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Paranoid symptoms from adderall

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jabob

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Joined: 26 Apr 2008
Posts: 3
Paranoid symptoms from adderall
Posted: 04-26-08 21:36pm

I need advice on what to do to help my cousin. She has been taking Adderall by prescription for the better part of 8 years. In the last 5, she has turned into a paranoid shell of the wonderful person she used to be. I am convinced it is because of the Adderall. Here are the problems...

When she started taking it in college (for ADHD) it seemed to help, her grades improved tremendously. But after she graduated, it seems like she has become stuck. This is when the strange behaviors began. She started talking nonstop, veering off into tangents and would talk for HOURS!!!! About 3 years ago, she started had this episode where she barricaded herself in her apartment, removed all the AC vent covers b/c she thought her mother had placed cameras in them, removed all lightbulbs b/c she thought they were hidden microphones and wouldn't let anyone in. Then, she disappeared for 3 days, leaving her dog (whom she loves like a child) alone without food or water, threw her cell phone in the trash and wouldn't tell anyone where she went. She also is convinced that she is going to get raped, so she takes birth control pills (no boyfriend, ever).

She has lost the hearing in her right ear, which I have read is a symptom of Adderall abuse. She sits in her apartment and knits for days because she is taking way too many of her pills. She goes off on religious tangents, quoting huge chunks of the bible and wringing her hands and spouting off that if you aren't saved, you are going to hell.

The worst part is the physical changes...she has developed this wierd way of cocking her head at a strange angle and opening her eyes so wide. She also can't seem to realize that she is out of high school. Everything she talks about happened 10 years ago, nothing about the past 10 years. It's like she has no clue.

She has become obsessed with her "ADHD". It's all she talks about. It's almost like it is her reason for being on this earth. She cannot or will not hold a job - I can't even list the jobs she has had in the past 5 years. After starting a job, she either gets fired for not showing up or quits b/c she thinks people are out to get her.

Her mother is basically turning a blind eye...almost accepting the fact that her daughter has turned into a fruit cake. Is there ANYTHING I CAN DO TO HELP HER???? This has got to stop...but I don't know what I can do. She is 28, but acts like she is 12. Can prolonged ABUSE of Adderall cause these things? I know that she was taking more than her prescribed does for a very long time. She switched drs. about 6 months ago, but I don't think he has changed her meds. HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE??? SURELY HE CAN SEE THAT SHE NEEDS HELP!!!! This is just an overview of her behavior, believe me, there is more.

Please, anyone, tell me what I can do. I am sick over this. It has gone on too long.

Thank you.
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singlemamma

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Posted: 04-26-08 22:03pm

It is my understanding that those with true ADHD rarely get addicted to Adderall.

However in your early 20's other mental issues can come out that manifested themselves as ADHD in earlier years such as bi-polar disease.

My suggestion would be if she is doing things such as removing the vent covers and exhibits extreme paranoia in your presence is to just have her committed for 48 hours and maybe she can get the help she needs.

Have you actually tried speaking to her about all of this?
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jabob

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Joined: 26 Apr 2008
Posts: 3

Posted: 04-27-08 07:26am

Thank you for your reply! I have suspected that the Adderall has unmasked the bi-polar disorder. Yes, several people have tried talking to her, but she will not talk about her medication or her strange behaviors. She either changes the subject or leaves. How do you get an adult committed? Doesn't an involuntary committment require a judges' input/authorization?
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singlemamma

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Posted: 04-27-08 08:50am

Each state I believe will have some laws that are different call a local hospital with a good psyc ward and ask them for sure but you can call 911 when she is exhibting erratic paranoia type behaviors and they will evaluate her at the ER with a psyc consult. From there they can hold her for up to 48 hours (longer if she is deemed to be a threat to herself or others).
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spoils_of_youth

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Joined: 29 Apr 2008
Posts: 3
Stimulants
Posted: 04-29-08 00:26am

She may another mental health diagnosis, but as far as her medication goes: Adderall is a stimulant and acts similarly to methamphetamine in those who abuse it. There are TONS of people in recovery for abusing prescription stimulants such as Adderall, Dexedrine, and Ritalin. They are highly addictive. Many psychiatric medications aren't approved for long-term use (over one year), but most people who take these medications will continue taking them for years and years.

Stimulants in excess cause hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia. It sounds to me like she is taking too much Adderall, and has possibly become dependent on it. She exhibits all the behaviors of someone addicted to methamphetamine or cocaine. While it's hard to commit an adult against their will, it might be helpful to talk to her about it in a non-judgemental way. Perhaps staging an intervention with a specialist would be a good idea.

Either way, I hope she gets the help she needs, and it's good that you are concerned about her. Best wishes!
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jabob

New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 26 Apr 2008
Posts: 3

Posted: 04-29-08 05:51am

Thank you for your response.

I recently found out that one of her doctors switched her to the extended release Adderall. But, then she let it slip (to me) that she was also taking Hydroxycut. I asked her why and she said for energy. That just leads me to believe that she isn't getting the high she used to get, so is "supplementing" the new pills.

Is there any cause for immediate concern regarding mixing the two?

Thank you so much!!!
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anonymous12345

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Joined: 11 May 2008
Posts: 2

Posted: 05-11-08 12:12pm

Schizophrenia?
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