>>12201456I have been on Adderall for 15 years on and off. I took it through middle school and highschool. I stopped for about 5 years while in the Army and while working for about a year after. Started taking it again about 3 years ago when I started college. I have taken 30mg Adderall XR (extended release) since physical maturity in highschool, and I'm 6'5 240lbs.
The first thing I will tell you is that a little bit goes a long way. If you do get a script, they will likely slowly increase your dose over time until you say that the dose is sufficient for your needs. As soon as the euphoria effects are noticeable, even if barely, you have found your dose. Taking more will not make you any more productive or attentive. It will only increase the frequency and intensity of negative side effects such as withdrawal and emotional disturbances.
Second, if your experience is anything like mine, you will experience withdrawal and emotional disturbances. The longer you take them without crashing, the worse these will be. I usually take Saturday and Sunday off of it each week, and Saturday always feels kind of crappy. Your ADHD symptoms will be worse on your crash days than they were before you started taking the stims. Usually I am back to normal by Sunday morning.
Third, I take a drug holiday any time I am not in school. I don't take this stuff during Summer or Winter break unless I have something very important to do (my taxes, job applications, etc). If you do not take occasional crash days or drug holidays, your tolerance will increase over time and the meds will stop working. You will notice fewer benefits and more negative side effects the longer you stay on it without stopping.
Fourth, the only option besides drug holidays and crash days to counteract your increased tolerance is to up your dose. This is the most dangerous aspect of stimulant ADHD medication by far.
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