Taking Adderall Xr For Anxiety

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Since high school I have suffered from anxiety and some depression. I am 25 now. My anxiety is triggered by most social interactions. In high school I would hide in the bathroom because i couldn't face going to class or go to the library during lunch sometimes so I wouldn't have to interact socially. I dropped out of college because my anxiety kept me from going to class and giving presentations or just because I was afraid to be in class with so many strangers. I can't get a job because I feel an overwhelming panic at going to interviews or starting new working with people I don't know. I have no motivation to do anything during the day. I can't focus on tasks im supposed to do and easily get overwhelmed by large projects. I have been put on various anti anxiety meds anti depressants. None of them worked they only made my depression worse and made me feel more sluggish and non motivated. Two months ago I tried a 15 mg Adderall xr pill. It did wonders for me. I have been taking it on and off for the last two months. It gives me motivation and takes away my anxiety. I have gone for two interviews. I feel like I can interact with people better. I know this drug has a high possibility of abuse. I have not ever taken more then the 15mg. I can skip days without it. I don't feel that I am getting euphoria off it. More so that a weight has been lifted off my shoulders and it allows me to think more positive rather then negative. Helps me focus on large tasks that would have sent me spiraling into panic before. Helps me stay focused and organized so I can complete things that I start. I guess my question is am I taking this for the wrong reason? I'm not diagnosed with ADD but this has been the only thing to ever make me feel normal.

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1

No, there are some people that do take it for recurrent symptoms just like you've described. It's been found to sometimes be beneficial, when nothing else has worked, or in adjunct to other medications.

The FDA warns, however, that it carries the risk of being habit forming and could cause side effects, such as nausea, dizziness, headache, insomnia and weight loss.

It's not the first choice medication that a doctor would prescribe for these symptoms, though.

Is there anything else I can help with?

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2

Thank you for your reply. I guess I should have mentioned the Adderall is not prescribed. I had one of my few close friends give it to me after she witnessed me have a meltdown because none of the many prescribed medications my doctor has given me over the years have made any difference.

I have done some research and realize it can be habit forming. I feel no desire what so ever to try and feel high from it or anything. From what I've seen you have to keep increasing your dosage to reach the euphoria and I'm scared that that would ruin the beneficial things it's doing for me right now. After years of being miserable I've finally found something that works. I don't want to ruin it over some dumb fun trying to feel high or whatever.

I just wish my doctor would listen to me and hear me out about why this works for me. I feel like my doctor thinks they know everything and doesn't even take into account of what works and what doesn't. I know a lot of doctors automatically assume someone asking for Adderall is a junkie. But I'm not. Anyway I'm not here looking for advice about my doctor. Just wanted to make sure I wasn't taking this for the wrong reasons. But I truly think it is generally helping me.

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3

Are you sure you don't have a social disorder? My daughter goes with me to my doctors appointments. A lot of your symptoms are the same as what she has. My doctor seems to think she has a social disorder and said that he prescribes Adderall for it.
I think you made a big mistake telling your doctor about taking Adderall that wasn't prescribed to you. I am pretty sure that he will never prescribe a control substance to you since you admitted that and it being illegal.

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4

If it works for you, then you should be able to use it. But with the storm trooper tactics used by Feds in their failed war on drugs, I would make sure you have a doctor willing to continue prescribing it if you're going to use it.

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5

I have not told my doctor I am using it. I would never do that as I know he probably wouldn't prescribe it then. Maybe I will bring up the possibility of a social disorder. Oh and as for the side effects I haven't really experienced any. I did find my appetite is less but I can't afford to lose weight as im already thin and hate it so I just eat more smaller meals throughout the day and have managed that. I sleep fine and don't get headaches or anything either.

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6

Ive taken the generic of Addrl for a dx of ADD. Ive also suffered with depression that has hospitalised me twice. Though both were voluntary, the reason was never brought in range of the various kinds of meds. Now when I started taking the Addrl the depression profoundly improved. Note, it did not go away. It's like a bad dream waiting in background. Ive taken it for several years now. Even when taking a narcotic as Rx'ed there is tolerance. I started at 40mg 2id. A few years later it was changed to 30mg Tid understand now there were years between the changes. The ADD is better with word association and a pencil and pad. The depression is quite a bit better with the Addrl. My Dr. Isn't sure why it helps,but from my demeanor she admits it may help. I have my own speculations as to why It seems to help. A warning: if your doctor decides to try it for your general garden variety monopolar DO NOT RUN OUT before refill time if it helps. The rebound can be very difficult to deal with.

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7

You may have ADD. Those with ADD have the problems that you described. Those with ADD don't have the hyperactivity that those with ADHD do. But, you are at risk for abusing it and possibly becoming addicted to it if you aren't prescribed it by a dr. A dr can prescribe you the right amount and monitor you. It is also highly possible that you have other disorders along with the ADD. If you want to continue to benefit from it and not have problems with it, you need to talk to your dr. If your dr won't at least test you for ADD, find another dr. You also have to remember that possession of this med without a script is against the law and you can go to jail if you don't have a script written for you by your dr.

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8

Hi! Adderall for me has saved me! I use to not sit still, working, couldn't focus on a TV show, and I currently take 30mg once daily. I can sit down, think rational, listen to people talking to me, and not have my mind racing. I'm in my late 30's and it took me a long time to get tested by a Dr.

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9

Berry , what you described is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Attention Deficit Disorder is ADD. Those with ADD don't have the hyperactivity. Stats show that those with ADD are mostly girls and those with ADHD are mostly boys.

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