Jan 31, 2013 | By Tim Stoddart

Quitting Adderall – What You Need to Know

Stimulant Addiction

Adderall can make you feel like a superhuman, but there are some harsh realities associated with the drug.

Street Names

Speed, Uppers, Black Beauties, Addys and Pep pills, study buddys, smart pills, copilots, wake-ups

What You Need to Know About Adderall

Adderall is a psycho-stimulant that contains amphetamine salts. Adderall comes as a tablet to be ingested orally with doses ranging from 5 to 30 milligrams. Some people looking for immediate effects may crush up their tablets and snort. It acts as a stimulant on the central nervous system and increases energy levels.

Adderall mimics feel-good brain chemicals like dopamine by binding to receptors that would normally respond to those hormones. Research shows the drug also blocks chemicals that temper reward-based responses, meaning the high continues till the effects wear off.

At the same time, Adderall provokes some of the same reactions as the fight-or-flight chemical epinephrine, indicates research from the University of Vermont. There is a rush of energy and clarity, Diller says, which focuses your attention and quiets your appetite.

[via shape.com]

The drug adderall is prescribed to treat Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), but people without ADD have found many other uses for the drug. Adderall is commonly used on college campuses as a study or test aid. It’s used by many amateur and professional athletes to improve their game performances and it’s used recreationally to produce a high that’s similar to cocaine. Obviously these are just a few examples of adderall abuse.

Adderall will heighten your senses and sharpen your focus. It has unquestionable benefits in enhancing performance in many areas.

The Adderall brand was introduced in 1996, and consists of a mixture of 2 different molecular structures of amphetamine. In 2006, an extended release formulation, Adderall XR was approved for release. Additionally, It is a schedule II controlled substance. Other Schedule II drugs include Vicodin, cocaine, OxyContin, and Ritalin. According to the DEA, Schedule II drugs are considered dangerous because they have a high potential for abuse and severe drug dependence. Because Adderall has medical legitimacy, it is legal only for those with a prescription.

Quitting Adderall – Why is it so Addictive?

brain on adderallAdderall can affect a person’s cognitive function. Since adderall imbues dopamine and other neurotransmitters into the brain, overstimulation can occur. First we have to understand the difference between addiction and dependence.

The reason why coming off of adderall is so difficult is because the body becomes dependent on the drug. This means that the drug is regulating chemicals that your organs (in this case the brain) would normally be responsible for. Once you stop, the brain needs time to self regulate. This come down feeling can be described as a “crash.”

In the brain, amphetamine binds to trace amine-associated receptor 1  and vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2). Though the effects of this binding on neurons are fairly complex, the end result is to increase the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine in the synaptic cleft similarly to methylphenidate and other stimulants. Additionally, amphetamine increases synaptic levels of other neurotransmitters such as serotonin, histamine, epinephrine.

Many people believe Adderall is “safe” due to being prescribed by doctors. However, continued abuse can lead to long-term side effects and when one crosses the line from abuse to addiction, the cycle can be hard to break.

Individuals can abuse Adderall because it can produce feelings of confidence, euphoria, and increase concentration. It can additionally suppress appetite and result in weight loss. The effects made the drug a go-to choice for anyone looking for a boost in physical as well as mental performance.

However, many people who are in the process of quitting adderall will report being in bed for days. The physical withdrawal symptoms are not the same as alcohol or opiates, but the physiological withdrawal can be debilitating.

That’s not to say that there are not physical withdrawal symptoms associated with adderall, but many would report the psychological effects to be the most painful and demoralizing.

Adderall is also mentally addictive. When people become accustomed to performing on such a high level with use of the drug, not using the drug can lead to inadequacy and depression. For those who have experience with adderall abuse, you can probably attest first hand as to feeling “lost” without the drug to help you get through the day.

Drugs like adderall, ritalin, and concerta are categorized into the same class known as “study drugs.” This refers the stimulants effects of enhancing aspects of a user’s mental functioning such as:

  • Memory.
  • Concentration.
  • Alertness.
  • Attention.
  • Motivation.

The problem with Adderall is it makes you feel like an enhanced version of yourself, like the person you wish you could be. Without it, I have to do this thing call self-motivate, and who wants to do that?!?

