I have been taking adderall XR for close to 10 years now. I'm 36 yrs old and feel like ( like most people ). It has ruined my life. It does not work anywhere close to as good as it used to, I'm fact I feel zombieish.
I am going to speak to my doctor about this and am considering 2 things.
1- switching to Vyvanse or concerta.
2. Not taking them anymore.
Is it possible that after 10 years taking this that my dopamine levels are completely drained so nothing motivates me/makes me happy?
Amphetamine - How to stay motivated NOT taking adderall?
Question posted by BrianTech78 on 13 July 2014
Last updated on 21 October 2014
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4 Answers
I have been on Adderall for almost a decade now as well & I know what you mean.
I tried Nuvigil & Provigil (CIV) and both of them worked well for me with little-no side effects yet I was still motivated. Do you take an anti-depressant as well?
Nuvigil + an SSRI/SNRI may help you out here; you could at least try & see! It helped to put the brakes on the tolerance I was experiencing with Adderall for a while.
Best!!
Mac... do you have any experience in taking Adderall XR versus IR? I'm having some trouble switching from IR to ER... much less of a response and feel like I'm getting all my old symptoms back on the "ER" equivalent.
Mac... do you have any experience in taking Adderall XR versus IR? I'm having some trouble switching from IR to ER... much less of a response and feel like I'm getting all my old symptoms back on the "ER" equivalent.
--Yes, I have taken both forms of Adderall. I started out with the XR & was switched to the IR, which I have been on a lot longer than I was on the XR.
Are the mgs equivalent? I switched because personally, the XR was wearing off earlier than my work day lasted--and the come-down crash was very difficult fir me; I experienced feelings of depression and my ADHD symptoms would reappear with a vengeance. What made you switch formulas, if I may ask?
Also-and this is paramount for me at least-which generic brand(s) were & are you on?
Switch medications- other ADD classes, or even welbutrin or effexor at high doses. You can get your dopamine back naturally- but it will take a long time and much effort- exercise, diet, ketonageric diet has helped some a lot, vitamins, the whole thing. I would taper down on the adderall, you will crash significantly if you don't and feel more discouraged. Lower Adderall, increase exercise slowly. OR you can go to Adderall IR- its shown be pack a bigger punch...
Vyvanse is an ok drug for motivation if you're moving around,Two months ago I tried the 50 mg and liked then with really no side effects or come down hard,but since then I took a few 30 mg's and they made me sleepy right off the rip,I figured maybe the dosing be lower is what did it,but then the doctor prescribed 60 mg,which he said is the highest in one pill but still when i took them they made me sleepy,other people i know says they do them ok as long as they busy,as far as Concerta did them a lil while,they were ok the first day or so but after that didnt work to well plus kicked in my depression and axienty like something crazy,in my opinion the adderall are way better,but different pills works different on different people..If i was you i would change the adderall if possible to a higher dose or if get off the XR.. but maybe the others will help you better but I know they didnt me,if i was to switch i would go with the vyvanse over the concerta..hoped this helped some.. Thanks
Yes it is possible, but not likely, with the proper care your body will recover though it will take time and patience and taking good care of yourself with diet, hydration and moderate exercise, even walking. Do you have any social/moral support? You can seek out a local recovery group, even an AA meeting just to fellowship with folks struggling through similar circumstance. It really helps, a lot!
Related topics
adderall, adderall xr, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (adhd), amphetamine
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