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I can’t seem to ever concentrate. My friend says Adderall helps him concentrate. How do I find out if it’s a good option for me?

132 Answers
Last Updated: 07/06/2023 at 4:34pm
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Top Rated Answers
Anonymous - Expert in ADHD
February 17th, 2016 12:10pm
Adderall and similar drugs should only be prescribed if you need them. Don't try to trick professionals into prescribing you drugs, they are controlled substances for a reason.
Anonymous
February 6th, 2016 2:26am
Why would you want your psychiatrist to prescribe that precise drug to you? If you need it, your psychiatrist will be able to tell without the need of you saying a word.
resourcefulLove83
June 24th, 2016 8:44pm
I think it's very important to tell your psychologist exactly what's going on with you that's driving you to seek medication. If you're already on a medication that isn't working as well as you had hoped, make sure you explain that. Absolutely, mention adderall specifically, especially it has worked for you in the past. However, remember that your psychiatrist has had more experience in this area, and may have an even better medication to suggest based on your specific needs and history.
EmpathSoldier
January 28th, 2018 11:38pm
Speak to a trained psychiatrist and research the pros and cons of taking the drug. Compare the costs with other drugs and then based on a professional diagnosis, work on a therapy and medication plan to help with my long term goal. Also, regularly check in with my psychiatrist about how it is affecting me.
Mikatsu104
June 8th, 2016 8:04pm
You really don't want to be put on a medication to control your body. It could hurt your body and brain.
Anonymous
January 17th, 2016 6:08am
Ask her about your problem and see if she prescribe anything then ask about it to her and see what she say.
MarshmaIIows
January 31st, 2018 4:36am
Adderall is a drug that has many affects on different people. Usually, people with disorders find Adderall, at safe amounts, useful to concentrate. Although it could be a good option, it's definitely needed for you to get a prescription by seeing a psychiatrist, who will be able to issue some tests for you to see whether you need this drug, and slowly test, at suitable amounts, whether it's useful.
NaturalScience
June 24th, 2016 8:56pm
Your psychiatrist should make a recommendation if they feel medication will help you. You should attempt to be honest and forthcoming to medical professionals. Not all problems require medication. If you really feel this is right for you (Adderall), ask your psychiatrist about it! They are there to discuss options with you.
Angie2257
September 6th, 2019 12:37am
From what I’ve heard, Adderall is highly addictive and has terrible withdrawal symptoms. My bf has adhd and the doctor had avoided giving him that specific medication for that reason. I would discuss with your primary care physician or get a referral to see a psychiatrist to see if there are options for you. If you think it might be ADHD, then there are many medication options. If it’s simply an issue of concentration, there are many conditions that could lead to difficulty concentrating, but a professional would know how to diagnoses these the best. I have struggled with this issue a lot I’m the past and have read articles that explain the possible cause of decreased focus in the younger generation. The rise of technology and having the ability to multitask leaves us used to being constantly stimulated. When we force ourselves to focus on just one thing, such as homework or reading a textbook, it becomes a difficult task. For this, I guess the only suggestion is to try to limit electronic use, but that might not be plausible for many. Overall, most people are not qualified to tell you what’s best for you and you should consider a professional for good options.
Isa081
February 17th, 2016 1:02am
you can tell her/him the benefits. do some research and make a list. talk calmly and just let everything out. she/he will listen.
momentbymoment
February 26th, 2016 1:25am
If Adderall would be a legitimate medical help to you, the truth about your life and circumstances will give your doctor the evidence she needs to make a responsible decision. A doctor knows things about Adderall that you don't and lying to her about your circumstances will put your health at great risk. It's also a felony in most states to score Adderall by lying to a doctor.
AndyVmuna
November 1st, 2018 7:04am
Finding out if drugs are a fit for you is a great question for a licensed doctor. Only a doctor can qualify you for major medicine like Adderall. Although there are great results remember there are always side effects as well. Start simple! If you're having concentration problems really study why you are. Are you day dreaming about the project you never finished? Are you imagining yourself somewhere you've never been before? Is there a small movie playing in your head? Ask yourself what is taking you away from reality and them logically look into solving it. For me I think of modifying my car or being a fire fighter. My way to aid my lack of concentration is to satisfy my creative side before I get anything serious done. I HAVE to dedicate at least a couple hours a night doing what I was thinking about. It's kinda like when a song is stuck in your head. You just gotta find the time and sing it.