[via xozane.com]

Short-Term effects of Adderall

Those who take prescribed Adderall can experience the following benefits:

  • Increased focus and concentration
  • Increased mood level
  • Increased alertness and cognitive function
  • Reduction of hyperactivity
  • Decreased exhaustion

However, there are an increased number of negative short-term side effects that can happen to the user as well including:

  • Increased blood pressure
  • Increased heart rate
  • Dizziness
  • Anxiety
  • Dry mouth
  • Stomach ache
  • Back pain
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Constipation
  • Sleeping difficulties
  • Mood swings

Long-Term Effects of Adderall

In addition to the short-term effects, it can also harm the body in the long run. Adderall is a strong stimulant that can lead to serious — and potentially deadly — side effects. Overdose is one of the worst side effects of Adderall abuse, which can lead to heart attack, stroke and liver failure. Taking Adderall with other substances, such as alcohol, heighten the risk of a fatal overdose.Some of the effects associated with Adderall may include but are not limited to:

    • Stoke
    • Cardiac arrest
    • Irregular heartbeat
    • Seizures
    • Hypertension
    • Tachycardia
    • Cardiomyopathy
    • Cardiac dysrhythmias
    • Necrotizing vasculitis
    • Sudden death

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If you or a loved one are stuck in the grips of Addiction, it is not too late to find help. Recovery can be a phone call away! Call Sober Nation today at: 1 866 317-7050

Signs of Adderall Addiction

Though it is certainly possible, most often those who abuse Adderall do not look like stereotypical drug users. Generally they are students and young professionals. Some additional signs to look for when spotting an adderall addiction can include:

  • Loss of appetite
  • Overly talkative
  • Social withdrawal
  • Excitability
  • Secretive behavior
  • Financial trouble
  • Long periods of sleep
  • Fearful of not having Adderall

Poly-drug Abuse

When a person mixes two or more drugs for nonmedical reasons, it is defined as polydrug abuse.

Although Adderall is abused among thousands of people for performance-enhancing reasons, it is also abused for purely recreational reasons; in these instances, it may be mixed with other drugs, most commonly alcohol.

Users who use the drug as for recreational purposes, have a severe risk of complications by mixing it with alcohol. Adderall disguises common signs of alcohol consumption like slurred speech and lethargy. While someone is on the drug, it is common to experience alcohol poisoning without noticing the warning signs. Additional properties that adderall and alcohol have in common are:

  • Adderall and alcohol both have dehydrating properties which can lead to dangerous risks.
  • Alcohol is a depressant which can further enhance psychogical issues associated with withdrawal from adderall.

Mixing drugs like Adderall and opiates or benzodiazapines may additionally increase the risk of temporary psychosis, which can result in self-harm or harm to others. This can also cause severe sleep deprivation and behavioral changes can cause a person to break bones, experience a concussion, have an accident or indulge in risky sexual behavior, resulting in contracting a sexually transmitted infection.

A recent study conducted by researchers at Johns Hopkins University found that, between 2006 and 2011, non-medical abuse of Adderall among adolescents and young adults, ages 18-25, went up over 67 percent; emergency room treatment and admissions for Adderall overdose rose over 155 percent; and half of those ER admissions involved Adderall and alcohol.

Adderall Withdrawal Symptoms

Adderall is a powerfully-addictive drug. The more adderall is used, the more will be required to achieve the desired effects. This is called developing a tolerance. People who are trying to quit cold turkey may find that quitting adderall is very hard without help, because the psychological withdrawal symptoms can be intense and lead right back to drug use.

See also: Withdrawal Effects of Methamphetamine.

People who try to quit adderall may experience withdrawal symptoms such as:

  • depression
  • irritability
  • aggression
  • fatigue
  • lack of energy
  • difficulty experiencing pleasure
  • intense cravings
  • suicidal thoughts
  • sleep disturbances

Symptoms can range from mild to severe.

Adderall Overdose

Taking prescription drugs for non-medical reasons is just has risky as taking illicit substances like cocaine. An Adderall overdose can be recognized by a range of symptoms. Because Adderall is a stimulant, signs of an overdose include:

  • Restlessness or tremors.
  • Twitching or spasms.
  • Fast breathing.
  • Confusion.
  • Hallucinations.
  • Rapid or irregular heartbeat.
  • Unusually high or low blood pressure
  • Fever.
  • Nausea.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Stomach cramps.

