Difference Between Adderall And Amphetamine Salts (Page 9)

I was recently diagnosed with Adult ADD and have been prescribed Amphetamine Salts (Generic for Adderall) for a few months now. The initial dosage was one 10mg tablet/ three times a day and recently my Doctor upped the dosage to one 30mg tablet/ twice a day. I know that overall this has been very beneficial for me but I cant help but wonder if the generic brand (IR Amphetamine Salts) has less of the active ingredient, and more unnecessary side effects(irritability, fatigue). I know that while the active ingredients are likely to be the same, the "fillers" usually are not and even the active ingredients can vary up to 10%. I also know that everybody reacts differently depending on their bodies' make-up as well as the drugs and I have always reacted sensitively to any kind of drug. The more I "google" the more I want to stay away from the generic form. Also- almost every pharmacy around has little to no Adderall Brand IR tablets in stock, they only have the generic brands and possibly Adderall brand but only the Extended-Release. My Doctor seems to firmly believe that there is no difference between Adderall XR and Adderall IR, and because she prescribed me the generic form (Amphetamine Salts), she probably doesn't see a difference there either. I don't have the time to ask 10 doctors what they think so if anyone has any information or experiences please share! Thank you!

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Hello.
I don't know why, but Amphetamine Salts have done NOTHING for me, whereas Adderall has work amazingly well.

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Well said.....society today is quick to judge and label a person... we as people are all different and respond differently. and the that are being discussed can. be very helpful to our well being used correctly......and thats very much different than an abuser

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And your name is Margarita...maybe next time don't drink so many before you try to sound educated.

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Hey there.. can someone answer a question for me..first time here!

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wow, really?! You must be as "blissful" as it gets, genius...

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I was diagnosed with severe Narcolepsy/Cataplexy and ADD about 12 years ago. I tried several different stimulants in varying doses before finding Adderall XR about 10 years ago. It was an AMAZING success so I took it successfully for about 10 yrs. Last year I decided to take a hiatus from all the meds I was on to cleanse my body (ironically I have alwYs been more inclined toward natural medicine options, although for my Narc/Cata and ADD it has never worked). Now after 15 mos off my adderall I have hit rock bottom. I am completely bedridden. So my new doctor has prescribed Adderall IR 10mgs 1-2x daily to start as he feels my tolerance will now be uncharacteristically low. My insurance, like most, only covers the generic- amphetamine salt combo. I'd like any info any of you can offer as to it's efficacy, action etc compared to my former and very successful treatment with Adderal XR.

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This may be a few years late but your comments cannot be ignored because they are fear mongering and could destroy people that could be helped or saved by medicines. Marguerite you sound like a religious fundamentalist; take your pick of Jewish, Christian, Muslim or others. Only you know what is right because god determined only you are equipped to interpret everything for everyone. You may have had or been involved with someone who was stupid by the will of god and suffered from addiction or worse. Until you have become a peer reviewed expert on the subjects you preach on you need to couch all you language in the vein of "this is my opinion" so people will listen more objectively. Your language and holier than thou attitude do nothing except cause people to ignore or become hostile to your opinion. No matter what your experiences you cannot deny or refute that humanity has prospered and benefitted from medical science regardless of how stupid god made you. You also need to accept that there is nothing in the universe that cannot be used for good or evil, that cannot be used or abused; cars, firearms, nuclear energy, and medicine are perfect examples. If we followed your tone we would outlaw everything man has discovered, invented, or adapted to benefit us. And you must also recognize that god did not give us the intelligence to improve our lives so we could throw it back in his face by refusing to use that intelligence. So wherever you gained your current position on how others should live their lives I suggest you think for yourself and interpret things for yourself before you parrot the black and white opinions of the ignorant, frightened, and power hungry people who exploit the ignorance and fear of those they meet. And remember this modified quote, "Everyone and everything has a purpose in life, even if that purpose is to be a bad example, outcome, or experience for others to learn from". The original quote is "Every Hun has a purpose in life even if it is to provide a bad example", Ghengis Khan. Another quote from a TV series based on Bhudda; "All things in life require balance, Grass Hopper". Google it; unless god has determined computers are evil.

