It sounds like you're having unpleasant side effects from stimulants. Is there a reason you wouldn't want to share that with your doctor? If they put you on the medication in the first place then they'll want to know if you're experiencing side-effects. They might suggest alternative medications, or a lower dose. Most people tolerate stimulants pretty well, but they can sometimes cause things like insomnia and high blood pressure with some people.
It is safe to take them intermittently, but I don't know if that's as much of a concern as the fact that you're having these side effects to begin with.
Ah, gotcha. Well, while you're on the waitlist it's totally fine to skip doses. A lot of doctors will suggest taking regular breaks, like skipping weekends or taking an annual drug holiday, so I can't imagine it being a problem to only take as needed. The only downside is that it has the potential to reduce your tolerance, which can make the side effects worse when you do take the meds, but it's not unsafe to try it and see how it works for you. Stimulants are only really dangerous if you take too many, or mix them with drugs that have adverse interactions. You're not harming yourself by taking fewer doses.
Eh, the boat I've been in is that I don't work without stimulants; like cannot function in a capitalist society without them. So I have to choose between shortening my life span or homelessness; that's my reason for doing stimulants but only as needed.
I mean I don't know your situation, but I found that the benefits I got from stimulates weren't worth the side effects and toll I felt they were taking on my mind and body. Sure I'm not super productive without them, but I can do my life tasks well enough. That's good enough for me and the doctor agreed.
Also stimulants like adderall also AREN'T like SSRIs that's require you to keep taking them to feel the effects. (some actual doctors get this wrong, which is insane to me) So it shouldn't be a big deal to just take them only when you feel like you need them.
Yup, take them when a deadline's coming up, slack off the rest of the time.
Stockpile so the compound's night watch can stay awake and alert.
I mean.....yeah? If you can go without them for a few days at a time, I see no harm in reducing your frequency.
Ultimately its your decision!
Ah, gotcha, I understand now. That is definitely more of a predicament. I don't really have any insight here since I've only taken them recreationally, but I hope whatever decision you make works for you!
You sure your dose isn't too high? That's a sign that you're overdosing and should either take it down or try another one.
Aw that sucks. Guess you'll have to do what I did when I encountered something similar and took it sparingly. Usually had the weekends off but it all depends on what you prefer. I'd advise you to be very strict with your lifestyle in order to function as best as you can without them, depending on how severe your adhd is.
Sleep early and make sure you get at least 7-8 hours if possible. Stay away from sugars in your diet. Write down some sort of routine so you can try to stay on it and keep up with daily demands.
Wellbutrin works for me so far. added benefit of helping me quit vaping
it can be for both, sometimes it feels like I'm motivated without the stimmy feel. I also take caffeine pills with L-Theanine which gives energy without the shakiness. I also hate stimulants and this is what works for me.
If you tell a doctor that you don't like the side effects of a prescribed medicine, especially a stimulant, they're not gonna tell you that you have to continue with it. That's exactly the kind of information they'd want you to share.
It's usually better to take a smaller dose more regularly than a larger dose intermittently. If you are taking a tablet and not a capsule, it is worth considering cutting it to a smaller piece.
I'm not a doctor and you should ask a doctor.
It's also possible that your anxiety (which is totally justified) is amplifying the effects, since the symptoms you describe are consistent with anxiety and panic attacks (in the case of heart palpitations). For that reason, it's worth trying to do exercises to control your anxiety if you choose or are forced by circumstance to take the medication again. It will almost certainly make it at least a little less bad, though it probably will not eliminate the side effects.
Also make sure, if you do take the meds and this isn't against their instructions, to take them with a meal, to slightly slow the speed at which you take it in.
Lowering your dosage for stimulants is fine as long as you do it slowly over the course of time. I would also recommend taking them exclusively as soon as you get up, unless you are a narcoleptic. Whatever you are doing, let your doctor know and why, so they can change your prescription.
Rough man. If it's Adderall, don't be afraid to split pills, if the symptoms are too high, unless you start seeing a real return of ADHD symptoms. I used to not eat as much when on stimmies, but I ate like 3000 calories every other day so it was fine. That said, their strategy is to build your tolerance, so a reduction will make that process take longer. Therefore, the only other advice that I have is that your tolerance will go up dramatically in like, three months or so, so if you think you can wait it out, I would do so. But if it's dramatically affecting your day to day, most competent psychiatrists would be ok with a moderate reduction if you are still suffering major side-affects.
I'm not super familiar with stims outside of Ritalin and Adderall, so you do whatever you think is best here. Best of luck.
