Around seven years ago, my youngest son and I were both diagnosed with ADHD: I, a writer, and he, a high school student. I particularly have a hard time staying on track, especially with writing. It’s difficult for me to sit for long stretches, so I try to take regular breaks to get up and stretch my body.
Although, recently, I considered medication therapy as I feel like I could do better for my company if only I could stay focused a little longer. But then again, I also struggle with perfectionism, so there’s that to consider, too! And heck, maybe it is my ADHD that fuels my writing skills?
My son also struggles with staying on task and is easily distracted while the teacher is talking, and he is supposed to be listening. This not only has caused him many uncomfortable times, but it also affects his grades because he is in a rush to finish.
One of my dearest friends has ADD, and she takes generic Adderall. She struggles with insomnia, headaches, stomach issues, and dry mouth, but these side effects could also be from the chemotherapy, radiation, and aftercare cancer drug therapies she has endured.
One alternative to Adderall is bupropion, which is a medication that is typically used to treat depression, but it has also been shown to be effective in treating ADHD.
For example, because my son has ADHD and Tourette’s, he cannot take Adderall as it will dramatically increase the Tourette’s motor tics and inadvertently create more anxiety. So, his doctor prescribed bupropion, which is working well for him. On the flip side, I am not able to take bupropion because I am allergic. I once took it to help quit smoking, but I guess I am allergic because I broke out in an all-over-body rash!
For people like me, my son, or my friend, Adderall actually increases our anxiety and can even make it worse. But don’t take my word for it; let’s see what the experts at Psych Central have to say, “It isn’t typically used to treat anxiety, and when used alone, it may worsen your symptoms. This medication can also produce side effects similar to symptoms of anxiety, such as nervousness, irritability, and restlessness,”.
This medication combines amphetamine and dextroamphetamine and is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). According to a reputable online pharmacy Rx Outreach, “It is a member of a class of drugs known as stimulants and works by altering the levels of certain chemicals in the brain. It may improve your ability to focus, stay attentive, and manage behavioral issues, as well as help you to better organize your tasks and improve your listening skills.
This medication is also used to treat narcolepsy, a sleep disorder that causes excessive daytime sleepiness. It helps individuals stay awake during the day. However, it should not be used to combat fatigue or to delay sleep in individuals who do not have a sleep disorder,”.
Potential side effects include weight loss, insomnia, dry mouth, headaches, and stomach issues. However, the drug can also lead to more severe problems, such as heart problems, mental health issues, or worse, addiction.
Is Adderall addictive?
Yes, it can be for certain people. Because addiction runs in my family and my son’s father’s family, we are concerned about the risk of addiction. If someone is abusing Adderall, they might have the usual signs of addiction, such as:
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Confusion
- Sleep troubles
- Taking higher doses
- Using it for non-medical reasons
Should someone become addicted to Adderall, they will exhibit the above as well as experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop. If they choose to quit, treatment might involve drug detox, inpatient rehab, sober living group homes, cognitive therapies, twelve-step programs, or all of the above.
If you or someone you know is abusing Adderall, it is imperative to seek professional help.
How do you know if Adderall is working for ADHD?
It is highly unlikely that Adderall will make all the symptoms of ADD or ADHD go away, but when it is working as it should, some symptoms will improve like staying focused on a task and completing it, or they are doing better at work or school.
Remember how I mentioned what my friend was doing with her medication? That’s what we have to do for ourselves: our own personal (physician-guided) experiments. For example, my son was on another medication for his Tourette’s that he did not see much benefit to and said it made him super sleepy, which he didn’t like (nor did his teachers!).
Strictly under the advice and care of doctors and therapist’s supervision, my son requested to be weaned off. Then, days later, he requested to go back on it because he realized it reduced his Tourette tics, and he could sleep again. It’s mostly trial and error for us, but that’s why they say “practicing medicine.” We learn new things every day. Technology is helping to make giant leaps in healthcare, but that’s another article.
When used appropriately, Adderall can really help manage ADHD symptoms. The first thing you’ll want to do is talk with your doctor to see if it’s the right fit for you. Once you start taking Adderall, don’t worry if you don’t see changes right away; improvement typically happens over time. You’ll likely notice better focus and attention, and you might also find it easier to control impulsive behaviors. If you don’t see any changes after a few weeks, have a chat with your doctor. They might need to tweak the dosage or explore other medication options.
Does Adderall help with social anxiety?
In conclusion, while Adderall is highly effective in managing ADHD symptoms by improving focus and attention, it is not a recommended treatment for social anxiety. In fact, it might exacerbate anxiety symptoms due to its stimulant nature.
Personal experiences, like those of my son and myself, highlight the complexities of ADHD and the necessity for individualized treatment plans. Always consult with your doctor to tailor the best approach for your specific needs, and remember, it often involves some trial and error to find the most suitable solution.