Adderall overdoses can be life-threatening and should be treated by a trained professional. If you or someone you know is experiencing an Adderall overdose, call 911 immediately.

The Real Problem with Adderall

Here is what the warning labels don’t tell you…

Adderall is one of the most over prescribed drugs on the market. With such neurological improvements provided by the drug, you may be wondering why anyone would stop using adderall at all.

Rest assured, it is not as fun as it sounds. Adderall will seriously curb your appetite. Eating is almost impossible. Even if you feel like you are hungry, it is very difficult to chew and swallow food. Many will report an immediate gag reflex while using the drug.

Weight loss, lack of sleep and constant irritability will catch up to an abuser very quickly. For those who take the drug as prescribed, weight loss is still very common. Eventually the side effects of the drug become very uncomfortable in every day life.

You begin to lose your identity and fears of inadequacy will take over. Users may report that without the drug, they feel incapable of every day tasks. When using more frequently than prescribed, it is common that stealing and illegal purchasing of adderall will take place.

This may sound like a dramatization, but these side effects are very real and life altering.

Adderall has been officially banned by major professional sports organizations, including the National Football League (NFL) and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) due to their problematic effects. However, players may receive legitimate prescriptions for the drug if they need it as a treatment for ADHD, which is a therapeutic use exemption. Unfortunately, it is possible that, like college students, athletes who truly need Adderall divert the drug to their teammates or that some players doctor shop for prescriptions.

Emergency-room visits for people 18 to 34 due to nonmedical stimulant use tripled from 2005 to 2011. Additionally, FDA warnings that Adderall, Ritalin, and other prescription stimulants are addictive and can have potentially dangerous side effects also haven’t deterred doctors from prescribing them. Four years after a 2004 FDA advisory about possible cardiac risks, doctors hadn’t significantly changed the way they prescribed stimulants.

One survey of undergraduates found that only 2% thought using Adderall was “very dangerous.” Students told researchers that Adderall was “not a drug” but instead “a study tool.” Others compared it to drugs like cocaine and said Adderall was “kinda the opposite” since they used to be better at school and it was perfectly safe since doctors prescribe it.

How to Quit Adderall Once and for Good

If you want to quit Adderall, you should always consult a doctor before you do so. You may need to taper down your usage to avoid severer withdrawal symptoms. If you are going to try quitting on your own, it is always recommended to tell someone and have a support system set up.

Quitting abruptly can have serious consequences.

Rather than try to quit adderall on your own, it is always recommended that you taper off of the drug within a detox facility. In detox you will have the help of medical professionals. Your health will be monitored, and you may be prescribed medicine to help ease the withdrawal symptoms. While there are no specific medications approved for the treatment of stimulant dependence, the use of antidepressants, anti-anxiety, or other mood-stabilizing medications may be helpful during detox and treatment for Adderall withdrawal, as they can serve to minimize some of the significant psychological symptoms of stimulant withdrawal.

We are always here to help. The Sober Nation hotline will provide you with free resources. 866-317-7050.

With treatment, it is entirely possible for someone to have a healthy and successful life without adderall.

Treatment for Adderall Addiction

A stay at an inpatient rehab following detox is also the preferred course of treatment for anyone who wants to quit Adderall. Rehab will provide a controlled environment where you can adjust to living without the drug and receive counseling to discover the underlying reasons of your use.

Outpatient treatment is another option, but you will not receive the one on one care that you would in an inpatient facility.

The physical withdrawal effects of Adderall is one thing, but understanding how to continue living your life without the drug is another. It is very difficult to adjust back to life without using the drug. With therapy and treatment however, it is hard work, but there is no reason why it can’t be done.

Getting therapy after you quit Adderall can help you maintain your sobriety. A counselor can work with you to help you learn ways that you can change your thoughts and behaviors so that you can successfully cope without the substance and manage any cravings.

Group therapy or support groups that are similar to the 12-step model can also be excellent options for people who wish to quit Adderall. It’s also important to get the support of your friends, family, and others who understand what you’re going through. When you need help, ask for it.

