What are the risks of taking Adderall in your 60's. I have looked everywhere online and have never found another patient my age who is taking this med.
I was diagnosed with adult ADD (not ADHD) almost two years ago and have been taking Adderall XR 30mg in a.m. with 15 mg booster at mid day. My doctor has told me to take 30 mg at mid day, but I seldom take that much because I have such bad insomnia. I worry about the effects. I am female, 5'5", 125 lbs., normal BP, high cholesterol, and have actually gained weight since starting to take Adderall. Previously, my doctor had me on Vyvanse, but my insurance won't pay for it. Thanks for any suggestions, or if you have experience to share. I'm glad I found this group. Annie
Anyone else in their 60's taking Adderall?
Question posted by Annie101 on 13 March 2011
Last updated on 19 February 2023
35 Answers Page 3
Well I'm 44 and I been talking adderall for 10 years, 30 mlg xr, I'm a RN student and I can't concentrate without Adderall, I don't imagine my life if I don't take my medication... And I do know people 60 years old and over who also take adderall, if you are healthy you will be okay... No blood pressure no problems.
I am a 62 year old female who was put on Adderall in 2014 for ADD. I also am taking 20 mg. of Valium a day for anxiety. And my psychiatrist has tried several sleeping pills but none of them work so I am now taking 10mg. Of Melatonin about 1/2 hour before going to bed and find this is the most natural way I have found to get some sleep. I too have gained weight on Adderall and my dr. Has me on 60 mg. a day and I feel that is too high a dose so I only take about 30mg. A day to get me motivated to do things around my home or dealing with bills, paperwork and living alone. I wanted to be on Adderall XR also but my insurance wouldn't cover it. I feel it would be better if the medicine was released into my system throughout the day instead of at one time. Have you had any heart issues or high cholesterol problems since taking Adderall?
I am 66 taking Adderall for years now. I also have high cholesterol and taking 25 mg a day. I have gained weight since taking Adderall also. I have no problem sleeping maybe because I take my pill in the A.M. I have found that sometimes my chest bothers me after taking it but my blood pressure is fine so I have been taking a lower dose which does not work as well but does not cause the tightness in the chest that I sometimes get. I find that if I sit around after taking it I get the tightness if I am moving around working I am fine. I have been thinking of asking my for a different medication only because of this tightness. BTW I don't take it everyday any longer only when I really need to concentrate.
i have tried non stimulants and my heart rate and bp were higher with the non sitims than adderall xr. just a thought
i do not know i am no expert but at your age angina is prob not related to the adderall is you bp is fine. its sound more like plaque build up type stuff. again i am not an expert just my off the brain thoughts
Update..I lowered my dosage and am not experiencing the chest tightness any longer. I only take it when I have to concentrate only because of the cost of the medication. When I take it I find that my mind is clearer and quicker. I actually believe that it helps with my memory when I do take it .
You are having bad side affects, insomnia. I would tell your health care provider about the insomnia. To be honest I would be thankful that a doctor was willing to rx someone at your age an affective add/adhd drug treatment like adder-all, and at a realistic dosage. next you have to decide whether you want to focus and have insomnia, or not pay attention and sleep at night. in addition to medication, exercise, psychotherapy good diet, sunlight being out doors and social interaction can all help deal with add/adhd without medication. My advice, talk to your doctor, safely stop the adderall, and make the lifestyle adjustments I suggested above.
If you aren't responding well to Adderall, you could try Dexedrine (a very old drug, and very cheap). Dexedrine is the active ingredient in Vyvanse.
I haven't come across any research that indicates that taking stimulants at age 60 or older is harmful. There are some fanatic anti-stimulant doctors out there, but in reality, if you're taking a moderate dose (which you are - FDA recommends 60mg of Adderall daily).
But there are also patients who take up to 90mg of Adderall daily (prescribed by doctors) who don't have any adverse effects. If you were, say, 80, I'd agree that your dose might be too high, since elderly patients tend to metabolize medications more slowly than others.
But 60 is not "elderly", and as long as the med is helping you, there's no reason to stop.
You could ask your doctor for a drug to help with the insomnia. Or perhaps switching to just the immediate release form of Adderall taken 2-3 times daily would help and not cause insomnia. The XR version often causes insomnia.
It does for me, which is why I switched to the immediate release form, which has helped stop the insomnia.
I am also 6 years old and take 20 milligrams of Adderall and have had no side effects
After treating me since 2002, dr decides that I do not have ADHD that I am depressed!!!
Related topics
adderall xr, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (adhd)
Further information
- Adderall XR uses and safety info
- Adderall XR prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Adderall XR (detailed)
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