I just want to say

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Ashley1989

Ashley1989

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That I have officially decided to stop taking my Adderall medication for my ADD. I'm tired of it being such a huge part of my identity and I have decided that I will not be happy if I allow myself to take it for the rest of my life, so I am going to stop using it now and learn how to live in spite of my ADD. Having ADD all my life has made me feel in some aspects intellectually and academically inferior and I refuse to allow it to dominate my life any longer. I'm nervous because I'm taking three heavy science classes and its mid quarter, but I think I'm making the right decision. If anyone has experience with this, please pm me because I have a long and uphill battle.

Anyways, I needed to divulge it to all of you on SDN because I'm scared about it yet find strength in telling at least someone about it. I feel better because we all have battles and I'm finally deciding to fight mine.

Feel free to rip me to shreds if you like, or jump in before the lock.

Ashley
 
They will probably lock this and state something about not looking for medical advice, but I'm sure everyone will agree that the best thing to do is go and talk to your psychiatrist. I wouldn't try to tough out mental health issues. Good luck.
 
Sophocles said:
They will probably lock this and state something about not looking for medical advice, but I'm sure everyone will agree that the best thing to do is go and talk to your psychiatrist. I wouldn't try to tough out mental health issues. Good luck.
Click to expand...

👍

You should at least discuss it with your psychiatrist.
 
Sophocles said:
They will probably lock this and state something about not looking for medical advice, but I'm sure everyone will agree that the best thing to do is go and talk to your psychiatrist. I wouldn't try to tough out mental health issues. Good luck.
Click to expand...

It's not a mental issue, it's a disorder, and I'm not looking for advice. But yes, I agree. 🙂
 
Good luck man. Will be an interesting experience for sure. Although, some people really do genuinely need the medication-- if you are one of them, you should certainly reconsider this endeavor.
 
I've talked it over with my doctor and he's supportive
 
Perhaps you could sell your medication to some desperate friends?
 
Nope, it's been years in the making. I just need to learn how to overcome it. Every failure I blame on my ADD, every success I have a piece of it I owe to my medication. I need to be 100% accountable for and own my future. It's scary, but I cannot and will not be sharing the rest of my life with this medicine or disorder. I just feel like the time is right, and needed people to bear witness to my decision aside from those who are close to me.
 
Ashley1989 said:
Nope, it's been years in the making. I just need to learn how to overcome it. Every failure I blame on my ADD, every success I have a piece of it I owe to my medication. I need to be 100% accountable for and own my future. It's scary, but I cannot and will not be sharing the rest of my life with this medicine or disorder. I just feel like the time is right, and needed people to bear witness to my decision aside from those who are close to me.
Click to expand...

..interesting. best of luck to you. beware of the withdrawal-effects.
 
Ashley1989 said:
Nope, it's been years in the making. I just need to learn how to overcome it. Every failure I blame on my ADD, every success I have a piece of it I owe to my medication. I need to be 100% accountable for and own my future. It's scary, but I cannot and will not be sharing the rest of my life with this medicine or disorder. I just feel like the time is right, and needed people to bear witness to my decision aside from those who are close to me.
Click to expand...

You should be careful about this. Mental health issues are often not due to a lack of willpower (despite what some silly people think), but due to a problem in your brain's biochemistry. IMO, you shouldn't stop cold turkey, talk with your physician about slowly weening yourself off of the medication.
 
Good luck! :luck: Don't be afraid to take it slow, and obviously be in touch with your doctor about any physical or mental changes, even if you think they're harmless.
 
Ashley--please ignore the trolls in this thread.

You should consult with your doctor on whether or not it'd be best to stop your adderal medication. The situation may or may not get worse depending on how you act from this point.

This board would not be best suited for discussing your medications.

I wish you the best.
LaughingMan
 
As long as your doctor supports you, then good luck!!!!
 
LaughingMan said:
Ashley--please ignore the trolls in this thread.

You should consult with your doctor on whether or not it'd be best to stop your adderal medication. The situation may or may not get worse depending on how you act from this point.

This board would not be best suited for discussing your medications.

I wish you the best.
LaughingMan
Click to expand...