Adderall abuse may occur alongside other mental health concerns or disorders, in cases of co-occurring disorders. SAMHSA reports that almost 8 million people over the age of 17 in the United States suffered from co-occurring disorders in 2014. When this is the case, both the substance use disorder and the mental health disorder are typically treated in an integrated fashion with the aid of both pharmaceutical and therapeutic techniques.

Addiction treatment isn’t a “cure” for addiction. Long-term recovery for Adderall abuse and addiction must be sustained, as addiction is a disease that must be actively managed. Ongoing attendance at support groups and participation in aftercare programs can help to sustain recovery in this way.

Call Sober Nation

If you are struggling with addiction, the experienced staff at Sober Nation are ready to talk you through what is happening in your body and explain the symptoms and sensations that you are experiencing. Medical personnel can also keep your loved ones informed of your status as you go through this process while treating you or your loved one with the compassion and respect they deserve. Some of the expert staff of Sober Nation are recovering from addictions themselves and are an active part of the recovery community around you, so they understand the pain and frustration that you experience. Turn your goal of recovery into reality and call Sober Nation today.

If you feel you or a loved one need help with an addiction, SoberNation provides tools and resources as well as a 24/7 hotline. (866) 207-7436

25 responses to “Quitting Adderall – What You Need to Know”

  • Cathi Kuntz

    10 years ago

    Reply

    Thank you for this article. I recently found out my adult child is misusing Aderall. I want to force her into recovery but know that unless she decides it is necessary it won’t happen. I appreciate learning what you published, it is helpful to me.

  • Thomas Lartin

    10 years ago

    Reply

    I agree that tapering really does work and brings far less of a shock to my body. My issue since coming off the drug is that I don’t feel “regular” or all there all the time. I know some of this is mental, but I also know I am not performing at the same level as I once was for my job. It is frustrating experience, but i can’t come down crashing again.

  • Michelle

    9 years ago

    Reply

    Thank you for this article. I am a mother of twins boy/girl, 5 yrs. of age and was at my breaking point when I was prescribed Adderall for my ADD. I had been told by several doctors some years earlier that I may have ADD but I laughed it off. It wasn’t until my children were born did I begin to drop the juggling balls in midair and realized I needed help to be the best mother I could possibly be bc they mean the world to me. I was in tears when the NP walked in and could tell I definitely needed help, she prescribed Adderall for me and I asked her if it was safe to take and she said it was not addicting (I seem to have an addictive personality so I worry about these things). I asked the pharmacist the same question and she told me the worst side effect was weight loss and I was of course ok with that! I got two days of “euphoria,” (i.e. pure focus, completely calm, I completed tasks without getting distracted, etc.). I was so jealous bc I believed I felt what most other people probably feel on a daily basis-make decisions, getting tasks completed and I didn’t “loose time!”
    After the first few months I told my NP that I felt like I was crashing during the day and it was fairly debilitating. Three/four years later I am taking 30mg twice a day prescribed by an NP (yes, 60mg per day!). I had no idea how high this dose truly was until I was experiencing some crazy symptoms and a new doctor said my dosage was equivalent to a narcoleptic’s dose. I was mortified bc I never wanted to go anywhere close to that type of a dose!
    I was happy when the doctor suggested tapering off of the meds until I actually started doing it. I am over 15 lbs. heavier (I run, do lunges, sit-ups, etc.), have a chaotic concentration at best and I sleep on and off until 12/1pm if I am able on weekdays (I am down to 10mg 2x’s per day)!
    I have always been prone to anxiety/depression but now it seems to have presented itself on a daily basis. I am heavier, sleep a lot, have little interests, etc. Thank heavens I am able to do day to day tasks (if I remember) and I still find happiness in God, family and animals.
    I need to figure out how to go about day to day tasks without feeling overwhelmed and super tired. I need positive advice how to begin to rebuild my confidence, my serotonin and be happy nearly drug free (I have to take an antidepressant or it catches up to me….eeek!). Any thoughts are appreciated (positive ones please, lol) 😉

  • N.R.

