So I'm 25, I have SEVERE anxiety issues, panic attacks, and I was on anti depressants for 3 years. My doctor then decided I was "happy" enough to go off them and he began me on treatment for my ADHD.
I am on Adderall XR 20mg a day, and Xanax .25 as needed (I have been on xanax for years). I started the Adderall about a week ago, and completely lost my appetite, which my doc told me would probably happen. I have had a ton of trouble getting to sleep at night (no luck without taking a xanax to help), and it seems like if I have ANY caffeine I get SUPER jittery, anxious, and two days ago I made the mistake of trying an energy drink, which basically gave me severe muscle spasms and shot my heart rate through the roof (yay for Hospital visits... ).
I'm about 140 pounds, and I'm not sure if my adderall dosage is too high for my weight or if I'm just not adjusted to it yet. I guess my question is if the side effects (jittery, increased anxiety, insomnia) will decrease over time, or if there is any way to lessen them?
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5 Answers
CO
codfishbones
2 Dec 2014
Have the Dr. switch you to Adderall IR. which means instant release, that way your dose won't be releasing in your system later in the day.
Votes: +0
GE
geo-bzy
31 May 2014
Good News! :) Yes the side effects do decrease. I noticed that you didn't mention the times of day that you take your doses? I'm prescribed the same meds, although my xanax are 1mg, they work better for me when I take my adderall in the morning & the xanax late in the day, early evening. I also eat breakfast before adderall takes effect, force a light lunch, & eat dinner an hr after taking xanax, this allows me to keep my weight on. One thing is for sure, my life is better, much more stable & comfortable since I got use to taking adderall. I hope this response gives you some insight & helps to ease your concerns
Votes: +1
JU
juie
20 Sep 2011
Question posted 16 Jul 2011
Dear Azyrael:
Today is 3 months since you posted the problems that have occurred since your change in medications .I truly hope you are feeling better now and probably back on some kind of SSRI or an SNRI.
You may be experiencing withdrawal symptoms if you were on antidepressants for more than THREE years and quit abruptly. You need to taper off slowly. There is a website that addresses the withdrawal symptoms. Some of the people take over a year to get off serotonin re-uptake drugs. It is paxilprogress.com.Take a look.
I am really appalled at what your doctor did! I feel so sorry for you.I have a long history of panic attacks, generalized anxiety, and depression. I am older now, but the panic and anxiety hit me bad in my 20's like you. As I got older and was properly medicated with SSRIs and Xanax (which I became addicted to) the anxiety subsided, but depression has became more of an issue.
Putting someone with a history of any kind of anxiety on amphetamines is very unusual, if not crazy. Did you want them? Possibly indicate that you needed more motivation to get things done? I just wonder what would make him choose this medication and believe that you have ADD or ADHD.
By the way, going off of ADHD drugs occasionally for a short period of time is OK and very common. Most children are told to take weekend vacations from them. Is Dr. a psychiatrist or a G.P? Hope you got another one.
Let us all know how you are doing because we really do care about the people who post here. I wouldn't wish your symptoms on an enemy. I remember how bad panic,etc can be.
All the Best
Judy
Votes: +1
JU
juie
20 Sep 2011
OK, it has been only two months since your post. Sorry. Can't figure out how to edit once posted.
KA
Kate5
16 July 2011
Azyrael, I would consult the doctor if I were you. I say this because there are cases of people suffering heart attacks using adderall and other stimulant type drugs like ritalyn. It can happen in young people as well as older adults. I take ritalyn, and I'm in my fifties and I had an EKG done prior to starting on it. I think doctors should do more testing for possible hidden heart problems before putting people on these drugs. It could just be your anxiety levels creeping back up, possibly due to the stimulant, but I would definitely talk to your doctor about the pain in your arm and the other symptoms you're experiencing. Good luck in getting this figured out and getting the help you need to get the right meds in the right balance that work for you.
