Anyone else take Ritalin or Adderol?

[swbsam]

I don't really want this to change into a thread about how ADHD is a fake disorder, and how I'm just lazy and all of that bunk. Of course, I can't stop you for thread jacking...I will say that ritalin is over prescribed, and most kids shouldn't be on this drug...

I resisted taking ritalin for years - I sucked at school (but got by), lost jobs and got into a ton of trouble, including car accidents, due to my ADHD and my inability to concentrate even if it meant putting my self in personal danger.

I eventually gave ritalin a try and did very well, excelling at most everything and becoming the perfect driver... I stayed on ritalin for a few years and then weened myself off shortly before getting married, because my wife mentioned that my personality is very different while under the influence. I'm very serious and not the fun guy I usually am, and she did't like that.

I learned coping mechanisms and have gotten better while off of meds, but I feel things slipping again and am considering going back on ritalin for a bit. Anyone have any experience with the personality change? Is it psychosomatic or something that other people experience?

 

[Cheesetogo]

I'm on Vyvanse, which is pretty much the same thing as Adderall. I can't say that I've actually noticed my personality being any different when I'm on the drug, although it's quite possible that I've just never noticed. Maybe you should consider switching to a lower dosage or another drug.

 

[OCGuy]

I used to crush my little brothers ridalin and snort it in High School. Is that the same thing?

 

[Ns1]

adderall is godly

 

[acheron]

My opinion is... oh look, a squirrel!

 

[Modelworks]

I take a drug called Dexedrine. It is a a dextro-amphetamine. Similar to adderall. I don't have ADHD but take it for another condition called somnolence caused by another medical condition. Ritalin is a methylphenidate like concerta, focalin and all the other brand names, while adderall is an amphetamine. Ritalin made me feel awake , but it also made me quick tempered and on higher doses it was easy for me to get angry and that is not the type of person I am when not taking the stuff. I am a very hard person to make angry.

The amphetamine based drugs don't have that effect on me. I get the benefit of the drug without the side effects. Something you might want to consider.

 

[swbsam]

Originally posted by: Modelworks
I take a drug called Dexedrine. It is a a dextro-amphetamine. Similar to adderall. I don't have ADHD but take it for another condition called somnolence caused by another medical condition. Ritalin is a methylphenidate like concerta, focalin and all the other brand names, while adderall is an amphetamine. Ritalin made me feel awake , but it also made me quick tempered and on higher doses it was easy for me to get angry and that is not the type of person I am when not taking the stuff. I am a very hard person to make angry.

The amphetamine based drugs don't have that effect on me. I get the benefit of the drug without the side effects. Something you might want to consider.

Wow, that's very similar to what I experience - I'm short tempered and very task oriented, to the point of being snippy. I never noticed this while single, but while dating/married my wife has plainly said "I like you better off of ritalin."

I'll mention this to my doc again, but the last time I mentioned this he put me on Lexapro in addition to Ritalin to balance me out. I'm not depressed nor do I want to take even more drugs.. Besides, lexapro made me eat even more!

God.. I hate drugs.. But they do work for some people..

 

[destrekor]

Originally posted by: Ns1
adderall is godly

My ADD is very effective in parts of my life. I really only have it to a degree, it's not insane or anything.
But, to whatever degree it is, it has made me an excellent driver. I'm attentive, and constantly paying attention. That and my distrust for other motorists, has led me being a very good driver that is always aware of any other variables, like where other cars are, road conditions, and what, if anything, will reduce my reaction speed or ability to maneuver to safety in time.
My eyes not being able to train themselves on one area for so long could be seen as a problem, but I've coped when it comes to driving and I am constantly looking everywhere, being extremely effective at scanning all around me and returning to looking forward. So while I could easily get distracted from looking forward and looking at something unimportant, I've basically training myself that when I stop looking forward, I then look everywhere else that I should be looking. I've dodged a few potential accidents, and never caused one myself.

However, in terms of school work, I've yet to find a way to truly cope. I've used Adderall on a few occasions and it helps, but nothing like the first few times I used it.
I'd get a prescription but sadly the military does not fancy the idea of anyone being on ADD meds, and its grounds for disqualification and discharge. So, no prescription for me. I wouldn't be so angered by that if it wasn't for my damn GPA being so important in my training, which is ridiculous. Being prescribed it and using it from time to time for studying, I'd definitely improve my grades. But alas, I'm stuck with finding a way to cope with it for school, and so far haven't really found anything effective other than acquiring Adderall somehow.

Originally posted by: acheron
My opinion is... oh look, a squirrel!

Ooo something shiney... Ooo haha a squirrel, aww look it how it ... ooo bright light. GAH it's the sun! ooo a squirrel.. ooo shiney!

That's me, walking to and from classes every day. :laugh:

 

[DrawninwarD]

Originally posted by: swbsam
... my wife mentioned that my personality is very different while under the influence. I'm very serious and not the fun guy I usually am, and she did't like that.

I knew someone in high school that took Ritalin. He was a weird idiot when he didn't take Ritalin but differently weird when he did (although tolerable).

