Re: Going off meds

[Carrie]

I know with the meds I only noticed them working when I stopped taking them. They were only subtle changes. Since January I have been on Dexedrine, Ritalin, Ritalin SR, back to Dexedrine, Adderall, back to Dexedrine and then Vyvanse. When it comes to side effects thats when you have to weigh the benefits against the side effects. Your lucky if you dont experience any side effects! Here was my experience.

Dexedrine – Side Effects (SE) – Dry Mouth, Decreased appetite, Insomnia (only if I took my last dose too late), Rebound between and after doses.

– Pros – I had focus, my brain was quiet – still jumping here and there but could filter out other stimulus, therefore decreasing my stimulus overload which made me snap or avoid social places like downtown – Because of the quiet things were clearer and I felt calmer. I would still feel overwhelmed at times, but was able to slow down.

Ritalin & Ritalin SR – SE – Sever Irritability on the rebounds. One day I remember getting into my moms car (my poor husband) and she sits so close to the window because she short, and she has all these colourful things hanging off her mirrior, the sun was right in my face… I flipped out! I remember yelling “WHY THE HECK DOES SHE HAVE THESE STUPID THINGS HERE IN MY FACE! HOW CAN ANYONE DRIVE LIKE THIS! GET THESE OUT OF HERE NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW!! HURRY UP!! I was so worked up and angry I almost couldnt drive. Because of the rebound I had sensory overload to the max! More so than ever! It only lasts an hour, but an hour was too much! Concerta is Ritalin, so I didnt try that.

-Pros – Ritalin gave me the best focus out of all the stimulants ive been on, but did not give me that calm and clearness Dexedrine did.

Adderall – SE – Dry mouth. Insomnia for the first 2 weeks. Severe decreased appetite, to the point where I didnt even want to think about food. The thought of food made me sick and so I would go all day with out eating, get a huge headache and feel very nauseous. Because of that gross feeling I didnt want to take it anymore.

– Pros – Only one pill a day so no rebound. Had my focus, no sensory overload (calm/clear).

Vyvanse – SE – Dry Mouth. Decreased appetite. Only difference with this appetite is that food is still appealing so I will eat and avoid the whole getting sick and cranky part.

– Pros – One pill a day. Little to no rebound. Im focused, no sensory overload. Not that gross feeling I got from Adderall.

Like I said before, most medications come with side effects… But are they worth you living without them? Some side effects are short lived. Some may be forever. I first started taking medication in January, almost 9 months later, after going through all those meds, reading books on ADD, reading these forums and hiring a coach, im JUST beginning to learn what is the ADD and how the meds play into the control of it. Meds dont teach habits. The things that the meds do for me are so subtle and small… yet they make such a huge difference.

Over the nine months I have noticed more and more differences they are making. Now when I dont take them, or once they wear off my husband notices, I notice, my kids notice, even my parents, siblings and friends notice! My friends dont know im on medication…. its quite funny when they wear off because then I become very hyper, very scattered, I always forget what im doing and then they ask “Are you on drugs? Seriously?? Whats going on?? Whats wrong with you?” hahahaha Little do they know, problem is they’ve just worn off! hahahaha

Sorry for writing so much and trailing off. I hope it helps a little bit and that I was understanding correct (I tend to pick up the wrong details all the time hahaha) Its different for everyone of course and because of that it takes time in finding the right med, the right dose etc etc. The longer you do it, the more you become aware and the easier it gets. Just takes time! Unfortunately having ADD we always feel rushed and that we dont have time! WE NEED IT NOW! hahahaha But its well worth it!

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