Help re training and meds.

[Sweetasfrank]

It's been a while since i posted here, so i just wanted to give a quick update and get some advice.

Last i posted my stats where 5"7 @ 127lbs with about 11% bf. I was more interested in toning up than bulking and got worried that gaining more pounds = more body fat.

How wrong i was. I took the tips i was given on here with regards to my diet and stuck to it religiously. It all paid off, plus now i've also upped my lifting which has obviously given me more muscle. So i'm not too freaked at the weight gain. Current stats are now 5"7 still @ 132lbs and about 7/8% BF. Quite please with these results

My problem is that now i've been prescribed Adderall by my GP. I hear more bad things than good about this - especially in relation to training/lifting. I'm at a point where i' m really into my gym progress and needless to say i don't want anything to mess this pattern up. It was hard getting the focus till this point and i don't wanna screw it up

I'd really appreciate some advice on this re taking this medication and sustaining my current progress at the gym.

Thanks

 

[sonicwaste]

I've never really had a problem training or lifting while taking adderall. The biggest area where I think it will affect you is your diet. Until your body gets used to it, it will totally kill your appetite.

Needless to say, I stopped taking it a while back.

In my opinion only take it if you really need it. There are other alternatives out there that you could talk about with your doctor.

 

[Sweetasfrank]

That's good to know, thanks

 

[Tami Bellon]

OK, why were you prescribed the med? Have you really been having an issue with ADD, have you ever been on meds for your diagnosis before? I'm asking because physicians over prescribe meds all the time. The pharmaceutical industry likes to try to keep us sick - or think we are.

 

[Sweetasfrank]

OK, why were you prescribed the med? Have you really been having an issue with ADD, have you ever been on meds for your diagnosis before? I'm asking because physicians over prescribe meds all the time. The pharmaceutical industry likes to try to keep us sick - or think we are.

Completely agree with that^^

I was only very recently prescribed them (last week). Never had any meds before. I've never really been one to visit the clinic as i never get sick. When i do go , it's just to get prescriptions for allergies. But i took a visit last week as i felt i was losing control a little...i only noticed this as some of my nearest and dearests pointed it out to me so i thought i'd humor them..didn't actually think i'd come out with a diagnosis. I know i've always found it difficult to focus and get irritable easily but i just put it down to time of the month or stress

 

[slat1]

If anything it should help you focus.
Anything a DR talks to me about I do extensive Google searches on too. You find all sorts of stuff.

 

[Sweetasfrank]

If anything it should help you focus.
Anything a DR talks to me about I do extensive Google searches on too. You find all sorts of stuff.

Yeh i did..and i still am. I found some info on people who take it but didn't really like the addictive traits or long term usage...the majority of the good stuff i read was from students taking it to study or to use as an amphetamine...the rest are from parents talking about their kids on it....so stats are a bit all over the place and confusing so to speak

 

[sonicwaste]

I personally found adderall best for occasional use. Like when I was on the road with my band and had to drive 4-5 hours after a show to make it to the next city on time. Or if I needed to pull 22 hour days in the studio. It will keep you awake and focused like nothing else I have ever experienced. And you do feel like you are on drugs, it makes me talk my head off. And makes me want to chain smoke cigarettes.

Needles to say, for the reasons I spoke about above I chose not to use adderall any more. It's not a good drug for some people.

Although I do have a friend that is an absolute spaz when he doesn't take his adderall, it's absolutely insane. He get's figety, you can't understand him, and he goes to another planet. He absolutely needs it to live a normal life. And he's tried other meds and always has to come back to it.

It's a drug neccessary for some, not neccessary for those on the borderline... as it has some pretty potent negative side effects. I'd most definitely talk to your doctor about other options unless you feel you absolutely need it.

 

[Tami Bellon]

I saw a writing tablet today that said "sweet but psycho....so it balances out!" lol

I almost got it because sometimes I feel like I'm losing my mind!!! I've always had a problem focusing, my mind will go in a different direction in an instant (drives my husband nuts!) and I am always doing 5 things at once. It's hard to focus at times and sometimes I feel overwhelmed and just want to dig someones eyeballs out with a mellon baller!

