Bad impulse control on Adderall

by Dean
(NC)

My wife has ADHD and was prescribed ADDERALL two months ago. At first it lt seemed to help her focus. After three weeks she started to become mentally erratic. I told her to tell the Dr. She said she would. she did not because she liked the energy and weight loss. Yesterday she went food shopping. I got a call a few hours later that she got caught shoplifting in an expensive mall store.now we have a court date. This is totally out of character for her. she finally flushed the pills.

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Jun 15, 2017
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starstarstarstarstar 		other causes of ADHD
by: Anonymous

it might be an infection such as Lyme or an associated tick borne disease.
I have also seen that kids can be suffering from an old childhood injury and they don't even know that they are in pain. When I have treated them Osteopathicly they recover quickly
Apr 12, 2016
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starstarstarstarstar 		I think drugs CAN make you bipolar
by: Help Yourself

Was diagnosed with adult ADHD 10 years ago (a rather late diagnosis, I was in my 30s) and have been taking Adderall XR (switched to Vyvanse) for the past decade. I can't really say if my ADHD behavior is any better, I have lost several jobs in that time, where before the medication I had never lost a job in my life. Sometimes I feel like the medication helps, but other times I think I was mis-diagnosed and am now just a drug addict to make the pharmaceutical companies money. Since being on the drug, I noticed certain OCD-like behaviors, hyperfocusing on things and not able to let go of ideas until I am done with the given task. The doctor put me on Lexapro to fight Adderall side effects of OCPD, and now I experience extreme highs and lows, such as not being able to get out of bed on some days, and feeling really happy and energetic on other days and acting very irresponsibly (when I feel manic I actually believe it's okay to be impulsive and that it won't do any harm, and even if I recognize it might cause trouble later, I feel so good that I can't stop the behavior).

I had some diagnosis of depression when I was in my late teens, but never had a history of mania. So to sum it up, I think these drugs CAN cause people to exhibit symptoms of OCD, ADHD, and bipolar disorder. Who knows how they interact with our brains and each other? The scientists who develop them don't even know why they work, it's all done by trial and error. Not sure if I should wean myself off of all meds, when I tried quitting cold turkey it really messed me up, I was unable to concentrate on anything and couldn't stop eating and even craved alcohol (I have never been more than an occasional drinker). I would say get a second, third and fourth opinion if anything. I hope this helps someone.
Jan 07, 2016
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starstarstarstarstar 		cheating on adderall
by: Anonymous

My husband started on Adderall after being diagnosed with cancer and having trouble focusing. Over the three years he was on the drug his personality changed for the worse. He was mean to his family and cranky. He ignored me sexually. I thought it was depression from the cancer, but told him he needed to let the doctor know about his personality changes (he was hiding the other things he was doing until I caught him by accident). When he was alone he was on porno sites, chatting with women and emailing and texting inappropriate things. He may have cheated in person too. He also abused the drug, drank to excess and stole money from our budget to play on-line video games.This was totally the opposite of the person everyone thought he was. I would avoid this drug at all costs and if a family members needs to be on it you need to monitor everything they do. There was so much betrayal we are divorcing.
Sep 21, 2015
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starstarstarstarstar 		Son now way more impulsive
by: Anonymous

My 10yr-old has had ADHD diagnosis for 5 yrs... was on Focalin for most of that time, but it stopped working. Dr switched him to Adderall last fall, which sorta worked okay (not great). In the last few weeks however, he has become much more impulsive and manic. Dunno if this means he is really bipolar or if med dosage is too high (25mg in morning, 15 mg midday). We don't like his Dr much, but there is a 1-yr waiting list at local children's hospital and child-psych shortages everywhere in the area (Milwaukee).
Mar 05, 2014
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starstarstarstarstar 		Adderall and psychosis
by: Ednurse