Hey! I have already talked to my doctor, he says it's ok to stop cold turkey. I am not looking for advice, or even encouragement really (although its kind and I appreciate it) I fully expect for this to get locked and I completely understand its not the best place to post it, but I did and I feel a little less afraid by it all 🙂
 
Ashley1989 said:
Hey! I have already talked to my doctor, he says it's ok to stop cold turkey. I am not looking for advice, or even encouragement really (although its kind and I appreciate it) I fully expect for this to get locked and I completely understand its not the best place to post it, but I did and I feel a little less afraid by it all 🙂
Click to expand...

Haha alrighty--best of luck!

The LockHammer is coming soon fellow SDNers. FLEEE!
 
Ashley, i wish you the best 😍
 
Ashley1989 said:
Hey! I have already talked to my doctor, he says it's ok to stop cold turkey. I am not looking for advice, or even encouragement really (although its kind and I appreciate it) I fully expect for this to get locked and I completely understand its not the best place to post it, but I did and I feel a little less afraid by it all 🙂
Click to expand...

Well good luck then. Hope it all works out.
 
All I can say is be careful making this decision. I realize that some people think that taking any psychiatric drugs is bad, and it is definitely shunned in certain cultures. This is definitely an issue in my ethnicity.

But if you feel that you can't function without it, please let the pride take the backseat, and do what you need to do to get through. This is life, and if you're unable to function properly without the medication, then what is it going to prove?

I can't say that I've met anyone in this situation, but I knew two people who were clearly clinically depressed, but simply refused to get help and take anti-depressants. It's amazing how much of a negative toll this has taken on their lives. One of them had to get expelled from college with horrible grades before he ever saw a doctor. Once he started taking an SSRI, he got better. But was it worth paying such a hefty price to prove something so meaningless?

I wish you the best of luck. But remember, there is nothing wrong with using medications to treat valid conditions. If you feel that coming off of amphetamines was a bad idea, then don't feel bad about coming back on, assuming you and your doctor are fine with this. It's not worth paying the ultimate price for this. Just my thoughts, sorry if I came off harsh.
 
Planes2Doc said:
All I can say is be careful making this decision. I realize that some people think that taking any psychiatric drugs is bad, and it is definitely shunned in certain cultures. This is definitely an issue in my ethnicity.

But if you feel that you can't function without it, please let the pride take the backseat, and do what you need to do to get through. This is life, and if you're unable to function properly without the medication, then what is it going to prove?

I can't say that I've met anyone in this situation, but I knew two people who were clearly clinically depressed, but simply refused to get help and take anti-depressants. It's amazing how much of a negative toll this has taken on their lives. One of them had to get expelled from college with horrible grades before he ever saw a doctor. Once he started taking an SSRI, he got better. But was it worth paying such a hefty price to prove something so meaningless?

I wish you the best of luck. But remember, there is nothing wrong with using medications to treat valid conditions. If you feel that coming off of amphetamines was a bad idea, then don't feel bad about coming back on, assuming you and your doctor are fine with this. It's not worth paying the ultimate price for this. Just my thoughts, sorry if I came off harsh.
Click to expand...

Thank you for this, I really appreciate it. I just don't feel that it's realistic to expect to be able to take these medications for the rest of my life, so I'm going to have to face it some time or the other. I don't like the feeling of them (resting h/r 120, dry mouth, muscle tightness etc) so I just feel that it's time to face the music and be done with them. I do feel that I can function without them, and I am trying to avoid letting them become a crutch in my life.

On the aside, I'm surprised its not locked yet!
 
Well I'm glad you didn't take it offensively. 🙂

I'm guessing it's not locked because you are clearly not soliciting any medical advice here, which is against the TOS. Therefore, this thread isn't any different than the typical "are stimulants ethical?" thread.

Unfortunately, when it comes to amphetamines, they are the ultimate medication that demonstrates the concept: "You can't have your cake and eat it too." People become completely reliant on them, pretty much staking their lives on it. Sure it's magical in the beginning, but what happens when tolerance hits? :scared:
 
L
Planes2Doc said:
Well I'm glad you didn't take it offensively. 🙂

I'm guessing it's not locked because you are clearly not soliciting any medical advice here, which is against the TOS. Therefore, this thread isn't any different than the typical "are stimulants ethical?" thread.

Unfortunately, when it comes to amphetamines, they are the ultimate medication that demonstrates the concept: "You can't have your cake and eat it too." People become completely reliant on them, pretty much staking their lives on it. Sure it's magical in the beginning, but what happens when tolerance hits? :scared:
Click to expand...

