Aa
Concerns about Adderall
I was diagnosed with MS about 6 months ago. I was prescribed Adderall by my nerologist to help me with my fatigue. Before I started taking the med I couldn't function after being awake for 8 hours and I was missing 2 to 3 days of work a week. Since I started taking it my productivity at work has increased, and I haven't missed any days. I also can have a social life now because I don't want to just go home and go to bed after work. My concern is that I have had to increase my dosage from 10 to 20 MG of the Xr. I am a recovering alcoholic, and have been sober for 11 months. I am a little concerned about using this, but I also don't feel that I am abusing the drug. I also was wondering if anyone knows what the difference between Adderall and Provigil are. My medical insurance won't cover the Adderall but will cover Provigil and I'm wondering if one or the other is better.
Thanks
Caleb
Thanks
Caleb
I have been taking different forms of hydrocodone now for about 3 years. It is starting to get to the point where it is all i think about. Me and my girlfriend waste so much money buying them off the streets it is becoming rediculous. I have tried to just quit taking them but if i dont i dont even have the energy to get out of bed let alone go to work. Does anyone have any advice??
Hey Luv, I have been using lomitol for my withdrawals and it hasnt been working to well. I was taking about 30 vikes per day and i am trying to go clean myself. Although, I only took 2 lomitol every 4-5 hours because when i read the packing it said dont take more than 2 because it has a reactor in it that will make you sick i think it was atropate or something like that. If i took more do you think the atropate in the drug will make me sicker? Thanks for the help with w/d's
The reason i am off the topic on this thread is because everytime I try to start a new topic it tells me "no more new topics today, too full try again tomorrow".
Has it done that to anyone else?
roro about the Lomotil - they tell you the atropine is in the Lomotil to stop people from abusing it and that it will cause "unpleasant" side effects. The only side effects it can cause is plugging you up because atropine is simply a antispasmotic used to treat spasms of the gastrointestinal tract (stomach and intestines), the bladder, and the biliary tract.
I can only tell you what my experiences have been. To get simple relief from WD's you need to take AT LEAST 6-8 at a time. To actually get a energetic buzz you need to take at least 10 of them. I take 13, wait one hour and eat a smallish meal, and then I take 6 more an hour after eating. This buzz lasts me for at least 6 hours. I clean house on this stuff. I think this routine maximizes the buzz. But like I said before you need to be careful and only do this one or two days at a time and make sure you get a regular bowel movement every 48 hours or so.
I had a 20 vike a day habit for 3 years. Your tolerance should be similar to mine. Start out with 10 for a buzz and see how you feel first.
I can tell you that I have taken up to 40 in a 24 hour period. I can also tell you that if you exert yourself too much while on this buzz you will get a little light headed. That doesn't mean you have to lay on the couch but just dont go work out on it or anything. So far I have had no stomach upset from it. If you do get stomach upset on an opiate the best thing to do is lay flat on your back or about 15 minutes and usually it subsides.
FYI: a FATAL dose of Lomotil is 75 mgs.
Symptoms of an atropine and diphenoxylate overdose include headache; nausea; vomiting; dry mouth; restlessness; flushing; difficulty swallowing; blurred vision; dilated pupils; hot, dry skin; dizziness; drowsiness; confusion; anxiety; seizures; weak pulse; difficulty breathing; and an irregular heartbeat.
You will get a dry mouth anyway, drink lots of water.
You can write me at ***@**** if you ned to ask me something off the board.
Be careful!
Has it done that to anyone else?
roro about the Lomotil - they tell you the atropine is in the Lomotil to stop people from abusing it and that it will cause "unpleasant" side effects. The only side effects it can cause is plugging you up because atropine is simply a antispasmotic used to treat spasms of the gastrointestinal tract (stomach and intestines), the bladder, and the biliary tract.
I can only tell you what my experiences have been. To get simple relief from WD's you need to take AT LEAST 6-8 at a time. To actually get a energetic buzz you need to take at least 10 of them. I take 13, wait one hour and eat a smallish meal, and then I take 6 more an hour after eating. This buzz lasts me for at least 6 hours. I clean house on this stuff. I think this routine maximizes the buzz. But like I said before you need to be careful and only do this one or two days at a time and make sure you get a regular bowel movement every 48 hours or so.
I had a 20 vike a day habit for 3 years. Your tolerance should be similar to mine. Start out with 10 for a buzz and see how you feel first.
