|
ADD
i have been prescribed to take 30 mgs Adderall XR (slow release) once a day.
after a while of taking it i discovered that i was becoming lightheaded every time i stood up, seeing stars, blacking out a little bit, having to hold on to something for a few seconds until i felt okay again.
it really worried me so i told my psychiatrist. she said it was probably the medication and that i should just be more careful when i stood up, not to worry about it. even a while after that it was still happening and really freaking me out.
on my own i decided to take 20 mg of regular Adderall (not the slow release) once a day, and the lightheadedness stopped almost immediately.
i haven't noticed any other weird side effects like that.
...did i do the right thing? will my psychiatrist be upset? is there something else i should do?thank you very much..
[ ]
Want to answer more questions in the Health & Fitness category?
Maybe give some free advice about: Mental health?
I am not a doctor, but I am certified to be a pharmacy technician. I don't know everything, but here is what I _can_ tell you...
From a technical standpoint you should only discontinue taking prescription drugs if you experience an allergic reaction. An allergic reaction is typically difined as 'difficulty breathing and/or the swelling of a tongue.' What you experienced was simple a side effect... And side effects can range from mild to severe.
Now... On a personal note... When I was younger, I was sick often and my doctor once tried to prescribe a drug called Bactrim. Nasea and vomitting were side effects, but my my side effects were so severe that I didn't feel that taking the medication was benefitial. I simply called my doctor, explained that I would rather be prescribed another drug, and he prescribed something else.
So, here is my suggestion: tell your psychiatrist that your are uncomfortable with the side effects that you are experiencing and ask about the possibility of a different drug or a lower dosage. It would be unprofessional for your psychiatrist to be upset with you and furthermore, you need to remember that you are the _customer_ and that he/she is providing you with a _service_. Your well-being is this professional's priority and they need to _listen_ TO YOU whenever you express discomfort, especially when you are talking about medication.
I also suggest that you discuss this with your doctor immediately. Drugs like Adderall effect the inhibitors in your brain... And this is why changing your own dosage or discontinuing the medication without the clearance of a doctor could prove to be dangerous. If you're worried, you could even run over to the nearest drug store and ask to speak with a pharmacist. A pharmacist can discuss the drug in detail with you and may even be able to advise you. But whether or not you speak to a pharmacist, still contact your doctor.
]
Hey kittzeb here,
I think you made the right disision on your self, but it could of been very dagerous. there might be some side effects that you don't relize yet, but i would tell you psychiatrist at once and don't be afrid if she's upset or not, cause her attuide and her awnster seemed to be very rude if you went to another doctor i dougt he or she would say that to you they would take you off of it of give you a lower dose.
Whatever happens be strong and tell her why you did also this should be done sooner rather than later. if you start getting ill than tell you doctor that as well.
Hope it goes well also be careful on making those disesions on your own,
Kittzen
]
You might have done the right thing for yourself, but it was WRONG to do so without talking to your doctor.
It is always wrong to change your dossage or medication without speaking to a doctor. It can also be dangerous.
I'm not sure if they will be upset. If I were your doctor I'd just be happy you told me so that I could treat you propperly. You never know all the drug interactions and risks, whereas your doctor should.
Tell you doctor about the change you made and how you feel about it. Ask for thier guidance and opinion.
It's always dangerous to take medication without a proffessional opinion, even if you feeling better.
]
This question was fine up until "on my own i decided to take...". You should NEVER "decide" to take medication on your own. I don't know much about Adderall or Adderall XR, but I do know that modern pharmaceuticals are not to be taken lightly.
Did you do the right thing? For now, it seems like you got lucky, but only time will tell.
Will your psychiatrist be upset? Probably.
Is there something else you should do? Talk to your psychiatrist about switching medication (This time, with her consent). Even if she insists that this is nothing to be worried about, you have a right to any alternatives that might work better for you. If she refuses, you also have the right to switch psychiatrists.
]
More Questions: |