adderall and dexedrine advice for a newbie with inattentive ADD

[demitriden]

I am 20 years old and have no history of even taking a sip of alcohol or doing drugs. Though just don't engage in any of that ecause I like being wholly myself around people, I do absolutely positively love to party with those who get drunk or high -- so don't think I am some lame conservative straight-end.

I talked to a neurologist and though he admittingly did not have any experience with ADD patients, he said I fit all the symptoms. Doc attempted to put me on Ritalin but I rejected that idea and requested adderall or dexedrine instead, claiming that I did extensive research before coming to see him. After a bit of effort, I was able to charm the doc into prescribing me 5mg adderall AND dexedrine 5mg.. directed to be taken separately and not combined.

Now I was wondering if you could assist with a few questions I have since tho my doc really cared about me, he didn't know where to start in giving me advice on how often to take the medication.

I have no attention to use it recreationally, but instead only to use it to better my life daily.

1) Do you think I made the right decision rejecting Ritalin for adderall and dexedrine? What has been your experience with Ritalin?

2) With the 5mg adder IR and 5mg dexie IR, I am planning to NOT mix it or use it as a combo. I was hoping to either completely use one then move onto the other. Do you think that's a good idea? I was thinking about using the less effective one first so that when I make the switch it won't feel like I downgraded my medication. Should I take the dexie or adderall first? I want to save the better drug for later. OR do you recommend me taking them on alternate days of each other?

3) I am 5"3 105lbs, I was wondering how many mgs should I take of adder or dexie a day?

4) I am studying for the LSAT which is a very difficult standardized test to get into law school, hoping to have adder or dexie to help me during the test-date as I practice the exam while on the drug. Since using the drugs to help me study is a big reason of why I wanted to get my inattentiveness treated I wanted to ask you guys -- Which is better to use for intense focus and concentration to hit the books + test taking.

5) What is the best way to get the most effective usage out of the drug? I definitely do not want to try snorting or IV.. any other recommendation besides oral swallowing?

That's all I have of questions for now. Thank you!

 

[Tomer]

You did the right thing by rejecting the Ritalin, it's absolute shit, with horrid comedowns.

If you have no tolerance, take 1 5mg in the morning and one in the afternoon. That should suffice for the time being. You don't want to hijack your tolerance, and immediately take a higher dosage. You want to keep it nice and steady.

You have a small body, so these dosages should be just right for you. Now, a lot of people attest to the fact that Dexedrine is much smoother than Adderall. Dexedrine is pure d-amphet, while Adderall is a mixture of 4 salts. You should try Adderall 1 day, and then try the Dex, the following day. Make a decision for yourself. After all, everyone's body is different. Some people say that Adderall makes them more focused., while Dex's smoother high is more geared for "partying." You be the judge.

Let me know if there is anything else, GL.

 

[demitriden]

Thanks for your response Tomer,

I'll alternate taking the two and compare.

I assume that you've tried both. Could you compare for my how each drug felt for you, benefits/side-effects? I understand that each drug works differently for different people, but I am curious. Thanks. And how long does it take for 5mg of either drug to kick in? What are the effects I should be looking out for?

 

[El Cubano Poco]

Thanks for your response Tomer,

I'll alternate taking the two and compare.

I assume that you've tried both. Could you compare for my how each drug felt for you, benefits/side-effects? I understand that each drug works differently for different people, but I am curious. Thanks. And how long does it take for 5mg of either drug to kick in? What are the effects I should be looking out for?

Within 20 minutes you shoudl start too feel some stimulation and a pleasant buzz in your brain. Within the next hour you should feel the peak of the effects, and slowly come down over the next few hours. Everyones metabolism is different...

Adderall and dexedrine both are effective at treating inattentiveness, but most people find that adderall makes you feel more tense and anxious then dexedrine. I'm pretty much just repeating what the previous poster said, he was spot on.

Good luck on your studying, though you won't need it!

 

[demitriden]

I tried adderall 5mg for the first time about an hour ago. Ate food first, then swallowed it down with water. Drank the whole bottle. I don't feel more attentive, actually a little bit groggy. I'm not sure if it's the food coma or the adderall?

I've been studying for an hour now since taken the drug and writing down observations. So far I don't feel a much of a difference. My heart rate was increasing for a few minutes but went back to normal. From reading a lot of narratives, and from your testimonial, I assumed that I should feel an obvious difference 20 minutes after consumption -- though I feel the same, maybe even a little like I want to sleep.

