Worried about long term effects of Adderall

[LisaMary]

I have been reading about the effects of Adderall.  I have noticed in my son and step-son both that they have dispayed some signs of Autism.  I was wondering if it was a possibility that it could be another long term adverse effect of the Adderall?   They have become very nervous and fidgety, neither were before taking this medication. My step-son has the most severe sypmtoms.

[Tristttta]

I've been prescribed adderrall for 6 years. Personally I don't think any parents should allow there child to take amphetamines & after all of the different highs and lows I've had from the drug I couldn't imagine how a kid in elementary school would benefit from this.. I was diagnosed with add when I was 8 & i struggled with my grades but I managed. I  wish that adderrall wouldn't have ever been an option for me because I definitely have the same problems as everyone above.

[CBL1984]

There are facts about the damage these drugs do. I have compiled studies on my website ritalinawareness.com if you care to read it. We are talking about our experiences with these drugs so that parents have another perspective about the medications so that they can make an informed decision. The bottom line is that if the child doesn't feel right on the drug, then the child should not have to take it. Both me and nataliepk had bad experiences when we were on the drug and the doctors didn't listen or intervene to get us off the drug. If the drug really works for someone, good. The major problem comes when the child is suffering on the drug and the doctors are ignoring it.    

[Sandman2]

    Very good comments.  Welcome to this site.  I hope you keep sharing your information with us.  Its always good to hear from those personally involved.  By the way there are a variety of reasons why a person might be on more than 30 mgs a day - most dealing with the uptake of the med.  So it is possible that there is a valid need for a larger dose - we are all different.

[lljjbb]

well, I was told I had ADD in the 7th grade. At the time it it cost too much for my mother to have me tested and I told her not to do. Again freshman yr of college one of my professors asked me about it again. Long story short I was test for it at my university and at a Dr. office. The outcome was yes you have ADD. I've been taking 30 mg  once a day for 6yrs. Never any more then that! No, weight loss or gain ( to me is a good thing). I don't know if it's just me but it works. I would suggest to listen to your dr. I did have a few minor side effect at first but it was because they were trying to find the right dose and were using other med. than adderall. For the dry mouth thing just chew gum all day and make sure to drink a lot of water!  Good luck everyone!
Oh yeah and for the parents who have kids with ADD or ADHD check out this web pg http://www.drugs.com/pro/adderall-xr.html
Good luck to all!
P.S. If your Dr. has you on more than 30 RX mg a day I would suggest finding  a new Dr.

[Sandman2]

    Have you had any panic attacks or anxiety since going off the med?

[bozo878]

i personaly agree with what you wrote. I am 20 and was put on adderall from 5-17. it caused serever joint pain, panic attacks, and bad mood swings. i do agree kids should not be put on adderall