Adderall has literally changed my life in ways I probably can't even describe.

For some history, here's a thread from a few months ago in OOT.

Things now are so much different, and so much better now, it really has been a complete 180.

The biggest and best changes have come socially. A whole new world has opened up to me, it's been amazing. 2 months ago I was a wreck, I couldn't even hold a 5 minute conversation, I was nervous and anxious and self conscious and my mind was jumping all over the place 24/7. I couldn't make eye contact or focus on anything. I would sit alone, afraid to say or do something stupid. In my mind I had these great conversations going between me and the girl sitting 25 feet away, but it never actually happened. I was awkward and quiet and shy. It was frustrating because I knew I was better than that.

When I did interact with other people I was always combative and quick to argue. I think this was a defensive mechanism that I used to isolate myself where I felt a lot more comfortable. Looking back even at my posts here and on other forums, I can easily see why people would hate me. I can't help but laugh at how I came off.

Now I talk to people normally and it's fun. I still debate people but I'm a lot more agreeable and don't try to talk down or insult anyone anymore. Funny how being nice to people works, they actually continue to talk to you. Again, in the past I think I didn't really want anyone to talk to me so I just pushed them away, ignored them, or made fun of them.

My compulsive behavior has receded tremendously. Another huge benefit. I can get into specifics I guess if people care but I used to do things and not be able to control myself but now I have that control and it's amazing.

Right now I am on 15 mg of generic Adderall XR once a day. I was on 10 mg of generic IR, it worked very well, then wore off quickly, I met with my doc and now I'm trying the XR and it's working very well, although when it wears off I revert back to my old self a little bit and it sucks. When I first wake up, before taking it, and just before bed, after it wears off, I'm pretty miserable. I will discuss this w/my doc next time but during the bulk of my day I'm very productive and calm. Maybe I will try and mix in a small dose of IR later in the day or something. But right now I'm happy.

If anyone has any other questions I'd be glad to answer them. I'm certainly not a doctor so I won't recommend Adderall to anyone specifically but I would definitely encourage people who have or think they have ADHD to discuss it with their doctor.

I typed this out and debated even posting it, but I figured if it helps anyone then it's more than worth it. Someone here on 2p2 who I won't name has really been tremendously helpful to me, helping me stay positive and keep working until I finally figured out what was wrong and got it corrected.

If anyone is reading this who feels like things won't ever improve and life sucks, I can honestly say that I've been there, and things *can* improve, and life *doesn't have to* suck. It can and will get better.

It may take a while, with lots of starts and stops, ups and downs, different forms of therapy and medication, crappy side effects, lonely nights, and frayed and broken relationships, but it will get better.

sounds like you are in the beginning stages of adderall where things are jolly. just be cautious of other stages that come along with this drug. after all adderall is just another name for amphetamine.

What would you say is the biggest difference between yourself on and off the meds?

When you would imagine those conversations with girls, were you just too shy to go talk to them? And if so, does the medication help you ignore those fears?

I'm curious about this myself since I definitely showed signs of ADHD in the past, but also I go from being really motivated about something, to sometimes not giving a crap about doing anything at all.

Good post btw.

I used to be prescribed to adderall. It worked alright for a little while I guess. I definitely suffer from ADHD. I would take it primarily to do schoolwork. I got to a point where I would just stasy up all night gambling without studying vit was bad. And besides I wouldnt say it was the end all be all for social inequity. realize it is all about your mindset. you create the reality of life. All your thoughts and "inequities" are your own doing. Sure there are going to be people that are going to irk you or make you nervous, but it is up to your strong mind to just realize that they are just another person, and you don't know what they've gone through or are going through. I'll be honest I still go through social anxiety here and there. Then I just think back to the Gorillaz song "Clint Eastwood" where he says "just remember that it's all in your head!"

I would agree with this, I was in a bit of a rush while posting the op so didn't post about some of the negative side effects I've had so far, and also I probably should have added (so far) to the title.

I was on Ritalin, had the best day of my life, then it stopped working. I was/am afraid Adderall will be the same, but so far it's been pretty good, and I think has at least given me confirmation of my problem.

I was recently prescribed 20mg IR twice daily for Nacolepsey/Sleep Issues. I was on Vyvanse XL 70 mg.. and it worked well but was finding that is wore off around 2pm.

I have tried Adderall in the past and it seemed to really work well for me. I hear what everyone is saying about the jolly time..as with any stimulant you need to take breaks.

I have found that eating a decent meal before pill ingestion helps somewhat, for when the medicine kicks in you don't want to eat. Magnesium, Vitamin B6, fish oil and other supplements have proven to help extend the usefullness of adderall and slow tolerance.

I usually only take my meds during the work week, or as needed to finish a daunting task. Movie night with wife, time off, leisure activities, etc... I try to not take it if not necessary.