My sister took adderall for her ADHD symptoms but had always been bipolar since we were children only never saw a doctor to get diagosed.
The adderall sent her into a psychotic manic episode in which she chased Jesus ran in the streets with no clothes on and lost her jobs, spent thousands of dollars and lost her home. After an official bipolar diagnosis which she denies to acknowledge, but has functioned so very well with - and After a year and a half of recovery an getting her life back (it's now 4 years later), she has convinced her paychiatrist to give her adderall again. Now we are watching her become hyper manic once more and it is only a matter of weeks before we start all over again with mass destruction. My mother will likely not make it through this one, and my dad is falling apart. ive even contacted the drug company after finding that Adderall was at one point banned in many countries for used due to the psychosis it causes. They had less than a bit of interest in hearing me, as im sure you can imagine. Do not take this drug!!!!!!! She is brilliant and it has ruined her and our family and is doing it again.
Sep 07, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		promiscuity
by: Anonymous

my husband was abusing adderall and it sent him into a state of mania... aggressive nasty violent abusive behavior... it also gave him a false sense of confidence in himself... he also had an affair during this time which was completely out of character for him and right in front of my face he did not care.. it ruined our lives
Apr 09, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		Psychosis
by: Tj Chambers

One of the side effects that can happen with stimulant drugs is Psychosis. Interesting that the drug companies have anti-psychosis drugs.

Look up what speed does to people that take it. These are all possibilities to people that take stimulants (speed).
Apr 09, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		Adderall & shoplifting
by: r

I would like to say that I am so sorry for your wife and for you. I am married to a wonderful person that is hanging in there with me... but I am so different. I went to a doctor for help when I became severely depressed due to child birth. From there I sought help and got on some meds that helped with my depression.

The stress was still there to some degree and caused me to get severe headaches. No one new what caused the headaches and they put me on prescription pain killers. It wasn't long before I realized I was addicted to them. I immediately sought help and the psychaitrist that I saw said the depression was brought on by AADD (Adult Attention Defecit Disorder) and that I didn't need the depression meds because I just needed to treat the underlying problem.

So, now I'm on Adderall and have been for almost 2 years now. My depression was gone. I fought and one the battle with the painkillers and I felt like things were getting better. Until... I started having mood swings. I felt like they were justified. But now I realize they are just part of the Adderall. I have been forgetful which caused problems with paying bills, my husband had to take over all of that. And then shopping became and an issue.

I would get frustrated with prices and the time it took to get in there and get out. Next thing I know... it is last week before Easter, and I attempted shoplifting. I AM MORTIFIED! I, of course, got caught... because it's not easy for me to do things wrong. If any of you could know me, you would know I have a "goody two shoes" reputation. I volunteer, I run a business, I am a member of the PTA and I am very community oriented.

And now, I don't know what to do. So I started thinking... why why why??? Why would I? And then it hit me... my mom saying she looked up Adderall online and it can cause manic episodes. And so I searched and I found a lot of things on Adderall and shoplifting, and of course this. So now I know why. And that's great. But now I need to #1.. figure out how to get this from being on my permanent record. and #2.. I want to warn others. This is nothing to be messed with. Good luck to you guys! Hang in there. She will need you.
-r
Apr 09, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		Good and bad
by: Anonymous

It seems there are good and and bad effects from this drug. Many variables. It is up to the individual to be an honest part of their own treatment.
My opinion is that some Doctors are legal drug pushers and that the pharmaceutical company's are the kingpins. Once the FDA puts a stamp of approval on a drug, it is fair game, even for off label uses. In other words, a license to dispense drugs as they see fit.
It should be illegal for a DR. To be rewarded for prescribing medications, but it goes on every day.
Apr 08, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		What should you do
by: TJ Chambers

If you are like me, you want to get your symptoms under control. I spent a lot of time trying to figure it all out. Once I understood what caused my symptoms I was able to help myself.

