How do I ask my doctor for Adderall?
It's essential to get evaluated, either formally or informally, by your doctor if you feel your attention span is not good enough or if you find yourself struggling with simple tasks or a general lack of motivation. If you are yet to be diagnosed with something that could require taking stimulant medication, your odds of asking or convincing a doctor to write you a prescription are unlikely.
Many primary care physicians are comfortable making a preliminary ADHD assessment and prescribing medications, provided that the patient is open to working on psychotherapy sessions with a trained psychologist just in case other issues could explain some of their symptoms besides ADHD. Medications can be helpful, but they are only one part of a treatment plan.
If you haven't been diagnosed already, it may be worthwhile first to gauge whether or not such an evaluation is proper for you before looking into treatment options. This is not always easy because stimulants carry certain physical and psychological risks.
Adderall can have side effects and may not be appropriate for everyone. Your doctor can help you decide if Adderall is right for you and can provide you with more information about how to take it safely.
Few essential things to know about how doctors prescribe Adderall in real life (offline & face to face)
1). Psychiatrists (NOT psychologists) are trained medical doctors who would be able to write you a prescription. Adderall may only be prescribed by a neurologist, psychiatrist, or primary care physician.
2). To determine if you will benefit from taking Adderall, your doctor may ask several questions regarding your symptoms, your health history, and other relevant information like traumatic brain injuries and genetic conditions that could contribute to hyperactivity.
3). In addition to treating ADHD, some doctors may prescribe Adderall as a solution for individuals with conditions such as depression, chronic fatigue, and anxiety disorders.
4). There are varying chances that your doctor will recommend treating other underlying health concerns before concluding to prescribe Adderall on their own accord.
5). A medical doctor might first prescribe you medicines for your underlying condition, like ADHD or depression. The treatment should improve your symptoms.
6). It's common for a doctor to prescribe non-stimulant ADHD drugs or weaker stimulant meds like Ritalin and Vyvanse before going on to prescribe Adderall (psychostimulants). Prescriptions may also be obtained online, even though most doctors are not used to doing so. However, after the covid era, some psychiatrists and mental health professionals have become quite open to telemedicine for Adderall prescriptions. But getting Adderall (and its generic equivalents) prescribed can still be difficult, especially with prescriptions issued by medical professionals who don't know how much one needs them. Most telemedicine services usually rather offer & prefer medications like Atomoxetine, the generic version of non-stimulant ADHD med Strattera; Guanfacine; and Bupropion. Some may also offer natural supplements to manage ADHD symptoms.
7). Doctors typically only prescribe Adderall for a short period. This is because it can be addictive and cause serious side effects if used for too long.
8). A doctor will typically prescribe secondary medications to those diagnosed with ADHD like Ritalin and Vyvanse and then move on to more potent stimulants such as Adderall, if the former don't work.
9). Adderall is a prescription medication in the United States under Schedule II status. This means that Adderall has the potential for abuse and addiction and, as such, should be used under medical supervision with a licensed psychiatrist. Unfortunately, many people who take Adderall recreationally do so without medical care, which could be seen as a problem with their health when they are not using it appropriately. Without taking Adderall legally, little can be done to get help or assistance when one decides to stop using Adderall, even though dependency on the drug is relatively easy to develop if taken regularly without supervision. To avoid serious health issues or pass through an ordeal of withdrawal, it is essential to seek assistance from a doctor or a psychiatrist before simply going cold turkey and risking an adverse reaction (such as stroke). [Source- nida.nih.gov/sites/default/files/drugfacts-prescriptionstimulants.pdf ]
10). Possession of Adderall without a prescription, after a prescription expired or attempting to sell your current prescription can result in severe legal penalties. (Source: www.therecoveryvillage.com/adderall-addiction/what-happens-getting-caught/ ).
11). Society values the wonder drug Adderall, but this often overlooks the many downsides of taking this hyper-stimulant. It will not cure every ailment, and side effects can be frightening: loss of appetite, weight loss, dry mouth, stomach upset/pain, nausea/vomiting, dizziness, headache, diarrhea, fever, or nervousness that can develop while using this drug. In the long term! WebMD tells us that some less serious side effects include trouble sleeping. (Source: www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-63163/adderall-oral/details )
12). Some telemedicine services like BodyLogicMD also consult on and prescribe brain vitamins and memory enhancing supplements .