 

[halik]

Yes, 2 bachelors degrees in 4 years required it.

 

[JohnCU]

maybe try a lower dosage?

 

[Perknose]

Originally posted by: acheron
My opinion is... oh look, a squirrel!

:laugh:

 

[Canai]

Originally posted by: Cheesetogo
I'm on Vyvanse, which is pretty much the same thing as Adderall. I can't say that I've actually noticed my personality being any different when I'm on the drug, although it's quite possible that I've just never noticed. Maybe you should consider switching to a lower dosage or another drug.

I'm on Vyvanse as well. It does help me, and I resisted being put on it for years. Really helps me pay attention in class and actually take notes.

 

[swbsam]

Originally posted by: destrekor

Originally posted by: Ns1
adderall is godly

My ADD is very effective in parts of my life. I really only have it to a degree, it's not insane or anything.
But, to whatever degree it is, it has made me an excellent driver. I'm attentive, and constantly paying attention. That and my distrust for other motorists, has led me being a very good driver that is always aware of any other variables, like where other cars are, road conditions, and what, if anything, will reduce my reaction speed or ability to maneuver to safety in time.
My eyes not being able to train themselves on one area for so long could be seen as a problem, but I've coped when it comes to driving and I am constantly looking everywhere, being extremely effective at scanning all around me and returning to looking forward. So while I could easily get distracted from looking forward and looking at something unimportant, I've basically training myself that when I stop looking forward, I then look everywhere else that I should be looking. I've dodged a few potential accidents, and never caused one myself.

However, in terms of school work, I've yet to find a way to truly cope. I've used Adderall on a few occasions and it helps, but nothing like the first few times I used it.
I'd get a prescription but sadly the military does not fancy the idea of anyone being on ADD meds, and its grounds for disqualification and discharge. So, no prescription for me. I wouldn't be so angered by that if it wasn't for my damn GPA being so important in my training, which is ridiculous. Being prescribed it and using it from time to time for studying, I'd definitely improve my grades. But alas, I'm stuck with finding a way to cope with it for school, and so far haven't really found anything effective other than acquiring Adderall somehow.

Originally posted by: acheron
My opinion is... oh look, a squirrel!

Ooo something shiney... Ooo haha a squirrel, aww look it how it ... ooo bright light. GAH it's the sun! ooo a squirrel.. ooo shiney!

That's me, walking to and from classes every day. :laugh:

Here's the thing - I *can* cope if I force myself to, but I'm putting so much of my mental power into concentrating on concentrating, that I'm not working to my full potential. It's very hard to explain... Having been off of my meds for a few months, I find that most of my time is spent structuring myself and not in fact working. While medicated, things just clicked into place so I worked at full efficiency, 100% of the time.

I did find that the medicine stopped working as well over time. I think my new technique will be to use it only when I need it. None on the weekend, none on Wednesdays (our day of meetings at work, not very productive day).. I'll let my wife drive on the weekends even...

 

[Suspicious-Teach8788]

Originally posted by: Perknose

Originally posted by: acheron
My opinion is... oh look, a squirrel!

:laugh:

Is your name Boxxy?

 

[SphinxnihpS]

You are a seeker and probably a thrill seeker. Your personality is suited to you and gives you a specific advantage over others. You are probably intensely creative, and think differently about everything. Only your current situation conflicts with this, so they call it a disorder. Sure it's a disorder to society, but your personality demands different. You will never be truly happy being married, or working a nine to five. Drug your self, or choose to live your life the way YOU KNOW you are supposed to.

 

[SearchMaster]

Originally posted by: SphinxnihpS
You are a seeker and probably a thrill seeker. Your personality is suited to you and gives you a specific advantage over others. You are probably intensely creative, and think differently about everything. Only your current situation conflicts with this, so they call it a disorder. Sure it's a disorder to society, but your personality demands different. You will never be truly happy being married, or working a nine to five. Drug your self, or choose to live your life the way YOU KNOW you are supposed to.

This.

Is yet another idiotic post by you.

 

[SphinxnihpS]

Originally posted by: SearchMaster

Originally posted by: SphinxnihpS
You are a seeker and probably a thrill seeker. Your personality is suited to you and gives you a specific advantage over others. You are probably intensely creative, and think differently about everything. Only your current situation conflicts with this, so they call it a disorder. Sure it's a disorder to society, but your personality demands different. You will never be truly happy being married, or working a nine to five. Drug your self, or choose to live your life the way YOU KNOW you are supposed to.

This.

Is yet another idiotic post by you.

How so?

Edit: I'll just elaborate now and save you hanging yourself.

Everything big that has ever been done, like discovering America, and going to the moon, and painting great paintings and making TV shows, and conquering Africa has been done by people with what we now term as a disorder. There is an absolute genetic link to this so-called disorder and the most fabulous people you have ever heard of. Everyone that makes your world interesting has ADHD. The only thing these people conflict with is average mild mannered cog in the machine types which make up the bulk of society. There is nothing wrong with either personality type, but since you guys are the majority and find our outbursts unsettling, you label us as diseased. It's a brainwash. I'm just saying do not buy it. Now go back to your cubby hole and await instructions!

