Posted by Hattree on December 11, 2001, at 17:46:13
In reply to Re: Adderal/Dex dosage » Hattree, posted by nightlight on December 11, 2001, at 15:45:28
I've been using stimulants for years on and off for dysthymia and ADD inattentive type. They improve the quality of my life but are also a pain in the butt to manage.
I've taken Dexedrine, Ritalin, Phentermine, Diethylpropion and Modafinil and found that the quality of the feeling they produce is relatively similar, only the intensity and duration vary. I sometimes decide which to take based on what time it is.
So I was surprised when I tried Adderall. My doc prescribed it because the 5mg dex was wearing off too early (building tolerance--I used to go all day on 2.5 mg, but thats me), and I find if I take a second dose in a day I tend to get anxious and strung out.
He said it has a smooth onset, long action, and less crash, and that was my experience, but where other stimulants tend to make me feel cheerful and motivated, Adderall made me feel kind of depressed and lethargic. My mind felt still, though, I can see where it would be good for studying.
Anyway, I don't think Adderall is the pill for me, but I was intrigued by how differently it affected me. Next stop is probably Dex spansules, which I never tried because until recently, the 5mg type was plenty.
5mg Adderall seems like less than 5mg of Dex, as it turns out.
> > How much Adderal is roughly equal to Dexedrine 5mg?
>
> Hattree,
> Don't know exactly. When I started stimulants 6-7 weeks ago, I did some research in books like 'The Pill Book' and sev'l other med guides. I also plugged in *Adderall + dexedrine + maximum + recommended + dosages* on Google.com. Or maybe it was just 'stimulants' + etc, etc. Anyway, seemed like across the board, the conventional maxdaily dosage for ADD/ADHD was always 40mgs for both products. (It is 60 for Ritalin).
>
> For narcolepsy, highest rec'd daily dosage was 60 for both Adderall and dextroamphetamine (dexedrine), altho in at least one place, it was mentioned that occasionally higher doses were needed for controlling symptoms of either disorder (ADD/ADHD or narcolepsy).
> Ergo, my assumption is, that it is likely they are close in equivalence, mg.-wise. And, from my brief experience, it seems that way, as well, altho I find I tolerate the Adderall better than the straight-up immediate release dex.
>
> Long ago, I briefly tried dex 10 mg. (timed-release) spansules, and it seems like it was preferable to either, But, that was 25 yrs. ago, and I don't know how I wd. react to them now.
> The dex. generic 5mgs, I got up to 40 or so mgs a day, recently, but it gave me an itchy rash on the sides of my face, and seemed a little harsh. I am now back to Adderall 30 mgs. twice a day, may break it up into 20mgs. 3x's a day. P-doc is fabulous and really working with me on proper dosages and med combos. I may try the new extended release Adderall or the dex spansule in future in order to assure maximum benefit.
> We have only just begun.
>
> Sorry-LONGwinded reply. May I ask ur DX & are u new to stims?
> If experienced, I'd love to know ur history and what has helped you.
>
> As previously noted, I am just guessing on the equivalence thing. Call a pharmacist or do a search on the web, just for kicks.
>
> Be well~nightlight
poster:Hattree
thread:86219
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011202/msgs/86600.html