    9 years ago

    Reply

    Hi Michelle, I saw how recent your comment was posted and had to reply. Today was the day I realized I HAVE to STOP abusing adderall, it just isn’t an option anymore. I have tried thinking back on how long it has been a problem (meaning I have known that I am taking too much) and would say about a year, although it was first prescribed five years ago and I have taken it off and on. The past year however is when it became noticeable, but I would push the thoughts to the back of my mind and always have an excuse to use it (i can work more, let me see if this will help me get up for an event, etc) I am currently between 60-80 mg a day (at one point while working would consume 100mg , even up to 120 but usually on average i would say 80) What has made me really see that it isn’t “fun” anymore is experiencing extreme paranoia and lashing out on loved ones (I was already prone to lashing out but this has made it much more frequent; I cant control my anger or what I say to loved ones)Though I am new to tapering I can only say that I am also looking for support and have been reading tons and tons of articles. I stumbled across this documentary on Amazon, called “American Addict” (I have Amazon Prime so it is free , not sure of the regular rental fee) however it is so worth watching. I have read and seen lot about amphetamines/drugs (I also take an antidepressant, and have abused sleeping pills also, to keep sleeping cycles up to par) and must say I have rarely ever read or seen consequences that have made me want to stop. Until I saw this documentary. Im very stubborn so I was very surprised. I highly recommend you watch this doc, it is so informative and gives so much incentive and motivation to quit! I hope everything turns out well..same to those visiting this site contemplating tapering/quitting.

  • Ms.User

    9 years ago

    Reply

    Anyone who’s been on Adderall and has taken the steps to get off it has major kudos from me. I can’t imagine not taking it anymore, and that is so depressing. I wish I never ever ever got a prescription for it. My life has not gotten better. It’s changed and I’ve changed for sure, but not for the better. I’m still just as unhappy and disorganized as I was before. Once I got used to it I was addicted and now the euphoria and clear mind only lasts an hour or so and so I take another . It’s shit. My face and body broke out in horrible cystic acne and then I pick at it. I had beautiful clear skin my entire life. I was pretty. Now I have bad scarring everywhere, acne everywhere, and it doesn’t get better. Really really think about all of this before you try to get a prescription. I’d take my ADD and my old life/self back in an instant if it didn’t feel so impossible.

    • Candice

      9 years ago

      Reply

      I went through the same stuff as you. God I would do anything to have never taken this pill.. I would much rather be my old self.. Sure I was hyper and disorganized but I liked myself because we’ll that was me. But the world told me something was wrong with my brain and needed pills to be “normal” Now I hate who I am and I hate that I have no control over my own brain. I got off Adderall and 11 months went by and I still had zero energy. If I went 11 months with none and never got my energy back, never became social again, adhd was way worse then it was. Can someone tell me if they ever got energy back? I have read that our brains will never go back to fully functioning on there own. I ended up having to get back on them in order to raise my kids and homeschool them.

    • Hope not dope

      9 years ago

      Reply

      I agree with everything you said. I am having the hardest time quitting and I am scared, sad and angry every single day.
      I cant get it out of my mind I don’t know what to do except pray and cry.
      Help?

      • Lynn

        9 years ago

        Reply

        I have had a long history with adderall, it has been in and out of my life for over 10 years. The past year I took it everyday and I finally decided to quit for good!! I quit adderall 2 months ago and it was so hard the first two weeks. I almost quit school and list my job over it!! The first week is the worst, then the second week is pretty bad but once you get past those two weeks it is sooo much easier! Now, it has been 2 months without ANY adderall and I’m feeling and doing so much better!! At only 2 months off of it I have more energy than I could have imagined, and my peace of mind is back. I no longer feel that gloom and doom anxiety that comes from taking adderall. It has not been easy but I take it one step at a time. I set my mind to doing one thing a day and at first it was really hard but it gets better!! My best advice is to remind yourself the first few weeks that the feeling of no energy is temporary and keep telling yourself that over and over. To everyone out there who is struggling to get off of adderall, I am here to share my story and you CAN get off of it, and you will be ok!!! Best of luck to everyone, and stay strong! You can do it one day at a time!!

