ADHD / ADD Support Group

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and attention deficit disorder (ADD) are more common than you might think. It is a syndrome that exhibits symptoms such as hyperactivity, forgetfulness, mood shifts, poor impulse control, and distractibility. Join others who suffer from these conditions and share your experiences.

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How Long

mas5707
mas5707
I have been taking Adderall for my ADD for about a year now. I am just about to start my second year in college. I was wondering how long should I plan on taking it. As of right now, I plan on taking it until I graduate college, but what about after? I fear that if I take Adderall for the rest of my life, it will have some negative long term effects. On the other hand, I want to be able to focus when I'm working. I'm planning on becoming involved in law enforcement.
What do you guys think?
deleted_user
deleted_user
My personal oppinon is that if it works, don't stop taking it. I have been taking Strattera for several years and it has had no bad affect on me.

As long as there are no bad affects and is still working for you, I would recomend you still take it.
deleted_user
deleted_user
the truth is that now as an adult you need it to avoid your life being a bad mess. Well even if you hate it or are worried, it is something you are condemned to whether you like it or not. It is like a diabetic is condemned to insulin forever.

You have a serious neuro-biological illness and you cannot ignore it but you should feel unbelievably lucky everyday, that you have it diagnosed at an early age and medication is working for you. don't kid yourself this can be managed but it is not too different that any other dangerous even deadly disease. its just silent and painless at least physically. sorry but no escape on this one unless somebody revolutionizes treatment. but if you wear glasses you will likely have them for life as so many generation people did before the optional laser treatments......good luck
deleted_user
deleted_user
There are different levels of ADD and ADHD. I have had ADHD for decades and only recently found out about it. It explains nearly everything I had difficulty with all my life. I had already wound up working for myself and setting a non-restrictive schedule. Since I've gotten along all these years anyway without meds, I figured why start now. Especially when I read of the side effects. My ADD wife takes adderall occasionally, as she needs it. You could try without the meds at times to see how you do. Adrenaline also works good for treating ADD. So when you are sitting waiting for a call (in law enforcement), the boredom could be miserable. But when chasing a stolen car you will hyperfocus and do better than your fellow officers.