Adderall as a diet drug

[Obi-Wan Pinobi]

If your dr. told you this, I think you need to find a new one.

I second this. The only reason it was given to Lauri was because she was so fatigued by the chemo and other drugs that she could barely find the energy to get up in the morning. When it had bad side effects first thing they took her off of it immediately. It's just not something a doctor should be prescribing willy nilly - and especially to say it's not addicting? It's amphetamines!! People take it to get high!

 

[summerrluvv]

But honestly with 3 children I feel drained & to keep up with them is a job in itself. So I just thought if I could safely take something that boosts your metabolism while giving you extra energy, then I found GOLD.

Why would you want to take a narcotic to get more energy? Why not take some herbs or drink some energy drinks? Adderall has been linked to death in people with underlying heart problems so I hope he is checking your heart before you take it.

 

[bcsmom]

Why would you want to take a narcotic to get more energy? Why not take some herbs or drink some energy drinks? Adderall has been linked to death in people with underlying heart problems so I hope he is checking your heart before you take it.

I did not really think it was a "bad" medication. My thoughts were if they are prescribing it to little children, then it can not be dangerous. This medication was first made as a diet drug, so in my thinking it was just that. I have had my heart checked, my husband does cardiovascular ultrasound so he checked it for me first.

 

[lsyorke]

Just an FYI. A quick google of adderall comes up with this.

"ADDERALL TABLETS (Shire US)
5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg & 30 mg
TABLETS

AMPHETAMINES HAVE A HIGH POTENTIAL FOR ABUSE. ADMINISTRATION OF AMPHETAMINES FOR PROLONGED PERIODS OF TIME MAY LEAD TO DRUG DEPENDENCE AND MUST BE AVOIDED. PARTICULAR ATTENTION SHOULD BE PAID TO THE POSSIBILITY OF SUBJECTS OBTAINING AMPHETAMINES FOR NON THERAPEUTIC USE OR DISTRIBUTION TO OTHERS, AND THE DRUGS SHOULD BE PRESCRIBED OR DISPENSED SPARINGLY."

Yup, you need a new doctor!!!

 

[bcsmom]

Just an FYI. A quick google of adderall comes up with this.

"ADDERALL TABLETS (Shire US)
5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg & 30 mg
TABLETS

AMPHETAMINES HAVE A HIGH POTENTIAL FOR ABUSE. ADMINISTRATION OF AMPHETAMINES FOR PROLONGED PERIODS OF TIME MAY LEAD TO DRUG DEPENDENCE AND MUST BE AVOIDED. PARTICULAR ATTENTION SHOULD BE PAID TO THE POSSIBILITY OF SUBJECTS OBTAINING AMPHETAMINES FOR NON THERAPEUTIC USE OR DISTRIBUTION TO OTHERS, AND THE DRUGS SHOULD BE PRESCRIBED OR DISPENSED SPARINGLY."

Yup, you need a new doctor!!!

Not to be dumb or anything, but I read that before going to my doctor. That is why I asked him that question, & I thought if my doctor says it will not be habit forming then he must be right. I guess I was hearing what I wanted to hear. I am just wondering why he would directly tell me that it safe, & I would not be like a drug addict strung out wanting this medication if I got off of it.

 

[summerrluvv]

Not to be dumb or anything, but I read that before going to my doctor. That is why I asked him that question, & I thought if my doctor says it will not be habit forming then he must be right. I guess I was hearing what I wanted to hear. I am just wondering why he would directly tell me that it safe, & I would not be like a drug addict strung out wanting this medication if I got off of it.

Maybe he gets kick backs from the drug company for prescribing it, who knows. Just curious, are your children that have ADHD on meds?

 

[bcsmom]

Maybe he gets kick backs from the drug company for prescribing it, who knows. Just curious, are your children that have ADHD on meds?

They are on Strattera. That would be really sad, if that was true about my doctor.

 

[paigevz]

Maybe he gets kick backs from the drug company for prescribing it, who knows. Just curious, are your children that have ADHD on meds?

Insightful question.

 

[lsyorke]

Maybe he gets kick backs from the drug company for prescribing it, who knows.

Oh, the stories I could tell would SHOCK you about pharma reps!!! The fact that your doctor has absolutely NO clue about what he is prescribing is extremely scary. This is how adverse reactions to drugs go unrecognized and underreported. There are many people out there taking drugs to counteract what is an unrecognized adverse reaction to another one.

 

[paigevz]

They are on Strattera. That would be really sad, if that was true about my doctor.

Do you mind if I ask, how long they've had it? My son was started on Strattera, and became a basket case. The label listed "emotional lability" as a side effect. I did not know what the extent of that could be! He was practically bipolar! He'd be jumping around, happy, then crying and sobbing and not know why. When he said he felt like he'd like to "disappear"........that sent up huge red flags to me, being a teacher and trained to look for depressive/suicidal thoughts........and I immediately called his doctor. He said "Stop the strattera immediately, come in and pick up a new Ritalin prescription. I'm pulling all my boys off, I just hadn't called you yet." He said they were all having the same symptoms. Said he'd started them on it, as they were getting a "good deal" on it, and the drug rep had been convincing, but he wouldn't stand by and watch it "damage my boys".

Since then, I've met some parents who swear by it. Just always curious as to others' experiences. Plain ol' Ritalin works best for mine!

