I was on adderall XR for a year and a half 6 years ago. It changed my life, helped my ADHD and executive dysfunction and made me feel normal. Then several months into it, I went through a really rough patch. I was a mess and ended up abusing the meds after several months of being on them. I ended up stopping them on my own and telling my doctor what happened. I wouldn't ever do this again as I've grown and changed so much from that time. I just miss the meds and how they helped me function (at the regular dose) and feel like a normal person. It's been extremely hard dealing with my ADHD lately, I can't even drive due to it. But I know due to that past misuse I will probably never be able to get them again. Just bummed about that and full of regret.
Hey man I just want to let you know it will be fine we Al lhere have problems with stuff like this and the impulsiveness from adhd makes this so much worse so remember it’s not your fault but remember before you were diagnosed you had no meds right but if anything get a new doctor once you feel safe to get meds again and I think they sell stuff online like a daily medicine thing island one tip make it a game like you get points everyday you take the required dose and if you take more you lose points sounds dumb but works or if you live or have someone living with you give them the meds and make them give it to you daily
Thanks! Yeah I'm just bummed about it, thinking of maybe bringing it up to my doctor and see what they say, but super nervous about it. It has been 6 years and things are a lot different now. I'm not worried I'll abuse them or anything again, I just want to be able to function.
Trust me man you will be fine if you think you will I believe in you and if they say no go to a different doctor simple
Ask for a weekly script for awhile.
That's not a bad idea, I can try that
Get a new doctor and don’t bring up past mid use - just say you had to stop due to cost years ago. Your symptoms have become hard to manage without medication. You found the medication very effective when you last took it and would like too restart
I'm worried it will still show up in my chart :/
I was worried about this too but I havent run into this after going to different doctors for different reasons over the years. I thought there might be some sort of online database but I think that's more at the pharmacy level than anything. I'm currently doing the online thing and it's been pretty simple so far
Being upfront with new doc will gain their trust. Withholding that info can raise a red flag and ruin his changes of getting his meds.
Another thought. Depending on exactly how it ended, you might consider talking to the same doctor, expressing what you stated here, and seeing if it would be possible to try Vyvance.
It’s a similar drug, but has to be metabolized through the stomach before it becomes the active form of the stimulant. This makes it similar in effectiveness to Adderall, but with a slightly lowered abuse potential. The doctor might be willing to work with you and it could carry less risk with a similar or improved outcome.
Take care of yourself.
That's a good idea. My doctor is pretty understanding. I just have never brought it up to her since I stopped taking it 6 years ago. Definitely nerve wracking but the worst she could say is no I suppose!
Honestly I had a family member who used to abuse her concerta, and she was off it for awhile, I'd estimate 3-4 years. She's been back to the dr and he has started her back on it, carefully of course. Just be honest with your doctor, they are always looking out for your best interests
I'm so sorry, I could not live long term without proper ADHD medication.
They have non stim meds that could be useful. Your doc an explain more.
Yo I was in the same boat from 17-20, like the exact same situation w/ vyvanse. I finally talked to my psych and he agreed to prescribe me Concerta. This has been the most put together month I’ve had in a decade. That being said you have to know yourself and what place you’re in in life because abusing them even a little bit is a slippery slope. I didn’t think I was ready for a full 10 years.
Idk if this is helpful or if I’m just rambling lol. Hopefully the former
Thanks so much, this gives me hope
Do you feel different on Concerta vs the Vyvanse?
Honestly it has all the utility but it’s not nearly as ‘speedy’. It’s subtle, and I like it more for that. I think for me it works very well
I am def looking for subtle. I don't want any of the highs as it's kicking and lows when it's wearing off. Thank you for your response!
Please don't think I'm trying to be mean, but I honestly don't know. How does someone with ADHD abuse their meds for it?
I googled that question and they gave me the 988 suicide prevention number and said, "Help is available." Oddly enough, that was unhelpful.
Lol Google isn't helpful at all when it comes to that 😂 I don't know honestly. I had substance abuse issues beforehand, mainly with stimulants, probably due to my ADHD, so that probably played into it a lot.
Hey brother good on you for your honesty. We have very similar stories except i got back on it years later. just a heads up. Don’t get back on it. You will abuse again. Take it from me!!
So how do you manage your symptoms?
To be frank, i drink a lot of coffee, i workout, and EMBRACE my adhd. I find by taking control in this way helps break the cycle of some aspects of executive disfunction. Other things like impulsivity (my main struggle) I’ve had to learn to be more forgiving of myself. I live with my older brother and he really gives me a lot of guidance and helps ground me
Ask about a SSNRI. Mine has 24 hour slow release so it works all day, lets me function like a normal person, isn't addictive (to me at least).
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