Adderall XR

[Anonymous]

I have been on Adderall XR for 3 weeks now starting for a week on the 20mg once a day and now on 40mg once a day. The first dose was amazing. I felt like my head was attached to my shoulders for the first time ever. It was awesome. The biggest benefit is that I don’t get as overwhelmed as I use to. I am an Administrative Assistant to the Director of the largest project our company has every undertaken in the Financial area. NO PRESSURE!!! So not feeling overwhelmed is a huge plus.

The only thing is that I haven’t noticed any difference in my jumping from task to task, Hyper focussing on things that aren’t the pressing issue, or my forgetfulness. I am however being a bit more consistent entering stuff into my google calendar to keep me on track.

I guess what all this is leading too is what should my expectations be of this medication. I know it won’t help me with everything and I still have to do the work on the organization side of things but I just want to hear from seasoned ADDers (or you too Dr. J)

Thanks everyone!

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[Anonymous]

I just went on 20mg of Adderal XR two days ago and I have been a total “space cadet” I seem to be doing better today. My problem is I felt relaxed but my mind would wander uncontrollably.

K

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[veronica]

yay! someone on this board is an admin like me and is GOOD at it!!

ok, i’ve been medicated with adderall XR for one complete year now. i too am an admin asst. and also felt that the overwhelming feeling i would have seeing the load of work i had to complete, diminished the moment i started taking the medication. so yeah, the meds help me feel less anxious and less vulnerable to emotional breakdowns at work…. but then came the part of learning how to manage my time, prioritize tasks, remembering things i have to do and give myself a pat on the back when a job was completed.

first things first…. the tools you’ll need to get yourself on track:

*an appointment book calendar tool. i have one that has each week laid out over two pages with the days broken down into times. like this one (http://www.ataglance.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product3_10052_10002_130423_-1_false_10052). when it is communicated to me to do something at a certain time on a certain day…. i immediately write in that book first. it is small enough to carry with me at all times, and have at my desk. i draw a thick dark line after 5:00pm (b/c that’s what time i leave work) and under that line for each day i go along and write the things that are asked of me to do throughout the day that are not appointment based (general admin duties). once the item is complete i scratch it out.

doing this will help you look over the list and prioritize what it is you have going on throughout the day.

e.g.- Bob comes in asks you to make 500 copies of a memo that needs to go out by 12:00 the next day, and Sue comes in with a letter that needs to be drafted by 2:00pm that same day… this two tasks upon a mountain of over work, you simply…..

look at what you are doing right now. can those tasks wait, or do they need to be done at a certain time like Bob’s and Sue’s request? if they can be put on hold- write them down under your daily requested tasks (the thick dark line)…. and complete Sue’s request first. Turn it in. Do Bob’s request. Turn it in to him…. then go about the other tasks.

another thing is to always get a definite time people need things by. this allows you the opportunity to under promise and over deliver. and will help you prioritize what needs to be completed first.

one of my biggest problems was that i would not ask people when they needed something by and i would work on filing stuff or writing letters, when something else was more pressing and i’d no idea it was. ALWAYS ask. and if they don’t have a time… set one. they need a letter typed up…. one hour. and do it in 30 minutes. under promise, over deliver.

and if i may be so bold as to tell you to use the google calendar for home, or separate one for work, i think would be best… only b/c then you are way too into making sure everything is entered in to the calendar, rather than being focused on WHAT is on it and what needs to get done.

*egg timer: or a stopwatch or whatever can give you a signal that certain time has passed. this will help you keep on point with your deadlines. but you have to be mindful not to get aggravated or annoyed if you are interrupted by someone while you’re timing yourself doing something. allow your self room for flexibility and interruptions, b/c as an admin… i don’t believe there is ever down time.

*a mental sharpener: is there a hobby that you like to do that can be done in the break room or your desk for less than 15 minutes?

eg. i like knitting, so i knit at my desk while i’m on break. i also like puzzles so i take a small to do in the break room or on my desk. reading a book, reading magazines…. anything that will take you away from your computer or other electronic devices.

we adders need rewards and those breaks (which i recommend taking about every 2 hours) helps us veer from our wondering ways and space cadetness. when you start to find yourself unfocused on a task you are trying to complete, that is the best time for you to get up and go for a walk, or go read, or knit, or whatever…. then come back to what you were doing.

secondly, read up on the actual skill of managing your time better. this really isn’t something that is an official class in grade school (wish it was). here is a great breakdown of the many time management tools and such that are out there. it describes on of my most favorite ways to prioritize things…. The Eisenhower Method (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Time_management#Techniques_for_setting_priorities), plus it briefly discusses time management and ADD.

don’t get too preoccupied with tasks lists. try not to ‘leave things for tomorrow’. doing those two things is like setting excuses as to why you didn’t get those tasks done… and honestly it’s lame. hahahahaha

lastly, remember that one of the most valuable tools you have is being present. practice recognizing when you’re becoming bored with a task you are doing and either tell yourself you’ll take a break once a certain aspect is completed, or just go take one immediately and return to the item.

and this is something you can do in your personal life as well. if you have any other Q’s i’m on FB. send me a msg.

facebook.com/vroninatx

good luck!