Anonymous
February 3rd, 2018 10:51pm
Adderall should only be used if a doctor or psychiatrist approves it. It is usually used to treat ADHD. It could be a good option, but what about talking with a professional about it, he/she will sure be more qualified to answer this question
Anonymous
January 13th, 2016 9:30pm
Your doc will prescribe what they feel is a good fit for you. Its trial and error. You arent gonna get the kinds of pills you want. Adderall is addictive too. People misuse it. So let the dr do their job
Georgia
August 27th, 2017 12:33pm
Adderall is a prescribed medication from a Doctor, and should never be taken just for the sake of concentration. However if you're really struggling to concentrate, seeing a Doctor for medication to help you is definitely an option :)
Anonymous
February 14th, 2018 8:25am
Basically off of work my friend tell me what I did was to go to my doctor and discuss what he think is best ask what all the side effects are and based off what he tells me try it
Kayaondra02
July 12th, 2018 5:40am
Go to a doctor. They can refer you to a special place that tests weather or not you have adhd. ( attention deficient hyperactivity disorder)
Anonymous
October 27th, 2018 10:42pm
You need to go to your primary care doctor. Adderall can have some nasty side effects and you may simply be ADD and NOT ADHD. Adderall is only used for ADHD. The best diagnosis can and will only come from seeing a doctor. Are you stressed out? Doing too much at one time? When our brain needs a break it will force itself to take a break. If you are too stressed our bodies will find a way to help de-stress. Sometimes the answer we are looking for is the simplest one. Also if your friend is taking Adderall proscribed, please help this person.
katieee1234
May 3rd, 2019 4:39am
Adderall is a prescription stimulant that’s a combination of two substances: amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. It’s available in an immediate and extended-release formulation, and its primary function is to help people who have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD. It’s also sometimes prescribed to people with narcolepsy. When a person with ADHD takes Adderall, it has somewhat of a calming effect on them, and this is largely because of how it affects the central nervous system and neurotransmitters in the brain. It can help someone with ADHD concentrate and focus more effectively, and it can also help them manage their behaviors. While Adderall is available by prescription, it’s also very commonly abused in the U.S. When someone doesn’t have ADHD, and they take it, the result is different. A person without ADHD who takes Adderall will find that they feel a type of high with it, although the effects can depend on how much is taken. Signs of being high on Adderall can include euphoria, a sense of excitement or energy, self-confidence, and optimism. This all might sound great, but there are many risks of abusing Adderall. There are short-term effects of Adderall use that aren’t desirable and can include nausea, headache, anxiety, and rising heart rate and blood pressure. There’s also the risk of addiction, and when people come down from the Adderall high, they tend to feel sluggish, depressed or unwell. The best answer to your question to know if its a good option for you would simply be to talk to your doctor.
amazingSugar21
January 19th, 2016 12:40am
I'm having a hard time focusing. I can't concentrate. I begin projects, but partway through I think about another task that I want to do and then i'm on to the next thing.
Anonymous
February 2nd, 2018 4:32pm
Seeing a psychiatrist would be incredibly helpful for this, however Adderall might not be the first place to start. You should describe your problem to a psychiatrist and go with recommended treatment.
GoddessofAres
January 27th, 2019 7:23am
Speaking to a doctor or psychiatrist is the first step in finding out if, first, you have ADHD, and second, the best way to treat it. Without a doctors expertise, you can’t be sure if you have ADHD or there’s something else going on. If you don’t have ADHD and you choose to self medicate to treat being distracted, you may cause harm to yourself and in some cases develop addiction problems. If you do have ADHD and decide to self medicate, you are at an increased risk for developing an addiction. Medications work differently for people who have ADHD and people who don’t. The best thing to do is to see a doctor and talk to them about your concerns. They won’t judge you and will work with you to help you.
