Advice on dealing with Adderall side effects

[NikkiB1030]

Sorry for posting again..lol..everyone is so helpful here though and there's no one to talk to that understands. Been on Adderall for 2 weeks, taking 20 mg in the morning, 15 mg at noon then 10mg around 4. Love it but does anyone have any advice on dealing with the side effects? Main one is sleep, I think I slept 3 hours last night and thats turning into the normal. Also weight loss is great but I want it to be safe and so far it's been 9lbs in a week. Advice on eating? Food just doesn't sound good and literally have to choke it down when I do eat. Right now I'm averaging about 400 calories a day and I know that's not healthy. Thanks everyone.

[allmymarbles]

Your grades may have improved, but your health has suffered. You suffer from insomnia, lose weight and don't desire food. What do you think will happen to you on such a regimen? With three hours sleep a night you can expect a meltdown at some point. You don't realize the extent of the strain because Adderall boosts your mood. Some things are more important than high scholastic achievement.

[Sandman2]

  In,  "The ADD/ ADHD Answer book," by Susan Ashley, she suggests taking the meds either with or after eating so that the meds haven't had a chance to suppress the appetite.  I would think you have tried that.   I know that you aren't probably used to this, but try a big breakfast (which I can understand is a hassle if you haven't gotten much sleep and have to get to class) - big bowl of oatmeat or buy those frozen breakfast sandwiches.   I'm sure that you know that many studies have proven that a good breakfast is the most important meal of the day, especially if you have some thinking to do.    The protein shakes are good, but you can have a can of chocolate Ensure easily any time of the day.  Main thing being, I think that if you give it some thought and a bit of preparation, you can deal with the weight loss thing.
   Ya, it sounds like your doc is gonna let you be your own doctor.  So  do try and experiment a bit.  I would make sure that you are not taking the XR adderall.  Also you can get Adderall in 5mg doses.  I would try that at 4pm and see what happens.
  Anyway, best wishes - it sounds like things are going good for you!  Happy Holidays!

[NikkiB1030]

Thanks for your answer, I appericaiate it greatly. I do have one of those doctors that I don't really hear from and I can't get ahold of him except one day a week ( welcome to medi-cal....lol)  I was on 10mg 3 times a day the first week, then he called and said to up it to 20mg 3 times a day. I played with meds since he said I could and am pretty happy with it. If it wasn't for those 2 side affects I would be happy, I did buy protein shakes and they have helped.

[Sandman2]

  You have been on it only two weeks.  Its takes awhile for your body to get used to the meds.  But more importantly, everybody is different.  So your doctor will start you off at a certain level and wait for info from you to see how to adjust it.  If he doesn't hear from you, he won't.  So give him a call!!  This is a place where it is perfectly ok to experiment with meds.  You might find that you can cut each dose  (or the last two) by 5 mgs and it will be perfect.  But do it under his guidance so that he knows what is going on.
  There are meds that he can prescribe for sleep, but I would try to cut down the dosage first.  The reduction in meds may help with the food problem.  But I would certainly buy a liquid food suppliment (lots of choice from ensure on) cool it (tastes better) and jug one several times a day.   I know I have seen more info on this.  I'll keep looking.  Best wishes!

[NikkiB1030]

Thank your for your post, I was looking for some good advide though ( no offense at all). I have been diagnosed since I was 14 and as some who also works with kids with behavorial issues I see myself in them. I know the harm in adderall and weighed my risks before starting. This is the only med that has truly worked without a whole bunch of bad effects. My grades have improved and I'm able to actually finish projects, I was just hoping for advice on these 2 side effects which is all I have.

[allmymarbles]

Obviously you can't go without sleep. Perhaps your dosages are too high. There is another possibility and that is that you should not be taking Adderall at all. For someone with ADD it allows them to focus. People who take it recreationally use it to lift mood. Which it does. You might want to get a second opinion on your condition. For those with ADD, there are means of adjusting your behavior to make you more productive. My daughter works with ADD children. She trains them to overcome their problems without medication and the results are excellent. You should also be aware that Adderall is addictive.