[jesseryn]

I started Adderall a few months ago. I'm also bipolar, so I take Lamictal and Vistaril (for anxiety) too. I don't know if it's the med combo, but I since I started the med some of my symptoms have become paradoxically worse.

By this, I mean that I'm more inattentive, but in the way that I jump from activity from activity, but stay hyperfocused on the current activity as long as I don't SEE something else. I can honestly look at anything, then get an impulsive urge to engage in it (most often studying, housecleaning, & computer-related).

Now most people would say I should stop the med, but my concentration and motivation are better than ever -- which is saying a lot as just developed ADD this year (co-morbid w/ Bipolar) and previously held a 4.0 GPA at my university, and worked out like I was possessed.

My sleep schedule is WAY off, and I've read that this can be a factor in worsening ADD/ADHD. My question is does anyone else feel this way after meds? Like I said I'm very productive, and become utterly engaged and absorbed in whatever I'm doing (can read for hours as long as I don't get distracted).

[krzyk101]

I find this to be true in my being diagnosed years ago as adult ADHD along with Bipolar I mixed states and now newly diagnosed as being OCD, I have been on amphetamine therapy for the ADHD for over 5 years now in addition to the antipsycotropics and mood stabilizer (Lithium), a new SSRI (Luvox) and antianxiey (Valium) and from Concerta 3 years ago switched to ADDERAL XR now last 3 years.

I find the added concentration only adds to the symptoms of depression in the part that I tend to obsess with super concentration on a single issue adding to the already intense issue I am obsessing on and feel unable to 'let go of'. I find myself skipping a day or two and feeling less anxious, (not recommended to take meds other than they are prescribed) only to have the horrible withdrawals on the end of day 2 without the amphetamine drug therapy feeling forced to resume the Adderal against the will of my own, yet afraid now after being on it to the point of physical dependance as I am now, to even try and have it discontinue the drug.

I do not think I ever knew just how 'habit forming' the amphetamine drug therapy was or is until now. I am not sure now if the added concentration adds to my problems or if it is in my own mind I think it does not. One way or another I find myself caught up in the physical dependence of the drug class itslef and do wonder in great concentration if I will ever be able to break free of the 40mg a day I take with great regret at times until I try to not take it and go through the withdrawals. I have not any idea how it is for others only this is just how it or the entire ultra concentration vs. fear of not taking it feels to me.

best of luck and hope someone may have better answers to this, I just know How it effects me or has over time. Take care. Kris

[cms39]

I'm the type of person who can only concentrate on one thing at a time. Maybe I'm the opposite of ADD. I can't do jobs that require lots of shifting to different tasks. I have excellent concentration though on one thing at a time - like editing a paper or in tutoring one-on-one, but can't control a whole class to save my life.

[INaBOX]

If you're suffering from anxiety, I'm surprised your doctor subscribed Adderall to you. One of it's side effects of taking this med is anxiety and depression. Isn't that why you're taking Lamictal and Vistaril? Maybe you can ask your doctor this.