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Mental Health  (Expert Forum)
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Dexamphetamines Question
Answered by
Roger Gould, M.D. - Mental Health, Wellness
Questions posted in the Mental Health forum are being answered by Dr. Roger L. Gould, author of the Mastering Stress and Depression program and affiliated with the UCLA. Department of Psychiatry. Topics covered include anger, attention deficit disorder (ADD) , bipolar disorder , dementia , electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) , learning disabilities, memory, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) , panic , personality disorders, phobias , post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) , schizophrenia , stress , transitions, and work problems.

Dexamphetamines Question

by tyler22, Jul 25, 2004 12:00AM
I've been on dexamphetamines for about 6 years now and have slowly found myself needing to increase the dose (started at 3 per day, increased to 4, then to 5, obviously with the dose spread out throughout the day). I've kept it at 5 for quite a few years now, I think since around 2001/2002...and I have only recently noticed that its not seeming to have any effect at all anymore - my brain feels clouded like there is cotton wool in my mind and I just can't seem to think clearly or focus on work (this was the problem before I started taking them)

...yet if I increase the dose (I have tried this a few times) the problem goes away and I can think clearly and continue with my work. If I keep to the normal dose I am not a very fun person to be around and find it very hard to do any work, even though I need it to earn a living.

I'm very wary of increasing the dose as I know what can happen and I don't want this to get dangerous...what do you think would be the best thing to do?

My psychiatrist said maybe to try Ritalin as it does not have any of the tolerance problems associated with dexamphetamines, but I thought I would ask a second opinion as I'm worried that Ritalin might have a lesser effect.

by Roger Gould, M.D., Jul 30, 2004 12:00AM
I would agree with your psychiatrist.  Being addicted to amphetamines is a dangerous way to live, leading to all sorts of trouble.
Member Comments (3)

by Med Help, Jul 27, 2004 12:00AM
We are very sorry, but Dr. Gould has been called out of town until August 2, 2004.  He will answer your question as soon as he can, when he returns.

Med Help International

by dixiecup, Aug 16, 2004 12:00AM
Strattera might help with your concentration problem. It is a non-stimulant medicine for ADD. Also, Provigil is a new medicine that gives you a little boost with a much clearer feeling than amphetamines. It is normally prescribed for excessive daytime sleepiness. I take them both without any problems. Type "strattera" and "provigil" in a search bar and find out some things for yourself about them.
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