Difference Between Adderall And Amphetamine Salts (Page 10) (Top voted first)

I was recently diagnosed with Adult ADD and have been prescribed Amphetamine Salts (Generic for Adderall) for a few months now. The initial dosage was one 10mg tablet/ three times a day and recently my Doctor upped the dosage to one 30mg tablet/ twice a day. I know that overall this has been very beneficial for me but I cant help but wonder if the generic brand (IR Amphetamine Salts) has less of the active ingredient, and more unnecessary side effects(irritability, fatigue). I know that while the active ingredients are likely to be the same, the "fillers" usually are not and even the active ingredients can vary up to 10%. I also know that everybody reacts differently depending on their bodies' make-up as well as the drugs and I have always reacted sensitively to any kind of drug. The more I "google" the more I want to stay away from the generic form. Also- almost every pharmacy around has little to no Adderall Brand IR tablets in stock, they only have the generic brands and possibly Adderall brand but only the Extended-Release. My Doctor seems to firmly believe that there is no difference between Adderall XR and Adderall IR, and because she prescribed me the generic form (Amphetamine Salts), she probably doesn't see a difference there either. I don't have the time to ask 10 doctors what they think so if anyone has any information or experiences please share! Thank you!

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The amphetamine salts xr (extended release) can be taken with applesauce. So it is taken out of the capsule and made easier to swallow. Maybe she should try the amphetamine salts xr since it should last throughout her school day and by the time she gets home and ready for bed the medicine would have worn off. Making it easier for her to sleep. I personally take this medicine and its a miracle pill for me. As far as appetite goes there was a decrease in appetite, but over time it will not bother her as much. In fact I have put on a few pounds myself recently and I have to work out to get it off. I hope this helps. Good luck to you and your daughter!

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That is so ridiculous! I am an adult as well as a nurse and myself and children and grandchildren all take Aderall. It works and I have 3 generations of proof. When you can remain focused and complete tasks and can sit still long enough to eat and you do well in school and aren't in trouble for disturbing others, there is factual proof. Anyone can abuse ANY medication. Don't take it when you have days off or the kids have vacation. This does give your body a break. Take it as prescribed and you and others will see the difference. I had to be off it for 6 months because of changing insurance and my co-workers could absolutely tell the difference.

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I am actually really smart, however, I have ADHD. I take Amphetamine salts (aka Adderall). So for you to say something like this, is actually pretty ignorant. People out there need help. Fun fact: you are not perfect it either. People who need medications to help with certain problems are not "below you," many of us could be your doctor, your teachers, and your neighbors. Think next time before you speak!

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To poly drug patient taking "The Holy Trinity" The name derived by the DEA is a combination of alprazolam or Xanax, carisprodol, or Soma and either oxycodone or oxymorphone or Opana. In addition, mixed amphetamine salts (Adderall) Makes this the "Double Holy Trinity" of poly drug use. Xanax alone is often enough to raise a red flag. Soma, a muscle relaxant, last year was not even scheduled in California. The idea with ADD is to increase your attention span. The buzz is over the top. No doubt highly desirable. When taking the d-amphetamine hold up on the depressants until bedtime. This "Holy Trinity" is the misnomer placed upon the patient whom has a propensity to increase the dose of their medication on their own propensity. It is undoubtedly pleasant. The stimulants taken with depressants are just defeating the purpose of the indication of ones ADD/ADHD. To each their own. Benzodiazapines and MU agonists are frowned upon but usually dispensed. The fact is, the drugs frequently find themselves being sold or given away at "Pharm Parties" or a blitz of many other drugs in a "Super Bowl". A kind of free for all of a plethora of who knows what. In combination with alcoholic libation that spells morbidity or mortality.

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Lol thanks for inadvertantly making me laugh. Right on dude. I kinda have to agree with most of what you said.

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Jealous you can't obtain any from You'r Doc????? Sounds like that too me??

