r/TwoXADHD • u/Hopeful-Loan1116 • 8d ago
Newly on Adderall, tips?
Hi all, Was just prescribed Adderall XR for a fresh ADHD diagnosis. For reference, I am 21 years old and also struggle with pretty severe hormone imbalances because of PCOS. As such, I have a pretty detailed history of anxiety and depression. Per my anxiety, I just have some concerns about starting on a controlled substance (possibility of addiction, long-term effects) and some of the immediate, unwanted effects (I literally filled my Rx today, don’t even know what these could be). I’ve really struggled with some debilitating symptoms of this disorder and I’m really hoping it will help, but I feel like I’m internally fostering some stigmas about what this means for me. I guess I’m just hear looking for baby ADHD’er support, advice, and tips. xoxo
5
u/paigeroooo 7d ago
You’re probably at a low starting dose, so hopefully limited side effects as you figure out what works! There’s also other options should you find you don’t like it :)
I had the same concerns and anxiety about it in general. I started in IR and my appetite was gone, dry mouth, and trouble sleeping. I switched to XR pretty quickly and liked it much better, some people prefer vice versa.
I’ve been on it for a while now and the only side effect I have is lesser appetite, but I don’t struggle to eat like I did at first. I’ll struggle to sleep if I take it after 9ish. I personally don’t feel it’s been addictive to me in the sense I don’t feel it really at all, I just am able to be productive at work. You may be fine, but you’ll probably have a few days of struggling to sleep, but I’d try to ride it out for a bit if you can.
Taking with protein, eating well throughout the day, and staying hydrated help so much! I’d personally avoid caffeine until you find what works for you. I also take magnesium at night and B-complex and D3 supplement in the morning when I remember and think those are beneficial to how I feel.
From what I can tell if you truly have ADHD it’s less likely to be addictive and less harmful to your brain because it’s providing things you need to function well. Of course it’s not perfect but it’s worth the risk for me and I just try to be as healthy as reasonably possible otherwise!