Why do I fall asleep so often when I take my dexedrine for ADD?

Question

I take 20 mg daily, 5 mg 4x daily, every 3.5-4 hours. At least 2-3 times a week, I take it and immediately fall asleep. This morning, I took a dose and went back to bed and slept three more hours. I've only been taking ADD medication for a month. Is my dose too low? too high? It HAS cleared up my "mental fog" quite a bit.

Answer 1

I take Adderall, but sometimes they fill it with the generic, which IS dexedrine.

I also take 5 mg.

Just guessing at why you fall asleep, based on my experience:

1) Maybe it hasn't taken effect yet...I find that it often takes quite a while to enter my system (this is tough when it suddenly kicks on at 10 pm!)
2) Maybe you are reacting to the release/relief, the calmness we feel after taking it. Your brain is not racing any longer, you experience that clarity. That is a liberating feeling, but perhaps you find it relaxing as well, a release of stress. And so you fall asleep.
3) Maybe you NEED the sleep.

Anyway, good luck. People really do need to consult with their doctor in the beginning. I couldn't take ritalin at all, it'd wear off with a bang.

Answer 2

Were you on adderal or ritalin before being prescribed the dexedrine? It is not the first choice for ADD. If you are falling asleep-most likely-as with many people with ADD you are contraindicated-meaning the medication works on you like a sedative. You should see your physician immediately. Obviously the dosage should be changed.

Answer 3

I don't ever. Having the TV on when I'm trying to fall asleep just doesn't work for me.

Answer 4

The dose would be too high. Tell your doctor and they may want to cut it some or even try a new medication. Also tell them it is helping your problem but just created another one.
P.S. I am a Certified Pharmacy Technician

Answer 5

It is because of how you metabolize it. People with ADD have a hypothalamus that is overactive. They take stimulants to REDUCE the activity of the hypothalamus, because they metabolize stimulants backwards. Your dosage is probably too high. Speak to your physician about it.