        • jmf63

          9 years ago

          Reply

          I was so happy to read your post. I’ve been on Adderall for about 5-6 years now. I started out taking 30mg XR/day (20mg in am & 10mg mid-pm); currently @20mg IR 3 times/day (60mg total each day). I get to the point where I’m often taking more than I’m prescribed, which runs me short each month. I’m also on various other medications for pain management due to spine & cervical issues, rheumatoid arthritis and Fibro Myalgia to name a few, so i have many bad days where i can’t even get out of bed; however, when I do have a good day, i feel like I just don’t want to stop. These are the days where I abuse my adderall prescription….taking more than I’m supposed to….because it feels so good to be up and able to accomplish things. It seems like however, that even though I get alot done on those days and feel really great about it, I feel so exhausted afterwards……and then lay down and sleep, become depressed, pain becomes worse, etc…..and this vicious cycle continues. So I made the decision to try going off the adderall (after reading ALOT on-line). I haven’t taken any for a week now, and I physically don’t feel too bad. I’m just sleeping ALOT….with no motivation. When I came across your post, it made me feel hopeful. Thank you so much for sharing, and good luck to you, too. I’m taking your advice…..one day at a time! Thanks again:)

        • Loving & perplexed wife craving understanding

          8 years ago

          Reply

          Thank you so much for your post. My husband & I are struggling. Things have gotten way out of control with his addiction. Adderrall really does change a person’s logic, moral compass, sense of reality, and sense of self. Taking more & more of the drug is the only thing that becomes an honest priority. I want to support him. He wants help to stop abusing the pills. We need help to understand each other, support each other, & cope. Your words and wisdom have helped tremendously, more than you can imagine. I hope & pray that proper treatment paired with the one day at a time approach will set us free from the ugliness that the abuse of this drug brings.

        • Kay

          8 years ago

          Reply

          I share the same story of recovery -well actually it’s my husband. But it effected me so greatly (his use/abuse of the drug) that I too feel a sense of recovery and new life. That drug is the devil – it nearly caused us financial , marital , emotional disaster . My husband quit his job where it was offered to him every day by his “friends*. He also had a prescription for it, but that would last 2 weeks, maybe . Seems like a crazy thing to quit your job for but it had to be done in order to save his life . Once you get the toxic people, even doctors , out of your life , recovery is easy and very possible.

  • Kathryn karch

    9 years ago

    Reply

    I have pretty much the same story except I have been taking for years

    I’m reading about people who quit and never got their energy back and that’s only after taking these pills for a few months.

    I’ve been taking them for years and I fear I may not be able to get thtu withdrawal

    Any words of encouragement would help and would give me more than a fighting chance

    Thank you for reading

    • Kay

      8 years ago

      Reply

      You can quit . My husband had the same experience , get the toxic people out of your life , find new , sober, friends until your recovery is complete. It may take a month before you wake up and feel alive again. It’s a beautiful thing and you deserve it . The hardest thing is not refilling your prescription – or getting them from friends . Tell your friends you are away at rehab if you have too- it worked for my husband

  • Shannon Yetter

    9 years ago

    Reply

    It varies widely with everyone. My 51 year old husband has been a life-long addict. Cocaine, Crystal meth, Opiates (Oxy), Pot – Yes, physically addicted to pot, Adderall, etc. He went to rehab several times over the past 4 years and each time he quit within 7 days the depression and anxiety symptoms of withdrawal were gone completely! I was a goodie two shoes my whole life but 2 years ago began taking Adderall and have not been able to get off because of continuous, severe, suicidal depression and intense social anxiety. I’m terrified symptoms will last at least a year and have permanently damaged my brain to some extent. 40 years of continuous hard core addiction and 7 days withdrawal symptoms vs 2 years adderall addiction with permanent (?) severe withdrawal symptoms. Who knows why- genetics probably.

