Need advice on ADHD students experience with medication

Parents Forum Learning Differences and Challenges - LD, ADHD
1

<p>I am currently 23, and recently went back on ADHD medication after staying off of medication since I turned 10. I have had problems with anxiety/panic disorder in between then and now and thought that if I was careful with the medication, it would help me with concentration and not rattle my dormant anxiety/panic tendencies. I started on ritalin, and slowly worked my way up to 20mg/twice a day which seemed to give me a boost about an hour after taking it, but then making me crash about an hour later. My doctor gave me adderall xr and I was instructed to start with 10mg/twice a day and slowly work up to as much as 30mg/twice a day as needed. </p>

<p>The first day I started ritalin, I noticed it made my left arm and chest feel funky, and noticed it had a tendency to make my heart feel like it was pounding, although my ekg and blood pressure were fine when I was checked out a month ago. I stayed on it for about three weeks, and as the days went on, these symptoms seemed to subside quite a bit. My anxiety was not bothering me when I was on ritalin.</p>

<p>I then started taking adderall xr 10mg/twice a day and immediately noticed the first evening that it had some effect helping me stay concentrated working on a paper. When I moved up to 20mg/twice a day, I started having some problems...</p>

<p>My left arm and leg started feeling funny (my left arm/hand felt less responsive to the touch, as if when I felt something cold it took an extra second to realize it, it is really difficult to explain), although I did not feel my heart racing or pounding. This started triggering my anxiety/panic. I thought if I stuck with it it would get better and the symptoms would subside, making my anxiety calm down. I stayed with this dosage for about a week, and although it seemed a bit better, I decided to go off the adderall altogether to assess how my body felt without medication in it. I should note that I was given klonopin to help with anxiety, should it bother me while taking the adderall, and .5mg klonopin does help my anxiety subside a good amount.</p>

<p>It has been about 5 days since I have taken any and I am still having these weird feelings in my left side. I am still taking .5mg klonopin at bedtime to make myself tired and ease my anxiety to help me sleep. My question is, how long can symptoms of adderall last after going off of it? Is any of my story familiar to anyone out there?</p>

<p>I have embraced my anxiety/panic tendencies as a part of my life a long time ago and have learned to live/cope with them, but this whole ritalin/adderall ordeal has managed to make it a bit tricky to deal with lately.</p>

2

<p>No, I do have problems with some stimulant meds due to anxiety but that’s never happened to me. If your doctor says you’re okay to be on stimulants I would try a different drug. Perhaps even request to try strattera, as that’s non-stimulant altogether. It was too harsh on my stomach for me to get through, it is that way for some people and I have IBS too so it was just too much, but it could be perfect for you.</p>

<p>Adderall was just never a good choice for me. I’ve been on ritalin, adderall, strattera, and focalin and focalin was definitely the best for me. You may have to try a few others to find what’s right for you.</p>

<p>As for how long it should last, I am not sure about adderall’s half life but I would call your doc ASAP and ask. They’ll be able to tell you.</p>

3

<p>I feel your pain. I suffered with anxiety for most of my life until I started taking Effexor XR. It’s the only non-benzo medication I’ve ever taken that helps me control the anxiety. You should ask your doc about it.
As for the post-adderall effects, it should have decreased after about 3-5 days of not taking it. Since you’re a healthy person, it shouldn’t take longer to clear out your system. Is it worse with exercise or increased stress? If not, I’d give it some time to resolve. If it does worsen with elevated blood pressure or heart rate, I’d definitely see your doctor as soon as you can.</p>