Can you be prescribed Adderall or Dexedrine by a doctor if they are aware you have previously used illegal drugs to self-medicate ADD?

  Improve

I am an adult ADD patient who admitted to her her current physician exactly what you are asking. I consider myself lucky my doctor didn't laugh me out of the office. He prescribed a form of amphetamine called Vyvanse that is altered to drastically reduce its abuse potential.
Some doctors who treat adult ADD will work with patients who have a history of illicit or abusive drug use. Some doctors won't. It greatly increases their exposure to liability to prescribe Adderall or Dexedrine or Ritalin in any form to a patient that affirms such a history. So the number of doctors that will work with you if you are honest about your history will be limited. But it is ALWAYS best to be honest about your history. For starters, the fact you have tried to self-medicate with illegal drugs will tell a good doctor about the level of dysfunction caused by your ADD. It is my belief that a good doctor will work with any patient who is willing to be honest and work with him. If your doctor knows your history and prescribes something other than Adderall or Dexedrine WORK WITH HIM. At least give the medication an honest trial. You might find there are other SAFER drugs out there that work for you.

I was on wellbutrin for ADD for many years and for a very long time it was highly effective. It limited my doctor's liability and it had far fewer side effects than amphetamines. So don't be too quick to turn your nose up at a non-addictive medication. Still, if a trial proves whatever medication doesn't work, a good doctor with an established practice should have measures in place for prescribing drugs that are class 2 controlled substances to patients who are higher risk. Be willing to work with your doc. If you screw him/her over by abusing amphetamines you could end up making it impossible for that doc to continue prescribing to other high-risk patients who need the medication.

First answer by Tryn. Last edit by Tryn. Contributor trust: 1 [recommend contributorrecommended]. Question popularity: 25 [recommend question].