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Don't put your child on ADHD medication. I am a 26 year old male and had been prescribed every type of ADHD medication under the sun since I was 6 years old. I was diagnosed with severe ADHD. My mother pressed for me to be put on medication while my father was against it. Yes i did have trouble staying focused in school. Even on whatever type/dose the doctor had me on at the time. It's called being a kid. I don't believe any kid should be put on a stimulant drug that young not until they can actually understand what it is. It Is Legal speed. At the time I never understood why i got all jacked up after my doses then later on i would become very irritable. Not to mention not sleeping. Well when I got older, I realized it was because I was crashing off a stimulant. Let your child's brain develop the way it's supposed to don't give them a drug that is going to mess with the chemical balance of there developing mind. What happened to letting kids be kids and not looking for a magic pill so you don't have to deal with that. Guess what I got older and I stopped taking ADHD medication in high school. My grades got better i wasn't coming down off Adderall and becoming irritable I could sleep. I learned to focus myself and stay still. You can do anything you want if you put the time in, it's just a easy way out to take a stimulant drug that is basically meth in a tablet. This is coming from someone that had "SEVERE ADHD" you can overcome ADHD if you have the will to and don't just take the easy way. Yea you'll get more done on Adderall it's because you're high. Do what you want when you're an adult but please don't put your children on any of this ADHD crap until they are old enough to understand what they are taking. I will never put my kids on that stuff. You can't say I don't know what I'm talking about because I was out on that crap at 6 and I'm 26 now and want nothing to do with it. Let your kids brain develop naturally before you start wiring it to be dependent on something to make you feel normal. I stopped taking it when I realized that. I resented my mother for forcing me to take something that made me feel horrible every day when I was coming off of it and never being able to sleep when It could have all been prevented if I never too that medication. If society actually wanted to deal with issues instead of cover them up with pills. Yes i do believe there is a place for pills for real conditions but not ones that can be worked on and fixed by yourself and the help of others around you.

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Hello Fellow ADD and ADHD’ers. I wanted to address some issues, please if you have the time, read through this post, I think that maybe everyone here may find some value in a part or parts of the information contained herein. A good exercise in meaningful conversation would be to mindfully “read” in absence of being able to “mindfully listen”. Try for example to understand the context of the statement by Margarita, as if you were trying to understand her position by what is written and the way it is written as well as what is not written, sometimes (it is much more difficult to do this when not actually conversing in person) one can discern things not apparent at the surface of the statement or at least it will prompt one to ask for clarification rather than react to what may seem to be a mean and or otherwise inept declaration. I tried to see Margarita’s concerns as if they were meant to help or inform especially in the “tone” of the statements I could see that perhaps she had some debilitating experience concerning addiction to a medication and I was careful to suggest or promote an explanation Lissa’s post while giving due acknowledgement to some discerned if not actual portion(s) of Margarita’s post. I did this for edification’s sake, not for judgement although I voiced concerns and cautions in my rebuttal post, My intent is to offer to enlighten, to draw together and maintain sharing on an equal a basis with mutual respect.

Margarita, I suspect that you may not understand the original question in context. Perhaps you have had a bad experience or know someone who has had a bad experience concerning addiction to amphetamines and or misuse of prescribed Adderall. In that case I could understand your very emphatic warning. However, if you will take time to investigate the most recent "bona-fide" research on Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), or Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD), you will find that there are a number of very significant physiological markers in the brains and in the neurobiological functions presented in those who have successfully completed the DSM -IV exam for ADHD and ADD and were diagnosed by a qualified psychiatrist in concert with a primary care physician. Said diagnosed patients have been therapeutically and measurably helped by medically supervised appropriate doses of Adderall, Vyvanse, Ritalin and other CNS stimulants. A hallmark of a CNS stimulant for proper application concerning ADD and ADHD is that in a healthy person, a CNS induces pronounced and frenetic-like rousing stimulation and or activity and behavior. In an ADD'er or ADHD"er, the stimulant behaves more like a relaxing and focusing factor. In case you may be one who believes that ADD or ADHD is simply the result of an undisciplined or lazy mind and not a real disorder, If you were to do a comprehensive search through academic and or otherwise science based literature on the subject of ADD and ADHD using the most recent peer-examined research you will find that ADD and ADHD is a “real” disorder that impairs proper cognitive function on many levels including real-time performance of cognitively intense applications as well as psychosocial impairment. ADD and ADHD and all their “iterations” have also been found to correlate certain neurological dysfunctions with observable physiological abnormalities factually and reproducibly reported in many of the recent papers on the subject.