What do you guys think is going on?

 

[demitriden]

I have the 10mg generic amp salts by Barr's, broken in half, (doesn't say "mixed" like others), blue pill that says 972 on it if that's any constellation.

 

[Tomer]

You still don't feel any effects? Has an hour and a half passed? If you don't, take another 5mg's. Normal dosages for Adderall are usually 10mg's, anyways. With your small body frame, I'm surprised you don't feel a little off of 5mg's, though.

Keep in mind, you ate a heavy meal, prior. Takes longer for the pill to be absorbed. Did you happen to eat/drink anything acidic? This takes away potency from the drug.

In regards to "name brand", Barr is highly regarded, but this is also highly irrelevant. They all share the same potency and drug makeup.

 

[lenses]

Thats a really really small dose IMO. I would try a 20 mg dose. A girl friend of mine is about the same weight and height and takes 20mg.

It's not gonna do anything drastic unless you go above like 50mgs. Take a good sized dose dude, the first time on adderall is AMAZING.

 

[demitriden]

Well you're right again, Tomer! I felt the obvious effects about an hour and a half in. Loved it, helped me study for 8 hours. I was even motivated to continue studying while the drugs benefits were diminishing because I had been making so much progress. No withdrawl side-effects that I was conscious of, yay.

Another question: I am using this drug primarily to help me concentrate as I study for a grueling standardized test to get into graduate school. I'm planning to study 7-8 hours every day for 6 months, excluding weekends. I really want to use this drug conservatively, so that it will still be effective come test date. I am planning to only use 5mg of adderall a day. Should I invest in tolerance inhibitors? Which? And at what dose to counteract 5mg of adderall a day (which isn't much already from what I've deduced)?

Also, are there any minor supplements I can take combined with the adderall to lengthen the effects or augment it?

 

[jackie jones]

I admire your history of not partaking in drug/alcohol use.

Unless absolutely necessary, you may choose to not take a stimulant such as adderall or dexedrine to maintain your drug-free lifestyle. Its the way to go for excellent physical and mental health health, and it shows your strength as an individual thinker (most people partake in the use of some type of drug or alcohol).

I have been prescribed both adderall and ritalin on seperate occasions for ADD, and have found the side effects to be worse than the ADD itself. I am now not taking either adderall or ritalin, and feel much better than when I was under the influence of such stimulants.

 

[demitriden]

mrjackjones,

The material for the standardized test that I am studying for is very dense. I've been studying for the exam for a few months now, sitting myself down for 6-7 hours a day but feeling that I use my time very inefficiently because of my inattentiveness. Needless to say, with the drug studying was fun, I was focused and concentrated. After trying only 5mg of adderall today, I am shocked to look back and realize how much time I've taken trying to study the hard way. But honestly I believe the effects of 5mg was even too much for me today, more than I needed just for studying.. I am going to lower my dosage to 2.5mg a day tomorrow.

Anyway, could you share about your experience on the drugs? Dosages? Length of consumption? And side-effects? Anything important things I should specifically note? Much appreciated.

 

[demitriden]

I did digging through the old posts and found that there has been a great discussion and concern for tolerance level of amps/adderall, but mostly regarding it to feel euphoria. If I am not concerned with "euphoria" or a mood lift, and only want to use it to be attentive while studying by conservatively only use 5mg of it a day. Do you think I have to worry about becoming tolerant to gaining alertness and attentiveness, considering that I don't care much for getting high and feeling euphoria?

 

[theWorldWithin]

Demitriden you should most definitely invest in neuroprotectants and tolerance attenuating supplements. A cost effective regiment I would recommend for you is the following:

500mgs magnesium before dosing
200mgs alpha lipoic acid after your dex begins to wear off
b complex vitamin, play with the dosage, too much will have negative urinary symptoms
fish oil twice dails
multi vitamin twice daily

These are the essentials for using stimulants and staying healthy. Also please consider not using every single day, no amount of supplementation will negate tolerance when you use this often.

