Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 982904

Shown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.

 

Adderall addictive?

Posted by sheilac on April 15, 2011, at 9:12:35

I do very well on Adderall XR. I don't get the early crash like I did on the immediate release version and mood swings.

I have noticed that if I skip a day I do get some wild mood swings.

Does this mean I am addicted to Adderall?

It really helps me function, concentrate, focus and engage with others - but not in a manic kind of way - just a normal way.

When I don't take it - look out! I won't be skipping a day again.

 

Re: Adderall addictive?

Posted by Christ_empowered on April 15, 2011, at 18:20:27

In reply to Adderall addictive?, posted by sheilac on April 15, 2011, at 9:12:35

Adderall is considered addictive by the FDA and DEA. Its a schedule II substance, which is the most highly controlled level of controlled substance.

However, if you look back the the older literature, doctors really didn't think amphetamines were all that addictive. Back then, they actually drew a line between tolerance+dependence and actual "addiction". People do tend to misuse amphetamines, but the withdrawal syndrome is easier to manage than, say, benzos or barbiturates.

Anyway, I wouldn't worry; just keep your dose reasonably low and if you want to stop taking it, try to taper the dose instead of just skipping a day. Your body does get used to amphetamines, so if you suddenly skip a day your body will have to make a rather sudden adjustment.

 

Re: Adderall addictive?

Posted by bearfan on April 25, 2011, at 16:44:03

In reply to Re: Adderall addictive?, posted by Christ_empowered on April 15, 2011, at 18:20:27

It can be habit forming. Although Vyvance is basically the same thing without a comedown. Provigil isn't addictive.

 

Re: Adderall addictive? » Christ_empowered

Posted by mtdewcmu on April 30, 2011, at 16:17:42

In reply to Re: Adderall addictive?, posted by Christ_empowered on April 15, 2011, at 18:20:27

> Adderall is considered addictive by the FDA and DEA. Its a schedule II substance, which is the most highly controlled level of controlled substance.
>

Not to be pedantic, but C-II is the most highly controlled level for chemicals that can still be legally prescribed. C-I is for supposedly highly-addictive chemicals that have no use in medicine. Although having marijuana in C-I basically makes it a farce.

> However, if you look back the the older literature, doctors really didn't think amphetamines were all that addictive. Back then, they actually drew a line between tolerance+dependence and actual "addiction". People do tend to misuse amphetamines, but the withdrawal syndrome is easier to manage than, say, benzos or barbiturates.
>

There is definitely a difference between stimulant "withdrawal" and depressant withdrawal. Stimulant withdrawal is mostly psychological. Although withdrawal from sustained high-dose methamphetamine sounds pretty awful, psychological or not.

> Anyway, I wouldn't worry; just keep your dose reasonably low and if you want to stop taking it, try to taper the dose instead of just skipping a day. Your body does get used to amphetamines, so if you suddenly skip a day your body will have to make a rather sudden adjustment.

Another school of thought says that it's a good idea to take days off ("holidays") to reduce tolerance.

 

Re: Adderall addictive? » bearfan

Posted by mtdewcmu on April 30, 2011, at 16:21:54

In reply to Re: Adderall addictive?, posted by bearfan on April 25, 2011, at 16:44:03

> It can be habit forming. Although Vyvance is basically the same thing without a comedown. Provigil isn't addictive.

The US government considers Provigil slightly addictive, since they put it in C-IV, along with benzos.


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