Amphetamines symptoms and conditions

A brief note about "Adderall": this is the trade name of an amphetamines product. It consists of four different amphetamines, such as amphetamine sulfate and amphetamine lactate. However, the "sulfate" and the "lactate" parts are NOT important. The only thing that is important is AMPHETAMINE, regardless of which form. 100% of the effects of Adderall are because of its content of amphetamine, NOT the specific forms of the amphetamine (called, chemically, "salts"). You can get the same effects from generic amphetamine (typically dextroamphetamine sulfate) as from Adderall. The company that makes it claims that Adderall works quicker and lasts longer, but this is mostly bullshit. It is really not significant, and in fact plain old generic dextroamphetamine is generally considered superior to the other forms, including the forms in Adderall. (See the en.wikipedia.org writeup on Adderall for details.)

Incidentally, the Adderall company, facing patent expiration on Adderall and thus more generic competition, is now heavily pushing its new "Vyvanse" -- another amphetamine product with very dubious if any advantages, and indeed probably MORE side effects than Adderall or other amphetamines, and, of course, a much higher price. More pharmaceutical company bullshit! Don't buy it.

Anyway, to return to the main point: Adderall or generic amphetamine makes no difference, except this one big one: The PRICE! Adderall is ridiculously expensive -- typically $1-4 per pill, sometimes even more. This is a total ripoff, since amphetamine is a CHEAP old drug, and the actual cost of 10 or 20 or 30 mgs of it (as in one typical tablet) is negligible, well under a penny. In other words, they ought to sell for, say, $10 or $15 per hundred -- enough to cover the cost of the drug itself (perhaps 10 cents or so) plus all the costs of tableting, bottling, distribution and so forth, with room for the pharmacy's markup. The idea of paying $100 or $200 or even $400 for a dime worth of a cheap old drug is outrageous -- but it happens. It is the greed of the pharmaceutical company combined with the greed of the individual pharmacist that causes this. Pharmacies vary a great deal in pricing, but the producing company also grossly overcharges.

Bottom line: INSIST ON THE GENERIC. Even if insurance covers it and you only have a $5 co-pay. Why? Because the health care system of the U.S. is driving the country bankrupt, and super-high drug costs is one of the reasons. This is one way you can make a contribution, however small, to solving the problem of a medical-academic-industrial-pharmaceutical complex that costs the U.S. well over $2 trillion per year (far larger than the military-industrial complex, and far more per capita than any other developed country). Part of the problem is prescriptions that cost $300 for 50-cents worth of a drug. Be part of the solution.

End of rant. Be well!

My Strangest Experience with Adderall Yet

First off, my deepest apologies if this post is way too long for it's own good. If anything, I'm surprised that I was able to write this much in the condition I'm in. I just strongly feel that people who are currently taking adderall should take get the chance to hear from a first-person experience while it's still fresh and some pointers from them, ESPECIALLY those who are new to taking the medication. This just may come in handy in the near future...

So for starters, I am currently a highschool student, as you know, the use of drugs such as adderall and other amphetamines are common in high school, and even in college. I currently have finals that I CANNOT afford to receive NOTHING BUT flying, perfect straight A's. Then again, schools and getting into colleges with so much competition have gotten much harder over the few years. Honestly, no really, honesty. I used to be straight-edge goody-two shoes, but the constant, beating high pressure of my grades and the dire need to receive straight A's cannot be helped and I eventually caved and gave in.

Grades mean everything to me... I gave up my sobriety for the grades, I mean, would you say that's unforgivable? Straight A student, responsible, healthy, and ambitious? Bad kid? I think NOT! So if you're in the same place as I am, I can't blame ya and people have no right to criticize your right to choose what are your priorities are and the sacrifices that must be given up. Don't feel guilty if that's the cause; you are not alone.

