Neurological Side Effects. One more reason to quit??

[MX717]

It's a paradox, since we use adderall to treat some neurological diseases, but I'm wondering how many neurological disease cases will be correlated with adderall use in the future. Im not a doctor, but I feel like with all the side effects and the potential for abuse,insomnia and a restless mind that diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease will become more common. I watched the TED talk "One more reason to get a good nights rest" by Jeff Iliff, and some great points were made about the amyloid beta proteins plaque found built up in the brains of Alzheimer's patients. They noticed while the brain is at rest when you sleep the cerebral spinal fluid moves in and cleans the brain. Almost acting like a waste management program. So if the brain doesn't have a chance to rest it can't be cleaned properly. This doesn't just go for addy users, but I think most of us know the potential for many restless nights and the ease of just popping a pill in the morning. Check out the TED talk it's great info, and versatile for many other health benefits and a clean mind! Just some food for thought. Id like to hear other opinions also.

[quit-once]

I went stupid before I quit.  Moderate cognitive impairment.  I realized I was losing my mind and that was the ONE thing I could absolutely NOT afford to lose due to addiction.   

You made a very good point, MX717:

 

"They noticed while the brain is at rest when you sleep the cerebral spinal fluid moves in and cleans the brain.  Almost acting like a waste management program"

 

I was lucky to get five hours of sleep on Adderall.  It was simply not enough sleep to keep me from catching the stupids.  I felt like I had early onset Alzheimer's disease at the age of 47.   I no longer take my mind for granted and I am incredibly grateful that it made a full recovery, even if it took a couple of years. 

 

I think I will go check out that TED talk now.

[Adderallics Anonymous]

Thats some scary stuff to think about...

I'm always hopeful no permanent damage has been done

[AlwaysAwesome]

I was having hallucinations and always felt crappy.  Never enough sleep, poor nutrition, and speed are all ingredients for bad health. 

[MX717]

I'm not trying to scare anyone by any means! I thought it would be a good topic to get some feedback on. It's completely necessary to know your tolerance while on it. I know with myself my sleep schedule was interrupted much and since I did abuse it often I had some very vivid sleep. I'd almost jump out of my bed sometimes coming out of a dream. Or when I'd start to fall asleep I'd wake up abruptly. I feel like I started having mild hallucinations. That's what happens if it's taken too much I guess, my fault. I was only on it for 1.5 years to date. Like I said though I'm not a doc, just very interested in the neuro field. There is so much we don't know about the brain and CNS. I think "damage" is only permanent because we don't know enough. There are things like playing an instrument(guitar), learning a new language, video games, exercise, SLEEP, and eating holistic that will greatly improve cognitive function.