What are the issues with ADD meds and Lyme? Do they help? I know the side effects but am wondering if they help temporarily or hurt or non issue.
Specifically Adderall.
Thanks MattH
Posted by gambler (Member # 8441) on :
I haven't stopped taking Adderall for the past 9 years, 5 of them in treatment.
I don't know of any issues, other than you don't really nap...
Posted by jmb (Member # 18338) on :
I have been on Adderall for 4 years. Have had Lyme and co for three. There have been times when I took it just to make it through the day, because it gives me focus less and less.
I wonder if Adderall does not perhaps hinder healing though. Amphetamines are known to be related to higher levels of cortisol. Cortisol is a steroid. And steroids are bad for the treatment of Lyme and Co.
I Googled "amphetemines cortisol" and read the first link from nature.com returned. So it seems I formed this opinion based on facts some time back.
To boil it down: If I had not taken Adderall XR while in treatment, I might not have a job to support treatment. But if I had not, then perhaps I would be done with treatment now.
I have been cutting the does down over the last couple months. And while I am not a doctor I would not recommend starting it if you do not NEED to.
The bigger question is do people on ADD meds recover from Lyme?
Posted by MattH (Member # 30846) on :
JMB,
That is why I asked the question. Focus is an issue but more so now.
I will explore other options first.
Thanks MattH
Posted by jmb (Member # 18338) on :
Well it is obvious how much focus I have, and would explain why I started another thread a moment back. Appologies to all.
Posted by Cass A (Member # 11134) on :
Dear Friends,
ADD drugs are amphetamines, sometimes with a tranquilizer added to cut back on the "hyper" feelings produced by the amphetamine.
These drugs have serious, serious long-term consequences, including addiction, heart problems, as well as depression, suicidal thoughts, homicidal rages.
B vitamins can be a good handling for attention problems. Also, chlorella can also assist because it carries toxins out of the body instead of letting them recirculate.