Posted by PollyFarm on December 10, 2008, at 3:46:41
In reply to Struggling graduate student needs Adderall advice!, posted by Ezekiel on June 18, 2008, at 19:36:19
So, Zeke, did you graduate yet? I am rooting for you!
I have only had recent experience with Adderall to treat possible ADD (a very recent and surprising diagnosis considering that I did well in school, though have been known to be impulsive at times) and found that it worked on my depression and enabled me to accomplish tasks that would otherwise overwhelm and continue the cycle of depression...something as simple as cleaning out a closet. I had to get my house ready to put on the market and I DID it...amazing, for me! But I don't question whether it is the Adderall or my own self accomplishing small and large tasks and tolerating the nitty-gritty of raising 3 kids under 5 (two yr old twins, yikes!)...whatever you accomplish, whatever is in you, is in you...a pill can't put it there. It just gives you access to it, a conduit throught which to express it. Hallucinogenic drugs, for example, create an amazing spectrum of images conjured up from the depths of our subconscious...I haven't experiemented much, but one time I saw dragons, the "evolution" of religious structures from temples to pagaodas, etc...was that all there in my brain? Of course! The shrooms just created a pathway for me to experience them (I hope I don't get kicked out for this reference). But many cultures use hallucinogens to "see God" in their own cultural context...I am straying, but I just want to reassure you that your accomplishments while taking Adderall are all you, probably MORE you than w/out the Adderall, b/c it allowed you to access the parts of your brain that you needed.
I am currently taking 20mg of Adderall in the a.m. and a 10 mg dose around 2 p.m...I've been having some crashing and crying and desperation, but I'm on lots of other meds, so trying to parse it out. I've gone off the Adderall when sick w/no ill effects (depression-wise)...today didn't take the first dose until the 2:30 p.m. and consequently crashed on the couch amid three children (and my mom, thankfully) and that didn't seem to make any sense. Later in the evening had a baby shower to go to that I left feeling incredibly anxious and sobbed on the way home...maybe my withdrawal is coming daily?
Anyway, I'm interested in hearing how things go for you. Probably once you graduate you will be out in the field and not needing to continually focus on lectures and texts, and maybe that will keep you adequately focused.
Sorry for the lengthy post...keep us all posted on your success!
poster:PollyFarm
thread:835343
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20081204/msgs/867823.html