This is exactly what I don't want and why I'm going to do this. I want to have complete control of my life 🙂
 
These are tough decisions and I admire your resolve to face it head on. People who don't face these issues often over simplify them; be strong and anticipate the obstacles. I had a friend who was in a similar position and she discussed it with me. She eventually decided to give up the drugs. It was tough but she found new hobbies that were uplifting; it's almost been two years now and she is very happy. She will be matriculating at her top choice this fall and she was accepted at her second choice too.

Good luck!
 
AktionPOTENTIAL said:
These are tough decisions and I admire your resolve to face it head on. People who don't face these issues often over simplify them; be strong and anticipate the obstacles. I had a friend who was in a similar position and she discussed it with me. She eventually decided to give up the drugs. It was tough but she found new hobbies that were uplifting; it's almost been two years now and she is very happy. She will be matriculating at her top choice this fall and she was accepted at her second choice too.

Good luck!
Click to expand...

Thank you so much for sharing that with me! It's wonderful to hear about your friend's success. 🙂 🙂

It's so interesting that I posted this today, because this afternoon I went to the doctor for a script for PT for an accident from long ago, and mentioned to him that I have persistent facial and jaw pain. My jaw has been dislocating every time I yawn or open my mouth wide for years now and I didn't think anything of it, but he did a quick exam and told me that I have bad TMJD from years of clenching my jaw. He said its probably from the Adderall because i wind my muscles like a top whenever i take it. That completely just sealed the deal for me right there.
 
Ashley1989 said:
That I have officially decided to stop taking my Adderall medication for my ADD. I'm tired of it being such a huge part of my identity and I have decided that I will not be happy if I allow myself to take it for the rest of my life, so I am going to stop using it now and learn how to live in spite of my ADD. Having ADD all my life has made me feel in some aspects intellectually and academically inferior and I refuse to allow it to dominate my life any longer. I'm nervous because I'm taking three heavy science classes and its mid quarter, but I think I'm making the right decision. If anyone has experience with this, please pm me because I have a long and uphill battle.

Anyways, I needed to divulge it to all of you on SDN because I'm scared about it yet find strength in telling at least someone about it. I feel better because we all have battles and I'm finally deciding to fight mine.

Feel free to rip me to shreds if you like, or jump in before the lock.

Ashley
Click to expand...

Like dis if u cry evrytime
 
Hey Ashley!

I know you aren't looking for advice, but I wanted to ask if you've thought of doing this when you're taking an easier load of classes or possibly at the beginning of next quarter. You're in the middle of a tough load, you don't know how coming off your medication will affect you specifically, and it seems like with such a rigorous schedule, it might be a stressful period. If you wait a quarter, you could have support services lined up if necessary, it'll be more forgiving than being in the middle of a quarter because there will be a bit of an adjustment period, etc.

I'm glad that this is something you've discussed with your physician. I do hope that whatever happens, you end up happy and healthy.
 
I think somewhere Tom Cruise has a big smile for you...

....but srs, keep your doc in the loop. And also srs, best wishes!!
 
Ashley1989 said:
That I have officially decided to stop taking my Adderall medication for my ADD. I'm tired of it being such a huge part of my identity and I have decided that I will not be happy if I allow myself to take it for the rest of my life, so I am going to stop using it now and learn how to live in spite of my ADD. Having ADD all my life has made me feel in some aspects intellectually and academically inferior and I refuse to allow it to dominate my life any longer. I'm nervous because I'm taking three heavy science classes and its mid quarter, but I think I'm making the right decision. If anyone has experience with this, please pm me because I have a long and uphill battle.

Anyways, I needed to divulge it to all of you on SDN because I'm scared about it yet find strength in telling at least someone about it. I feel better because we all have battles and I'm finally deciding to fight mine.

Feel free to rip me to shreds if you like, or jump in before the lock.

Ashley
Click to expand...

I had the same problem when I had to solve a difficult math question. I just realized that all I have to do is add 'er all up.

Congrats on quitting that addiction! It's not easy.
 
Ashley1989 said:
That I have officially decided to stop taking my Adderall medication for my ADD. I'm tired of it being such a huge part of my identity and I have decided that I will not be happy if I allow myself to take it for the rest of my life, so I am going to stop using it now and learn how to live in spite of my ADD. Having ADD all my life has made me feel in some aspects intellectually and academically inferior and I refuse to allow it to dominate my life any longer. I'm nervous because I'm taking three heavy science classes and its mid quarter, but I think I'm making the right decision. If anyone has experience with this, please pm me because I have a long and uphill battle.