This reason for taking adderall is quite common actually, in the previous recent years. "A fall 2007 American College Health Association study found that over 90 percent of college students felt overwhelmed by all that they had to do.So it’s not surprising that some turn to illegal prescription drugs to boost their ability to study harder and longer. " (Source: http://www.bu.edu/today/campus-life/2008/05/02/other-side-adderall) In my case, due to the constant pressure from parents and the constantly-stressed beliefs that school, college, and your career is EVERYTHING, that's just how I am and I'm willing to take risks for it, even if it's my life FOR the sake of my future life.

I'm pretty sure there are those of you out there, who are going or have gone through the same experience completely understand and know what I mean. So for all you criticizing people! (Mainly those adults, who keep insisting that ALL drugs are bad for you and try oh-so hard to keep kids of drugs. You've had your time with all the bud and psychedelics, and whatnot, at least we didn't judge you! We're doing this for our future, so enough with criticism or cut the pressure.

We're not that much of mindless ignorant, juvenile delinquents that you think we are, cut us some slack, jeez. We're not stupid, we are well-aware that drugs have their side effects and consequences. I mean wouldn't believe that after years of programs school's offer such as D.A.R.E., that we get the big picture and we'd know by now? Lol when you really think about, programs like that become ineffective once a child has gone through his/or her teenage phase. It's the impulse to try things, to experiment. To do things for yourself, what makes you feel good and NOT doing what adults are telling you to do OR vice-versa, doing what they tell you NOT to do :P (ah, the first signs of teenage rebellion).

So what if they are bad and harmful to ourselves? We already know that, yet people all over the world continue to take drugs, despite the dangers and risks that they have to one's life and health. The warnings dont' stop them. You know why? Of course you do! Because people make decisions for themselves. It's the way of life. And that means, even if it takes some drugs to reach those goals. At least SOME of us, take certain drugs to get ahead and pursue something of value, so at least take that into consideration and believe that not ALL of us are drug addicts or miscreants because truth is, we're all really not that bad. So it makes you wonder, is it REALLY that wrong for people like me to take adderall for educational purposes?

Lol Eh, in most cases, blame it on the parents or the fact that it is extremely difficult to get into a good college or university :P No really. Duh. Thing is, there are also the psychological reasons behind why a person takes drugs. Whether it's for the high, the escape for emotional problems, or the just for the sake of taking them. I, on the other hand, had to make a choice on this. It was my decision, my reasons, by my hand. I chose this method. As a person, I rarely drink, smoke, blaze, or take any other drug as the matter of fact. I'm just taking adderall for the sake of college and other demands/requirements (No, it DOES NOT mean that they're encouraging students to take it, so don't take it the wrong way). I mean, I think I'm a good kid overall and I know taking adderall is not really the right way to go or path to choose; that it is a wrong, bad decision and abuse of medication. But again, hey I chose this, and it's my way of getting through parts of life.

I don't know about you but to me, it's completely worth the risk, side-effects, and the results.. I mean really, it's not like I overdose all the time or that I'm addicted (pray that I don't) on it all the time, truthfully this this only my 3rd time taking adderall. The last time of which went smoothly and pretty well, received nothing or any strange, out-of-the-ordinary side effects such as today. So, in case your wondering... No, my life so far has not become demoralized or unmanageable nor am I addicted to the substance, but I will admit that I have a slight tendency to rely on it sometimes. (Slight addiction or dependency?)

I took exactly 2 pills of adderall, rx capsules both of which are 20 mg.. which in total, equals 40 mg. I just want to know from what I mentioned above, what (like what kind of side-effects I should keep an eye out for) could pose as warning signals that I may have overdosed and perhaps, overlooked the effects, unaware of the risk I may be in. Maybe a few pointers and tips if you will, on how to lessen the effects, because as of right now, the numbing sensation is a little too much than what I expected and more than I asked for.

