Hi Everyone....Adderall, & Phen Experiences

[emllynn]

Hi All You Beautiful People....

I havent been here in a while, been preoccupied with kiddo problems which have been more important than my weight loss obsession. And believe me thats pretty bad.

I just happened to stop in today as I love this forum for motivation :) And Im really needing some. I was prescribed phendimetrazine and was doing pretty good on it, slowly but mainly due to non appetite. I decided to stop it as I was prescribed Adderall for ADHD, which Im not sure I have really. My daughter was tested and she has it and we are exactly alike. So, I tell my doctor this and about all the problems shes having and he prescribes it to me. I have to tell you, its like phen times 10! I have been on it for a few weeks now and have not yet found my correct dosage yet, he said I have to play with the dosage to get it right. He renewed my phen script as well but I have not taken it since 3 days after starting the Adderall because I dont feel like I need it at all with this drug and I plan to tell him that when I return at the end of the month. I'll continue it if he says to I guess. My appetite was already gone because of phen-d, now the Adderall has totally wiped it out even more. Which I have to tell you is bad for me. I carry this extra weight becasue I have a slow metabolism from not eating properly. Before any drugs, my appetite was this (Skip breakfast....get hungry at lunch if Im bored, eat a small lunch, if busy, skip lunch too....cook dinner for family, usually so hungry by then I eat too large of a meal....or if I had eaten lunch...pick at dinner) TERRIBLE I know. I need to eat more, I have to make myself eat before I take it because I know that I will have to force myself later. Hopefully the Adderall will boost my metabolism. I dont know why he prescribed the two together??? Maybe its safe, Im no doctor. Who knows but I do like him and hes cool and a very popular doc here. Anyway, I am not taking the phen right now with it, just to be on the safe side. Why take two drugs together that are doing the same thing basically? Any input on this?

As far as I know by doing web research, Adderall is pure mix of amphetamine salts, used to be prescribed as Obetrol way back when for obesity until the company was bought and it was also being abused. Now prescribed for adult and children's ADHD. It can be very addictive if misused. And, it is! College students use it to amp up for test taking and all nighters and prefer it to cocaine. It is a controlled substance and if you dont have ADHD it acts just like speed to you. Kids sell this stuff. If you have a teenager, keep a watch on his script. I feel a real focus from it, unlike phen. I feel a more sped up with way more energy than phen. It comes in time release just like phen and instant. I have figured out that the instant release is better to control with each of these drugs (for me) and you can feel the come on rush better. So, it feels like its working better or faster. The time release capsules have half instant release and half coated for release later inside. Thats why we dont feel that rush with them. Same with Bontril (phendimetrazine) 105 that I have. The side effects are about the same. The phen type drugs are like mimics of the real amphetamines. That is why maybe the phen would work for an ADHD person, I read that here somewhere in a post. I dont see the point in taking two drugs that will cause weight loss at the same time, and I am confused about it and have been searching for info about this combo. Phen is to help appetite to lose weight, Adderall has a main side effect of sometimes drastic weight loss.

In response to other threads I have read about taking Prozac type drugs with these stimulants. Some have concerns over this too. My doc originally gave me Lexapro to take with the Bontril but I stopped it because I was afriad I would gain weight lol. I am not depressed, I have anxiety and mild OCD. I have spoken with my doctor and two of my daughters doctors about this. My daughter is on Anafranil (the strongest drug in the Prozac, Paxil type drugs)for OCD and Dexedrine, which is another strong amphetamine for her ADHD. Two docs say its safe at the right dosage. And they can compliment each other. These docs are psychiatrists who deal with these drugs all day long. I know several kids on this combo as well. If its safe for children to take the strongest of these type drugs, how can it not be safe for adults to take the lesser? But, like I said earlier, who knows... drugs are scary in general and who knows really. Even doctors dont, they dont make the drugs...they just believe the drug companies. (My opinion, my sis had a scare with Vioxx) Anyone noticed every other commercial on TV is a **** drug commercial! LOL It gets annoying sometimes especially when your child asks....Hey mom...what is an erection? grrrrr

Id love any feedback...Sorry its long :)
PS. I love having the motivation I get here! I have missed it. Also, if anyone here has any experience with gifted children, OCD, trich or ADHD etc...I could use a pal in that area too :)

Emllynn

[coco-pebbles-aholic]

my oldest is on Adderall for ADHD.Not only do I see a bid difference in her attitude & all she does she stepped on scale the other day and has lost over 12 pounds in less then a month.She tells me she feels more focused & more self-assured in her ability to do something & get it done.Now she isn't sleeping the way she should so our Doc said Benadryl and that helps her sleep undisturbed & get to sleep quickly.

