Recently dx. with ADHD

[judy1386]

have  been taking 15 mg Adderall SR daily for about 2 weeks now.  it should be noted I have mitral valve prolapse and am on Effexor 75 mg for depression and take Ativan PRN for axiety. Anyway, problem is that everyday since I started taking the Adderall when it kicks in I experience chest tightness and it seems to extend to my back and down my arms.  It's weird, it's almost the same symptoms I use to experience when I was extremely stressed and would get anxiety symtoms in my chest.  Just wondered what your thoughts are about this.  Can't see the dr. for 3 weeks and I'm wondering if I should just stop the Adderall or what.  I have been having to take the Ativan just to releive the anxiety from taking the Adderall.  I hope that's safe to do.

[Krissy28]

I take xanax 0.5mil 3-4 times a day and adderall 10mil 2 times a day. I was on the xanax first for anxiety, then was diagnosed with add at started adderall. This is a good balance for me. I get effects of both meds without going to far either way. I've never taken ativan before,but i have heard that it's not effective as xanax. Definatley talk to your doctor, but if he has prescribed both then it should be fine to take them together, If you need them both take them both and find that balance with the two that works for you. Good luck.

[judy1386]

Thanks for the response.  Do you take the Xanax as needed or is it a regular daily med?  I understnad that the two meds counteract with each other that's why it seemed like something I shouldn't do (take the two together that is).  Yes, this is my first ADHD medication and it does seem to help but the anxiety symptoms (esp. when the Adderall seems to be wearing off) are killing me.  I think I will only be able to live with the anxiety if I take the Ativan as well.  It does sound like a medication switch might be my best bet.

[Krissy28]

I also take adderall for add and xanax for anxiety. The reason that you are experiencing anxiety like symptoms from the adderall is because adderall is a stimulant. It is a mix of amphetamine and dextoamphetamine salts. It is a schedule II drug. Schedule I drugs are the worst classification and it goes down to schedule V. This is not uncommon, I have this problem as well. The question is can you live with the extra anxiety if the adderall is really helping you? The problem with taking an upper (adderall) and a downer (ativan) together is that they will counter act against each other and neither one will be as effective in your system. You said that you were just diagnosed? Is this your first add medication? You may want to consider trying a different one if the adderall continues to give you problems. For example ritalin and concerta are also add medications but they contain a different active ingrediant that is not an amphetamine. These types of medications wont give you so much of a "rush" that is making you feel the anxiety. Hope that helps.