All this being said.......I've never found that I wanted to be on meds, although I would be a classic case of ADD. I can fall asleep in the blink of an eye an hour after taking ANY stimulant. I've found that I keep my sanity by making lists and sticking to them....although I don't usually make lists.... lol

Just thought I would share......maybe, if the Albuterol isn't what you want, you can try something homeopathic. You have many options!

 

[Tatyana]

Completely agree with that^^

I was only very recently prescribed them (last week). Never had any meds before. I've never really been one to visit the clinic as i never get sick. When i do go , it's just to get prescriptions for allergies. But i took a visit last week as i felt i was losing control a little...i only noticed this as some of my nearest and dearests pointed it out to me so i thought i'd humor them..didn't actually think i'd come out with a diagnosis. I know i've always found it difficult to focus and get irritable easily but i just put it down to time of the month or stress

How are you measuring your bodyfat?

Women's bodyfat is not in the same ranges as men's, and I do often wonder if men use the ranges they know for men and apply them to women with a visual estimate.

If your bodyfat is consistently that low (and 7-14% is seriously low for a woman), then your symptoms may be more related to your own body's physiology trying to survive at this level.

There is a reason that BBers have on and off season.

If you are maintaining this low a bodyfat, then your diet may also be related.

Supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids has a profound effect on quite a few psychological states, I have a few papers related to the biochemistry of mood and emotion.

 

[Sweetasfrank]

How are you measuring your bodyfat?

Women's bodyfat is not in the same ranges as men's, and I do often wonder if men use the ranges they know for men and apply them to women with a visual estimate.

If your bodyfat is consistently that low (and 7-14% is seriously low for a woman), then your symptoms may be more related to your own body's physiology trying to survive at this level.

There is a reason that BBers have on and off season.

If you are maintaining this low a bodyfat, then your diet may also be related.

Supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids has a profound effect on quite a few psychological states, I have a few papers related to the biochemistry of mood and emotion.

Hey thanks for insight,

I've always been pretty small my whole life, and it runs through my family. Maybe i have measured it wrong i'm not sure? I use calipers and tape to check, but it's not something i've checked regularly. twice altogether since i started training really. There is a chance it may be wrong as i do it myself..so may be i should get that re checked. What method do you suggest?

Also if it helps i used to swim competitively up until i was 21, so might explain my size? Dunno.. Now i just swim for fitness/fun religiously

 

[Sweetasfrank]

I saw a writing tablet today that said "sweet but psycho....so it balances out!" lol

I almost got it because sometimes I feel like I'm losing my mind!!! I've always had a problem focusing, my mind will go in a different direction in an instant (drives my husband nuts!) and I am always doing 5 things at once. It's hard to focus at times and sometimes I feel overwhelmed and just want to dig someones eyeballs out with a mellon baller!

All this being said.......I've never found that I wanted to be on meds, although I would be a classic case of ADD. I can fall asleep in the blink of an eye an hour after taking ANY stimulant. I've found that I keep my sanity by making lists and sticking to them....although I don't usually make lists.... lol

Just thought I would share......maybe, if the Albuterol isn't what you want, you can try something homeopathic. You have many options!

Lol it's Adderall,
I can really relate to what you're saying..i'm still fishing around for alternatives but they all seem to do the same thing. So i've booked an appointment back with my GP for advice and more options..maybe even herbal alternatives? If there's any
Thanks

 

[Tami Bellon]

Lol it's Adderall,
I can really relate to what you're saying..i'm still fishing around for alternatives but they all seem to do the same thing. So i've booked an appointment back with my GP for advice and more options..maybe even herbal alternatives? If there's any
Thanks

ugh....I knew it was one of those A words! lol Albuterol is for asthma!!! lol

 

[Tami Bellon]

Lol it's Adderall,
I can really relate to what you're saying..i'm still fishing around for alternatives but they all seem to do the same thing. So i've booked an appointment back with my GP for advice and more options..maybe even herbal alternatives? If there's any
Thanks

Also, I didn't realize you are in the UK. You have a MUCH BETTER health care system than we do. You can ask the doc about homeopathic remedies and he/she should be able to help (and will be willing to). Here....we need to go to a homeopath or a Docor of Osteopathy to get anywhere. Our MD's lack interest in anything other than scientific remedy.