I can tell you that I have taken up to 40 in a 24 hour period. I can also tell you that if you exert yourself too much while on this buzz you will get a little light headed. That doesn't mean you have to lay on the couch but just dont go work out on it or anything. So far I have had no stomach upset from it. If you do get stomach upset on an opiate the best thing to do is lay flat on your back or about 15 minutes and usually it subsides.
FYI: a FATAL dose of Lomotil is 75 mgs.
Symptoms of an atropine and diphenoxylate overdose include headache; nausea; vomiting; dry mouth; restlessness; flushing; difficulty swallowing; blurred vision; dilated pupils; hot, dry skin; dizziness; drowsiness; confusion; anxiety; seizures; weak pulse; difficulty breathing; and an irregular heartbeat.
You will get a dry mouth anyway, drink lots of water.
You can write me at ***@**** if you ned to ask me something off the board.
Be careful!
just out of curiousity...has anyone paid attention to the original topic? sheez...if you want to go off on a tangent, start a new topic.
Don't get too excited about the bridge medications - i am only talking about things to keep you from the WD's until you get your next script.
Keep in mind, these plans are for the "desperate times call for desperate measures" kind of situations when you KNOW you are going to WD bad and can't kick with the WD's at the time. Do these at your own risk, i am not responsible, only trying to help fellow addicts because I have been there. I HAVE done all of these myself:
There are many prescription meds that you can get MUCH easier than Vikes are Percs and can get you through. They are not painkillers though.
For instance, Lomotil (diphenoxylate with atropine) - Used for diarrhea. A schedule V medication. I usually call an on call doc or go to the clinic and tell them I have Irritable Bowel Syndrome and sometimes it gets out of control and I need some Lomotil to take for a few days to calm it down. Take 8 of them (they are really tiny) and you get the same feeling as Vikes but more of an energy kick. Don't use these more than a couple days though, because they will plug you up if youre not careful. Use a cheap OTC stool softener while doing this.
The next best thing to Vikes is Tussionex Suspension cough syrup. This was actually my DOC over Vikes for a while because of the energy kick. Tastes WONDERFUL, has hydro and chlorphenirmine in it. Fake a cough and runny nose, easy to do - use some nose drops ("I coughed so hard when I went to bed that I threw up!" etc.) Usual dosage is 1 tsp every twelve hours (it is a suspension syrup) - take 1 or 2 tablespoons every 6 hours. I love this ****.
Vi-Q-Tuss (Also hycotuss) is also great replacement - tastes like **** though. Basically liquid vikes. Same directions as above but 1 tablespoon every 3 or four hours.
Also Nalex DM (decongestant, cough suppressant) has hydro and something else in it. Same directions as Vi-Q-tuss.
Histenex HC - a low dose narcotic but works in a pinch. Does give you diarrhea in high doses but WD's do too. Same directions as Vi-Q-Tuss.
Robitussin AC doesn't work worth a **** but will help with the WD's a little. Tastes like absolute ****.Same directions as Vi-Q-Tuss.
And if you absolutely cannot get a script for anything - go to the drug store or walmart and look in the cough syrup isle for syrups containing ONLY Dextromethorphan. It is an opiate - distant relative of morphine. You will NOT get high on Dextro BUT it will hold off the WD's. Just make sure you get one with Dextro ONLY because high doses of other stuff can really hurt you. One of the Robitussin's is Dextro only and a few others exist you just have to look at the package. My favorite is Delsym. Tastes very similar to Tussionex suspension (yummy). You need to take about 4 to 5 times the package dosing.
Be careful!!!!!
Keep in mind, these plans are for the "desperate times call for desperate measures" kind of situations when you KNOW you are going to WD bad and can't kick with the WD's at the time. Do these at your own risk, i am not responsible, only trying to help fellow addicts because I have been there. I HAVE done all of these myself:
There are many prescription meds that you can get MUCH easier than Vikes are Percs and can get you through. They are not painkillers though.
For instance, Lomotil (diphenoxylate with atropine) - Used for diarrhea. A schedule V medication. I usually call an on call doc or go to the clinic and tell them I have Irritable Bowel Syndrome and sometimes it gets out of control and I need some Lomotil to take for a few days to calm it down. Take 8 of them (they are really tiny) and you get the same feeling as Vikes but more of an energy kick. Don't use these more than a couple days though, because they will plug you up if youre not careful. Use a cheap OTC stool softener while doing this.