  • lirpa

    9 years ago

    Reply

    Wow great article & comments. I have been on Adderall for 10 years @ a starting dosage of 60 mg a day then for a year 90 mg. a day. The dosage of 90 mg a day ruined my year! I got a DUI on a mixture of Adderall & .4 alcohol the combination made it a charge of a DUI LESS SAFE! $15k later between lawyers fine loss of work ect. Was a nightmare. I think my doctor was experimenting on me! Even the judge stated that 90 mg was to much! Then I got put down to 10 mg a day by my doctor like a punishment for the DUI. Well I couldn’t function I slept days ……I was foggy & lethargic ! Well I then went to 60 mg again ……that was 5 years ago I am now down to 40mg a day but honestly use more some days then at the end of every month I find my self totally out of Adderall for the last week befor my next refill ugh! So I then crash ….binge eat …… Sleep ……and have absolutely no drive get up & go just counting the days til I can get my re-fill! I can’t function without this drug it scares me also do I have to take this forever? I am 50 years old I started taking this med @ 39 years old. My blood work is perfect , blood pressure 114/72 always pulse 84……but mentally I guess & physically it controls you! I tend to crave alcohol on Adderall and never really ever get drunk just a high buzz…. When I am off Adderall and have some drinks I feel the intensity of the alcohol & actually even get a hangover so to say the next morning on only 2 drinks umm . This has become a vicious cycle yikes …… I wonder if after taking the Adderall for so long when not taking it does your brain just Quit making dopamine? If I quit taking the Adderall will I ever be able to function normal before I started? Just wanted to share my experience with this medication!

    • Kay

      8 years ago

      Reply

      Yes you will be able to function. Get the toxic people out of your life – kiss them goodbye . Focus on your family and hobbies . You will feel like you got hit by a train for almost a month – but then it’s gone and your recovery is beginning . Then you realize what a mess you were while on the stupid pills .

  • Jodi

    9 years ago

    Reply

    This scare the living shit out of me, reading all these comments. I was put on adderall at 9 yrs old, was on it till I was 15. Was off it till a few yrs ago, I’m 32 now. I decided I needed it again for my extreme fatigue, add, an lack of concentration.
    I was doing fine till last winter, when I went into a severe depression, became suicidal. An started taking more then I should have. I mean for two years I was on 15mg twice a day an never felt the urge to need more.
    I have depression, anxiety & panic disorder, bipolar disorder, an insomnia. Had all these mental disorders since I was a child. Got worse as I got older.
    But it’s like I really needed the adderall at the time.
    I lost over 100lbs cause I was over weight, I don’t eat healthy, my anxiety has gotten worse about 6 hrs after my second pill wears off. I sleep every other night.
    I don’t like to socialize anymore.
    I sat down last night an wrote out a schedule an plain, an I am going to work my Damn hardest to stick to it, an start using some of the things I read on here to help me with all my problems.
    I’ve read so much bad stuff on adderall , I’m to the point I don’t care if I have to get off it an have all the other ptoblems, that maybe can be fixed through the many remedies I have read here on pintrest that actually help u get ur life back.
    But I do one thing I will need to go to an detox facility due to my severe anxiety so they can keep a close eye on me an I can get help coming off it without going through all the problems that I already have, but making them worse.

    • M

      8 years ago

      Reply

      Jodi, did you go to a detox facility? I just found this site and your comment from a Google search. I’m 40 years old and have been prescribed (truthfully, addicted) adderall for 7 years. I know that when I first got my prescription I was taking it pretty close to as prescribed but tolerance built quickly and for probably the last 4-5 years I’ve been taking roughly 120-160 mgs a day just to function and feel like I was accomplishing things. Obviously I couldn’t take that dose with out running out 1-2 weeks early and usually could bum or buy some from people that would last me close to 2-4 days before I could get my refill.. If I was out and didn’t take any I could barely get out of bed; if I even did get out of bed and I was a worthless, depressed piece of shit. I have been married pretty much the same time frame that I’ve been taking/abusing adderall however my marriage is in the final stages of being legally over. My wife had/has a prescription to adderall as well that she was prescribed to about 2 months or so before I was. I know that she takes more than prescribed as well but obviously her tolerance hasn’t increased as severely as mine so she’s able to make hers last the full month without running out. Anyway, I desperately want to stop taking adderall and have tried to taper down my dosage but that has never worked for me.. If I have them then I take them..

      So, I’m just finally reaching out to see what others have tried and see what worked and didn’t work for them.. I know everybody is different but still..

      Thanks in advance..

      M

      • Kay

        8 years ago

        Reply

        You have to want to stop. It is hard but possible and worth it. Decide when you last refill will be , and slowly taper off until it is empty. DONT GET A REFILL. Ask your wife to stop as well. It’s hard to be around the drug you are trying to quit . Took my husband about 3 weeks before he felt normal again. And he hasn’t looked back . Just stay away from the drug until the urge is gone, it’s much easier to say know when your are really sober .