[FitChic05]

Hello! Glad to see everyone is doing well. I haven't been here in a while for the same reason as you. I was diagnosed ADHD about a year ago and decided not to go the medication route. That did not work out too well for me and I suffered the most this semester in school. My doc prescribed Adderall for me about 5 weeks ago and since then I have lost 20 pounds. I have also been following weight watchers so that may have contributed to my loss as well. With Adderall, you really have to make sure that you are eating because it will cause stomach problems and dehydration. I found that taking Adderall while following a program like weight watchers has allowed me to focus more on eating healthy and actually sticking to something I started. My doc told me not to take the phen with Adderall...ever! It can be dangerous to your health.

Anyway, that is why i haven't been to this forum in so long. If you pm me I can give you the name of a very resourceful ADHD website/forum.

[cherrycoke]

Hey Emllyn, How completely strange..we both seemed to disappear at the same time and came back the very same time!
I've been plugging away and not doing so great. I was doing good for awhile there then the progress totally slowed down. Did you quit with Bontril? I'm still on it, but doesnt seem to affect me anymore. boo hiss Had lost 7 since last time I posted with you here but gained 3 back. :( So I'm going to try to put my nose to the grindstone and see if I can get back on the wagon. Everytime I get to the point of having only 15 lbs to go I seem to just totally go to a dead stop for months on end just losing and gaining the same three pounds. So discouraging. So are you off weight loss meds now and just doing this Adderall?

[babagrlshell]

I have a nephew who is diagnosed with high functioning autism. I also have a cousin who has not been officially diagnosed as autistic, but she has what they call "autistic tendencies" and she has a few tics that have seemed to surface because she has to take concerta (just another type of med like adderall) for her adhd.
I'm in the process of trying to get a job at the mental health hospital here in my town as a case manager or behavior specialist- I just graduated college with a B.S. in Psychology. I want to go to graduate school eventually for a masters in occupational therapy. And also get a certificate in behavior analysis. Anyway, I am full of ideas and advice for gifted children and know it is hard at times, but they are the most incredible children and most loving. Anyway, if you ever need to chat, just PM me!

[jemina]

Many years ago I took Dexedrine to lose weight. It really worked. I was not too bright in those days and hardly ate at all. Had the cleanest house, lots of self confidence and my mind seemed to be much smarter than I really am. Then, the kids got into the drug and it became impossible to get. Used to just ask the drug store and they would provide it. Think I slept for about six months when withdrawing. Gained weight again, of course. However, today I am very into nutrition and eating properly. Phen has helped a bit and am down 30 lbs. But boy I miss my Dex. LOL

[*Malynda*]

Hi emllyn! I have a 9 year old son with autism. I know what you mean about wanting to find a buddy to talk to who understands the things you are going through. It's difficult caring for a special needs child and almost unbearable when you feel that no one can possibly understand what it's like. I am always looking for a friend to chat with so if you ever want to talk, I'm here!

[emllynn]

Thanks guys for the support!!

My doc refilled my script for the phen with the Adderall yes...but I am not taking it, no. Definately gonna hang on to it though. I dont need it with Adderall and have read like you said Fitchic that it is dangerous. I'm sorry to hear Cherry that you arent doing so well with your meds. It is funny that we disappeared at the same time! lol Give it a break and start over and just try your best thats all we can do. :)

I would love some support about my gifted girls. Thank you Baba and Malynda for your offer. I am one worried Mama! It does feel unbearable at times and people dont understand. They say oh you are lucky to have such smart kids...and yes I am...but its also very difficult. My 8 year old just received her testing scores this week and shes been put in the gifted program too. It almost seems to me that not being challenged correctly is what is creating the other problems, and just having a brain bigger than body in general. Anyway..

I have started to skip weekends on my meds and I have a much better appetite then. Still trying to take in shakes everyday and keep my calories up. Eating right is my biggest problem. I love to cook and love good healty food and thats what I eat. I just dont eat properly and or enough and it seems that when I force myself to eat right I see no differnce, thats why I have tried meds in the first place to rev up my metabolism. I have been way more focused on Adderall and feeling much better and more motivated. Maybe I will try Benadryl for sleep with it, didnt think of that.

I dont know alot about autism. But, Im sure willing to listen and learn and share ideas! :)
Im sorry about my big posts, I guess i have to much to say and this helps me vent lol Have a great day everyone xox