adderall tolerance

[davidytime]

I am 36 years old, and I've been diagnosed with depression and ADD at age 15. I've taken several medications for the aforementioned issues. I am currently taking 225 mg of wellbutrin and 90 mg of Adderall xr. I have built tolerance I believe to the Adderall and it stopped working at that dose. I have tried several psychiatrists to help me address this issue to no avail. I have tried other medications for add but this one is the one that my body adjusts to better. Unfortunately, as you know this dose is high , and I haven't had any luck getting  a doctor who could increase a bit or give me another solution. I am also on ambien 15 mg.  Am I asking for something is not plausible that is a higher dose than 90 mg of adderall. This is frustrating , I feel handicapped.  

[Sandman2]

   Some allergy meds like benadryl can make you sleepy which certainly might effect the stim meds.  Clariton or Zertic (sp) do not make you sleepy if you are taking over the counter meds for your allergies.

[davidytime]

Hi Sandman,
I was able to get an increase in Dexedrine Spansules generic , total of 105 mg. It is worth the money compared to the 90 mg of Dexedrine Spansules generic, but it's too expensive. If the doctor was not going to increase it, I was going back to Adderall XR 120mg, which I might have to because of money. I know it's a high dose, I've been depressed lately more than ever and having stressful situations , that and allergies which for some reason decrease the feeling and or the medication itself. I am ok now. I have tried  protein intake , and it does help. I have tried the window thing with Vyvanse but it didn't work out. So far, I am not losing hope like I was some months ago. Thank God for that, I will post more definitely and thanks for your concern; my allergies take a toll on my eyes, hope to hear from you soon.
David

[Sandman2]

   Opps, went back and read our earlier posts.  Did you have the time to check out any of the links to Parkers, "top of the window" or "side of the window" links.

[Sandman2]

    Hey, David.  I have some links to Dr. Charles Parker's web site that basically says that taking a high protein breakfast with Vyvannse will really help extend its length of action.  I am betting that you really don't take the time for a good breakfast?  Actually, a high protein breakfast might help with the other extended release meds too ( can't remember).  Anyway, get a high protein drink and take it in morning and see if things last longer.
     Maybe check with your doc about finding something other then Ambien to help you sleep.  Is it racing thoughts that keep you up at night?  Have you tried some really good physical exercise late in the day?
  Definitely, keep me posted.  Good luck!

[davidytime]

Thanks Sandman2 for your reply. I have tried Vyvanse 70 mg before , but it didn't cover me the whole day. I don't think taking 140 mg of Vyvanse is worth the try and money. I have tried that dose before with another doctor. I might be needing something like 160 mg of Vyvanse. I am also on Wellbutrin and Ketamine now for depression. I take Ambien and Lorazepam to fall asleep. I know there is a link between the stimulants that I take during the day and the sleep aid pills at night. I wish I could stop the Lorazepam 4mg because it is useless most of the time , and it is making me depressed. I am on 20 mg of Ambien. I know I am on high doses of meds. I am trying to decrease them and get to better more stable state. I am seeing my doctor this Thursday. I don't know if increasing Dexedrine immediate release is the solution. I will keep you posted. David

[Sandman2]

   Ever ask your doc about trying Vyvannse?  or would it be to expensive?

[davidytime]

Hi guys,
I know it's been some time since I last posted something. I was able to get the 120 mg of Adderall xr , and I was feeling better. I wanted to give Dexedrine a chance so as to take a break from Adderall, I was given Dexedrine spansules 90 mg. It is smoother compared to the Adderall, but it doesn't last long as the 120 of Adderall. Dexedrine did bring hope to me as in being another choice other than Adderall, but the 90 mg is not doing it. I was thinking about increasing that dose, and my doctor said that there was a possibility of it. Despite the smoothness and a chance of increasing it a bit, it's not worth the money. It's too expensive, anyway, most likely I will go back to the Adderall.

[davidytime]

thanks for your reply. I am working on reducing both meds

[kirk8]

I think that you are asking for something that is not plausible.  90mg is a pretty high dose.  I know that a lot of people say that they take higher doses than that.  Some do.

The max that is approved by the FDA for treatment of ADD is 30mg.  Of course, doctors can prescribe more but they usually won't.  Unless you've been with them a long time you work up to it.

A doctor might be more receptive to giving you more if you weren't on Ambien too.  15mg is a rather large dose of Ambien.  Don't they only come in 5 and 10 mg?

I think 15 mg of Ambien would signify to a doctor that you are on to high a dose of Adderall and it is interfering with your sleep.  

I don't mean to be critical in any way.  I just don't think you will be able to find a doctor to proscribe you any more Adderall than you already get. I would recommend taking days off Adderall to try and lower your tolerance.

[davidytime]

Hi Sandman2,
Thanks for your reply. I have also noticed that protein does help when taking this medication. I've been taking it for 10 years , and eventually built tolerance. In addition to that, my allergies also kinda hinder the adderall effects. It does work, sometimes not much, but it's more of a coverage situation. It doesn't las much, but there is also some of not getting the effects as before. So, I'd say it works but it is limited in terms of strength and length. It doesn't last that much. Thanks for your time.
David

[Sandman2]

   Here are two articles that might help.  
The first is on the importance of a protein breakfast.  Apparently, it will make the medication more effective.  The link is http://www.corepsych.com/2007/02/power-breakfast-recipe-1-eat-protein/
   The second link is by the same doctor.  Its about finding the safe top of the window for vyvanse, but covers other meds and I think fits your case.  It is -
       http://www.corepsych.com/2009/06/vyvanse-dosage-for-adhd-finding-the-safe-top-of-the-window/
        And actually, check out his other links that might seem helpful.
Also, look at his stuff on the "sides of the window".  I think the main question for you is does the med not work at all....or does it stop working after several hours.  That makes a big difference in what is going on.
      Hope this helps.