I assure you that as an adult with attentive type ADHD I would literally give a limb or all my teeth (in reference to "I'd give my eye-teeth for..") to eliminate this from my life. In other words, the frustration and suffering ADD and ADHD causes to me and my relationships, work etc. is NOT at all worth any lack of discipline, lack of caring, and or laziness on my part.

Now addressing my concern of Margarita's "as God made you" comment, I certainly hope the Lissa did not take you seriously or at least understood that you lack knowledge and wisdom concerning measurable cognitive aptitude especially as it pertains to ADD and ADHD. Even if you were very concerned for the health consequences of prolonged use of Adderall, you did not seem to notice why it was prescribed for Lissa, nor did you seem to understand the context of her post or others’ posts as these pertained mainly to ADD and ADHD sufferers and their experiences and questions concerning medication types and treatments thereof. Please forgive me, but in your eagerness to help, you may have overlooked empathy and professional knowledge concerning ADD and ADHD. It would have served you well to have researched the pertinent facts before making an authoritative statement (or professionally qualify what you wrote and at least make certain that you admit that yours was just an opinion and steered clear of seemingly professionally sounding declarations.

To Lissa and those interested: Addressing Lissa's concern for effectiveness of the D-Amphetamine salts, I have used that "brand" and it worked fine for me but as I have stated many times, a doctor’s qualified advice should be sought, and may I suggest that you discuss your concerns in an ordered as possible and detailed fashion with your health provider. You may find an ally in that your health provider will do “due diligence” and research your concerns as well as ADD and ADHD. I found this to be true in my case, but if you cannot obtain empathic, meaningful communication with your present healthcare provider, then don’t hesitate to research other healthcare providers and obtain a “second opinion”. You certainly have that right and should exercise it.

Addressing Margarita's assertion that " if you are not smart, than that is how god made you, taking a medication isn't going to solve that problem". I beg to differ. In Jr. high school a state mandated IQ evaluation placed me at 94, not exactly a bright star, eh? However AFTER my ADHD was addressed, my IQ was reevaluated and it was measured 134.

I have also taken a closer look at what are decidedly positive aspects of (in my case) ADHD. Utilizing the methods stated below, I have learned to induce “hyper-focus” on command. While it is time intensive (you can easily miss hours at a stretch of time), when properly applied, one can learn subjects at a quicker pace and much deeper than formal instruction will allow in the same time period that traditional, even modern formal education methods take to present said course or discipline. Hyper-focus can arguably be compared to a modified and “souped-up” version of the Montessori teaching method on a personal level (still including group interaction) that can include adaptation of multiple sensory learning skills. Also, I take good advantage and certainly work to improve “thinking outside the box”. In today’s fast paced, fluid-like change in the work and business environment, that ability is priceless to those who fully understand its implications. I still work on tried and true methods, and time management is my personal epic struggle, but wrestle it with purpose I will until it is conquered.

Should I remain at a crippled capacity and accept that God would want me to be diminish in my potential and suffer rather than exercise and sharpen that potential to serve humanity and Him better if I am able? NO! (I speak in Christian Biblical and spiritual terms because of the mention of God in Margarita's post; please note that I personally and humbly opine that God has a part in this, however never to cripple, only to heal and or protect. That is my personal opinion, and I can ascertain that this is extensively supported in biblical scriptures). Should I learn to rely on any med for the rest of my life, much less one with a great deal of trouble concerning addiction? NO! I am very proactive in research involving neuro-degenerative diseases or dysfunctional disorders like ADHD, and Alzheimer's for my sake and for others, though I am just a student in the BS in biotechnology program in GCC and ASU and I'm not a doctor or specialist in Neurological disorders or diseases as I highly suspect YOU are not as well, I am acquainted with Lissa's experience on a personal (my own experience with ADHD) and professional level (extensive documented academic research).

Margarita, I commend your concern, however I have to caution your use of authority based terminology and syntax in your posting. You did not ascertain whether you spoke on a professional basis (Doctor, councilor, professional educator, etc.) yet you write as if you are an authority on the subject of prescribed Adderall use and or the consequences of its prolonged use in Lissa's particular case. If Lissa were to take your advice to the letter seriously, there may have been some very undesirable if not incapacitating consequences.

