@ CannotPassAgain- I wrote out a whole long post and my computer ate it, but here goes again, albeit a slightly shorter version. It goes without saying that I'm not a dr. so keep that in mind. LOL
Your doctor is likely talking about Strattera (Atomoxetine). It is a completely different drug, now mainly used to treat ADD and ADHD, but is not a stimulant. It was originally developed as an antidepressant. Its an inhibitor of sorts (I forgot which kind) and does affect your brain chemistry. This can be an issue when you when you want to discontinue the drug. Just as you have to build up the correct levels, you also have to wean yourself off- and hope that your brain remembers how to do things naturally. (Although adderall abuse can have the same effect).
Adderall, pretty much a pure stimulant, works on the mesolimbic reward pathway, which is why its sort of an “instant results drugs”. Because of the high risk for abuse its rated a class (schedule?) 2 drug. Teenagers (and retarded adults) like to crush them up and snort it- they call it “diet coke”. Anyway, adderall is pretty “in fashion” at the moment and people are trying to get rxs left and right.
I believe, and this is my opinion only, this is one of the main reasons drs are starting to lean more towards Strattera. However patients have had mixed results with it, and quite frankly many are (rightfully) concerned about taking something with a much higher risk of long term effects.
Does this help?
.