<p>Ok so I have quite a big issue to deal with right now. I am 99% sure I have ADD. I can not focus well in class undress I really try or enjoy the topic. I'm constantly tapping toes and pencils and interrupting and shouting answers- pretty much any symptom of ADD, I've got it. But- my grades are phenomenal. Like 3.9 gpa with 5 APs good. Top 5% of my class. So I've never told my parents about my symptoms because I don't feel the need to. Plus, I know I'll get prescribed adderall, but I want none of those side effects. Lately, however, it's been getting worse. I have a SAT in 4 days and 3 AP exams in a week. My buddy knew I was losing focus and sleep and gave me a few of his adderall. Should I use it? If so, when? I seemed to be ok without it on the ACT (got a 31). I've only taken adderall once and I can't honestly say for certain if it helped. I feel like it did but I didn't take it on the day of a major test, so I'm not sure. I'm much more concerned about the APs. Ap physics is killing me and I need more studying. I'm on pace for a 2 and I can't have that. I'm sorry this is so long, I just don't know what to do. Take the adderall the night before physics? The day of? Both? Before all 3 APs and the SAT? Any help would be awesome. Thanks</p>
<p>Don’t take the adderall not prescribed to you! I have ADD and you need to see a doctor so you get the proper dose or you can get some pretty nasty side affects. Honestly, the side affects are not bad if you are on the proper dosage. I’ve had respectable grades and attend a sci/tech school that’s one of the best in the country. Having ADD has nothing to do with intelligence.</p>
<p>def do not take Adderall without a doctor’s script. it is illegal and if you get caught, since it is a “controlled” substance, you could face some terrible consequences that impact your college options. you do sound like you have ADHD so I would go see a mental health professional about it. for my kid, Adderall worked well with limted side-effects. there is a newer version of adderall, called Vyvanse that is supposed to have even less side-effects. Ritalin/Concerta also works well for some folks. </p>
<p>@ctl987 vyvanse still causes the negative side affects. I had heart palpitations while taking it.</p>
<p>i think vyvanse can affect appetite less, which was one reason my kid switched to it. there may be other side-effects that are better with Vyvanse than Adderall too. That being said, no meds, including ADHD meds, will be without some risk of side-effects and everyone is different. even if 20 percent have x-side effect, that still means 80 percent of the folks did not report having that side-effect. as far as we know, my kid did not have palpitations but the fact that you did shows why it is so important to have the meds overseen by a doctor as they are strong meds. i have heard uncomfirmed stories that some kids have died from ADHD meds impacting their hearts. </p>
<p>@ctl987 exactly! I also had the loss of appetite with vyvanse and concerta, but everyone is different. Without doctor supervision, it is very easy to overdose and an overdose can and most likely will stop your heart. At the very least, it will give you a heart attack.</p>