      • Cynthia Almendariz

        4 years ago

        Reply

        A desire to quit and be uncomfortable . Set aside the time to be able to do nothing if need be.

  • Victoria

    8 years ago

    Reply

    These comments pretty much describe my 30 year old daughter. She started to take adderall in college. She couldn’t pass math classes but after taking adderall, ended up testing into calculus. Her doctor started her out on 60mg a day. We didn’t know at the time that wasn’t the correct way to start. She’s been on it for 8 years. She runs out every month. Her tolerance is so bad she sometimes takes 160 mg a day. I’ve tried doling them out but that usually ends up causing a fight. She drinks when she runs out. Also sleeps non stop for 4-5 days. It is a psychological addiction. I know she feels very confident, funny, and like herself. Besides the math problem, she actually accomplished more before she started taking it. She ended up flunking out of college because she would binge on them and play video games and then not be able to go to class. She’s laying in bed now as I am writing this. Would like to kick her out because she is unwilling to do anything about it. There are only rare tines she will cry and admit this has to stop. I wish there was something to stop the intense cravings. I miss the real her. Our relationship has become very strained.

    • Kay

      8 years ago

      Reply

      Talk to her doctor that is prescribing them (you are her mom- I couldn’t do that with my husband without him divorcing me) Or simply don’t allow her to refill her prescriptions , shred them, doctors don’t rewrite scripts with out grilling the patient about why. or say this is her last bottle and to make it last and say goodbye . She will need closure to the pills in order for her to continue without them . Let her sleep it off once she stops …. It will be hard to watch but it won’t last forever . She can recover , and you will feel recovery also.

      • Michael P. Royster

        6 years ago

        Reply

        First off, she’s 30yrs old and no one can tell her “This is your last bottle so make it last and say goodbye” IT’S HER PRESCRIPTION! No one is in charge of that except for her! There’s no such thing as “Closure” to the pills. If she needs them then she needs them! ADHD is a very serious thing that’s hard to cope with without medication cause I’m on Adderall myself and yes I was addicted to it VERY BADLY but I don’t have the bottles anymore, they go into my mothers possession and she leaves me my 3 in a separate bottle before she goes to bed so I can take them the next day and I also go to NA meetings to vent my frustrations with urges of wanting to take more but I found that the urges do go away over time. I was taken off Adderall cold turkey and it fucked me up BADLY and it worsened my ADHD so don’t sit there and play smart like you know WTF you’re talking about cause you really DON’T! The girl just needs to admit that she has a problem and she could work something out with her mother where she no longer has the bottle just like I did with my mother. If the med helps her than she doesn’t have to go without it she just needs to get back to taking it right and have a little help with coping with the urges of wanting to take more. If I can do it than she can do it! There’s no need to go around giving people bullshit advice about shredding prescriptions. You would’ve been much better off just keeping your mouth shut and keeping your thoughts to yourself cause you know absolutely nothing about how the problem can actually be solved without the person having to suffer without their medication.

  • ConfusedMama

    8 years ago

    Reply

    I have been on adderall for almost 6 years now. Psychologist tested me and recommended it to my doctor. When I started it was great. Then after a clue years .younger husband and I decided to get pregnant. I stopped taking adderall and was a changed person. I was happy my entire pregnancy and felt great. Then my daughter was born.

    I felt like I had ppd so doctor put me on Zoloft. Well after two weeks I stopped that and got back on adderall. Ithe is nothing like when I started years ago. I’m irritable all the time. I don’t have any drive like I used to. If I wake up and dont take it right away I drag and binge eat.

    I’m just scared to stop because I feel I can’t fiction on it really anymore but can’t function off it. Has anyone got depressed or anxiety when quitting, how did you manage?

    • Cynthia Almendariz

      4 years ago

      Reply

      Yes currently off bother adderall
      xr and Lexapro after 13 yrs. it’s been a couple weeks now and still not good but stable. I can only suggest let your self do nothing if that’s what it takes . I laid in bed And watched Netflix and Amazon prime for days. Pumpkin seed and popsicles for nervous eating. Did manicures and read everything I could on peoples experience. Most of all I wanted it and believed these meds were no longer doing what was what they were prescribed for. Good luck

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