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Logan. I had similar concerns about "medicating" my son at a young age based on a general practitioner and school counselors assessment. The visit with the psychiatric DR who prescribes was 30 minutes and no more reassuring. A therapist in the same practice suggested a specialist at a medical school where they do testing of the child and extensive interviewing of child and parents. No it was not covered by insurance and was not cheap. On the third day of testing/interviewing the DR began to ask me whether my son exhibited certain behaviours that I didn't think we're relevant to ADD/ADHD but were odd and yes he had demonstrated them. We walked away with a different diagnosis and different medications that I felt comfortable giving because I felt confident about the way he was diagnosed. The Dr also told us some things to watch for in adolescence and gave us information about the way our son processed information so we could understand why more conventional behavior modification that worked with our other kids seemed useless with this child. 14 years later I think it was the best investment ever. You know your child and if your thoughts and concerns are not being addressed, in school or anywhere else, then you need to look for someone else until you're heard.

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the funny thing about Marguirette's post (which was prob like a year ago but I'm reading all this in my phone and can't get a feel for the layout of the forum) is that she says that Adderall should only be used for people with narcolepsy who "like fall asleep at the bus stop." Well I take it for non-REM narcolepsy with co-occurring idiopathic hypersomnia with long sleep time (basically I sleep for 2+ days every time I shut my eyes and have trouble even finding energy to get up n pee) AND I HATE IT and wish I didn't have to take it and have to take klonopin just to tolerate it. also. 90-some% of people who straight up narcolepsy respond well to Provigil and most take that (for me it works for a day or two then stops...), not Adderall. I've never met another person with kleine-Levin syndrome, narcolepsy, or anything of the kind who takes adderall except me and I think is rather have an enema very day than an adderall so she reeeeally doesn't have a clue. and the "not meant for kids under 18" part is hysterical as very other 5 year old in suburbia is lined up at the nurses' office before lunch to take their Speed. Also, someone mentioned an article able the diff between dextroamphetamine and amph salts: that's not the generic and brand, dextroamphetamine is an older and more.... unstable, I'd say? amphetamine. it's what women in the 60s used to get prescribed by their docs for weight loss and "pep" and gave many a psychotic break as well... I know they still make it because I remember a kid in middle school who always used to talk about it but I have no idea what they would prescribe it for. btw those of you who are sensitive to the ADD label, don't be! it's like being left handed or red headed anymore. As far as mental illnesses go, it prob has the lowest stigma out there. Take it from someone who has no energy, embrace it ;)

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Let me preface by saying that I absolutely think ADHD is real and prevents many people from living satisfying lives and reaching their potential. Medication taken as directed (when prescribed by a specialist who listens CAREFULLY to your concerns and addresses them appropriately) can be an incredible gift, as attested to by many on this forum. When I finally figured out that I was hypothyroid and received treatment (after being previously diagnosed with depression & anxiety) it changed my life. Now that I have achieved some stability, I am also exploring symptoms of ADHD/inattentive and recently started an adderall-xr low dose Rx (generic form). I will have a lot more exploring to do to find out what might work best for me, but I really appreciate all the honesty people have shared in these comments! The internet (despite it's Trolls, cough*Margarita&Butler*cough) is such a great opportunity for a community of people to support each other and share experiences that help us all to greater success!

All that said, I do still have concerns about how children are treated for ADHD. I am not a doctor or licensed therapist, but I do have a Bachelor's in Psychology & Family Studies and am very interested in child development and behavior. Specifically, a comment by Logan (over a year ago) got me thinking about this. There is SO MUCH going on for children's development (from infancy through young adulthood) in the way the brain adapts and reacts to stimuli-- both internal (like food & drugs) and external stimuli (family, school, etc). Combined with the pressures and expectations from society about "appropriate & successful" behavior, we often label kids with "issues" that are perfectly normal and OK. (Also, sometimes a child's behavior is really just a stage, and when we treat it like a permanent character trait, we aggravate the problem!)