 

[Sweetasfrank]

Also, I didn't realize you are in the UK. You have a MUCH BETTER health care system than we do. You can ask the doc about homeopathic remedies and he/she should be able to help (and will be willing to). Here....we need to go to a homeopath or a Docor of Osteopathy to get anywhere. Our MD's lack interest in anything other than scientific remedy.

Really? See we get free healthcare here so i'm generally under the impression they don't actually care so much...If i went private however (which i intend to soon) then you're more likely to get a doctor or Gp who's willing to help and explore all angles..because you'll be paying through your nose per session!

But i have to say i was quite impressed with how my session went, it was very thorough. I think maybe because my last visit was over two years ago so they didn't see me as someone just out to get a fix

 

[Tami Bellon]

Really? See we get free healthcare here so i'm generally under the impression they don't actually care so much...If i went private however (which i intend to soon) then you're more likely to get a doctor or Gp who's willing to help and explore all angles..because you'll be paying through your nose per session!

But i have to say i was quite impressed with how my session went, it was very thorough. I think maybe because my last visit was over two years ago so they didn't see me as someone just out to get a fix

Doctors are pill pushers here. They would rather "slap a band-aid on it" and get you out so they can do the same with the next patient. It's pathetic!

 

[Piernes]

Doctors in the UK IMO are awful.
You so much as get a little annoyed or upset and they freely hand out SSRI's when all you really want is the cause of your illness investigated and resolved not just covering up the symptoms and making you 'feel' better ie the SSRI's...


Sorry rant over!!!!!!

It's taken me 10 years to find a good doctor (only found 2 weeks ago!) needless to say it was not in the UK.

I sometimes think with some GP's you might aswell go to a Vet if it's regarding anything more than a common cold.

 

[Sweetasfrank]

Doctors in the UK IMO are awful.
You so much as get a little annoyed or upset and they freely hand out SSRI's when all you really want is the cause of your illness investigated and resolved not just covering up the symptoms and making you 'feel' better ie the SSRI's...


Sorry rant over!!!!!!

It's taken me 10 years to find a good doctor (only found 2 weeks ago!) needless to say it was not in the UK.

I sometimes think with some GP's you might aswell go to a Vet if it's regarding anything more than a common cold.

LOL - i hear you. It's sucks doesn't it. I'll be going private soon...it'll cost loads but for my health it'd be worth it

 

[Tatyana]

Doctors are like mechanics and builders, a bad one puts your off all of them, but a good one is worth their weight in gold and will change your mind.

What are you taking Adderall for?

I meant to look it up today in the BNF.

 

[Tatyana]

Hey thanks for insight,

I've always been pretty small my whole life, and it runs through my family. Maybe i have measured it wrong i'm not sure? I use calipers and tape to check, but it's not something i've checked regularly. twice altogether since i started training really. There is a chance it may be wrong as i do it myself..so may be i should get that re checked. What method do you suggest?

Also if it helps i used to swim competitively up until i was 21, so might explain my size? Dunno.. Now i just swim for fitness/fun religiously

Are you using an accumeasure one site measurement?

That is quite good, however, there are charts for men and women and the amount you pinch gives a very different bodyfat for both sexes.

 

[Thandie]

How are you measuring your bodyfat?

Women's bodyfat is not in the same ranges as men's, and I do often wonder if men use the ranges they know for men and apply them to women with a visual estimate.

If your bodyfat is consistently that low (and 7-14% is seriously low for a woman), then your symptoms may be more related to your own body's physiology trying to survive at this level.

There is a reason that BBers have on and off season.

If you are maintaining this low a bodyfat, then your diet may also be related.

Supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids has a profound effect on quite a few psychological states, I have a few papers related to the biochemistry of mood and emotion.

^^ I agree! Specially with fish oil. It's certainly healthier..

 

[Tatyana]

Adderall is normally prescribed for ADD or ADHD, i take focalin(amphetamine salt derivative) and like it alot, it's a more bioavailable stereo isomer of ritalin making it 3-4x stronger


to the OP, are you using regular adderall or an extended release version?

I must admit I don't know a lot about ADD or ADHD, my neighbour is an educational psychologist, so I will ask her about what they do with children.

This is what I am confused about, Adderall is not one of the listed drugs for use in the UK, it isn't in the BNF, so it doesn't matter if you are with the NHS or go private (even though most consultants work both), it can't be prescribed.

Ritalin and Dexedrine are prescribed, and Dexedrine is not adderall as far as I am aware.

