Adderall

[Gigi]

Does anyone use adderall xr to help with fatigue ? Does it make you feel weird or give you energy?

[vrystaat]

This drug has helped me enormously. I could not do my daily tasks without it.
I suffer from Sjögren's fog and terrible fatigue. One tablet lasts me 4 hours and relieves both of these.
I suffer from no side-effects. The worst problem is getting a prescription. My current Rheumatologist
yelled at me that under no conditions would she prescribe. There is a lot of fear expressed by MD's of the Federal Drug Laws.
The reaction upon asking for Provigil is similar. Finally, my Neurologist agreed.
The two drugs differ somewhat. Provigil lasts up to 6 hours or more, & can interfere with one's sleep. I therefore prefer Adderrall.
Good luck.

[Gigi]

Do you use the extended release?

[vrystaat]

I do not use the extended release. I prefer titrating my response by taking an initial half a tablet at 8-9 am, and the other half at 11 am to 12.30 pm.
This way, I'm in control. My response to this medication varies from not working to a day full of energy and happiness.

[Sharon]

Since Adderall is categorized as a "stimulant" any idea if it might stimulate our autoimmune systems?

[irish]

This drug stimulates the nervous system or brain making one more alert and wakeful. I would think that if it affected the autoimmune diseases there would be a big red flag by now. There are a lot of people taking this drug, many of them have autoimmune disease. I would think people and doctors would be picking up on the increase in symptoms when taking this drug. My opinion. Irish

[Sharon]

Thanks irish.

I did ask my doctor if I could at least try it but she shot me down claiming is was a "dangerous and addictive drug".
I don't understand how it is fine to prescribe it for 6 year olds with ADD, but beyond consideration
for a responsible adult suffering from debilitating autoimmune induced chronic fatigue who just wants to function.

[irish]

There is another drug called Provigil that is used for decreasing fatigue and increasing energy. Of course, it is probably addictive also. You might try going to a different doctor to get one of these meds prescribed. As a last ditch effort a neurologist might be more prone to prescribing these meds. They use Ritalin for their narcolepsy patients and are familiar with all these drugs and don't have hizzy fits....usually. Good luck. Irish

[vrystaat]

Hello Sharon
I'm shocked at your physician, and angry for your sake. She is "old school" and way out of date (like mine).
Our disease has one of its main issues is fatigue. Provigil or Adderall fixes this.
Please find another physician, preferably a Neurologist.
If you have ADD, at any age, Adderall is prescribed. If them, why not us?
I communicated all this to Senior Faculty at a Teaching Hospital, and they had never heard of this!
Ridiculous.

[Sharon]

irish- Thanks for the suggestions. I already tried Provigil a decade ago when I was originally diagnosed with chronic fatigue (nobody figured out I had autoimmune issues back then). I had a bad reaction to the Provigil so that's off the table. I would go back to the specialist who prescribed me the Provigil but there is a year long waiting list for her. Loved the "dizzy fits" comment  .

vrystaat- Thanks for "feeling me" on this one.
I will try to get to a neurologist but I'll have to wait a few months to get in.
"Doctor shopping" is a tremendous effort when you have chronic fatigue.
Glad you're educating others on this topic! 

[irish]

There may well be newer drugs out there that I am not familiar with for increasing energy and treating ADD. Good luck. Irish

P.S. a relative of mine has narcolepsy and took Ritalin for years. This is an addictive drug that increases wakefulness and energy. She good as little of the med as she could but there were circumstances when she would have to take more. She eventually tapered off the drug without any problem and is not an addict. There are a lot of people out there that are able to do this. Good luck with finding a doctor who can help you. Irish