Unfortunately, I thought the first one got out out of my system but I'm starting to have rapid/heavy breathing, numbness (more specifically a tingly feeling) in my face/chest, both of my hands, and every time I get up to walk, my legs feel really numb/loose/weak, and it's starting to spread ALL (almost entirely) over my body, which obviously CAN'T be a good sign. Like I can barely get a hold of my head (feels like everything's spinning around) or my balance to even stand, never mind being able to walk :/ I was so woozy and dizzy, I almost fell on my way to the bathroom, which is only a few steps away! I can surely tell that I am not able to walk in a straight line. (Lights kind of dim when I'm woozy as I walk, like barely so it's not really scary, kind of trippy I have to admit). I am panicking but I'm willing and able to keep myself calm, the more self control I struggle to get the less numbness.

Despite all these things happening all at once, and that I should be panicking, I'm not afraid. I was well-aware of the consequences and the side-effects, i just never knew I would feel it so strongly. However, I am concerned with the the deafening of my ears. It occurred twice in the same hour, except just in the past 4 minutes ago as I was typing this, instead of everything becoming muffled, I only a constant grainy sound which kinda went with the rhythm of my numbness. All these prickly, numb feelings kinda synchronized with the grainy deafening.

I kinda like the feeling. And I am quiet satisfied with the extra push that I need for school, and the high that it's giving me. I won't say it makes you smarter, but it definitely helps me in my case. I was suffering from a major writer's block, but adderall definitely increased my productivity and made essays, test studying/taking, and just any tedious assignment a breeze, really. I apologize if it sounds like I'm trying to advertise this drug, but at least I'm being 100% honest. Really, couldn't have done it without and it really saved my life, now let's just hope if I DID overdose (cross my fingers that I didn't!) that I'll still live!

Again, sorry for coming off as if I'm taking this lightheartedly when important issues such as health/life is involved. Haha this really shouldn't be a joking matter, I just don't see the reason to panic. Blame the funny feeling that's causing me to behave this way.

Just from the past hour, I realized I started to worry a little, that worry grew into a slight concern, to a mild panic. And as my body quickly but gradually progressed in the numbness, I also noticed that my breathing gets even faster, and the numbness starts to travel in larger waves, which is not a feeling of which I enjoyed. So my advice, even though you're panicking, or if you feel to start get anxiety, TRY to remain cool. Doesn't matter what you do, a slap or two to the face to trying to out shake the numbness or just keep your body moving, (which I've done in the past 30 minutes, you'd be surprised that it helps a little).

But the one method that works for me is focus, let me try to explain the feeling when it starts to get a little overwhelming. Try imagining yourself like a camera, doesn't matter which (video or just camera). Picture that you're seeing through lens and maybe add the feeling of a something resembling to feeling slightly tipsy (but not exactly). It feels as though you're out of focus, try controlling, as spiritual and cheesy as this may sound, instead of panicking because as we all know, once a person starts panicking that's all they're focusing on.

One can only try to keep it together before his/or her anxiety levels worsen, which may have a possible amplifying effect of causing someone to believe he/or she is undergoing a seizure/heart attack. If anything, if a person was about under the point where they really believe they're going to have stroke, the MORE crucial and imperative it is to remain calm. The faster your heart beats which by the way, is a common side-effect, so don't panic just yet. You'll only make it worse. So the more you slow down your breathing, the slower your heart. And the less you panic, the less anxiety that causes your heart to beat faster.

So really try to focus on just focusing (if that makes sense), tell yourself to get a hold of yourself, and stay calm. As difficult as this may sound while in the state of panic, slow down your breathing. Your body is going to automatically breathe hard and fast, so it's really under your control. To help ease the numbness/tingly feeling if it's getting way out of hand, I recommend sitting flat on your butt, with your legs stretched out infront of you, this way the numbness/tingly feeling decreases and calms down just a little. While sitting in this position, lean forward, as if you're doing a pancake stretch or open pike. No need to overdo it, just stick out about 20 degrees from your hips, head over center-line. (Meaning your head has to pass your stomach).

