i started on adderall a few weeks ago for mod-sev add. i was started on 20mg xr to be taken at 7/730am. i also had sleep dysregulation, so he said it’s fine to set an alarm to take it and go back to sleep if i wanted – hoping to also improve the sleep dysregulation. anyway, i took it as prescribed, but wouldn’t wake up again til 1030 or so – over 3 hours later – and also felt it wearing off too early in the afternoon, generally btween 3-5 or so. i didn’t feel depressed as it wore off, but would start yawning a lot, followed by feeling progressively more scattered.
the first day i felt so tired by around 730 pm that i decided to have a cup of coffee. i figured the med was long out of my system, and it was such a small amount compared to what i usually would drink when i would feel that way, i thought it would be ok. i wound up having an anxiety attack -not as severe as i’ve had in the past, but very uncomfortable just the same. not fun! do not want to repeat that experience!
anyway, when i saw my dr next and told him what had happened he told me 2 important things. 1 is that even when the med is no longer active, it is still in your system and you are still going to be more sensitive to caffine. and 2, it only takes 1 hour for the med to start working – not 3 – i was not on the right dosage yet.
another thing, after i started taking the 2×20 mg xr in the morning, it was much better. by 830 am i didn’t feel the need or desire to stay in bed, i was alert,clear-headed, and functioning in the morning for the first time in my life. i also noticed i was much less irritable during the day while the med was active. and i was getting sleepy and ready to go to bed at a “normal” time. (i’m still wrapping my head around this drastic change….it feels very, very strange to me) but, it still seemed to wear off too early, and since i sometimes am at work until 6 or 7 (occasionally later) this was a problem. so he gave me some short-acting adderal to use late afternoon as needed. i haven’t tried it yet, but good to know it’s there if/when i need the extra coverage .
i’ve also noticed too that the amount/quality of sleep i’ve had the night before has a big impact. i know this is logical, but i think sometimes we forget (i know i do). the med is amazing – a huge help – but it’s not a “cure all”. it’s still important to get adequate rest, as well as good nutrition and exercise for a healthy mind and body.
yesterday i came home feeling really irritated and depressed (over some things i won’t get into now), so i convinced my kids to go to the pool with me. we went back and forth between the pool and jacuzzi, sometimes swimming, sometimes playing, sometimes stretching, sometimes just relaxing. and for those few hours i felt much more relaxed and at peace. a temporary fix, i guess, but at least it’s a healthy one. i imagine “moving meditation” would have similar effects, probably more profound – another tool in the toolbox to try 