kmbsj Posted June 17, 2011 Report Share Posted June 17, 2011 Hi, I am new to the site and am curious what I can expect from the step down method in terms of withdrawals and changes? I'm 25 and have been on Adderall for about 1 year. I started at 10 mg XR, added a 10mg IR after a month and was up to 20mg XR w/ a 10mg IR within 6 months. I read the piece about the step-down method but haven't been able to find anything online that specifically discusses the side effects of the step-down method. I'd really appreciate some first hand knowledge, or a point in the right direction. Thank you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Posted June 19, 2011 Report Share Posted June 19, 2011 Hi kmbsj, In general you can expect derivative side-effects of cold turkey. Because really, what you're doing is several mini-cold turkies. Each step down you take, expect to feel a little more fatigued than you usually are, and a little less *into* the work you're doing. You'll have to force yourself a little to get things done (as in, more raw willpower than you usually need). As you get into the lower steps, it'll get much rougher, especially if you've been letting your work ethic lapse to meet the lower dose. You want to try as hard as you can to build up your willpower to compensate for the lower dose at each step. Otherwise you're going to have to do it all it once when you're on a small or zero dose. That's the general idea. There are several stories on here from people who have tried the step-down method, but I can't think of any specific ones to link you to offhand. Good luck! Let us know how it goes! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kmbsj Posted June 20, 2011 Author Report Share Posted June 20, 2011 Thank you! The most frustrating issues I've been having lately are that my brain seems to have slowed and my personality has seemingly vanished. I get glimpses of it here and there, but my sense of humor and ability to hold conversations have been hit especially hard. Any idea how long it might take to get those back? I'm on 15mg XR right now and my doc wrote a 3 month prescription with 15mg XR per day through three 5mg capsuls. I'm thinking of going to 10mg immediately and trying to get to 5 in 2 weeks or so. I was on a 20mg XR until about a week ago and was having funky chest stuff, so I poored out about 1/4 of each of the remainder of my prescription. Simply put, I am sick of not being able to hold conversations nor having a sense of humor, so I want to get through this ASAP, but I can't afford a significant decline in my work life. I know this question is one that other posts and sections of the site have addressed, so I'm sorry for the overkill. I suppose I just want to find the magic solution that will allow me to be who I was when I wake up tomorrow AM. BTW, thank you for the work you've done with this site, it's good to know I'm not alone. All the best, kmbsj Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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