ULPT Request: What to say to specifically get prescribed Adderall?
Posted by Some-Ohio-Rando@reddit | UnethicalLifeProTips | View on Reddit | 24 comments
I definitely do legitimately have ADHD, I wouldn't be lying about that. At a primary care appointment to get a prescription, what can I say that will steer the doctor towards giving me Adderall instead of Vyvanse or Ritalin or whatever? Without just sounding like I'm looking for a party drug.
Dylectreddity@reddit
You tell them about how you used to take Adderall as a kid, stopped bc didn't need, now having same issues. Be direct. But unethical is making up childhood
brainhack3r@reddit
Don't do this. With your doctor to figure out what you should be prescribed
Serious problems with Adderall, and it's a very powerful and addictive drug.
Don't play with fire.
I can go into depth if you want, but getting off of Adderall is a fucking bitch. I had serious problems, and man, I couldn't imagine something harder than heroin.
qnqp@reddit
If you have ADHD why do you want Adderall specifically? Adderall typically isn’t a first of line treatment for ADHD. Go see a physician and get a referral and diagnosis. - source: someone who takes it.
BHKbull@reddit
What? Adderall has been a first line of treatment for ADHD for literal decades, what are you talking about? It’s literally what it is manufactured for. Sure it’s supposed to be used in combination with supportive treatments like CBT but it is/was quite literally the go-to option for 95% of providers. At least it was when I was growing up.
Also FWIW, to answer your question “if you have ADHD why do you want Adderall specifically?”
Gee idk, because it fucking works while nothing else comes close?
shakyband@reddit
Eh how effective it is varies from person to person. It was absolutely horrible for me. Ritalin worked best but stopped being effective and now I’m on vyvance which is decent. I think as newer stuff has come on the market they try to start with non-stimulant options when they can
qnqp@reddit
Also you can’t just request it. A doctor will prescribe you a treatment they see fit. Asking specifically for Adderall makes you seem like a drug seeker.
Raveofthe90s@reddit
There are online quizes take em til you learn the right answers.
SunnyDiesel@reddit
lol any moron can make an “online quiz” but real testing is done by a licensed psychologist.
Raveofthe90s@reddit
LRn 2 red guud
SunnyDiesel@reddit
Wow after lookin at your post history…. Yikes
Positive_Aioli8053@reddit
read up on diagnostic criteria for adhd. dont forget differential diagnosis
Lower_Group_1171@reddit
how do you know you have adhd. have you been diagnosed or did you do some online quiz
Some-Ohio-Rando@reddit (OP)
I have been diagnosed. Also news flash the way you get actually diagnosed is literally by taking a printed out version of the online tests.
Lower_Group_1171@reddit
Lmao no it’s not.
Some-Ohio-Rando@reddit (OP)
And I'm supposed to care what you think of my diagnosis? Buddy, if I wasn't diagnosed I wouldn't be lying about it here. This ain't r/ethicallifetips, so what if I do just want Adderall as a party drug?
Lower_Group_1171@reddit
yup, confirmed, you never got diagnosed 🤣
reb6@reddit
You need to see a psychiatrist that can diagnose you officially and then have them write your prescription. Most PCPs will not prescribe stimulants
Some-Ohio-Rando@reddit (OP)
I think that's state specific. I was able to get Ritalin from a PCP in Ohio
Unknown_Cloud_777@reddit
Also most psychiatrist will not prescribe you Adderall off the bat and will have you try other ADHD medications beforehand
UltimaCaitSith@reddit
I think psychiatrists were recently advised to start on Adderall, thankfully. It might be more risky and addictive, but it's better than having lots of ADHD patients quit treatment altogether because their first meds didn't do anything.
FunOwl2026@reddit
You’re not getting adderall at a primary care appointment. You’ll need a referral to a psychiatrist.
tooooright@reddit
Tell them you think you have ADHD and want an assessment. Explain how you have trouble focusing and meeting deadlines, and procrastinate. It's impacting your ability to perform required tasks for work or school. They will likely give you Ritalin to start with. Try it out and be very mindful of the side effects. For example a lot of people report that their family/friends seem to think they're more irritable, or they just can't sleep when they take it. Report any side effects to your Psych Doc and ask if there's another medication you can try.
Or you can just find a highly rated ADHD Specialist who has 'medication management' on their profile. Look for one with high ratings on Yelp, and be prepared to pay out of pocket.
witchy_echos@reddit
You can say you’ve had it before, but if they say no jus ask what the minimum time to trial other meds is. I have failed… four? ADHD drugs but my current a psych doesn’t feel comfortable prescribing stimulant to bipolar patients. I think I have one more before I can say hey, can we revisit the stimulants since nothings working and I’m barely safe to drive.
Appearing open to other meds can help prevent knee jerk reaction. Sometimes they even work. Two of my meds I had adverse reactions to and two just didn’t work.
adamdoesmusic@reddit
I just went in to the first of what were supposed to be 3 assessments, and acted like myself.
About 15 minutes in, he was pretty much done with me asking (genuinely) about the various trinkets he had on his desk, his shelf, etc.
There was no second or third assessment, I just got a prescription.