To see if you're able to support yourself, try standing. Have something near to grab a hold on, or your legs will almost collapse like mine on my trip to the bathroom. If you can walk without toppling over or lose your footing, proceed with whatever you're doing, you're clear ;) However, if you're wobbling all over the place, I strongly suggest you take my advices above. I'm in this position as we speak, with my macbook propped between my legs, infront of me :)

IF ANYTHING, the very most important advice I can give you if you EVER take adderall or any other drugs similar to it, ALWAYS HAVE LOTS OF WATER IN REACH AND NEARBY. I DON' T CARE IF YOU HAVE TO KEEP A GALLON IN YOUR ROOM OR IN A CLASS WHILE TAKING A TEST, HAVE WATER WITH YOU AT ALL TIMES AND PLENTY OF IT. I REPEAT, THIS IS A MUST! I almost GUARANTEE you that you WILL get dehydrated and the effects of dehydration may worsen your state, more importantly your health.

So please, be safe. I thought 2 whole cups and 2 7.7 fl bottles of arrowhead water was enough, but boy was I wrong. My mouth and throat would get so dry that I would take like 1 swig every 5-10 minutes, so all that water disappeared shortly. Because I ran out of water, and still was unable to walk properly, I had a strong feeling that using the stairs wasn't a good idea.

Fortunately for me, I have an awesome older brother (who had also taken adderall and other medications before, might I add), to bring up a bottle of water for me. I'm so relieved that he was awake when I needed some assistance (Thank god he stays up late like when I do). I would've been ROYALLY screwed trying to climb my way down my huge, seemingly never-ending, staircase. Then my parents will definitely find out what I've been taking and that would lead to a huge disappointment :( ...unless i found some way to crawl back upstairs in time, which I honestly have to say may be the most impossible thing yet while under the effects of adderall :P

Anyways, this last bottle should do the trick and hopefully, last me for the rest of the night. I'm not positive but I may be coming down a little, so that's good news. I think.. Well there ya have it. My semi-scary, strange, odd-feeling experience ever.

As much as I was happy to give all that out to you guys, it all leads to one important question. From what you've read above and my detailed experiences, or even from your own experiences, the big question is... Did I overdose? Could it be possible that these signs and feelings/reactions are/were warning signs OR just part of the enjoyable high? Because I need to know whether I'm okay or not, despite that I'm calm and content. Truthfully, I can't tell and that I am unable to distinguish these 'feelings' from each other.

Because if the case is that I did overdose, that could be a big problem, either now or in the future that is, if I make it out of this one (Hopefully, its not life-threatening). I really need to know the body's signal(s) that will definitely let me know that I could possibly be in a bad situation, especially in case that this happens again and who knows, I may have really been in a dangerous state but really couldn't recognize it. So your opinions and sayings really do matter :) Not just to me, but to all the people who are asking themselves the same questions, worried out of their minds and in seek of help and advice.

So please, feel free to drop a sentence or a few. It would really help a lot. This way, I am more cautious taking the pill(s) and depending what your responses are, possibly lower my intake a tad bit. Or at least, just taking enough to get me working. Just the constant, tingly feeling makes me all giddy inside... So maybe realistically, I SHOULD be freaking out and panicking... Maybe even calling for help! :P But hopefully, someone out here will be kind to let me know your opinion and feel free to add suggestions before I resort to the sudden panicking and help :) Lol I bet by the time SOMEONE is finished reading this post and typing up their reply, I probably sobered up. Oh well, this ain't just for me, it's also for the rest of you guys out there, so this post will not be in vain :)

P.S. DO YOUR RESEARCH BEFORE YOU TAKE ANY OF THESE KINDS OF MEDICATION. SCRATCH THAT, DO RESEARCH ON ANYTHING GIVEN TO YOU, EVEN IF IT'S PRESCRIBED BY YOUR OWN DOCTOR! Trust me on this, it'll really help clear up thing and answer your questions, and more importantly, answers to questions regarding your health. I'm doing my research, why not do yours? It will only take a few measly minutes. As always said, better to be SAFE than SORRY!

