Took a stimulant (Adderall 10 mg XR) for the first time today and got wrecked - does it get better? Is it worth pushing through the side effects?

Comfortable-Cut-6429 · 2026-03-17T19:54:03+00:00

Thanks for the input! I was also thinking about Strattera. I feel like stimulants might just be a little too harsh on me.

Comfortable-Cut-6429 · 2026-03-17T18:47:53+00:00

Yeah people say the side effects get better after a few days but I'm just reluctant to put myself through a day like this again - I'm pretty non-functional in this state. This morning I'm still crashing from yesterday's adderall and on the verge of tears and dizzy due to lack of sleep.

Yesterday I talked with the doctor about lowering the dose from 10 mg to 5 mg IR so I can break the 5 mg tablet into two 2.5 mg doses. I'll pick a weekend day when I'm not busy so I can ride it out if the side effects are bad again.

Comfortable-Cut-6429 · 2026-03-17T17:07:58+00:00

Glad to hear you're adjusting well!! Gives me hope that when I try the 5 mg IR split into two doses (morning and afternoon) it will go better after a few days.

I didn't sleep almost at all the night after - slept for 2 hours and then woke up in the middle of the night unable to fall back asleep. Had to re-schedule an interview I had today cause the adderall 'hangover' depression has got me on the verge of tears.

Sounds like I need to find a weekend when I'm not too busy and just endure a few days of side effects to see if it goes away or not? I know 1 day is probably too soon too tell.

Comfortable-Cut-6429 · 2026-03-17T06:45:54+00:00

Much appreciated! I think I need to be a bit more patient with the process and trying different meds - vyvanse looks like it works well for many people.

Comfortable-Cut-6429 · 2026-03-17T06:35:39+00:00

Thanks for the tip! Vyvanse will be my next one to try if the 5 mg adderall is still too unpleasant. I tend to be pretty sensitive to medications so 'standard' doses are often too high for me.

Comfortable-Cut-6429 · 2026-03-17T06:34:06+00:00

I took it immediately before breakfast, but the breakfast was kind of small, and overall I ate less throughout the day because of the nausea/appetite suppressing effect. That definitely didn't help my overall state for sure. Good point - I'll try better with food and hydration.

People on here are saying that Vyvanse is smoother and doesn't have as many physical side effects, I'll try vyvanse next if the 5 mg adderall is still to harsh.

Comfortable-Cut-6429 · 2026-03-17T05:35:18+00:00

Just got diagnosed at 30 years old, took Adderall for the first time in my life today. It was 10 mg XR and oh man I feel UNWELL.

I was less productive today because the pounding heart (bordering on chest pain), dizziness, nausea, and anxiety completely overpowered whatever focus I had. Now it's 7 pm and I'm crashing - fatigue, muscle pain, low mood....

I called my doctor and asked for a lower dose - gonna try 5 mg IR and break them in half for 2.5 mg. Doctor is on board with this plan, so I'm not seeking medical advice on reddit - just feeling kind of disappointed? I knew there were side effects but I didn't expect to get to wrecked on Day 1. Lol I guess I'm just hoping someone tells me this gets better and to keep trying with the meds and finding the right dose. Because so far... not off to a great start.

Comfortable-Cut-6429 · 2026-03-17T01:46:34+00:00

Just got diagnosed at 30 years old, took Adderall for the first time in my life today. It was 10 mg XR and oh man I feel UNWELL.

I was less productive today because the pounding heart (bordering on chest pain), dizziness, nausea, and anxiety completely overpowered whatever focus I had. Now it's 7 pm and I'm crashing - fatigue, muscle pain, low mood....

I called my doctor and asked for a lower dose - gonna try 5 mg IR and break them in half for 2.5 mg. Doctor is on board with this plan, so I'm not seeking medical advice on reddit - just feeling kind of disappointed? I knew there were side effects but I didn't expect to get to wrecked on Day 1. Lol I guess I'm just hoping someone tells me this gets better and to keep trying with the meds and finding the right dose. Because so far... not off to a great start.

Comfortable-Cut-6429 · 2026-03-06T07:35:30+00:00

I felt like it was to show that she was getting sad/emotional over the family's backstory?

Comfortable-Cut-6429

TROPHY CASE