The next best thing to Vikes is Tussionex Suspension cough syrup. This was actually my DOC over Vikes for a while because of the energy kick. Tastes WONDERFUL, has hydro and chlorphenirmine in it. Fake a cough and runny nose, easy to do - use some nose drops ("I coughed so hard when I went to bed that I threw up!" etc.) Usual dosage is 1 tsp every twelve hours (it is a suspension syrup) - take 1 or 2 tablespoons every 6 hours. I love this ****.
Vi-Q-Tuss (Also hycotuss) is also great replacement - tastes like **** though. Basically liquid vikes. Same directions as above but 1 tablespoon every 3 or four hours.
Also Nalex DM (decongestant, cough suppressant) has hydro and something else in it. Same directions as Vi-Q-tuss.
Histenex HC - a low dose narcotic but works in a pinch. Does give you diarrhea in high doses but WD's do too. Same directions as Vi-Q-Tuss.
Robitussin AC doesn't work worth a **** but will help with the WD's a little. Tastes like absolute ****.Same directions as Vi-Q-Tuss.
And if you absolutely cannot get a script for anything - go to the drug store or walmart and look in the cough syrup isle for syrups containing ONLY Dextromethorphan. It is an opiate - distant relative of morphine. You will NOT get high on Dextro BUT it will hold off the WD's. Just make sure you get one with Dextro ONLY because high doses of other stuff can really hurt you. One of the Robitussin's is Dextro only and a few others exist you just have to look at the package. My favorite is Delsym. Tastes very similar to Tussionex suspension (yummy). You need to take about 4 to 5 times the package dosing.
Be careful!!!!!
Glad that you are not drinking, and I think that this is definitely a case where you can use your fear to your advantage. Fear of opiates is a very good thing.
Have you taken any of the ABC drugs (like Avonex, Betaseron or Copaxone) to help control your MS symptoms? Avonex and Betaseron can cause fatigue, and Copaxone does not.
Depression can also be a lurking monster with MS and can cause fatigue. Have you tried any antidepressants?
Just my experience...
Have you taken any of the ABC drugs (like Avonex, Betaseron or Copaxone) to help control your MS symptoms? Avonex and Betaseron can cause fatigue, and Copaxone does not.
Depression can also be a lurking monster with MS and can cause fatigue. Have you tried any antidepressants?
Just my experience...
Adderall is an amphetamine, and Provigil is not (while it does supposedly activate similar areas in the brain). I have MS and tried Provigil, and I found it to be useless for my fatigue. I found Concerta (time-release Ritalin) to be good and have used Adderall successfully. I think I prefer the Concerta, because it doesnt cause my mouth to be so dry.
I wouldnt worry about a small increase in dosage like you mention. However, if you start crushing them up or doubling up your dose again, I would worry. Are you taking the XR at the same time or are you waiting til later in the afternoon for the second dose?
Is alcohol the only drug you've abused. I have a wee problem with opiates (to put it lightly) but I havent ever really been tempted to abuse the stimulants. Never really gave me the feeling I was looking for.
I wouldnt worry about a small increase in dosage like you mention. However, if you start crushing them up or doubling up your dose again, I would worry. Are you taking the XR at the same time or are you waiting til later in the afternoon for the second dose?
Is alcohol the only drug you've abused. I have a wee problem with opiates (to put it lightly) but I havent ever really been tempted to abuse the stimulants. Never really gave me the feeling I was looking for.
I was given oxycontin in Mexico for a fractured vertebrae on vacation there. The pharmacist said they didn't have darvocet (my normal med) and sold me the oxy. Short story is, I became hooked on oxy. I HAD to have it, though I had taken darvocet for years and could quit taking it with few wd symptons when I wanted to or my prescription ran out.
I spent 5 days of horror getting off the oxycontin last year and have been clean since.
Now I have a serious sciatic nerve problem, and have been prescribed hydrocodone 10 w/apap. That does help where nothing over the counter has, but I have that old oxy feeling of anxiety about when I run out.
You have mentioned bridge medications. I would appreciate hearing your thoughts on this.
I spent 5 days of horror getting off the oxycontin last year and have been clean since.
Now I have a serious sciatic nerve problem, and have been prescribed hydrocodone 10 w/apap. That does help where nothing over the counter has, but I have that old oxy feeling of anxiety about when I run out.
You have mentioned bridge medications. I would appreciate hearing your thoughts on this.
I would lve to hear what "bridge" means and how it could help me to my next script.
To forger...
