect everyone differently, so make sure and do YOUR research on medications that are recommended to you and make sure you’re comfortable with the potential side effects. Be safe!"

• Clb...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 21, 2025

"I've been taking Adderall 30 mg XR capsules for about 14 years. It made such a difference in my life, I felt 'normal' finally. I've used the generic from Teva, and it's been fairly good. The generic from Elite Laboratories, Inc. is definitely below standard, it's like taking a sugar pill or placebo. I've asked my doctor to prescribe it 'DAW-dispense as written' so my insurance will still cover it but at a bigger copay, which I'm willing to pay in order to have a productive, normal life."

• A-T...
• July 3, 2008

"I am 22 years old. I have been on just about all ADHD medications. For the last 4 years, I have been on Adderall XR 20 mg (just got put on Adderall XR 30 mg). This drug is amazing in helping wake up, pay attention, and work better."

• Anonymous
• August 11, 2010

"I'm 57 years old. Both my sons were diagnosed with ADHD. I went out with a guy with ADHD, and the symptoms he described were just like mine. My doctor was hesitant about prescribing it to someone my age. I went home and got it filled, and about 45 minutes later, I was amazed. I was talking, being sociable, and enjoying the people I had known for years and barely talked to. I have never felt so calm. I thought, 'Wow, is this what normal people feel like?' I'm much more focused and productive, even though I've always been successful and done well in school. I tried the regular Adderall, and it didn't help at all. I'm only taking 10 mg, and it's working great!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 15, 2021

"Little to no side effects in my case... Except a heartbeat of 90-100 at rest, which is quite high. University feels a lot easier when I take it. Easier to concentrate, less impulsive, more motivation. Basically, it changed my life for the better!"

• Mac...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 6, 2018

"I’ve been taking Adderall XR 20 mg for 2 months now. Works great to keep me focused on tasks for my job at Lucky’s and just random chores at home. Sometimes I feel an extra boost is needed in the middle of the day."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 10, 2017

"I take the extended release once a day. I recently got a dose increase for my extreme fatigue. It has been about 3 weeks, and I do not like the symptoms that occur with it. I feel like a zombie, I don't enjoy talking when I am on my medicine. I get extremely bad, frequent headaches, I am even more tired when it wears off, but I am unable to sleep. I get really irritable and moody. With the lower dose, the main problematic symptom I would have was the dry mouth, but that was manageable."

• RWa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 1, 2017

"For symptoms of ADHD (impulsivity, inability to sit still/restlessness, and inability to focus on a task at hand), I give this medication a 10/10. That said, I have Tourette Syndrome, and would caution anyone with Tourette Syndrome to stay away from stimulant medications because they seem to exacerbate existing tics quite aggressively (I have tried 10-40 mg methylphenidate [RITALIN] and 20 mg ADDERALL XR). I gave it a 10 based on its effectiveness for ADHD, but factoring in the aggravation this medicine causes to tics, I would give a 5/10. I have a 'good' United Health Care plan, and they would only cover the brand name; even with insurance, the co-pay for a 30-day supply was $35.00."

• Sar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 9, 2022

"ALERT: I believe that counterfeit product purchased at CVS in coastal Northern California. Capsules do not have imprint stating '30 mg.,' which Shire actually has. Capsules are not filled completely. It takes 45 minutes from time of dosage on an empty stomach to feel any effect. Little ability to focus and carry through; effects last approximately 3 hours, at a reduced level."

• sw3...
• August 11, 2010

"Adderall XR has changed my life! For years, I have struggled with depression and anxiety, no motivation, mood swings, and couldn't focus on any task. I was diagnosed with ADD/Bipolar when I was 19-20ish (26 now and mom of 1). I have struggled through so many years not knowing after several doctors and tons of medicines or medication combinations. I was put on Vyvanse from 30-50mg over a period of 2 years. It worked well for me. In the beginning, I had dry mouth and palpitations. My coverage stopped paying for it. The doctor tried me on Strattera and Concerta (not together). After several months, I was just still always sick, with stomach cramps, headaches, etc. About 3 years now I've been on Adderall XR 30mg, and I still have dry mouth and loss of appetite. Other than that, it has helped me to be a 'normal' person and a loving, motivated mother."

• Anonymous
• November 4, 2011

"Been on Adderall XR for a week, and I can tell a huge difference in my daily life. I was prescribed 20mg once a day. I am 35 years old, and I believe I have always suffered from untreated ADHD. My only complaint is, with no insurance, it is a fairly expensive medication, but so far, well worth the cost."

• Lil...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 1, 2012

"Adderall XR works wonders. I can finally get my scattered brain to focus on one thing at a time. The downside is that it doesn't work as long as advertised. I am lucky if it lasts 6 hours, and I work for 8. Once I get home, I feel like I'm having a major caffeine crash. I've heard that once you adjust to the medication, you stop crashing so hard. I've only been on it for one month."

• Mom...
• June 25, 2008

"My son was diagnosed with ADHD when he was 2. He is now 11. We have tried changing his diet, herbal remedies, Vyvanse, Strattera, and several others. The thing that has worked without causing headaches is Adderall XR. He does have a loss of appetite, but his behavior and ability to concentrate are definitely worth it."

• Anonymous
• October 28, 2011

"I've been on Adderall since I was in high school, so about 5 years. It works well for my concentration and allows me to focus for an extended period of time, such as when studying. This medicine has definitely helped me, but it has a lot of side effects. For me, loss of appetite, euphoria, and dry mouth are the most common. Headaches are frequent, but nothing ibuprofen can't fix. I've been on and off antidepressants that affected the Adderall. When I was on Lexapro, taking Adderall would make me irritable, anxious, and paranoid, sometimes to a full-blown panic attack. Now I'm on Prozac, and the Adderall combination is fine. But I still get anxious and mildly irritable when the 'high' of the Adderall decreases."

• Aug...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 25, 2022

"I've been prescribed Adderall IR since I was 14 years old. I always found that it worked well enough for me - better than Vyvanse, which made me agitated; Strattera, which simply never worked and gave me Raynaud's; and Focalin, which made me feel manic (I used to jokingly call it 'Cocalin', since it felt similar to the high from cocaine). However, I only found the IR effective for a few hours, so I switched to XR right before I started my first full-time job. While my attention has been fine for most (but not all) of the workday, the side effects have been awful. The most significantly different side effect for the XR dose has been a complete loss of my sex drive, which has been awful and has impacted my relationship. My tolerance has also increased to the point where I am at the maximum dose and feel like it's barely working anymore. If I don't take it, I feel depressed and can't get out of bed. It's no longer worth taking as it now runs my life and only provides marginal efficacy."

• Jes...
• November 20, 2010

"I find that with Adderall XR, everything has improved. I am diagnosed with ADHD, OCD, bipolar mixed cycling, and anxiety (GAD). Before, I would stay in bed for three weeks straight because I had no energy. With Adderall XR, I am able to function. Recently, I have lost my pill bottle (a real downside to being ADHD - you lose things), and I am not looking forward to sitting through more classes without it. I think I've finally found the right dose - 30 mg once a day in the morning seems to work for me. I just cannot have any type of eggs. I notice, however, that this makes me feel a million times better. I've noticed a little weight loss, but not much."