For example, I am just finishing up the book "Quiet: the power of introverts in a world that can't stop talking" and it has done a great job illustrating how American culture promotes an extroverted personality type as ideal, and even the only "normal" way to behave. In fact, people naturally have lots of temperamental varieties, and each has their pros and cons (and we need them both!). Some kids are highly sensitive, or energetic, or maybe anxious. I'm not saying medication is never needed, but there are so many helpful ways that intentional parents can help their kids learn who they are, and how to be successful on their own terms. (Sometimes it will take more work than a few trips to the doctor, and sometimes it will require parents to understand that their children are NOT miniature versions of themselves, but process the world differently.)

I used to Nanny for a family with 3 kids, all of whom were on medication of some sort, including at least one parent. I spent the most time with the 9 year old girl-- small, sweet and ultimately out of control. The medication she was on when I first met her made her irritable and depressed; one evening when her parents were still out and she didn't want to get ready for bed, she raged that she would kill herself and listed 3 different ways she would do it. She switched to a different med and, until it wore off in the evening, she was like a mask of herself-- foggy and super slow to respond. She struggled with focus in class, and had a hard time socializing, so school was miserable for her. Her after-school schedule was filled with activities she dreaded, but Mom wanted her to do. Her brothers teased her (not malicious, but the average proverbial "poking" that siblings are prone to) but she was sensitive and couldn't just brush it off. I think she probably had a legitimate development disorder, but the parents were unable to accept any sort of "special needs" label (which I empathize with, given the attached stigma).

However, the rare opportunities we had together when she was off meds, not tasked with mandatory activities, and in a relaxed environment? She was sweet, kind, and fun. Possibly a little slow to respond, sometimes difficult to calm down, and often nervous or self-conscious that she was "different", but a happy little girl.

It broke my heart that she spent most of her time so frustrated, scared, and not knowing how to express herself. I wish there was more I could have done to help her, and her whole family, find better solutions for her "behavior problems". I felt like medication confused the problems, not improved them (plus the kids had no input on whether they took the meds).

I just wanted to offer some perspective that there isn't usually an easy, black or white sort of answer (and it's even harder with kids because of their continuing brain/body development), but the struggle to find the RIGHT solutions will be worth it! Anyone who read all this-- wow, thanks! :)

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Hi Jaimie. I am like you: I have severe narcolepsy, chronic idiopathic hypersomnia, cataplexy, and add. I can't take Provigil cuz it only works for a day or two. So I take Adderall. And I hate it. I'm on the generic right now and it isn't working. It's also not stable. I can never know what side effects I'll have. I used to take the brand name XR and it was quite successful. I'm going to ask to switch on Tues when I see my dr. I'll let u know how it goes.

I hope you find relief soon. This is NO way to live. It's horrible and lonely.

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Margarita, It has been my experience that if I remain open-mined to at least listen to the feed back others give me regarding comments I may have made, that feed back, whether I agreed with it or not, has been very helpful to me - in coming to understand where my opinions show how close minded I may have been, or bigoted, or racist, or dumb and stupid, or judgmental, or kind, or brilliant. So, at least you showed where you're really coming from, and hopefully, especially considering so many people have commented on what you had to say --- I hope , since you showed your true colors, look in the mirror and ask yourself, "Do I really want to continue to think this way? and "Did other people sharing their opinion on how I addressed this whole issue, did it help me enlarge my own viewpoint and maybe become a little more passionate about other people and how they deal with their problems?" If you answered "No" to the first question and "Yes" to the second question, hey there, you grew a few inches taller. On behalf of all those that responded to your original response, "Welcome to the human race!!! We all want to give you a big Hug!!!" Maybe not all of us, but at least some of us...