Margarita, (and to those interested): I concur with your opinion that prolonged use of a potentially addicting med may be harmful, and I add to this (other than a Doctors or other qualified Healthcare professional's advice) that if there is anything natural that can be done to alleviate or eliminate the condition known as ADD and ADHD, it should be well researched and attempted under a doctor's supervision and care.

The following is a VERY brief treatise concerning my avenue or approach in dealing with my ADHD. Please keep in mind that the bulk of this "experimental treatment" is an ongoing 2-plus years of academic research and private professional research focused on all the aspects of possible factors affecting ADHD and studying research done with the aim of mitigating or even eradicating the causes of ADD and ADHD and improve overall neural health and restoring full cognitive function to those who are stricken with ADD, ADHD, and other cognitive dysfunctions and neuro-degenerative diseases. Start your day with a good fresh-made "green-drink" using all of the following made in a food processor, not a juicer utilizing valuable fiber too, not just the juice therein: Mince soft parts, chop hard parts into no larger than 1 inch pieces: (3 tbsp. organic broccoli sprouts, a large green apple, 2 large celery stalks, A tbsp. of fresh organic ginger, 1 large reed Kale leaf, a generous (3-4 tbsp. minced) of fresh organic parsley, 2 carrots, an organic lemon including the peel, a half cup to full cup of dark berries, and 2 tbsp. raw organic sesame seeds (or a similar amount of avocado by volume, and around 1.5 grams of curcuminoids (from turmeric) -along with the appropriate amount of piperine extract to facilitate complete absorption of the curcuminiods –(powerful cellular and systemic anti-inflammatory.) fill the mixture with water till the water touches just above the top of the ingredients and slowly ramp up speed to puree the mix. I took great pains to research the ratios and types of phytonutrients present in the ingredients herein so that this particular mix will synergistically induce and support a great deal of "nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2" or Nrf2 gene production (and balancing factors) that by promoting production of the cells own very efficient anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory biomolecules, this may fully eliminate damaging oxidants (known as free radicals) on a cellular basis and may completely eliminate inflammation at the tissue level through the systemic level as well. Drink 20+ oz. of this green drink twice per day and include adequate exercise, sunshine, a good healthy vege-oriented diet, consistent healing spiritual attendance, and perhaps certain nootropic additives (although nootropic use is considered experimental only and probably best avoided until well proven and understood), a regimen of (proven and accepted) -cognitive exercises along with application of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) –electrodes are attached at designated surface areas of the head (EEG 10/20 standard map points) and then a very tiny current (between ½ milliamp on up to but not more than 2 milliamps at around 9 volts given for a period of time usually not exceeding 30 min at the Anode electrode (often felt as a slight vibration or itching) at the dorsal-lateral-pre-frontal cortex (dlpfc) area coupled with transcranial pulsed current stimulation at 40Hz may (ANY or ALL OF THIS UNDER A DOCTOR'S CARE) enable one to vastly reduce intake of adderall, and will perhaps in time negate its use entirely. (PLEASE NOTE: tDCS and tPCS is EXPERIMENTAL and although no harm has been noted using professional equipment with unified treatment protocols and a dose of common sense, tDCS, and tPCS is still in early research stages and as such has not proven itself by FDA standards YET)

PLEASE NOTE: if one is interested in using tDCS, I EMPHATICALLY recommend first that you only do it if allowable and under strict supervision of your healthcare provider along with compliance as to your healthcare provider’s requirements thereof, and second –that you first engage in a comprehensive ACADEMIC study of tDCS until you fully understand the proper protocols, measurements, and consequences therein BEFORE actively using tDCS or any of its recognized iterations.

The healthy lifestyles approach described above along with the green drink recipe provided along with elimination of unhealthy lifestyle choices (prolonged or even moderate sedentary indoor “activities” all processed foods with artificial or chemical preservatives, taste, texture, and color enhancers, basically manufactured foods; items like ramen noodles and twinkies, starchy high saturated fatty foods, is a type of approach that may be extremely beneficial towards eliminating MANY diseases and their co-morbidities may be avoidable by well informed and supported healthy lifestyle choices choices.