And I must inquire what you could possibly be studying for 8 hours a day for LSATS? I am working on them as we speak and only put in about 2 hours a day, I feel like my progress will be rather good and expect a 165 come june but aim for a 170 (initial practive test was a 157). To each their own but most people agree that your are putting too much time in on this, it is an extremely predictable standardized test and you may be burning yourself out. Also consider if adderall which increases focus but decreases abstract though abilities is really what you want for this exam? Either way I wish you the best of luck. If you would like to discuss some study strategies and work on this together via the net I would be happy to work with you, I need a study partner badly and statistics show that parters do considerably better than those who study without one. I know you are a green lighter right now and cannot Private Message me but if you are interested then post back in here and I will send an anon email address that we can correspond about the LSAT through until you can send PMs.

 

[Tomer]

^ Good advice from, TheWorld. Fish Oil and Magnesium, specifically, are very important in healing your brain. GL on the studying.

 

[jackie jones]

mrjackjones,

The material for the standardized test that I am studying for is very dense. I've been studying for the exam for a few months now, sitting myself down for 6-7 hours a day but feeling that I use my time very inefficiently because of my inattentiveness. Needless to say, with the drug studying was fun, I was focused and concentrated. After trying only 5mg of adderall today, I am shocked to look back and realize how much time I've taken trying to study the hard way. But honestly I believe the effects of 5mg was even too much for me today, more than I needed just for studying.. I am going to lower my dosage to 2.5mg a day tomorrow.

Anyway, could you share about your experience on the drugs? Dosages? Length of consumption? And side-effects? Anything important things I should specifically note? Much appreciated.

Adderall works wonders for studying, I agree. I once insufflated 140mg of adderall xr, then proceeded to read an entire social psychology textbook within one 10 hour session.

Why I choose to not take adderall or ritalin anymore is due to my hyper-sensitivity to stimulants, at even low doses. 20mg of adderall makes me socially inept, as does 120mg. All I can do on adderall or ritalin (at any dose) correctly, is read and write. I could, however, read and write exceptionally well, and this was the dillema. Whenever I would dose to study, thats all I could do, and I would have to isolate myself completely from people. The idea of myself using adderall or ritalin on a daily basis cannot happen. I will still use one of the two on occasion when in need of heavy amounts of concentration for writing large term-papers, but not for everyday studying and writing.

one of the major hinderances of such stimulants is its negative effect on in-class participation and group-related assignments. It was like I was unable to speak well. I could only listen and think intently.

 

[demitriden]

Should I take that dosage of magnesium of 500mgs even if I only use 2.5 mg of dex?

theWorldWithin,

Yup I am using adderall to help my study for the LSATs. I haven't taken a diagnostic because I am not one of those gunners (for instance I did not know how figure out the LG section at all until I read the LG bible). I often have to put in time and effort to get good grades in school, thus the large amount of hours allotted to studying for the LSAT. At any rate, I've finished going through the LR bible 2 times, on my 3rd, and the LG bible 1 time. I'm planning to study LR, LG, then RC separately and thoroughly, mastering section by section (but still refreshing on past sections in between), then moving onto real preptests.

Yesterday was my first time consuming anything with the intention to help me study. I did see your concern about the decrease in abstract thinking while on the drug as I was completing practice problems. To counter that however, I am going to lower my dosage in half to 2.5 today to see if it puts me where I want to be. My inability to concentrate or focus at the question at hand usually leads me to zone out and waste valuable time.. not only while studying but as I predict.. also on the real exam itself. I can see that if alertness and concentration is something that you have while taking the exam, then the drug might make you too anxious, decrease your level of abstract thinking, and may be detrimental to your score. But as for me, though its too early to tell, I predict it will be of great benefit for me considering that I tend to just zone out while reading the stimulus and answer choices.. and have to reread them. Just to clarify, I am by no means using this drug as an easy way out to alleviate my laziness (I know many use this drug for that reason). I am one of the most motivated, hard working person I know, though just regretfully absent minded and feel cognitive strain when trying to think critically or even think at all about anything.

How has your experience been with amps or other drugs for your studying of the LSATS?

 

[Valium]

I am 20 years old and have no history of even taking a sip of alcohol or doing drugs. Though just don't engage in any of that ecause I like being wholly myself around people, I do absolutely positively love to party with those who get drunk or high -- so don't think I am some lame conservative straight-end.

I talked to a neurologist and though he admittingly did not have any experience with ADD patients, he said I fit all the symptoms. Doc attempted to put me on Ritalin but I rejected that idea and requested adderall or dexedrine instead, claiming that I did extensive research before coming to see him. After a bit of effort, I was able to charm the doc into prescribing me 5mg adderall AND dexedrine 5mg.. directed to be taken separately and not combined.