TheKindlyOne
December 7th, 2018 2:03am
The absolute best way is to talk to a qualified medical professional i.e. a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist. The best way to see one of those is get referred through your family doctor or general practitioner. Unfortunately not all doctors are equally knowledgeable when it comes to ADHD related issues such as difficulty with focusing and have prejudices with prescribing drugs. Make sure to advocate for yourself and if your doctor is not willing to explain why he/she thinks Adderall is or is not right for you, don't hesitate to get a second opinion! But if your doctor has taken the time to properly understand your symptoms, and explain their medical opinion then that is the opinion you should go with and you should never take drugs that are not prescribed for you
Anonymous
August 20th, 2020 12:37am
You should ask your doctor for advice on this one because Adderall is addictive and should only be used if prescribed by a psychiatrist. The effect it has on you if you dont meet the criteria for someone who needs the drug to function can be devastating. It might be another thing for example anxiety or even depression. Dont take your health lightly you might end up doing more harm than good if your not safe when taking medication. Lots of times Adderall is abused by students who want to concentrate more but an actual diagnoses is at least required.
Anonymous
August 9th, 2020 10:28pm
When I struggled to stay on task and concentrated, I felt like I was the only one dealing with this until I reached out to my parents and school counsellor. I found out this is really common and eventually I did go to my doctor who referred me to a specialist, I was afraid however the specialist discussed a number of ways to help me improve my concentration. Adderall affects everyone in different ways and sometimes it's a process of trial and error to find out what option works. To figure out whether you believe it's a good option for you, maybe try going to a support person and expressing your concerns and see where that takes you. Good luck and have a good day!
Anonymous
September 11th, 2020 10:06pm
I would first look into your routines and environment to determine what is causing you distractions. A change in routines and tasks can assist you with focusing. If you are having any health issues such as lack of sleep, headaches, or any discomfort, you should seek medical advice from your doctor. Also take a look at your daily diets. Sometimes certain foods and drinks can cause us to feel a certain way. Just randomly taking medicine that your friends may suggest is not ideal and may not be safe. Keep of a journal of your daily routines and behaviors before you meet with your doctor.
Anonymous
May 8th, 2020 1:55am
Your Primary Care Physician should be able to guide you with a decision about this. He or she can help with arriving at a proper diagnoses that might help you know why you're having difficulty with concentration. They can decide whether or not medication would be helpful and They would then determine if medicine is necessary, or perhaps some type of therapy or exercises that you can do to teach yourself to concentrate better. It's important to enlist the help of a professional who knows you and your medical history before beginning or stopping any medications.
ocelotegg
September 16th, 2020 4:27am
A psychiatrist who's familiar with your symptoms and medical history can help you figure this out! It's not a good idea to self-medicate without being prescribed your Adderall by a psychiatrist, you could end up hurting yourself unintentionally. Your physician can refer you to a psychiatrist if you talk to them about your problems with concentration and say you'd like to see a professional about them.
JediJan
October 1st, 2020 2:38pm
Thank you for your question I think it will serve many people. The specialized advice of a doctor is always better, a professional diagnosis gives you clarity or new routes to get concentration. Your focus curve is something that you can train little by little (increasing time of focus every week). Maybe other people have already given you the recommendation not to take that drug. I think that sometimes we hear an idea and we stay focused on it because the possibility that something helps, but your Wise Mind made you ask to make a healthy decision, great for you :) The route of understanding how the human brain works... I think it will bring you benefits. Daniel Goleman's book "Focus" has very good information for this wonderful purpose that you have.
kindHorse5851
August 21st, 2020 2:51pm
Hi, and I appreciate such a great question. The first step is going to be to contact an expert or two on the topic. Sometimes one expert is just not enough and so you may want to speak with a doctor of medicine and one of psychiatry. Is your inability to pay attention caused by other things that you could solve if you had the time and resources, such as not getting enough sleep, or temporary issues with stress, anxiety, or tough times? Adderall is a prescription chemical and central nervous system stimulant, and while it can help many people, it can also cause harm when not used appropriately or for the right needs. Especially if your brain is young and developing, you don't want to alter the natural maturity of it unless there is a good reason to do so.