 

[summerrluvv]

Oh, the stories I could tell would SHOCK you about pharma reps!!! The fact that your doctor has absolutely NO clue about what he is prescribing is extremely scary. This is how adverse reactions to drugs go unrecognized and underreported. There are many people out there taking drugs to counteract what is an unrecognized adverse reaction to another one.

I've heard a lot about "perks" given to the doctors. that prescribe certain prescriptions. Concert tickets, ball game tickets, fancy dinners, etc.

Scary really.

 

[bcsmom]

That is so sick, I mean I honestly was going to my doctor to be steered in the right direction. I guess I should have been a better informed consumer.

 

[summerrluvv]

Do you mind if I ask, how long they've had it? My son was started on Strattera, and became a basket case. The label listed "emotional lability" as a side effect. I did not know what the extent of that could be! He was practically bipolar! He'd be jumping around, happy, then crying and sobbing and not know why. When he said he felt like he'd like to "disappear"........that sent up huge red flags to me, being a teacher and trained to look for depressive/suicidal thoughts........and I immediately called his doctor. He said "Stop the strattera immediately, come in and pick up a new Ritalin prescription. I'm pulling all my boys off, I just hadn't called you yet." He said they were all having the same symptoms. Said he'd started them on it, as they were getting a "good deal" on it, and the drug rep had been convincing, but he wouldn't stand by and watch it "damage my boys".

Since then, I've met some parents who swear by it. Just always curious as to others' experiences. Plain ol' Ritalin works best for mine!

My son is on Ritalin SR (sustained release) and it seems to be working for him. He's been on it for a little over a month. The teacher says he is more focused at school and participates more. The only problem is he doesn't eat much and doesn't need much sleep. I've noticed lately that he gets upset over little things (like when I say no) and it usually ends up with him crying. That seems to happen after the meds have worn off usually in the evening. The pros outweigh the cons though at this point so we'll stick with it. I just wish there was another alternative KWIM?

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Is anyone else here remembering Phen-Fen (?spelling). When they originally approved it they thought it was safe, then many who took it developed life threatening, even fatal, cases of pulmonary hypertension. It was taken off the market, but the irreversible damage was done for many.

Now obviously this is not the same class of drug as Phen-fen. Nor is it a case of morbid obesity, for which more drastic measures may make sense. I know it's not easy, but dropping 5 lbs through good old fashioned diet and exercise would be probably be preferable, you wouldn't be putting yourself at risk with a drug that could potentially cause problems.

 

[bcsmom]

Since then, I've met some parents who swear by it. Just always curious as to others' experiences. Plain ol' Ritalin works best for mine!

Sorry Paige I missed your post. They have been on it since the start of the school year. I have not really noticed any of those symptoms, but I do not think it is working at all for my DD. I will call my pediatrician tomorrow though, that is really scary. This whole post has made me wonder if I even want my children taking any of this. Has anyone found a med, that is not potentially harmful to them. I have not tried Ritalyn, is there a history to show it is not harmful either?

 

[bcsmom]

Is anyone else here remembering Phen-Fen (?spelling). When they originally approved it they thought it was safe, then many who took it developed life threatening, even fatal, cases of pulmonary hypertension. It was taken off the market, but the irreversible damage was done for many.

Now obviously this is not the same class of drug as Phen-fen. Nor is it a case of morbid obesity, for which more drastic measures may make sense. I know it's not easy, but dropping 5 lbs through good old fashioned diet and exercise would be probably be preferable, you wouldn't be putting yourself at risk with a drug that could potentially cause problems.

You are absolutely right on that. I know I am lazy & I wanted a quick fix, had I realized the severity of this I would not have taken it at all. Hopefully I can keep doing "the firm", then that should take care of those stubborn LB's.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Good luck, let us know.

 

[bcsmom]

Good luck, let us know.

Thanks for the encouragement. If only I would not be such a fan of dessert too.

 

[DisneyPhD]

Ok, I worked as a therapist in a mental health clinic for 6 years. I worked very closly with the psychiatrists and I must say that if your Doc prescribed it that quickly I would be concerned. (A little engery, minor weight loss) However if there are more intnese reasons for the need, and you don't want to share them here I understand it is none of our bussiness. You do not need to justify it to us. If you don't feel the need was that strong. I would be take the same concern many members here are. Maybe the need was justified one in prescribing the med, and the doc was just trying to make you feel better about taking a nessasry med. I don't know. (sometimes the case with depression. The person is so deep in depression they don't see clearly how bad it is, or that things can get better.)

I have seen this medicaiton help people who really need it (along with many other meds.) but don't recomend any medication for "mild reasons", especially one with such potential for abuse as this one has (and a street value.) Just because they give it to kids doesn't make it safe. As many have stated what is good for or needed for one persons brain chemestry is not good for others and can be harmful. Also as with the case often the risk of side effects is often outweight by the need for the medication and hard it would be to go with out.

I would not want this thread or commments on it to keep anyone from taking a medication they needed based on comments of strangers.

As always with advice of medical nature on places like the Dis. The best advice is from not only a traned medical professional, but YOUR trained medical professional who is aware of your history and needs. However not all Doctors are good ones. Sometimes 2nd opinions are needed.

About the drug rep perks, those are a thing of the past and very carefully monitored. The doc is not getting a kick back from the pharm company. If they are it is illigal and hardly worth risking his or her practice for.

 

[bcsmom]

Thanks for the info disneyphd, but unfortunately I was being stupid I do not need the drug for medical reasons. But that does make me feel better about my children taking their med's. I should have known better, but you know when something sounds to good to be true?