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[April]

Veronica, thank yoiu so much for your information. I have serious organisation issues and it has also been suggested that I might benefit from a trial of Atteral. I am in a job that requires that I am able to multitask. Lately, I have been feeling overwhelmed with the tasks and bored with mundane. I have been in denial about dropping tasks at work. I have recently been diagnosed with ADD and your very practical advice has given my some reassurance. Thank you

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[Anonymous]

I just joined this great site… LOVE the videos … they KEEP my attention!

I just want to let everyone know about a problem I had with Adderall XR: I now have Interstitial Cystitis due to this WONDERFUL med. I loved what it did for my way overbusy brain… but it killed my bladder. It took 6 doctors to make the discovery but finally, an incredible urologist in Philadelphia, PA figured it out. Due to the pain, it also created a pelvic floor problem and vulvadynia… I “took to my bed” every night after work so the muscles of the pelvic floor got weaker and weaker … so here I am… ADHD; can’t take stimulants and in almost constant pain… which only adds to my distractibility! ARGH…

I am not giving up, though. When I have made a better recovery (MUST do the PT exercises… when I remember… <sigh>) I want to try Concerta which the urologist says is more “bladder friendly”.

Let me say that Adderall XR was a wonderful drug for me EXEPT the “bladder thing”. It might be fine with most people, but just stay alert to the possible signs of bladder trouble. I also drank coffee on top of taking the Adderall (1 12oz cup), so that might have had something to do with it, I don’t know. This med worked so well for me, I wrote 5 grants that year and was awarded 4 of them. I cleaned my house, made every appointment on time and was starting to write a book… but now, my house is a mess, my car looks like a homeless person lives in it and I spend more time looking for my keys, ID badge, credit cards etc. than I do using them. I DID, however write one grant last year and received it, so I’m not a total loss…

BTW: If I had had a more understanding Family Doc, I probably would have realized months earlier of the problem, but her response when I suggested I get checked for ADHD? “Oh, yeah, you have ADD, I have ADD, everyone has ADD.” I had to DEMAND an evaluation from a neurologist. If she would have taken better care of me on my monthly visits for more meds, she would have asked me questions like “Do you notice anything different?” and I would have said “Ya know, I have to use the bathroom more often or I feel like I have cramps all the time”… But no… We had to play this “I-don’t-really-believe-you-have-this-“ADD”-thing,-but-if-you-say-so”… game.

I now have a new family doctor.

Stay vigilant and don’t let anyone, ESPECIALLY your doctors make fun, belittle or tease you about having ADHD. I didn’t find out till I was 48 years old. I spent the next year “re-thinking” my whole life. NOW it all makes sense! What a relief!

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[Anonymous]

I just started the Adderall XR – today was day 2. I could not believe the difference even the first day! I was doing things I have not tried to tackle in a year! I finished one task and went to the next – no zoning out in between or just quitting. I feel so awake all day and less anxious. I am hoping and praying this continues. I had been so afraid to try meds, now I regret waiting so long. I really feel that I have turned a corner – fully embracing my ADD and accepting that it’s a part of me and trying the treatments that are available. It was a big step! I was in denial for a long time.

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[Anonymous]

Veronica,

Sorry it’s taken me so long to respond to your amazing advise!! I am already doing some of the things you suggested (writing everything down and asking for deadlines). I tell people if you say “whenever” then it will be Never! That usually gets them to give me a time frame!!

I am going to check the links you sent when I have some time (or make some time). The one thing I don’t do is take breaks. I think your suggestion is a very good one and might be part of my problem with hyperfocusing!!

I would love to connect with you on Facebook if that is okay. I will send you a message!

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[Anonymous]

On Adderall XR – 2 months

Pros:

– One pill

– slower fall-off – no headaches/pressure

– Don’t know how healthy this is but I experienced some relevant weight loss – 15lbs – from 175 lbs to averaging around 160 over a month.

Cons:

– the longer I take it, the less it is effective – had to regularly increase dosage.

– some anxiety during initial release spike

– sleep problems even when taking it early morning

Good old fashioned Dexedrine keeps my attentiveness on the task at hand better, but I have to initiate/stimulate the beginning of the task. I’m supposed to be working now, but I’m into this damn forum again. Dex has that sharp fall-off when at your maximum dose, but it’s nothing too bothersome. No anxiety on dex, only slight euphoria/pick-me-up. I’m tossed between the two.