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Hey "I AM", enjoying being a troll? Notice everyone here ignoring your comment? Buzz off lol.

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It would appear that you are referring to a personal experience, when you say that you know what you are talking about. A personal experience in no way ensures that you know what you are talking about. In fact, no truly knowledgeable person would make the assertions you are making. I suggest you obtain actual statistics and facts before doling out pseudo-advice.

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If you are not smart, that is how God made you. Really! People with ADD are VERY smart. Your statement, I find, is erroneous and rediculous.

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So true. People are all different. From foods we crave to meds that cause allergic reaction. Some people can die from a bee sting. With this being said, it runs true on meds. Fillers, salts, coloring it all or just one can make an incredible difference on delivery. The biggest drug dealers are the pharmaceutical companies hands down. The only drug I'm aware of that can't waiver 10-20% active ingredient is insulin. I may be wrong, but I believe this is it. So that means these meds vary greatly.. Then you wonder why so many addicts come out of these self medicating. Pharmaceutical companies need to have more accountability. This is just a thought.

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I agree. Margarita had no idea what it's like living with ADD. Before I got treated, my work suffered greatly because it could not concentrate and pay attention to detail. I'm in the medical field, so charting and implementing details is crucial. I was like Margarita and didn't want treatment because I didn't want to be a "drug addict." Well let me tell you how that worked out for me. I was zoning out as usual and accidentally hit a homeless man on a bike. Luckily he was ok and he took off before I could call the police for an accident report. That was the realization that I truly needed help.So, people shouldn't judge until they live with the everyday struggle ADD brings.

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A thoughtful and considerate response to a misguided statement... intelligently written and backed by research science... Thank you!

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I know what you mean. All I do is sleep on the Generic Adderall XR. It is crap. Something is going on with this medication. I feel sick and tired. Don't feel like doing anything. Brand Name is so expensive. Since Obama screwed our health care system up we are all doomed. Medicaid and Medicare....Since the Govt. pays you get crap. This insurance or no insurance. Thanks Obama. Can't wait until your sorry but is gone!!

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You actually have NO idea at all what you are talking about Margarita. Based on your response, I suspect you're affiliated with Scientology or some other closely-related cult. Your reply is laughable to those of us who actually have knowledge on how drugs work; and no, it is not the same as coke. To my knowledge, no pharmaceutical companies use coke to treat ADD or ADHD.

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@Margarita, There is no need to call her a kido. She said she was an adult and wanted advice, not to be treated like this or talked down to. Just saying!

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Never said they went to pharmacies. Helloooooo. Before shooting out your ego read the post.

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The generic is still effective for me, but the issue seems to be with the time release mechanism. I think there's some formulaic difference. I think the generic doesn't have the same bioavailability with the initial release, resulting in a sharper curve with a later peak.

The Shire formulation has roughly half the dose suspended in the polymer beads with the other half coating the outside, resulting in an early onset and a delayed reaction. The polymer beads don't metabolize quickly in the stomach, as they are resistant to the acidity - thus they metabolize in the intestines, releasing the second half of the dose there.

I think that the generics have more of the active ingredient suspended in the polymer beads, and I also suspect the polymer used is tougher for the gut to metabolize. That's my problem with the generics. Peak level is way later than expected, and being third shift that can really mess with an already delicate sleep schedule.

I have found a decent way to work around this problem is to increase the alkalinity (lower the acidity) of your stomach before dosing. Taking an antacid 20-30 minutes before your dose seems to do the trick and smooths out the curve. It's a bit much, but it's worth it given the price difference.

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I was also prescribed adderrol generic 30 xr. In the beginning it worked well. Over time I have very low to tolerance for anything that bothers me. I lash out at my wife for anything out of the ordinary. I can't drink any alcohol because I turn into a monster with out of control behavior and have almost total recall of the events that take place. My wife is at her breaking point because this helped so much in the beginning. I consider myself a very upbeat person, but I have noticed that I am having more lows then high moments. I am very focused, but it seams now kind of paranoid about thing now that never bothered me before. Fits of rage have also been a result of the salts I am taking. I have a very low apatite and if I don't eat I am very moody. I could go on and on.

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