R.-R. "nickname"

I've been taking Adderall XR 30mg per day for two years. I've gained 20 pounds and feel terrible. My doctor keeps telling me he doesn't know why I'm gaining weight. That is making me feel even worse!!! Can anyone tell me what's going on??? I also take Wellburtin & Lexapro. Before I took any of these medications, I asked the doctor if I could gain weight from them. He told me that these particular drugs do not cause weight gain. The thing that's so frustrating is, I was put on these drugs for anxiety and depression (results of an abusive marriage). How can I begin to feel better about myself if I'm gaining lots of weight? That just kills it for me. Can anyone out there offer some advice? My doctor won't even let me take an appetite suppressant. I take Adderall in the A.M. If I want, I can go right back to bed and sleep again. I also get hunger pains about 2 hours later!!! Help!!

I have been taking adderall for over a year, but for about 10 months ago, I started taking wellbutrin also and since have had chronic problems with my ears, It's actually getting worse. Not so much ear infections, but the pressure is actually pushing inward. So i feel light headed just funky all day. Kind of like a head cold without the cold. I can't figure out which one is causing (i think wellbutrin) since that's when it began. But it could be the combination. Just wanted to know if anyone else is experiencing this. I am 35 female.
thanks pam

My 4year old grandson has been on 20mg adderall Xr for aprox 2 months .. It has helped with his hyperness but soon after taking the drug he becomes emotionl and completely beligerant. He acts out and screams at you. This goes on for hours. Ive discussed this with doctor and he wants to up the dose.. Almost afraid to. Dont want to think that grandson could get anymore beligerant. He was hyper before the meds not beligerant. Where can I go to find more on this.?

I'm sorry so many of you have bad experiences with Adderall. My side effects went away in about two weeks.

The amphetamines in Adderall have been used for 70 years, so if they were that dangerous, they would not be around today and one of the top 10 most prescribed pediatric drugs in America.

To Spoiled Rotten,
Apparently you can't read all that well or don't know how to do research, maybe you should have been on Adderall as a kid. RITALIN, CONCERTA, FOCALIN, DAYTRANA are all Methylphenidate, which IS NOT AN AMPHETAMINE.

Be a Big BOY/GIRL and do your own research about these drugs. Real research, not a side-effects website where people who know nothing about the drugs themselves hear something from someone, who knows someone's sisters friend who ABUSED their medication.

ALL DRUGS can be bad. You can die of an aspirin overdose. It's how they are used. Adderall and Ritalin are "very safe" when used properly" (Driven To Distraction).

I'm sure 99 percent of you don't even know what ADDICTION really is. This is a huge health problem in America. Yes, the addictions, but MORE so the ignorance and stereotypes of people with them.

African American 47,
You DON'T just get addicted to a drug. You can BE DEPENDENT on a drug, and not an addict. Cancer patients take very large amounts of NARCOTIC pain killers and THEY ARE DEPENDENT on them. For pain relief and physical dependence. They DON'T crave the drugs though.

So with SPOILED rotten's philosophy, the 20,000,000 people on Adderall or Ritalin (NOT AN AMPHETAMINE, similar, but not the same thing) who's quality of life has been improved 100 fold just like mine. I would have benefited GREATLY from medication but did not get diagnosed until 3 months ago at the age of 24.

Medication IS NOT for everyone, as "it doesn't work very well for about 80% of people who take it." (Driven To Distraction, Dr Edward Hallowell).

IF anyone has questions about ADD read "Driven To Distraction". The Author(s) both have ADD themselves and are psychiatrists.

Too many people with ADD refuse medication because they think "oh no, I will get addicted", which is 99 percent of the time not the case for ADD. They miss out on at least an option that could help them immensely.

I am so irritated with the ignorance and lack of knowledge from people who bad mouth things they know really nothing about. It didn't work for me so I am going to demonize the drugs and spread lies that they turn kids into zombies and cause them to shoot up schools..........C'mon, you're how old? I'm probably 1/2 your age and I have twice the common sense.
I'm not saying your a bad parent Spoiled, but your NAME IS Spoiled....you seem to be on a high and mighty chair, and you seemingly have a very self centered mind. Doesn't work for you then it must be the work of the devil.