Now I was wondering if you could assist with a few questions I have since tho my doc really cared about me, he didn't know where to start in giving me advice on how often to take the medication.

I have no attention to use it recreationally, but instead only to use it to better my life daily.

1) Do you think I made the right decision rejecting Ritalin for adderall and dexedrine? What has been your experience with Ritalin?

2) With the 5mg adder IR and 5mg dexie IR, I am planning to NOT mix it or use it as a combo. I was hoping to either completely use one then move onto the other. Do you think that's a good idea? I was thinking about using the less effective one first so that when I make the switch it won't feel like I downgraded my medication. Should I take the dexie or adderall first? I want to save the better drug for later. OR do you recommend me taking them on alternate days of each other?

3) I am 5"3 105lbs, I was wondering how many mgs should I take of adder or dexie a day?

4) I am studying for the LSAT which is a very difficult standardized test to get into law school, hoping to have adder or dexie to help me during the test-date as I practice the exam while on the drug. Since using the drugs to help me study is a big reason of why I wanted to get my inattentiveness treated I wanted to ask you guys -- Which is better to use for intense focus and concentration to hit the books + test taking.

5) What is the best way to get the most effective usage out of the drug? I definitely do not want to try snorting or IV.. any other recommendation besides oral swallowing?

That's all I have of questions for now. Thank you!

1. The right choice can be made by trying Ritalin and then amphetamine. Some people benefit more from Ritalin/Focalin. Generally [not officially], the theory in practice is, for hyperkinetic patients, the methylphenidates are used, and for the inattentive patient, the amphetamine and methamphetamine preps. are used. A combination of Ritalin and amphetamine is not uncommon in treatment.

2. I personally recommend taking them together. At once. They are not too different. Adderall is 25% dextroamphetamine after all. The two go well together and its better to take the daily dose all at once in the morning than to spread it out. I don't know why, but that's what I have learned from my experience.

3. You are quite slim I imagine. Adjustment in dosage should probably not be made forever. It's based on how much you can tolerate and how much you need. 60mg is the max recommended dose QD for both meds, however some benefit from more. 5mg is sort of....not done. That's way too little. Perhaps he is thinking of titrating up slowly. These are extremely low doses you speak of.

4. Everyone is different. Dexedrine is very smooth, so for me its Dex hands down for studying. Adderall is more jittery and giddy, more like a fun drug...i dont believe in its efficacy at all and i think its just stupid. So I would say Dexedrine. It makes you focus like crazy and there no jitteriess and all the other stuff you get with adderall...which is fun, but not good for studying.

5. I highly doubt, at this point, the authenticity of your declaration regarding not using these meds for fun. Its PER OS, it says 'take one tablet by mouth daily'. Just swallow, it works AMAZINGLY well that way...on an empty stomach even better....with some baking soda even better, much better. But youre not doing this for fun right? So glass of milk and swallow tablet by mouth.

- sorry if i sound mean. i am still recovering from having seen a fucking airplane land in the hudson river, atop the water, with people climbing out and screaming....it sorta freaked me out. anyone in nyc see it happen?

 

[theWorldWithin]

Should I take that dosage of magnesium of 500mgs even if I only use 2.5 mg of dex?

How has your experience been with amps or other drugs for your studying of the LSATS?

Magnesium is dirt cheap and will not hurt you so yes you should still take that much unless you begin to experience a laxative effect which magnesium often causes. But first make sure you get the correct preparation, which I cannot remember off the top of my head. There are several different forms of Magnesium, one of which has little laxative effect and much higher bioavailability. The grocery store pharmacist or a post on BL could answer that for you.

As for my experience with amps and LSAT, none. I think it is a waste, if you can't handle the LSATs without speed then law school is going to shit all over you. Are you prepared to be on amps for the next 3 years of you life? People become dependent on them for academic motivation. I am also using the power score books but I cant stress enough that you need to take a practice test to find out what you are strong and weak on. Otherwise you may be wasting your time on pointless sections you are already good at. I just worry that you will burn yourself out and put so much pressure on yourself that you choke come test day, amphetamines will not help test anxiety either. I am taking the slow and steady approach, 1 chapter a day, thats like and hour or two of studying. I want to retain what I read not just blow through it. I will finish the PS bibles for LG and LR then begin to take 1 practice LSAT under realistic conditions every week until I have done all of the available test, then go shit on the real deal in June. Also I am taking a logic class to brush up on fundamentals. There are some great message boards about the LSAT specifically with threads on amps and studying, do a search.