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I use to be a school teacher and I had many students who were on different types of medications including adderall and other stimulants. I use to not be very happy about the idea of all the medications and I still think some kids are overdosed and not given the chance to grow into who they are before everyone trys to alter who they are.
I personally have struggled my whole life with being able to stay on one task focus and stay calm...Once I started taking adderall it has helped me tremendously in my life. I am 39, and i now teach Yoga. Adderall does not give me energetic rushes as it must to some people who want it on the street. I actually can fall asleep within 30 minutes of taking my morning dose.
I think if there is a medication that improves the quality of your life after you have tried many different alternatives, then everyone should be able to make the choice to do what is right for them/or their child. Namaste!

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I take a 5th amphetamine salt just 1 time a day in by the way.only on day 2 but tired from the get go! Is this normal or will I get the Amo up? Do I need to up these or are they not in my system yet?

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I am new to this sight and am happy I finally discovered it. I was diagnosed with ADD also Bi-polar in 1998. There have been many changes to my bi-polar medication, but not so much with my ADD medication. At that time my doctor claimed by using dexedrine in combination with other meds would may actually be of benefit to both diagnoses. I can't recall the the first month dosage, but was up to 60 MG per day a few years later. He made the recommendation I change to adderall at the same same dosage. I also was ok, with that, but I still preferred the dexedrine more. He retired and just last month I saw a new doc. It said the 60 mg was too high for adderall and believed I would go manic, have a stroke or even a heart attack. The he actually reduced my adderall intake to only 20 mg per day. I am really having a hard time with this decision he made. I really voiced my concern to him that it really was the correct dosage at 60 and I have maintained it for several years, but he wouldn't budge. The is a phyc doctor too. Do any of you have ideas on how I can approach him in a productive well thought out way so maybe will reconsider at my next visit. Thank you in advanced for your comments.

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Obviously, you don't suffer from ADD or ADHD. It is not a matter of being smart or not, it is about concentration. Some of use can't even read a sentence without our mind wondering somewhere else. Adderall might not be the best solution and it has harmed me in some ways. However, the tradeoff is worth it because living with ADD is much worse - can't hold a job, can't work, relationships suffer, can't even read a friggin book!

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Margarita obviously has no clue what she's talking about. Adderal is not prescribed to someone because they are not smart, this has nothing to do with it. Although, it doesn't stop the not-so-smart opinions from people who have no clue what their talking about. Adderal is prescribed to help with focus and attention. You can have the highest IQ and not be able to focus. You obviously weren't diagnosed with ADD or ADHD and I assume you never had to take this medication or had to worry about being able to focus at work. Stop giving opinions you know nothing about.

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I have taken Wellbutrin XL 150 mil 3X a day for about 3 years. I started to feel like it wasn't working for me anymore so when I talked to my dr, he suggested adding adderall 10 mil 2X a day. It sounded like a good idea, like I'd get a boost, however I do not feel like I have ADHD. He just wanted me to try it for a month before going thru all the testing. I was hopeful it would give me a boost and get me out of my "funk". My husband and I are self employed and much of our success is based on what we put into I our business And lately, I've just felt overwhelmed and it's made me avoid work and has put a bigger burden on my husband :-(

I was really encouraged leaving the dr office, BUT I am very disappointed.....it gives me a headache shortly after I take it, that lasts pretty much all day, and I feel like it puts me in a bad mood. I take my second dose around noon and by 4:00 I'm so sleepy and tired and frankly more depressed. I don't even want to cook dinner (and I enjoy cooking). This was not at all what I was going for. It's only been a week however so should I keep on taking this, or just give up on it all together?

I've read several things about this such as "up the dose" or even "lower the dose" but honestly, I don't know what to do......any advise?

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Kudos Sarah on the early graduation and your achievements. I am almost done with my B.S. in Biology (minor psychology) and just recently started taking Adderall. I have a problem with my energy levels and my heart rate is usually always below 60 with a blood pressure of 102/54ish. I suffer from anemia and hypothyroid so we are giving this a try to see if it helps with energy levels. It is hard struggling through school when one is constantly lacking energy to stay awake enough to finish a chapter out of a text book. I am a 4.0 GPA but golly, did I earn every A I have received....hours upon hours of reading the same chapter over and over because I was unable to focus on the content. I totally get what you are saying.

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Why so much hate??

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