Learn how to do research, form educated opinions, maybe read a book. Use your rights as a patient to see a different doctor if you don't agree with one. Do something productive.

I take vicodin with soma. If I stay up and wait for relief of pain, pain begins to subside and I pick up dirty glasses left out and head for the kitchen. I begin cleaning my kitchen--dishwasher emptied then filled, counter scrubbed, cupboards wiped down, fridge wiped, floor swept and mopped...it's as if I'd taken amphetamines...off to bed I go and can't sleep til around 3am. My pains gone and I get a clean kitchen out of the deal...waking up for work is another story, though. Don't take too many vicodin with somas or visa-versa....unless your kitchen needs a good cleaning!

This is my husbands prescription, but I take it usually 2 days out of the month for period cramps, along with vicodan. If I don't lay down immediately and I stay up waiting for the cramping pains to subside, then I head to the bedroom, putting away a glass or two in the sink,,,that's it...I'm cleaning the entire kitchen because I get hyped up as if I'd taken amphetamines or something and its difficult to fall asleep once I finally make it to bed. I'm not sure if going to bed to sleep outweighs the need to clean my kitchen?

My son has been taking Adderall for about 4 and 1\2 yrs. and I will tell ya'll that it help him at first but as the yrs went by it is like he is not taking anything. He just got off of taking the Adderall XR and it wasn't even helping him any. It was like it was giving him a boost. I have read all of the storys that ya'll have put on here and they all sound just like what I am going through. There is one thing that I noticed about everyones and that is that no one put on here what was in Adderall. If you do some looking into it Adderall has amphetamines in it. That is why you only have so many days to get it filled. If you look it up in a PDR or in THE PILL BOOK it will tell you that it is pronounced ADD-ur-all and then under that it says "Generic ingredients: AMPHETAMINES" So if you are taking this I would say that it is time to get off of this med. I have taking my son off of it and he seems to bwe getting better. Adderall is just like Ritalin. Ritalin also had Amphetamines in it as well. I just thought that I would share that with all of ya'll. I am glade to see that there is a place to do this and share story's and just maybe keep someone that has not ever taken this med and that might just be thinking about putting a kid on it that just maybe this will change their mind.

How is this supposed to help??? I am diagnosed as rapid cycling bipolar. Geodon tops the list as the worst stuff I have EVER taken!!! Beware.......I feel like I am on a massive dose of amphetamines. Can't sleep, can't eat. Tongue is swollen and I feel like I cannot breathe. I have to keep stretching my muscles because they are so tight and I cannot stop clenching my teeth. My eyes are dry and I can't close them to sleep. I have goosebumps and am confused. Cannot seem to move, I feel like there are weights on my arms and legs. I am scared to drive because I almost went through a train crossing with a train going through it. I feel like hurting myself and my husband says I twitch all the time when I am finally able to sleep after about 48 hours.

Yes, I developed a severe sore throat when I started the Welbutrin. I failed to mention the other side effects that I noticed while I was on Welbutrin XL 300mg. Dizziness, nausea, HEADACHES EVERY DAY!, sore throat, neck pain, back pain, very sore muscles, tunnel vision, I became anxious and nervous, and I think the worst one that I could not handle was this wierd "electrical" feeling that would pulsate throughout my body. It would make me tense up and it felt like my teeth were tingling all the way down to my feet. I am back over to Lexapro 20mg a day and will just have to put up with the weight gain.

When I take sinus meds with Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride 30mg. My drug tests at work show up as a positive for Amphetamines. I can't get them to believe it's from over the counter sinus medicines. Do you have any suggestions that might help me? I'm going to lose my job if I can't come up with some type of documentation. Could you please E-mail me with some help! Thank you, Frank Amolsch aka ******