Adderall XR and amphetamines

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