Hey guys, I'm sure there's at least some of you with ADD or ADHD, and I'm here to ask those of you who do for some input. I've dealt with ADD my whole life but my parents refused to acknowledge it. Now that I'm 21 I finally realized I can get my own help. Been looking into Adderall, and I'm going to see a psychologist as soon as my benefits kick in at work, but I'm wondering if any of you guys take it, what dosage you take, how often you take it and if it's extended release or instant release, and how it affects you overall. My ADD is making work difficult and just getting in the way of my life and I'm worried that Adderall may get in the way of things as well from what I've found online, but I figured I'd come here for some personal experiences. (if you don't mind sharing) thanks in advance!

Well these kind of concerns you're suppose to discuss this with your doctor. You shouldn't depend on this to give you advice on prescriptive drugs. It works differently for ppl too. I can tell you this but my brother and bf has that but they don't take those medicines b/c it wasn't helping them very well. Like it can give mood swing,s shakiness but it was hard to tell to what might help them but they were better off without it. So if you do try it hopefully it helps you and don't cause certain bad effects on you. You might not be able to tell if it is making you a certain way but once you feel like it is there's that possibility you might have to stop too. Hopefully that can help you to understand.

The reason I was asking here is because some doctors will just prescribe medication without really looking deeply into the issue. I like going to the doctor with some knowledge on what they're likely to prescribe or offer for treatment so I can have a discussion with them about it rather than just trying drugs till something works.

My mother doesn't acknowledge the fact that I have both ADHD and Dyslexia. And my dad, when he was alive, told me that I'd grow out of it... Which I didn't. Unfortunately, I don't take medication since I've got a bad history with medicine (Took antihistamine for my allergies, had me sleeping for three days straight ) So, I think it's best that you don't take any at the moment until... well, you get a good doctor who doesn't give you meds with doses that get higher and higher every week. :)

Hello! I know this is a bit old, but wanted to check up on you and give you my 2 cents. I got diagnosed early last year, but I have been dealing with ADHD (inattentive type) my entire life without realizing what it was.

First, go to a psychologist (these are the people you go to for talk therapy, advice, more knowledge on the disorder, etc) if you haven't already to get diagnosed and then for some life advice. There's lots of things you can do to manage ADHD with and without the help of meds, but it also depends on how severe your case is. For example, my psychologist has given me tips and tricks on how to focus at school and on homework, even when I'm off my meds. I find that going is extremely helpful to me (which is why I try to go on a regular basis), but I also know that not all psychologists are as helpful. For example, I had been going to a different psychologist prior to getting diagnosed for 10+ years who never even alluded to the possibility of me having ADHD. It's totally up to you, though, because what helps me might not help you.

Then, go to a psychiatrist (these are the doctors who look at your diagnosis and talk to you for like 5~10 mins to figure out which prescription drug might work best for your specific case). A psychiatrist will prescribe you what they see fit. This can be--but not need be--Adderall (Amphetamine). Keep in mind that finding a medication that works for you is--oftentimes--a lot of trial and error. Not only are you and your psychiatrist working on finding the right drug, but also the right dosage. Typical and common ADHD meds/stimulants include: Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta, and Vyvanse. These drugs are often prescribed to be taken at least once a day. Common side effects of stimulants in general include: loss of appetite which leads to weight loss, sleep problems, and increased anxiety.

My experience with medication: I was prescribed Concerta (Methylphenidate) upon my first visit first visit to the psychiatrist and have never tried a different stimulant drug (besides coffee and cigs). They had me start on the lowest dose (18 mg), which is what most responsible doctors will usually do, and I chose extended release (1 pill in the morning) over instant release (2+ pills throughout the day) since I knew I would be incapable of remembering to take the second pill. My reaction to this was...... underwhelming lmao. It made me drowsy and tired beyond belief. It literally put me to sleep. I ended up taking it every day for two weeks and it never got better, so I stopped.

Next visit to my psychiatrist she gave me a choice of starting on the lowest dose of immediate release Ritalin (another brand for Methylphenidate) or hike up the dose on extended release Concerta (27 mg). I chose the Concerta again because the idea of immediate release scared me lol. This one did not make drowsy or tired or sleepy at all. However, it made me feel absolutely no hunger throughout the day.... and that was it, basically. Nothing else changed or improve my ADHD.

My psychiatrist then decided to hike up the dose this time to the largest one--54mg. Now, lots of things have changed! Both good and bad. I'll start with the bad: I got vasovagal syncope the first day I took it, I experienced sleep paralysis for the first time ever that same night, I get anxiety way more frequently, I am a lot less creative, a lot more boring, a little bit more critical, and a lot less sociable, and I'm still getting used to having a quiet brain. Ok, now for the good: my vision has improved dramatically (like the colors are more vivid and bright and everything seems less blurry), I am able to multitask now without getting angry at anyone who distracts me, I am a lot happier!!!, I perform a lot better in exams, studying is not as frustrating or time-consuming and neither is reading or writing, I win a lot more arguments because I actually think before I speak now and can follow conversations easier, I am not as impulsive, and I have not being sabotaging myself or my relationships as much.

If any ADHD Dollars have recurring problems at school and/or work because of their ADHD, I suggest going to their school's Disability Resource Center where they can provide accommodations for you and/or consulting the EEOC (if you are in the United States) and your workplace regarding possible accommodations. I know it can be uncomfortable for some of us to talk about our ADHD, but communication goes a long way! All we can do is try to thrive in a society which favors neurotypical brains by looking for resources and circumventive ways that let us shine for who we truly are! I also suggest the How To ADHD YouTube channel since she posts a lot of tips and tricks for ADHD people.

Just gonna throw in some of my input. Totally agree with uni. Exhaust your other resources first. I was diagnosed with ADD when I was really young and was almost immediately medicated. To be honest I was fairly mediocre at things while on it because I was forcing my brain to do something that in a sense it wasnt made for (focusing on one thing). Ultimately I ended up off the medication and had to learn how to use my mind anyway. following that I was an honors student.

Now I totally get that your situation is different given that you are already an adult. That being said, from my experience, the pills don't do much to really help. Dont want to harsh your buzz with this.

Honestly I read the unfettered mind by Takuan Soho and that really helped. Its like an instruction manual for a constantly moving mind. One of the passages refers to this being with a thousand arms, and basically he says that if you focus your mind on one arm then the rest of the arms become useless. If you let your mind flow naturally, you can use all one thousand arms. Also that the mind is like a cat. If you tie it up then it loses its ability to hunt, if you let it do whatever then it will get lost. You have to train it to do what it does but come back when its supposed to. Thats just a taste of the book anyway. hope thats not too abstract.

But yeah dude, your an adult, your choice. my advice, try mastering the way you think to your own advantage first. talk to a psychologist. It helps to organize your thoughts.

Hope that helps!!!