3 ms·

Could be totally unrelated, but my brother and I fall on the spectrum and I personally was taking adderall (prescription) at the maximum dose for about a year.

Could be totally unrelated, but my brother and I fall on the spectrum and I personally was taking adderall (prescription) at the maximum dose for about a year. I decided I wanted to stop due to side effects, and quit cold turkey one day with minimal withdrawals (just sleepy). Doctor was very surprised I didn't have dependence although it was an amphetamine. I have a theory on why it could be the case, and based on what I've researched I think it could be due to issues with neurotransmitters.

kolinko 10y ago
I may be wrong but Adderall ajd Ritalin dependence in most cases is because ADHd people just need the drug to function normally. Kind of like diabetics being dependent on insulin.
- CryoLogic 10y ago
  You could be right, and I also have ADD - but I've read that people with autism spectrum disorders usually have abnormal neurotransmitter activity. In particular dopamine, serotonin and GABA. They say that serotonin is the "pleasure" transmitter and dopamine is the "excitement" transmitter. Often autistic people are less receptive to activity in either. As a result of being less receptive to the activity of neurotransmitters, I think it could be argued that addiction is less likely since addiction is caused by increased neurotransmitter activity? Feel free to correct me if you know more on the topic.
kosma 10y ago
Surprisingly, Adderall doesn't have a significant physical addiction potential. I suppose you could get psychologically addicted if you used it recreationally but I've never met anyone who had. The XR (extended release) version is even less addictive because it doesn't give you a "kick".
- soylentcola 10y ago
  I guess it really depends on the person. I've been on Adderall for the past several years (overall positive outcome) and I don't get a kick/buzz from it. Early on it felt akin to morning coffee where it perked me up but as I adjusted to it, that has gone away and I'm glad because I don't want to get attached to any sort of buzz or whatever. But if I go off it for more than a day without any sort of tapering off, I feel like a zombie for quite a while. Last time I was unable to fill a prescription while the pharmacy was behind on supplies, I felt as one might expect after using a drug to adjust neurochemistry for a long time - the symptoms I'd originally been treating multiplied due to having adjusted to the medication. It's hard to describe but it was like being tired, having the worst "brain fog" in history, and the occasional mild tics. Not sure how long it would've taken me to readjust but it's apparently longer than a week. It's made me more aware of the relationship between medication and my natural state and it's one of the main reasons I've never wanted to abuse this drug by taking more than I need for improved function. If I ever decide to go off it for good, I plan to wean off to avoid the barely tolerable but unpleasant symptoms of abrupt withdrawal.

kolinko 10y ago

I may be wrong but Adderall ajd Ritalin dependence in most cases is because ADHd people just need the drug to function normally. Kind of like diabetics being dependent on insulin.

CryoLogic 10y ago
You could be right, and I also have ADD - but I've read that people with autism spectrum disorders usually have abnormal neurotransmitter activity. In particular dopamine, serotonin and GABA. They say that serotonin is the "pleasure" transmitter and dopamine is the "excitement" transmitter. Often autistic people are less receptive to activity in either. As a result of being less receptive to the activity of neurotransmitters, I think it could be argued that addiction is less likely since addiction is caused by increased neurotransmitter activity? Feel free to correct me if you know more on the topic.

kosma 10y ago

Surprisingly, Adderall doesn't have a significant physical addiction potential. I suppose you could get psychologically addicted if you used it recreationally but I've never met anyone who had. The XR (extended release) version is even less addictive because it doesn't give you a "kick".

soylentcola 10y ago
I guess it really depends on the person. I've been on Adderall for the past several years (overall positive outcome) and I don't get a kick/buzz from it. Early on it felt akin to morning coffee where it perked me up but as I adjusted to it, that has gone away and I'm glad because I don't want to get attached to any sort of buzz or whatever. But if I go off it for more than a day without any sort of tapering off, I feel like a zombie for quite a while. Last time I was unable to fill a prescription while the pharmacy was behind on supplies, I felt as one might expect after using a drug to adjust neurochemistry for a long time - the symptoms I'd originally been treating multiplied due to having adjusted to the medication. It's hard to describe but it was like being tired, having the worst "brain fog" in history, and the occasional mild tics. Not sure how long it would've taken me to readjust but it's apparently longer than a week. It's made me more aware of the relationship between medication and my natural state and it's one of the main reasons I've never wanted to abuse this drug by taking more than I need for improved function. If I ever decide to go off it for good, I plan to wean off to avoid the barely tolerable but unpleasant symptoms of abrupt withdrawal.