supplements to balance Adderall?

[Chropi]

I am curious if there are any supplements that may balance the negative effects of Adderall.  The medication makes me anxious, irritable and tired - these side effects show up a few days after I take it and last for a day or so.  A little about me - I am pursuing a professional degree that entails many hours of studying.  I don't take Adderall every day; however, when I do take it, I take two to three 30 mgs within a twelve hour span. This is perhaps too much; however, the beneficial effects (focus, motivation) wear off in between two and three hours.  Any advice would be appreciated -

[ApRiLGeTsAngry77]

It is also important to remember that Adderall is prescribed for narcolepsy as well.

[dollyn]

The only reason more children are being put on these drugs is because Doctor's and Teacher's and Parent's don't do there job.

There  is no test that can prove a child or  anyone has ADD or ADHD. But there are test for other thing's. But it is to easy for the Doctors to just give out drugs and say someone has ADD or ADHD if a person has a hard time learning, is hipper,if doesn't act like others do or the way they think they should.

I hope any pray you don't every have to go threw what my son has or ever have to see anyone go threw what we have.Because once it has happen it is to late to change what has been done.

[ApRiLGeTsAngry77]

I am well aware of the studies and research on Adderall and stimulants. However, if a medication improves my quality of life and has been shown to be effective- I am going to take it.

As far as kids with ADD/ADHD, there  have been studies done that have proven that children that grew up in lead paint houses are more likely to have ADD/ADHD. This may explain the increase of prescribed medications for ADHD.

[allmymarbles]

You are assuming you are more educated and knowledgeable than we are. Has it occurred to you that we may be speaking from both experience and study? You can call that a soapbox if you will, if that makes you feel better.

[dollyn]

Thou you might want to read this.That I just found.


Criticism of Adderall

For several years, parents, doctors, and other citizens have expressed deep concern about Adderall use. Many critics claim that Adderall and similar medications are widely over-prescribed to children who may exhibit behavioral problems that mimic, but are not caused by, ADHD. Another major concern about Adderall and similar medications are their high potential for abuse and addiction.

On college campuses nationwide, Adderall and other ADHD medications are quickly becoming drugs of choice as popular study aids. It seems caffeine just does not cut it anymore for late night cram sessions. More and more young students are abusing Adderall, stating that the drug improves concentration and increases stamina during long hours of study. Many assume that because the drug is legal for prescription use, it must be relatively safe. According to recent studies, widely used—and abused— ADHD drugs may not be very safe at all.

What is Adderall?

Adderall (a combination of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine) is a prescription stimulant used to treat adults and children (over the age of six) with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Adderall was the second drug to be approved to treat ADHD, following Ritalin’s already long stay on the market. The FDA approved Adderall in 1996 and later approved Adderall XR Extended-Release capsules in 2001. Shire Pharmaceuticals Group Plc manufactures this popular ADHD medication. Millions of people have taken this drug, with and without a prescription.



In February 2005, the Health Canada (the Canadian equivalent to our FDA) pulled Adderall off the market after receiving 20 reports of children who died suddenly while taking Adderall. According to the regulatory agency, they received safety information concerning the association of sudden deaths, heart-related deaths, and strokes in children and adults taking recommended doses of Adderall and Adderall XR. This risk of Adderall death seemed particularly high for individuals with structural heart abnormalities.

In response to these findings, the FDA issued an advisory warning about the possible risk of death, but allowed the drug to remain on the market. In August 2005, Health Canada allowed Adderall to re-enter the market because the agency was unable to prove (within that six-month period) that Adderall was more dangerous than other ADHD medications. While Adderall continues to be sold, there are serious risks associated with this popular medication.

Serious Adderall Side Effect Risks

According to Shire Pharmaceuticals and the FDA, there are serious Adderall side effect risks of which patients and healthcare professionals should be aware. These include:
# HIGH ABUSE POTENTIAL Adderall carries a black box warning—the strongest warning issued by the FDA short of a drug recall—informing consumers about the serious risk of Adderall abuse. This Adderall warning states that taking amphetamines for long periods may lead to Adderall addiction. The warning details the significant risks posed when Adderall is taken for non-therapeutic use or is distributed to others. The Adderall black box warning also states that misuse of Adderall can cause sudden death and serious cardiovascular events.