Anyways, I needed to divulge it to all of you on SDN because I'm scared about it yet find strength in telling at least someone about it. I feel better because we all have battles and I'm finally deciding to fight mine.

Feel free to rip me to shreds if you like, or jump in before the lock.

Ashley
Click to expand...

I feel like we're in the middle of a soon to be great "overcoming challenge" personal statement or something!

Humor aside, I wish you the best of luck, Ashley! It's going to be an incredibly tough uphill battle, but you're definitely strong, willful, and smart enough. You can do it!
 
Ashley1989 said:
That I have officially decided to stop taking my Adderall medication for my ADD. I'm tired of it being such a huge part of my identity and I have decided that I will not be happy if I allow myself to take it for the rest of my life, so I am going to stop using it now and learn how to live in spite of my ADD. Having ADD all my life has made me feel in some aspects intellectually and academically inferior and I refuse to allow it to dominate my life any longer. I'm nervous because I'm taking three heavy science classes and its mid quarter, but I think I'm making the right decision. If anyone has experience with this, please pm me because I have a long and uphill battle.

Anyways, I needed to divulge it to all of you on SDN because I'm scared about it yet find strength in telling at least someone about it. I feel better because we all have battles and I'm finally deciding to fight mine.

Feel free to rip me to shreds if you like, or jump in before the lock.

Ashley
Click to expand...

Be careful....the middle of the semester might be a bad time to stop cold turkey. I do not have ADD, but my friends who do have drastic changes in motivation and performance when they skip doses or decide to take a month off to sell the pills and stuff like that.

You know yourself better than we do, so you should be able to recall what you're like off of the medication. But I know for sure that the people who really have ADD or ADHD do really need the meds to do well in school.
 
wonderyears1.jpg


And that was the day it all turned around, for me and everyone on SDN.
 
Geebeejay said:
Be careful....the middle of the semester might be a bad time to stop cold turkey. I do not have ADD, but my friends who do have drastic changes in motivation and performance when they skip doses or decide to take a month off to sell the pills and stuff like that.

You know yourself better than we do, so you should be able to recall what you're like off of the medication. But I know for sure that the people who really have ADD or ADHD do really need the meds to do well in school.
Click to expand...

Can you tell me what diagnostic tool can be used to differentiate between people who 'really' have ADD vs people who just have ADD
 
Sophocles said:
They will probably lock this and state something about not looking for medical advice, but I'm sure everyone will agree that the best thing to do is go and talk to your psychiatrist. I wouldn't try to tough out mental health issues. Good luck.
Click to expand...
yes, please talk to your doctor before stopping your medication cold turkey
 
pre med 2014 said:
Can you tell me what diagnostic tool can be used to differentiate between people who 'really' have ADD vs people who just have ADD
Click to expand...

No, and I never claimed I could. ADD has always been considered over diagnosed. For some people, adderall gives them a little extra focus to study hard and get things done (actually most people will feel this effect). For fewer people, the medication is absolutely necessary if they want to maintain any reasonable level of focus at all, and without the medication they struggle extensively in academics among other things.

I'm not a doctor or a pharmacist (last I checked, this is a premed forum) but I am speaking of personal experience among people who frequently use ADD medication (prescribed or not).
 
Geebeejay said:
But I know for sure that the people who really have ADD or ADHD do really need the meds to do well in school.
Click to expand...

Sorry Ashley, this came out wrong....I meant to say is that "I know for sure that there exist people who really have ADD or ADHD that really need the meds to do well in school." I wasn't trying to insinuate anything, but rather I posted a bit too late at night 🙂
 
Planes2Doc said:
Well I'm glad you didn't take it offensively. 🙂

I'm guessing it's not locked because you are clearly not soliciting any medical advice here, which is against the TOS. Therefore, this thread isn't any different than the typical "are stimulants ethical?" thread.

Unfortunately, when it comes to amphetamines, they are the ultimate medication that demonstrates the concept: "You can't have your cake and eat it too." People become completely reliant on them, pretty much staking their lives on it. Sure it's magical in the beginning, but what happens when tolerance hits? :scared:
Click to expand...

When tolerance hits switch to diet and exercise. Work out cognitive exercises to improve memory and attention. There are safer and more effective ways to improve function without medication.
 
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