I can also say that my brother had ADHD as a kid and was prescribed 30mg. IR 3x daily. At 12 years old my brother weighed around 60 pounds. He was sooo sick. Be careful with Adderall. It can save your life and it can ruin it as well.

Biggest difference is socially I'm a lot more "normal" and well adjusted.

A close 2nd, my terrible urges to gamble away all my money have gone away.

As far as talking to girls, it used to be that I'd almost live vicariously through myself in my own head. Like "if I could actually hold a conversation, here's how it might go..." But in reality any time I tried to say something it came off as a mumble, or I couldn't hold eye contact or if I was lucky enough to introduce myself I would forget her name or not care after about 3 seconds. Now I have successfully walked up to girls I've never seen before, smiled, said hello, exchanged names, remembered their name, had some small talk, seen them again, talked again, etc. I've only really been "better" for maybe 6-7 weeks so it's still new to me but I'm making great progress all around. I have a lot of work to go, I still run into trouble trying to take things to the next level w/girls, but I'm pretty sure that's bc I've been only interacting with them at work and haven't had time to really go out much. I did go out one time, 90% could have gotten laid but it was late and my med was completely worn off, I needed sleep, etc so I didn't even try.

I think there's still some work for me to figure out the right dose/timing, but I'm at least now on a much more stable base than I was before.

That's awesome that the drug is working for you, I didn't get if you are seeing a therapist or not?
I would highly recommend that you use some type of therapy along with the Adderall as it will help with objectivity regarding dosage.

Best of luck, it's great to hear you're feeling positive about your life and particularly your social interactions!

I'm seeing a psychiatrist and we meet every 2 months now and talk for a few mins about how I'm doing. I've read a lot about Adderall and know it can be very harmful if abused, so I'm careful.

It really is great being able to just talk to someone without your mind being in 600 places at once. Amazing feeling after so many years of awkward or nonexistent social interaction.

Good thread.

I have also been prescribed Adderall recently. It has been interesting...to say the least.

The whole ball got rolling when I decided I needed to get sober. I was drinking heavily six nights a week and drinking the seventh day to rid the hangover. Mentally, I was ****ed. Physically, I was a 26 year old who weighed 230 lbs.

A few months in of sobriety, my psychologist recommended that I see a psychiatrist. I'd been tested for ADHD several times, but the doctors always concluded I didn't need meds. The psychiatrist was smart enough to at least try. I was prescribed 20 mg xr.

The toughest factor (for me) with being sober was how awkward it was to be social. While drinking, I could hold a conversation with anyone, was the guy telling stories...etc. Now, I awkwardly sat around while my gf and friends had a great ol' time. Adderall has helped me be able to maintain an interesting conversation. Being 26, I know I'll face these social situations for a long time to come, so that is helpful.

Adderall gives me enough energy to do what I need to do everyday. I teach high school on a reservation in ND, so there is plenty of work to be done. Whereas last year I would leave right after school, I now stay and prepare for the week, which is extremely helpful.

I also started running and lifting. I'm currently 170 lbs and feeling fantastic. I do have to remind myself to eat sometimes, even though I'm not hungry. I take a multi-vitamin, fish oil, and glucosamine in the morning, just to make sure I get my nutrients.

I've been sober for 7 months now. Longer than I ever thought. My psychiatrist mentioned that is was highly common for adolescents that have untreated ADHD to develop addiction issues.

Sorry if TL, but Adderall has given me a new outlook on life. I feel as if I'm a new person. GL in life, people.

My shrink gave me wellbutrin instead. Heard it stops smoking too. I told him I didn't wanna depend on a pill because if it helped what then? Do I take it for the rest of my life?

I wouldn't worry about taking meds for the rest of your life, many things can get worked out from the healthy experiences you have while on the meds. (just like the OP is describing)

I do feel a lot better though, still like crap but some improvement. I'm able to sleep better at night, taking wellbutrin feels like a mild form of ecstasy and sleeping pill in one. But my mood probably has more to do with me quitting smoking and going cold turkey on the internet. I was surprised after cutting my isp completely and getting bored for weeks I found I could easily quit smoking. It seems as longest you use the net you cannot quit on other bad habits because the emotions were tied in.

Obviously there are a million variables with meds, but food for thought: I tried Wellbutrin for a while and it was hellacious. I think the main issue was the booze reacting with the meds.

Wellbutrin+Alcohol= -EV

I am on wellbutrin xl and I cannot drink anything on it. It makes the alcohol come on stronger and last longer.

I have had great success with Wellbutrin but it can be tedious to get used to. I started in May and only after a few months did I find the right dosage and start to feel better.

Wellbutrin and Adderall work great together IMO. But some people say it's too much stimulation and have trouble with sleeping, anxiety...etc.

Sorry about the long rant about Wellbutrin..Sorry OP, didn't mean to hijack your thread. Good Luck with the adderall. I know it has really helped me feel more like me.