Has anyone here taken adderall/ritalin?

[TalkingHead]

Does it affect your dream recall? Do you think it hurts your concentration when you're not taking it?

[pj]

Yep - I spent two years on Ritalin. It affected everything, and profoundly so. It's a powerful drug. My ability to concentrate returned to "normal" a few days after going off of the drug. Normal, for me, means I'm easily distracted and have a terrible time concentrating on one thing for very long, except when I'm on a 'hunt' - when time disappears and nothing else but the task at hand exists in the entire universe. Being on Ritalin gave me a glimpse of what a lot of people probably experience as normal - I could easily concentrate on even the most boring tasks, and distractions didn't infuriate or frustrate me. That came at the cost of the incredible intensity I can usually throw at something when it captivates me, however. I found no change in my dreaming or dream recall, though I timed the dosages to have minimum effects at night. I was not lucid dreaming at the time - this was years ago.

[skysaw]

I'm on Concerta, which is a very similar drug. My experience is similar to what PJ describes. Although I am on a fairly small dosage, I have much better overall focus. My dream recall is excellent, and I have frequent lucids. Do keep in mind that these drugs are best taken first thing in the morning, and will probably have worn off by the time you are asleep.

[TalkingHead]

ok.. so do you think this is something that I wouldn't have to worry about getting addicted to if I started taking it regularly?

[DeadDollKitty]

I had adderall once, but nothing so much as to affect my dreaming. Well, come to think of it, I dont think I dreamed that night at all.. strange night that was..

[pj]

ok.. so do you think this is something that I wouldn't have to worry about getting addicted to if I started taking it regularly? If you are under medical care and following the instructions, you shouldn't end up with an addiction. You might get a bit of a headache when you decide to go off of it or feel a bit uncomfortable for a few days, but nothing like trying to shake a true addiction.