First of all thanks for your reply. I have tried using time release Ritalin, but I find that it doesn't work close to as well as the Adderall. The main reason why I would like to try somehing other than Adderall is because my insurance won't cover it.
The main reason why I've only had a problem with alcohol is because I was afraid to try cocaine or opiates due to the history of addiction in my family. I did use marijuana daily for over a year, but that was a couple of years ago. I have a very compulsive personality and the only reason I even was able to stop drinking was due to a DUI and I was allready on probation for a prior theft felony that occured 4 years ago.
I am a little worried about being addicted to Adderall or any perscription drug, but it has greatly helped me deal with the fatigue that I experience with MS.
First of all thanks for your reply. I have tried using time release Ritalin, but I find that it doesn't work close to as well as the Adderall. The main reason why I would like to try somehing other than Adderall is because my insurance won't cover it.
The main reason why I've only had a problem with alcohol is because I was afraid to try cocaine or opiates due to the history of addiction in my family. I did use marijuana daily for over a year, but that was a couple of years ago. I have a very compulsive personality and the only reason I even was able to stop drinking was due to a DUI and I was allready on probation for a prior theft felony that occured 4 years ago.
I am a little worried about being addicted to Adderall or any perscription drug, but it has greatly helped me deal with the fatigue that I experience with MS.
2nd post (want everyone to see!)
I have posted this comment on a lot of addiction boards and I want to post it here too for my fellow addicts. I usually just "lurk" and even though I don't know all of you I wouldn't want to see you get hurt.
I see a lot of people on many boards talking about Clonidine and telling people to take it to help with WD's.
Clonidine DOES help but it is a BLOOD PRESSURE medication and you have to be very careful with it so you don't drop your blood pressure to dangerous levels!
You have to take your BP before taking this drug and as long as your BP is in the normal range (Systolic up to 140) you should NOT take Clonidine!
Please pass the word along to anyone that asks, I would hate to have a fellow addict kill themselves on accident after taking genuine advice from one of us!
I am a FIRM believer in the Thomas recipe for helping with WD's and i was NEVER on to believe in herbs and vitamins until I tried this. I have come up with a variation on the recipe called the Melissa recipe that is a little more careful with the daily values so you don't OD on vitamins. If anyone is interested in it they can email me at ***@****. I am using it myself right now and it works great.
I also want to give you all a heads up about Sam-E and 5htp. These are great herbs to help with WD, BUT: You should never take either one of them if you are on an antidepressant or a benzo. There could be serious side effects. Also, Sam-E is very expensive (about $40 for a bottle of 30 here in my neighborhood) and 5htp is relatively expensive too. But they are both VERY worth it if you are not taking an antidepressant.
I have 4+ years personal experience with Vocodin and codeine withdrawl and I will help anyone I can get through it. I also have some unique ideas about "bridge" medications you can take to get you through to your next script.
Be careful with all of these things combined!
I have posted this comment on a lot of addiction boards and I want to post it here too for my fellow addicts. I usually just "lurk" and even though I don't know all of you I wouldn't want to see you get hurt.
I see a lot of people on many boards talking about Clonidine and telling people to take it to help with WD's.
Clonidine DOES help but it is a BLOOD PRESSURE medication and you have to be very careful with it so you don't drop your blood pressure to dangerous levels!
You have to take your BP before taking this drug and as long as your BP is in the normal range (Systolic up to 140) you should NOT take Clonidine!
Please pass the word along to anyone that asks, I would hate to have a fellow addict kill themselves on accident after taking genuine advice from one of us!
I am a FIRM believer in the Thomas recipe for helping with WD's and i was NEVER on to believe in herbs and vitamins until I tried this. I have come up with a variation on the recipe called the Melissa recipe that is a little more careful with the daily values so you don't OD on vitamins. If anyone is interested in it they can email me at ***@****. I am using it myself right now and it works great.
I also want to give you all a heads up about Sam-E and 5htp. These are great herbs to help with WD, BUT: You should never take either one of them if you are on an antidepressant or a benzo. There could be serious side effects. Also, Sam-E is very expensive (about $40 for a bottle of 30 here in my neighborhood) and 5htp is relatively expensive too. But they are both VERY worth it if you are not taking an antidepressant.
I have 4+ years personal experience with Vocodin and codeine withdrawl and I will help anyone I can get through it. I also have some unique ideas about "bridge" medications you can take to get you through to your next script.
Be careful with all of these things combined!
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