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Interesting article - hopefully there will be other inquires as people realize the potential profit from suing big pharmaceuticals for shady marketing. $57 mil is a big chunk of change

Very well said. I am sometimes shocked that I have the capacity to get things done after only a month quit -- with ADD! I have learned a lot of strategies from the reading list in books that focus on retraining the brain. I don't want to sound like it's easy ... baby steps ... but I also have to say that feeling good about simple things feels good. My brain has been freed from a lot of the drama of addiction which feels strange at times but good overall. Start over today! Make a plan and trash the stash. What helps me lot is reading some of the crazy shit I wrote about being high, coming down, guilt, shame ...and reading them over and over again. And reading this site which always gives me hope.

I would love to do that.

Dam ! Talented chefs IN THE HOUSE!!!

Oh good - there's hope!

I can't cook and I'm jealous of those who can!

Congratulations SomedayDreamer! We're at the same place in the quit cycle and after 4 weeks I'm just (barely) getting back to being a morning person. When I was on ritalin I stayed up LATE -- often times all night -- so you can imagine what that did to my sleep, or lack thereof. I think it takes time for sleep and mood to really stabilize. For now it's a crapshoot. I might even be desperate enough to start doing meditation ...

don't we all !

Hi Debra -- Have you spoken with your doc about addiction concerns? Or better yet, maybe see a different doctor and talk about meds that are non-addictive -- american society of addition medicine (ASAM) has a list of docs with training in addictions that can help you - it's actually a growing sub-specialty of medicine in light of the world we live in. I learned about this @ rehab lol... Getting a physical and blood work also sounds like a good idea. At any rate I know how you feel - can't live with it can't live without it. It's very scary to feel that way and of course you want to isolate, your miserable. I don't mean to imply that meds are the only solution, you just sound so depressed, and not all doctors are clueless about addiction. I feel like if I can quit stimulants (one day at a time) anyone can! I'm really glad you posted. xoxo

There ya go -- you can talk about conquering phobias and fears!

Yes - I am also on prozac (40 mg) - For me prozac and wellbutrin are a good combination because they address neurotransmitters that I believe are imbalanced in me. I've never been on lexapro but I've been on other SSRI's, SNRI's, tri-cyclics and off-label combinations. Prozac and wellbutrin work for me but others didn't... although they all help a little. So they are definitely worth trying because when the right one or combination is found it will be worth it because you will feel normal and it will be subtle - you won't feel like you're on meds. My shrink says that meds do about 30% - the rest I have to do but that 30% can be just the push that's needed to get over the hump.

Sky makes some excellent points IMHO. It can be hard to really see depression as a chemical imbalance but that's exactly what it is. There are a lot of behavioral strategies that people can learn but first the depression has got to be stabilized. I would definitely follow the doctor's advice regarding the antidepressants. I am on 300 mg wellbutrin and for me it's been helpful but sadly, psychiatry is not an exact science -- I guess nothing is -- and it can be frustrating trying different types of antidepressants. Is there a University or teaching hospital you can go to for a second opinion? They are usually pretty progressive. Just stay in close touch with family and friends while you're going through this. You will feel better.

It's funny because today @ GNC I saw these B-vitamin energy strips... I'm definitely laying off the 5-hour energy except for maybe just one in the afternoon. They really make me feel toxic.

your cheerleaders !!! !!! !!! !!!

not for me -- if I take a nap I'll never get to sleep at a decent hour I think these 5-hour energy shots are giving me a stomach ache... Today I had 3 and feel totally ill and depressed.

You go girl !!!!!

Butterflies only have a two-week lifespan...

I do an energy shot -- and flex and release calf muscles...

Thanks - I don't know what it is with my metabolism but trust me, I can't afford to gain anymore. I try to exercise which at this point is just walking around the city... but that's a hell of a lot more than I ever did on amphetamines. Your eating and weight will normalize. Give yourself a month and see where you're at.

I laugh out loud walking down the street - literally - when I think about that comment!

Wow -- your story is similar to mine. I wasn't diagnosed with ADD until several years into my career. I also was a big-time pill counter. I would count them over and over again because as many times as I would count them I would always lose count ... I tried several times to wean but I couldn't do it. I had to reach the point of desperation where I trashed them out of paralyzing fear for my life. It wasn't until I stumbled onto this site that I realized how bad my "habit" had become. I read this site everyday to bust any denial that rears it's ugly head. Since quitting (4 weeks today!) I feel like I have integrity for the first time in a long time and it feels great. Stick around - you're in good company!

This was my experience too -- ritalin-thin, weak and unhealthy. I was more tone when I was heavier! It's now been a month (OMG as I write this I realize I took my last pills right around this time - 8pm - 4 weeks ago) I've gained 5 lbs which quite frankly, I'm surprised I didn't gain more. I must admit I'm getting really fed up with binge eating. Today I made myself lightheaded by eating too much sugar too early in the day... maybe that's the universe's way of saying 'put a muzzle on it.'

I think Michael's would love a mom! Go in there wearing a polka-dot, collared dress - glasses - oh and don't forget the good luck underwears!

me too -- I'm here if you need an extra pair of eyes! Off the top of my head I would just say "children." You have like 4 right? Also play the single mom card, you and your husband are (physically) separated. I know many women who have not worked for 10 years due to child-rearing. Play up your skills - both in the workplace and @ home.

But think about how good you will feel when you wake up tomorrow morning!