ADD and Dexamphetamine: Days 1-4

 I’ve been diagnosed with ADD. I started taking Dexamphetamine yesterday as part of a multi-nodal treatment.

I’ll use this diary to casually record my experience with Dex for the first month or so, so I can decide if it’s the right medication for me.

Days 1 and 2: No pills. Decided to do some research before starting medication. I’m curious about how Dexamphetamine affects neurotransmitters in relation to the release of dopamine, and if its use can result in exhaustion of neurotransmitters and consequential mood-swings/depression. My mood is one thing I don’t want to fuck with. Artificial highs are awesome, but not if they compromise the natural high that I’ve felt for the last 2 years.

Day 3: 4 pills. Errands, study, work.

I was a lot more talkative. Possibly more engaged and positive. My jaw clenched a little which caused mild ulcers on my cheeks. Diarrhoea in the evening (after 3rd pill) – almost definitely a result of the pills. I was worried that I wouldn’t get to sleep but it wasn’t a problem. However, I was woken unusually early by the dogs wining outside. I’m usually a deep sleeper (I’ve never been woken by the dogs outside my room in the morning before – not that I can remember, anyway), so I wonder if the Dex affected my sleep.

I felt that my communication skills were better.

Day 4: 3 pills. Study, work, study

Today I felt more productive than usual. I feel that I can get stuff done. I feel that it is my choice whether I do something or not. I feel a greater sense of control over my activities. For example, I got home from work at midnight and studied for an hour, which I have never done before. I feel that I have a greater sense of how to prioritise, as I can put my thoughts into action more easily than before.

At hour 5 after pill #2, I noticed a significant change in my mood from up to very dull and low-energy. This may be more attributed to my lack of sleep the night before than being drained or any kind of ‘come-down’ from the Dex itself. I love my natural energy, and I’m concerned that Dex will interfere with my moods. It crossed my mind to research behavioural practices to control mood and energy. What a skill that would be!

I am getting stuff done more efficiently. For instance, I write back to messages as soon as I get them, I throw my rubbish in the bin and put my plates away straight after use. I put other’s plates away as well, and they’re thankful. It’s nice to be the good guy.

I feel more on top of my shit.

I peed a lot today. I was only at work for 5 hours, drank 1 energy drink and 1/2 bottle of water and went to bathroom 3 times!

Siginificant loss of appetite. I have hardly snacked all day (only about 10 nuts between meals), and had to remind myself to eat every three hours. Definite bonus.

Mood changes. Slight depressive thoughts between pills 2 and 3. Pill 3 did not pick up my energy to the same level as it was before. Maybe I was just tired.

Possibly more relaxed and calm, and yet more energetic. Great mix. 

Possible slight paranoia leading to becoming offended more easily. Thank goodness for open communication.

Because of the dip in my mood after pill 2, I’m concerned about dependence on Dex. However, perhaps if I stop drinking energy drinks it will be a good alternative and a healthy ‘swap’ for me.