# SUDDEN DEATH According to February 2006 reports, at least 24 Adderall deaths were reported to the FDA between 1999 and 2003. Other cases of possible Adderall death were not counted because the deceased used other drugs, the deaths fell out of the parameters of the study, or the deaths were to non-US citizens. Thus, the number of Adderall deaths may be significantly underestimated.

# PSYCHOSIS Adderall side effects can aggravate or cause psychosis in patients with existing mental conditions. Patients with previous mental conditions should be carefully monitored for signs of Adderall psychosis. This Adderall risk can be significant given that a large percentage of people suffering from ADHD also suffer from co-morbid psychological disorders.

# CARDIOVASCULAR INJURY Evidence shows that Adderall may increase the risk of serious cardiovascular events including heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, and other serious conditions. This Adderall side effect risk appears to be greater in people with a history of cardiovascular conditions and those who misuse this drug.

# WORSENING TICS Adderall side effects can worsen tics and Tourette’s disorder.

# STUNTED GROWTH AND WEIGHT LOSS Particularly in children, Adderall can decrease growth and cause significant weight loss. Children who take Adderall for long periods should be carefully monitored for these Adderall side effects by having their height and weight measured regularly.

Other Adderall Side Effects
Other Adderall side effects can include significant loss of appetite, mood changes, insomnia, dry mouth, and headaches.

What is happening now?

The FDA convened an advisory panel to discuss how to evaluate Adderall safety and the safety of all ADHD medications in February 2006. Though this panel was not asked to make regulatory recommendations, the panel quickly ruled that a BLACK BOX WARNING, the strictest warning possible, should be added to Adderall and other ADHD medications to warn consumers about the serious risks of sudden death and adverse cardiovascular events. The FDA took no immediate action to add this warning to Adderall or similar ADHD drugs.

Have you suffered Adderall side effects?

If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries you suspect were caused by Adderall, you may wish to confer with an attorney to learn more about your legal rights and options. The attorneys of Oshman & Mirisola are highly experienced in handling defective drug claims and are prepared to protect your legal rights. Please contact us today for a FREE CONSULTATION to learn more. You may be eligible to seek compensation for your medical expenses, other losses, and suffering.

[dollyn]

I am sorry that happened to your son. Have you filed a lawsuit? Adderall is not a " drug" when prescribed for a diagnosis illness. THe people that use the medication as perscribed are not drug users. This medication has been used since the 1930's and is still used today by the military. Every medication has its side effects. Please do not judge anyone by the medication they are prescribed.

I will not file a lawsuit,I don't believe in doing that.I made a bad choice by putting my son on drugs for add and adhd and didin't know what I know now. And is just like speed and people are taken it the wrong way ,the side effects are bad and then when one takes more than they should that makes the risk even higher.   And Adderall is us to help people slow down so they can learn and if it is doing something else than you really don't need it.And to may people are being misdiagnosed these day's with out getting everything checked. And later in life when they get something from taken these drugs they will want to put a lawsuit when they new what they were taken had risk or took more than they should.

I myself had a hard time in School  and I turned out fine not taken any drugs.
and back then they didn't say if you are having a hard time learning that your child has add or adhd, I am glad they didn't  because I know my mom would have given me these drugs even thou I didn't need them.

yes ever medicine has side effects that is true , some you have to take to save your life. the drugs they use for add and adhd  you can live with out them because you won't die if you don't take them ,you might die if you do take them .

I believe other parents should know what there is out there to help them beside these drugs.And to make sure they are treated for the right things.

As for the military using these drugs,just because you think they us it means it is ok to do things that others do. That is like saying if one person jumps off a cliff  then it is ok for others to do so.

I hate to see people mess up there child's live  when they don't know anything about what they are doing to there kids,or they are doing it because they are told they have to by the School. And I don't want anyone to have to go threw what my son and family has gone there.So if I can safe some one the pain I will try and not give up.