Just go here and you can start to find answers like I did.

naturaladhdanswers.com/
3-causes-of-adhd/
Apr 06, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		adderall makes me do things
by: Anonymous

i've been on adderall for 5 yrs now. i get these impulsive feelings all the time, like a rush, i shoplift all the time, i spend money like crazy over the internet like $800/day. (my husband has a good job). then when i finally settle down, i think did i spend all that money today? like i don't really know for sure.. sometimes i can't remember things i've done, like it was someone else. my relationship with my husband is awful, i test him all the time, cause fights, violent ones. i won't have sex with him, it's been 2 yrs. i totally hate him. im mean, have no patients, im totally erratic. nobody knows who i am anymore. i won't listend to anybody. when i stop taking adderall i can't get out of bed. i know im addicted or i wouldn't feel so shitty when im of it. i like the energy i get, and it gets me out of bed. im 40 but i act 20.. im kinda in a rut. don't know what to do, i have tried other meds, but adderall beats all hands down. help..
Aug 08, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Mania?
by: TJ Chambers

You bring up a good point. I believe mania and psychosis is the same thing? Psychosis is a side effect of stimulant drugs.

The point I was referring to is that a "side effect" shows itself but you don't realize a side effect of the medication.

So when people go to the doctor and complain about something happening, it isn't always attributed as a side effect of the medication but just another thing wrong with this person.

Aug 08, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		mania
by: Anonymous

I just heard from a very highly recommended psychiatrist that adderall is notorious for causing mania. My daughter has been on it for about 10 years. She is having a manic episode (never had a depressive one) (that is why I am researching it online.

SHe had one five years ago as well. We weren't told about the adderall connection, but heard it twice (once from a researcher) in the last few days. BOth used the word notorious for the connection.
Mar 14, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Bipolar Disorder?
by: Anonymous

Hi, it sounds to me like she might have bipolar disorder versus ADD/ADHD. I know Adderall is an amphetamine, so I don't know if it applies here, BUT... If a bipolar person takes SSRI's, they are never to take it without a mood leveler as well.

There is risk-taking behavior with ADD, I know, but shoplifting and those types of activities (along with little to no need for sleep, sexual promiscuity, grandiose views of self and other symptoms) seem like the impulsivity is more mania than effects from the medicine.

I'm not a doctor, but I've got 30 years of experience in psych meds. My son and I have both taken every combination of drugs out there (for depression, bipolar disorder, Asperger Syndrome and depression between the two of us), but it sounds to me like it's worth taking her to the doctor.

Good luck!
Mar 04, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Bad impulse
by: Anonymous

Her dose was stated low and tamped up. She eats well and takes care of herself. Not everyone reacts to drugs in the same way. As far as Doctors go, it is not what Thayer know that worries me It what they do not know that often kills people.
Mar 04, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Bad impulse
by: Anonymous

Her dose was stated low and tamped up. She eats well and takes care of herself. Not everyone reacts to drugs in the same way. As far as Doctors go, it is not what Thayer know that worries me It what they do not know that often kills people.
Mar 04, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		COMMENT FOR BAD IMPULSE
by: Anonymous

How many Mg is she on. It has helped me but I only take 20 MG a day and vitamins , and I eat well. Sounds to me like she is on to high of a dose or wrong med. I take Adderrall and it calms me down. My sister was taking it and she was on a high dose plus I found out that she was snorting it. She started freaking out and saying weird thinks ,paranoid . She thought everyone was listening to her and antenna were everywhere. But she was on a real high dose and she was'nt ADHD . She ended up in a mental hospital. Because even with such a high dose , she was also not eating or sleeping , like everyone needs. lacking vitamins from not eating lack of sleep and high dose = death. She was lucky , but if your wife is getting high or alot of energy than I don't think that she is ADHD. Kind of sounds like she is addicted.Normal starting dose is 30 , I stay at 20. That is enough for me ,you may want to have a serious talk with her doctor. God Bless.

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