 

[jagec]

Originally posted by: destrekor

My ADD is very effective in parts of my life. I really only have it to a degree, it's not insane or anything.
But, to whatever degree it is, it has made me an excellent driver.

Your Attention Deficit disorder has made you an excellent driver?

 

[destrekor]

Originally posted by: SearchMaster

Originally posted by: SphinxnihpS
You are a seeker and probably a thrill seeker. Your personality is suited to you and gives you a specific advantage over others. You are probably intensely creative, and think differently about everything. Only your current situation conflicts with this, so they call it a disorder. Sure it's a disorder to society, but your personality demands different. You will never be truly happy being married, or working a nine to five. Drug your self, or choose to live your life the way YOU KNOW you are supposed to.

This.

Is yet another idiotic post by you.

I dunno about that.

Well for one, it actually sounds like a quote ripped from somewhere else.
And two, it's somewhat true.

Most of the disorders we diagnose today, aren't really disorders. Rather, different combinations of genetics produce individuals with different neurotransmitter levels. Humans, as a species, isn't really bred to live the lifestyle we live, i.e. office work. It tends to really stress out body mentally and eventually physically, because the little, often unnoticeable stress compounds in our body, and stress causes our body to react, which elevates various stress reactions. But our body was designed to fight stress in short periods. Our lives tend to really create constant stress for most individuals, even if it's not something we refer to as "stress". What we perceive as stress isn't the same as what our body perceives as stress. Well, what we perceive is stress, but many other things create stress reactions in our body.

But other than that, many individuals could cope daily, and easily, if given a different lifestyle. Many people will be perceived as troubled and seem to have a mental problem in one environment, but they can be at ease in a different environment.

Me? If I found myself working in an office job, I'd probably go insane, and easily be diagnosed with clinical depression. But I'm not a depressed person, just certain environments bring that out in me. Give me something where I can be creative in some shape or form, where I have to follow certain guidelines but can accomplish a task with my own style in a way, and I see myself excelling.

However, I do want a wife, as that's something I crave - companionship. Also, I want a good home and kids. Mainly a male child to continue the bloodline and so I can groom him to possibly be a baseball star.

 

[destrekor]

Originally posted by: jagec

Originally posted by: destrekor

My ADD is very effective in parts of my life. I really only have it to a degree, it's not insane or anything.
But, to whatever degree it is, it has made me an excellent driver.

Your Attention Deficit disorder has made you an excellent driver?

I explained that in that same post.

I don't have an extreme case of ADD, mind you. Most of my good driver aspects come from other things. It's hard to explain. While at times I am easily distracted on the road by something on the side, it's not like I cannot hold attention on something for any moment of time. That, and driving gets my body attentive.

ADD can be combated by stressors. Stressors, especially ones that get your body pumping more norepinephrine, can combat ADD, if the ADD is caused by imbalanced, or low levels, of specific neurotransmitters. That is what medications seek to do - amphetamines cause your body to pump more norepinephrine, for instance. So any natural situation that does the same, will produce similar gains in attention.

 

[SphinxnihpS]

Originally posted by: jagec

Originally posted by: destrekor

My ADD is very effective in parts of my life. I really only have it to a degree, it's not insane or anything.
But, to whatever degree it is, it has made me an excellent driver.

Your Attention Deficit disorder has made you an excellent driver?

Yes we have attention deficits, but they are not blanket or global. Our attention deficits manifest during boring repetitive meaningless drudgery. Things that are thrilling grab our attention 100%.

 

[Barfo]

Originally posted by: swbsam I learned coping mechanisms and have gotten better while off of meds

I'd be interested to know what kind of mechanisms.

/not sarcastic

 

[amicold]

Adderall is dextro and levo-amphetamine salts.
And Sphinx idk what else you're on but I don't want any. People with true ADHD recognize it interferes with their lives, you were probably misdiagnosed.

 

[swbsam]

Originally posted by: Modelworks
I take a drug called Dexedrine. It is a a dextro-amphetamine. Similar to adderall. I don't have ADHD but take it for another condition called somnolence caused by another medical condition. Ritalin is a methylphenidate like concerta, focalin and all the other brand names, while adderall is an amphetamine. Ritalin made me feel awake , but it also made me quick tempered and on higher doses it was easy for me to get angry and that is not the type of person I am when not taking the stuff. I am a very hard person to make angry.

The amphetamine based drugs don't have that effect on me. I get the benefit of the drug without the side effects. Something you might want to consider.

THANK YOU, thank you thank you! I had an appointment today with my psychiatrist (the reason I posted this thread), and told him about my anxiousness/being on edge. He immediately suggested Adderall.

I just took my first one a few hours ago and I can't really tell yet, I'll give it the month he suggested. I asked my wife to be very honest about my behavior, so fingers crossed..

I was misinformed and thought Adderall was the same family of drugs as ritalin, thank you for the useful information.