[CrimsonShark89]

I've been recently diagnosed with adhd at the age of 28. I've been taking 30mg Adderall xr for about 3 weeks. I told my doctor that I haven't noticed any big changes, so she decided to switch me to focalin xr 10mg. She suggested that I not take the adderall for a few days before taking the focalin, which I did. In that 2 day span of no meds, I realized how much the adderall was actually helping me. So the 3rd day of take my first dose of focalin and it was one of the worse experiences of my life. I couldn't think, I could barely speak or function. I felt so sleepy that I had to leave work because I was afraid I would injure myself or someone else ( I work with heavy machinery so it could've been really bad for me to stay) when I got home I passed and didn't wake up for 12 hours. The next morning I feel fine just a little cloudy and unmotivated. Then I took my Adderall again and I feel great. Has something like this happened to anyone else?

[Quarter life]

Hi CrimsonShark89

Although I don't have ADD/ADHD nor am familiar with this type of medication, all those who feel alone or simply wanting to reach out for a chat without judgement......Psych Central is the place. There are many good listeners here... we're a pretty good bunch.

I have been an active member of this site for 4 years. In that time I have received some really constructive feedback and connected with several others with similar challenges to myself. I have also found hanging out in the Games Forums to be a welcome distraction in times of stress... a great way to clear my head, meet like minded others, and have some well needed fun. New members also benefit greatly from perusing the many forums available here...lots to explore.
Also after 5 approved posts members have the option to join the chatrooms..or chat one on one with other members.

Should you have any questions on navigating this site, please don't hesitate to private message me or any of the other Community Liaisons who will be more than happy to help. Just click on the screen name above my avatar.

Please be kind & generous to yourself CrimsonShark89, and welcome to P.C

[possum220]

Welcome to PC.

Sometimes when we stop taking a medication we realize how it has been helping us. Please check back in with your doctor and let her know what happened.

[bates626]

I have Adult ADD along with mild to severe anxiety and was diagnosed with it my senior year of High School (they had finally figure out what was "wrong" with me after five years when it was truly prominent) I was on Vyvanse, and although it was helping through school, and man it was a lifesafer for me. It helped with my Anxiety and my ADD. I had also grown use to the "rushing state" my brain was in. As soon as I was out of school i pretty much stopped taking it. As I went into a trade school.

The profession I chose (working with animals) actually kept my head from helping me do what it does best. My head was hyper-focusing constantly while on the medication, which working with Dogs is not always the best things. I spoke to my doctor, and we did try several things. However for me, and my line of work, my Doctor Actually agreed with me that if I took any medication for my ADD it would end up hindering my work. However, she did tell me to take Coffee as it would help with being able to focus but it would not hinder my ability to pretty much pay attention to anything and anything including the stupid hair that falls off the vents in the Grooming Shop I work at.

However in a school environment that medication was a lifesaver. Especially, since on top of my ADD i am a hands on learner. I would not sit still, constant daydreaming and my grades where about a constant D. While on the medication i was functioning, sitting still, paying attention, and my grades shot back up to an A.

I strongly suggest talking to your doctor and sorting things out. Because taking Focalin, you had a bad reaction while Adderall seemed to be helping you. Everyone is different and due to that we all find our own solutions with how to work with our own little quirks. For me it's coffee (and only 2 large cups a day prpperly spaced out) and for you might be on Adderall. Talk to your doctor and make sure to mention all symptoms while taking Focalin, so your doctor can keep an eye on you and other patients who are on it if they didn't know of that side-effect.

[Marsfx]

I take Adderall IR I can feel the difference with it. But my similar experience was with Strattera. It takes some time to work, and I never felt a change and it was expensive for my insurance at the time. After a few weeks off of it I noticed I struggling to be on time, and maintaining good habits. It didn't feel like I was doing anything differently. But I realized in the mornings I got up and started my day doing my routine without all the pause. It wasn't that I didn't get distracted but that I got back on task quickly.

[Teddy Bear]

Welcome to PC tell your pdoc that you want to switch meds back

[Besibeau]

quite unusual as that medication can usually cause insomnia. Perhaps speak with your GP to give you advise. Also be careful with the driving bit and read about the relevant guidelines about driving and medication.

[Miswimmy1]

I personally have found that Focalin 10mg is more potent for me than Focalin 15mg, and therefore avoid taking the 10. Perhaps it was the wrong dosage? It's interesting that medications that are in the same category (central nervous system stimulant) would cause such opposite effects.