Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Off Label Use is Contraindicated

SO I WENT TO THE HEAD SHRINK-Y DOC YESTERDAY TO TALK ABOUT MY ADHD AND HE PRESCRIBED ADDERALL AND IT TURNS OUT THAT THE GENERIC EQUIVALENT FOR ADDERALL IS PLAIN OLD AMPHETAMINE SO NOW I HAVE LIKE 90 OF THOSE AND HOLY CRAP THEY ARE AWESOME AND I’M SUPPOSED TO TAKE 1-2 2X/DAY, BUT I MAY HAVE EXCEEDED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE JUST NOW.

Well, not really.

Truth be told, I took one pill yesterday afternoon and within two hours I had fallen asleep in a chair. So I don’t think it (the speed) has the same effect on me as it might on a “normal” person. We’ll see how it goes.

Which is not to say the this stuff doesn’t scare the crap out of me. Hey, I’ve seen that Montana Meth Project and all those scary ads. Last thing I want is to end up having sex with a middle aged man in a dirty motel.

My hope is that it’s a clean motel.

1. If a stimulant makes you sleepy, that’s a pretty good indication that you have ADD.  It’s doing the therapeutic thing and bringing your brain back to normal.

   I got used to my ADD meds (Vyvanse - also an amphetamine, but processed in a way that makes it both time-released and difficult to abuse.) Only took a couple of days.  After a few weeks, I doubted it was making any difference.  Then I skipped a couple of days and noticed a big difference!

   Any drug can be dangerous, if used improperly.  Under a doctor’s guidance, most drugs can be used safely and to good ends.  Rather than being scared, just be wary and aware.  Pay attention to things like whether you make good choices, how clearly can you think, how well can you handle interruptions, and let your doctor know if anything seems “off”.  Maybe ask a family member or friend to do it for you, if you don’t trust your own judgment.

   Best of luck to you!

   Posted by Jack  on  11/19/08  at  02:16 PM

2. Jack, your articulate first commenter, affirmed what I was going to say.  I knew a guy who had ADD who drank Coke to help him fall asleep, when for me, Coke is like manic rocket fuel.  Actually, Dr. Pepper is my rocket-fuel-of-choice, but anyhoo--best of luck with the meds!

   Posted by Novembrance  on  11/21/08  at  02:42 PM

3. *Pumping fist as if at rock concert* Ran-SOM, Ran-SOM, Ran-SOM!

   Where are you, Dude?

   Posted by Novembrance  on  12/02/08  at  05:12 PM

4. I’ll voice the same thing as the previous commenters.  My stepson takes Adderall, and the Dr. told us that is how to tell if the patient truly has ADD/ADHD.  The Adderall will make you tired.  If it makes you even more hyper, you know that ADD is not the right diagnosis.

   My stepson has been taking Adderall for years, and it is a blessing!  It really does work.  Your body will get used to it, and many of the weird symptoms (dry mouth, sleepiness) will not seem quite so frequent or extreme.

   Posted by Jenni  on  12/03/08  at  03:05 PM

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