Votes: +1
AZ
Azyrael
16 July 2011
I'm definitely going to consult my doc ASAP, heart problems run in the family (I'm lucky like that) and there have been some other odd symptoms as well. My Anxiety is pretty high since I began the adderall(compared to normal), which the doc said would be a side effect (yay for giving someone with severe panic/anxiety issues a stimulant... ). I've been managing the anxiety fairly well, but I would prefer not to drop dead anytime soon. I have had other issues that I thought may be contributing as well (standing tremors, muscle spasms, severe iron deficiency), but they never caused issues in just 1 limb like this... doc appointment soon, hopefully he can help me out! Thanx for the response!
CE
cetteferge
16 July 2011
I also have adult ADHD, but am older. My son, 26, has it, too. When he first started his meds, he had no appetite, sweating, dry mouth, and many same symptoms. It will decrease, but I'd probably start with half the dose, as he did, and worked up to 10 mgs. dextroamphetamine. Also, take early in the day. One of the most important things I've noticed is to be consistent with the medication daily, and your body will adjust. Or, you could ask your doctor to try one of several of the non-stimulant medications, such as Strattera. Anti-depressants, and some blood pressure meds. are also used for ADHD, so be sure you're on the right medication(s). As always, it takes trial and error because everybody's body chemistry is different. Sounds like you had many of the anxiety symptoms prior to even taking Adderall. I avoid any extended release, as many do. Just don't like them, as I've found many don't, as well.
I take the Dextrostat, and I have a decent appetite, but I take seroquel at night that puts me right to sleep! Try decaf, as well. Good decaf tastes the same. Good luck!! Hope that helps.
Votes: +3
AZ
Azyrael
16 July 2011
Thanks for the response! I have been taking it somewhat erratically(whenever I wake up, sometimes 8am, sometimes 1pm). Another side effect I noticed is a sort of tense feeling in my left arm only. (I have standing tremors, and muscle spasms) but this feels sorta like the circulation to my arm is being cut off, it doesn't go numb, only feels... tight I guess? Could that be a more serious side effect, or just the result of the caffeine and adderall? I will try taking it at the same time daily and see if there's an improvement, hopefully everything levels out. These meds are so frustrating sometimes!
On a side note; I had my first day off of work and took it yesterday, and I just couldn't relax, I felt as though I had to be up accomplishing things. Any clue if it's alright to avoid taking it on days I know I don't need to focus or go anywhere, or should I take it anyway for consistency?
CE
cetteferge
16 July 2011
I take it daily for consistency. Sounds like we could be related, in that, I always feel like I want to be accomplishing something! It feels good, and I've accepted that I'm compulsive about whatever I do. I like things organized. I like the positive feelings of accomplishment. And, no matter whether I'm working or taking a day off, I try to set a schedule and adhere to it. Its important for those of us with ADHD... structure and self-discipline! I believe the tense feeling in your arm is related to the stimulant medication, but you may want to run it by your Dr. I'm only a Psychologist, not a medical Dr. On your day off, try to go out and walk for a couple of miles (start slowly). Extremely important for us to get exercise, both for our bodies and our minds (and spirits)! That would help tremendously with all of your symptoms... physical and mental anxiety, tense, cramping muscles, nervousness, etc. And, it would help with appetite.
So, go out and sweat off that anxiety and make those muscles work! Then, drink lots of water to get rid of toxins. Sounds like you're smart and concerned. Good luck!
CH
chelsiecowles
21 Nov 2011
If he is 26 and I'm sure your a woman of a respectable age then ask the MD about Vyvanse it is made for adults to last longer and not be addictive like Adderall is. Vyvanse starts out at 20mg and goes up to 70mg. I personally have struggled with ADHD and have tried other medications, but the Vyvanse has truly been a blessing to my life. Let me know how things go!
GE
geo-bzy
31 May 2014
cetteferge, I agree w/your answer. Very well put... The one thing everyone needs to consider is that everybody's body chemistry is different. You hit the nail on the head w/that one :))
