Aspies with ADD- need to ask questions

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vivreestesperer
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17 Dec 2011, 12:26 am

Can I hear from Aspies who also have ADD? I am AS just recently given possible ADD DX and started meds tonight, have questions re effects of the meds. Bonus points if you respond to this tonight but tomorrow is ok too.... thanks.
Will wait to ask questions till I see if I get anyone
Just started on Adderall 10 mg



pensieve
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17 Dec 2011, 12:35 am

Well, I take it you have inattentive ADHD. So do I...partly.

Erm, you should soon be able to have more focus, motivation as more energy and willingness to do a task that you've been putting off for ages because it either feels like too much or is just boring. A few weeks in you'll notice you pay more attention to the world around you. I'm unmedicated today and I'm just unable to focus on any one thing, I'm looking around all over the place.

Your speaking style may change, i.e become clearer and you may have a decrease in sensory issues. Stay on 10mg, those of us on the spectrum can be sensitive to stimulant medication. Even if the doctor tells you to take more. My doctor tells me 10mg three times a day.

Sometimes my medication makes me too sensible but that's when I take it on those hyper days.

If you feel the medication isn't helping you concentrate you need to initiate it by just starting and eventually the meds will kick in. It's no magic pill, you need to kick things off. Daily to-do lists are a good idea too.

I'd like my bonus in cash, thanks.


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dr01dguy
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17 Dec 2011, 1:10 am

Well, the big thing is that 10mg of Adderall for your first dose of the day might not be quite enough to do the job. If it makes you feel "stoned", or you get a sensation that feels like a dull burning behind your eyes (like when you're super tired), it almost always means the dose isn't high enough. The usual adult dose for both Adderall and dextroamphetamine is around 15-20mg IR for the first dose, with another 10mg ~5 and ~9 hours later. Most people get started on way too low of a dose, and decide it doesn't work for them.

If you have a problem with tachycardia or anxiety, try plain dextroamphetamine. It's similar to Adderall, but less "speedy" and overtly "stimulating" because it (officially) has no levoamphetamine (l-amp mostly affects the PNS, d-amp affects mostly the CNS).

The holy grail (especially for Aspies with anxiety issues) is Desoxyn, because it has almost no PNS stimulation effects to speak of. Unfortunately, American doctors are neurotic as hell about prescribing it, and it's outrageously expensive. I'm still torn about trying it when I go to the doctor next week. Tambourine-Man loves it, but there's no way in hell I can afford to spend $18/day on 6 5mg tablets over the long run (my health insurance won't pay for it because the ADD was "pre-existing").


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18 Dec 2011, 2:06 am

dr01dguy wrote:
Well, the big thing is that 10mg of Adderall for your first dose of the day might not be quite enough to do the job. If it makes you feel "stoned", or you get a sensation that feels like a dull burning behind your eyes (like when you're super tired), it almost always means the dose isn't high enough. The usual adult dose for both Adderall and dextroamphetamine is around 15-20mg IR for the first dose, with another 10mg ~5 and ~9 hours later. Most people get started on way too low of a dose, and decide it doesn't work for them.

If you have a problem with tachycardia or anxiety, try plain dextroamphetamine. It's similar to Adderall, but less "speedy" and overtly "stimulating" because it (officially) has no levoamphetamine (l-amp mostly affects the PNS, d-amp affects mostly the CNS).

The holy grail (especially for Aspies with anxiety issues) is Desoxyn, because it has almost no PNS stimulation effects to speak of. Unfortunately, American doctors are neurotic as hell about prescribing it, and it's outrageously expensive. I'm still torn about trying it when I go to the doctor next week. Tambourine-Man loves it, but there's no way in hell I can afford to spend $18/day on 6 5mg tablets over the long run (my health insurance won't pay for it because the ADD was "pre-existing").


Desoxyn is, indeed, a superior stimulant. Incredibly smooth and consistent. I sort of stumbled on a prescription when Dexedrine shortages left me in dire straights.

Is Desoxyn worth all the trouble it would usually take to get a prescription? No, probably not. It is very expensive and difficult to obtain. Yes, it is the best, but it's not a miracle in a pill. I wouldn't chase it if what you have is working.


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18 Dec 2011, 1:41 pm

I've got ADHD combined type. I only got diagnosed this year by a Tourette specialist (ADHD is a common co-morbid condition). For years they put the behaviour down to a non-descript personality disorder. It's nice to finally know what it ACTUALLY is because I would much rather have ADHD than a personality disorder NOS. I don't take medication for the ADHD but I might enquire about it if I start the carpentry course next year because one small mind blink and I will end up cutting off my fingers like my grandad! Apparently Abilify (aripiprazol) which I am going on for the Tourettes next year should calm my agressive behaviour down as well. I know drugs aren't a mirical though so I will wait and see.


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SyphonFilter
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18 Dec 2011, 2:23 pm

I have ADHD combined-type. I also take 10mg of generic Adderall, in the afternoon. You should have better focus for the four or so hours it's working.



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18 Dec 2011, 2:29 pm

I take slow release Ritalin, one 20mg pill in the morning and one in the early afternoon, I am much better able to focus when I'm on it and I have less sensory issues.


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