Aa
hyperactivity & ADHD meds
I've been prescribed and taking Adderall for almost 4 years now. I used to "up" my dosage (bad, I know) and then take 1-2 weeks off the meds to give my body a break (doctor suggested taking "drug vacation" on weekends or 2-3 days off it).
Anyhow, I haven't upped my dosage in a while and have been taking as prescribed for about 6 months now (and plan to keep it that way!). I HAD been increasing my daily mgs b/c it was less effective, and yeah, I know, it was b/c I developed a high tolerance to the medication. Honestly, even when I was taking more than prescribed, I wanted to get back to the lower mg I should have been taking. I was also in a more stressful point in my life -- went back home to help my mom through a divorce and my sister & I helped support her til she got back on her feet. I was having to work 2 jobs -- mornings/afternoons at a jewelry store in sales and at night I worked a paper route (2am to 5-6am). So I got little sleep. After 2 years of struggling like that, things got better & am in a well-paid career doing historical research where I make my own hours and no longer have to help support my mother.
Anyhow, as of 5-6 months ago, I noticed I couldn't take as much of the extra mgs as I used to and this number has slowly decreased to the point where I am now at my regular prescription dosage. It's like my tolerance level it going backwards. Which is good that I'm back to what I should be taking, it's just the manner in which I arrived that's worrying me. Am afraid I've damaged my nerves or brain or something similar and the decrease in tolerance is a sign of it. If so, should begin to get of the medicine altogether?
I have not spoken with my doctor about this issue b/c I don't want him to stop prescribing it to me since I really *do* need it to function & work properly. When I'm off it, I'm EXTREMELY hyper and when I try to work, I'll read, re-read, and re-read again a sentence and struggle to concentrate on what I'm reading. I seriously can only read fiction material when I'm not on medication. Non-fiction may as well be Japanese.
Sorry for the long post. I appreciate any help or advice. :)
Anyhow, I haven't upped my dosage in a while and have been taking as prescribed for about 6 months now (and plan to keep it that way!). I HAD been increasing my daily mgs b/c it was less effective, and yeah, I know, it was b/c I developed a high tolerance to the medication. Honestly, even when I was taking more than prescribed, I wanted to get back to the lower mg I should have been taking. I was also in a more stressful point in my life -- went back home to help my mom through a divorce and my sister & I helped support her til she got back on her feet. I was having to work 2 jobs -- mornings/afternoons at a jewelry store in sales and at night I worked a paper route (2am to 5-6am). So I got little sleep. After 2 years of struggling like that, things got better & am in a well-paid career doing historical research where I make my own hours and no longer have to help support my mother.
Anyhow, as of 5-6 months ago, I noticed I couldn't take as much of the extra mgs as I used to and this number has slowly decreased to the point where I am now at my regular prescription dosage. It's like my tolerance level it going backwards. Which is good that I'm back to what I should be taking, it's just the manner in which I arrived that's worrying me. Am afraid I've damaged my nerves or brain or something similar and the decrease in tolerance is a sign of it. If so, should begin to get of the medicine altogether?
I have not spoken with my doctor about this issue b/c I don't want him to stop prescribing it to me since I really *do* need it to function & work properly. When I'm off it, I'm EXTREMELY hyper and when I try to work, I'll read, re-read, and re-read again a sentence and struggle to concentrate on what I'm reading. I seriously can only read fiction material when I'm not on medication. Non-fiction may as well be Japanese.
Sorry for the long post. I appreciate any help or advice. :)
sorry, it posted before I was done...
maybe you are taking it on an empty stomach and before you were on a full stomach????
maybe you are taking it on an empty stomach and before you were on a full stomach????
sorry, I'm not familiar with these meds at all but I can't imagine that your tolerance would go back down for no reason. Maybe your thyroid or something is out of wack? Maybe
sorry, I'm not familiar with these meds at all but I can't imagine that your tolerance would go back down for no reason. Maybe your thyroid or something is out of wack? Maybe
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