I will say however almost everyone I speak to advised me to get ritalin or adderall before starting law school because of the insurmountable workload. At the very least you can hook up rich kids who's fathers are big shit in the legal world in order to make connections for your career.

Valium is right about the ritalin, I find it is far better for studying or doing productive work than adderall. Not that I dislike amphetamine but it is too strong and destroys my concentration even in lower doses. I feel motivated to do everything but school work, ie just wanting to have fun on amps. Also I think 5 mgs of Dexedrine is a great dose and you are lucky to have such a great doctor that is willing to start you out on dex right away. You may find that you first few times you can not even feel 5 mgs in the slightest but that is typical of clear headed stimulants like dex. You should take a few days off and try dex at 5 mgs again on monday, I think you will find that it is motivating without causing a headchange. Who ever suggest 20 mgs is nuts, that is a huge dose for a starter and will get you absolutely spun.
Hit me up if you want to exchange study strategies or work together to figure out difficult question types.

 

[hyperlite]

I am 20 years old and have no history of even taking a sip of alcohol or doing drugs. Though just don't engage in any of that ecause I like being wholly myself around people, I do absolutely positively love to party with those who get drunk or high -- so don't think I am some lame conservative straight-end.

I talked to a neurologist and though he admittingly did not have any experience with ADD patients, he said I fit all the symptoms. Doc attempted to put me on Ritalin but I rejected that idea and requested adderall or dexedrine instead, claiming that I did extensive research before coming to see him. After a bit of effort, I was able to charm the doc into prescribing me 5mg adderall AND dexedrine 5mg.. directed to be taken separately and not combined.

Now I was wondering if you could assist with a few questions I have since tho my doc really cared about me, he didn't know where to start in giving me advice on how often to take the medication.

I have no attention to use it recreationally, but instead only to use it to better my life daily.

1) Do you think I made the right decision rejecting Ritalin for adderall and dexedrine? What has been your experience with Ritalin?

2) With the 5mg adder IR and 5mg dexie IR, I am planning to NOT mix it or use it as a combo. I was hoping to either completely use one then move onto the other. Do you think that's a good idea? I was thinking about using the less effective one first so that when I make the switch it won't feel like I downgraded my medication. Should I take the dexie or adderall first? I want to save the better drug for later. OR do you recommend me taking them on alternate days of each other?

3) I am 5"3 105lbs, I was wondering how many mgs should I take of adder or dexie a day?

4) I am studying for the LSAT which is a very difficult standardized test to get into law school, hoping to have adder or dexie to help me during the test-date as I practice the exam while on the drug. Since using the drugs to help me study is a big reason of why I wanted to get my inattentiveness treated I wanted to ask you guys -- Which is better to use for intense focus and concentration to hit the books + test taking.

5) What is the best way to get the most effective usage out of the drug? I definitely do not want to try snorting or IV.. any other recommendation besides oral swallowing?

That's all I have of questions for now. Thank you!

Best advice I never got and wished I had...... Start off at the lowest effective dose possible and take from there... Looking back on it, my doc started me off WAY too high and i didnt know any better... Live and learn and all that shit, right

 

[LiquidICE]

I have to applaud you on your work ethic, but if you are starting now at 5mgs and you plan on studying for 6 months that intensly I think you are going to be very disappointed in the effects of amphetamine. I mean I have ADD and it works wonders for my attentiveness and determination.(of course it does...duh...Im taking SPEED!!) Like I was saying though, after 6 months you are definatly going to have to start taking more and for sure taking more than you are prescribed(if you are prescribed the 5 and 5 add and dex) Once I got up to around 40 or 50mgs I found that I reached a ceiling effect when it came to mental alertness and things of the like. I could take more and get better and stronger recreational effects but therapudically it capped at around 50mgs. Since you are or seem to be a very responsible person(not doing drugs or drinking) dont be afraid to talk to your doctor and tell him exactly what its doing for you, because you are most likely going to have to up your dose. Best of luck on your tests and I hope everything works out.