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[Anonymous]

It has been about four months since I went on Adderall XR been on 20mg dose about two weeks;I am still getting use to it. I am slowly feeling like I am in control again but it still makes me incredably tired.

K

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[Bibliophile]

I started 10 mg of Adderall XR yesterday. Concerta was causing me to be sleepy and unfocused even more than usual. What a difference the Adderall is making. It feels like a dose of caffeine throughout the entire day. I am able to get back to a though much easier, although not immediately, and memory seems to be the same or slightly improved. On second day now and other than needing to keep fluids up, it has been good so far.

Does anyone know if Adderall can affect mood? My dysthymia seems reduced, but this could be placebo.

@2Raddled sorry to hear about the interstitial cystitis (IC). I suffer from that prior to starting Adderall along with mild Crohn’s, which must mean my immune system is confused, with flares up happening multiple times throughout the year. So far the Adderall hasn’t triggered anything. Mind you, I am only on day two and at a low dose of 10 mg. Diet is probably the MOST important way of controlling IC. Elmiron is used as well, but it takes months to see an effect, if any, and is expensive. Apparently while Dex or Adderall is being marketed as a treatment for IC in some circles others are claiming it leads to flare ups. I guess it depends what is causing the IC in the first place for the person.

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[Anonymous]

Librarian_chef:

First off, are you really a librarian? I am too! AND I love to cook.

Unfortunately, it was the Adderall XR that caused my IC. I never even had a bladder infection in my life then three months after starting Adderall XR: BAM. I was so, so sick… yet I kept taking the Adderall XR for another four months and got sicker and sicker… but I was focused and organized even through the pain!!!

I too, am now on Elmiron. I’m down to two capsules at night and getting good results with PT and exercise. When I described when the pain began, (after I FINALLY found a doctor -urologist- who would believe me) she said that she has seen a lot of new women patients with ADHD on Adderall “coming down” with IC. I’ve been off Adderall for over a year now and am doing well … Not ADHD-wise, but bladder/pelvic floor-wise. I reallly miss the wonderful effect that Adderall XR gave me. I was happy, organized, no problems with mood. I was myself only better – more self-controlled. I’m not a “severe” ADHDer but “bad enough” to cause anguish, sadness, frustration at not begin able to complete things, find things, remember things.

After a lot of thought and research (I am a librarian after-all!) I have concluded that I may have taken the Adderall all wrong. I would take it with coffee about a half an hour before eating and not really drink enough water throughout the day. I’ve never been a big drinker of anything… ever. I can go like a camel… all day without drinking.

I now make sure I drink more water even though my IC is under control for the most part. The only time I have a “flare” is when I get sick and lay around too much and don’t drink enough. I don’t need the special IC diet and am able to drink a small coffee again. Good thing ‘cuz that’s my favorite drug of choice.

I would recommend you take the Adderall XR with protein (perhaps a little egg sandwich with turkey sausage, egg and cheese) and drink LOTS of water. Give up the coffee if you can. It’s dehydrating.

I JUST started Intuniv about a week ago. I went to a CHADD meeting and Dr. Patricia Quinn, who is an expert on ADHD especially with women, recommended it after telling her what happened to me. I haven’t seen a lot of improvement yet and I’m a bit sleepy, but they say it takes 2-3 weeks to have a full effect. Since I work at a school, I have the school nurse check my blood pressure since low pressure is a side effect … so far, so good. I’m not taking any chances this time. I am also keeping a journal. I make note of any mood or physical change. I also changed my primary care doctor since 1. She “had doubts” about whether ADHD in adults is real and 2. She didn’t really monitor my PHYSICAL condition while she was prescribing the Adderall.

Good luck on the Adderall. It’s wonderful stuff, but if you feel one bit of a “flare”, stop. Tell your doctor. Get the IC under control and then see if you can try Intuniv or some other non-stimulant. Also make sure you have a great therapist.

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[Bibliophile]

Yes, I am a government librarian and used to cook for a living (trained at college for a year). I couldn’t continue with the latter as restaurant work requires an excellent memory, ability to repeat actions ad nauseam and day after day, and consistency above all other things. I like my work as I do everything in the library so it is not as repetitious as it would be if I were a specialist, say a cataloguer.

I manage my IC with diet alone. I am treating my Crohn’s though. I flare up for a number of reasons so I am reluctant to blame the Adderall XR for one case. I would certainly stop if frequency jumped above the norm. I had to give up coffee/tea for the IC. Caffeinated drinks are a major no-no in the IC diet. I had to give up Black teas anyways as I have to be on a low oxalate diet because of the Crohn’s.

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