 

[Sweetasfrank]

Are you using an accumeasure one site measurement?

That is quite good, however, there are charts for men and women and the amount you pinch gives a very different bodyfat for both sexes.

No i used one quite similar branded by Bodytrends, then i just used an online chart to calculate results.

posted by Phate1 Adderall is normally prescribed for ADD or ADHD, i take focalin(amphetamine salt derivative) and like it alot, it's a more bioavailable stereo isomer of ritalin making it 3-4x stronger

to the OP, are you using regular adderall or an extended release version?

I was told to take 25mg XR a day, but i haven't started it yet as i booked another appointment for this week to discuss other options and stuff i've researched - mainly concerns, as i mentioned earlier i don't know of anyone that has taken that. If after that this is still recommended then i'll go ahead - who am i to argue

posted by Tatyana

I must admit I don't know a lot about ADD or ADHD, my neighbour is an educational psychologist, so I will ask her about what they do with children.

This is what I am confused about, Adderall is not one of the listed drugs for use in the UK, it isn't in the BNF, so it doesn't matter if you are with the NHS or go private (even though most consultants work both), it can't be prescribed.

Ritalin and Dexedrine are prescribed, and Dexedrine is not adderall as far as I am aware.

Yeh Adderall itself has not been licensed yet in the UK but it is perfectly legal to be prescribed on a patient to patient basis (you just have to pay for it as apparently there's only a couple of pharms that stock it - one in london luckily for me - and it's very much on the pricey side as i came to learn!)

Ritalin i've heard of, as it was an option and was told it was similar to Adderall but side effects weren't too pleasing in comparison... not heard of Dexedrine. I'm gonna look into that

 

[Tami Bellon]

No i used one quite similar branded by Bodytrends, then i just used an online chart to calculate results.



I was told to take 25mg XR a day, but i haven't started it yet as i booked another appointment for this week to discuss other options and stuff i've researched - mainly concerns, as i mentioned earlier i don't know of anyone that has taken that. If after that this is still recommended then i'll go ahead - who am i to argue



Yeh Adderall itself has not been licensed yet in the UK but it is perfectly legal to be prescribed on a patient to patient basis (you just have to pay for it as apparently there's only a couple of pharms that stock it - one in london luckily for me - and it's very much on the pricey side as i came to learn!)

Ritalin i've heard of, as it was an option and was told it was similar to Adderall but side effects weren't too pleasing in comparison... not heard of Dexedrine. I'm gonna look into that

I can tell you this.....the kids here try to get it to take recreational drug. It's a stimulant.

 

[-Ariel-]

^^ I agree! Specially with fish oil. It's certainly healthier..

+1
It's not a dopaminergic or anything... but will keep your overall mood better, due to less toxin's in your hippocampus and hypothalamus.

Here is a study.

Depression and adipose essential
polyunsaturated fatty acids
by
Mamalakis G, Tornaritis M, Kafatos A.
Department of Social and Preventive Medicine,
University of Crete, Iraklion, Crete, Greece
Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 2002 Nov;67(5):311-8

ABSTRACT

The objective of the present study was to investigate the relation between adipose tissue polyunsaturated fatty acids, an index of long-term or habitual fatty acid dietary intake, and depression. The sample consisted of 247 healthy adults (146 males, 101 females) from the island of Crete. The number of subjects with complete data on all variables studied was 139. Subjects were examined at the Preventive Medicine and Nutrition Clinic of the University of Crete. Depression was assessed through the use of the Zung Self-rating Depression Scale. Mildly depressed subjects had significantly reduced (-34.6%) adipose tissue docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) levels than non-depressed subjects. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that depression related negatively to adipose tissue DHA levels. In line with the findings of other studies, the observed negative relation between adipose tissue DHA and depression, in the present study, appears to indicate increasing long-term dietary DHA intakes with decreasing depression. This is the first literature report of a relation between adipose tissue DHA and depression. Depression has been reported to be associated with increased cytokine production, such as IL-1, IL-2, IL-6, INF-gamma and INF-alpha. On the other hand, fish oil and omega-3 fatty acids have been reported to inhibit cytokine synthesis. The observed negative relation between adipose DHA and depression, therefore, may stem from the inhibiting effect of DHA on cytokine synthesis.