User reviews

This documentary supposedly explores the different sides of taking stimulants like Adderall and Ritalin, except it spends most of its 90 minutes with interviews about how Adderall gives you an edge and an advantage. The negative effects are barely explored, so in the end, it felt practically like an Adderall informercial. It was professionally made though and has some interesting info.

Unfortunately, this documentary is all over the the place. In fact, it's so needlessly hyped up and sensationalized that it almost feels like a commercial for Adderall until a third of the way through. A few years ago all the major television networks and news magazines covered the "Adderall: Everyone's Doing It... And It's Out of Control!" angle that this documentary adopts as its main storyline.

What's left here are some haphazard anecdotes that really don't go very far into the major downsides of using this drug, along with a never ending panel of talking heads that do little more than reinforce the hype and headlines.

This could have been a much more meaningful document of Pharma's lightly policed stimulant free-for-all, and it could've focused on the large scale toll this drug takes on society. Some suggestions (or human examples) of ways to deal with today's lifestyle without the use of these super potent CNS stimulants would've been helpful. Unmasking the corporate army behind the big drug push could've also done some good. Instead, it's more of an alarmist, late to the party, collage of hype and unhelpful (shocking!) opinions.

I'm surprised they didn't lump in cold and asthma medicine.

I'm angry; I think because they said so often that ADHD medicine is "performance enhancing" so often it seemed as if all use is illegitimate! It's an interesting question whether stimulant use in college is a symptom of the American competition problem. Maybe so but it creates a false narrative that 1) Amphetamine is used as often, 2) in the same ways & circumstances, 3) that's it's destructive to the body or mind. Notice you never heard doctors utter any of the inflammatory claims about how Adderall destroys everything it touches. Some people who never had ADHD or were *forced* to take meds as a kid decide they don't want it anymore. It's all anecdotal.

Finally, the docs starts by showing wobbly images, as if you're tripping. That's not an effect of stimulant medication -- just the opposite in fact. Nor do you zoom or sprout wings and think you can fly.

I really wish they'd had less lopsided discussion. Maybe show what it's like to experience the memory problems , constant frustration , and utter debilitating blows to one's self-esteem when you try and work very hard and nothing seems to ever go right. For years. They were obviously trying to shock and dissuade people from taking the medicine. I don't know why.. Either they shut their eyes on the facts or they never had them.

I am a baby-boomer. I thought 'drug problem' meant heroin and the opioid epidemic. This film made me aware of another epidemic which is the use of Adderall, Ritalin, and other amphetamines. And this film provides lots and lots of anecdotal accounts of people using them in college and the business world. It describes the effects, the culture, the access, and the side effects. It gives you a very good perspective from the viewpoint of the person using amphetamines. My criticism is that I don't think it gave enough attention to the dark side: dependency, addiction, and long-term side effects. It almost made it sound attractive. I think that is very dangerous and a bit irresponsible.

'TAKE YOUR PILLS': Three and a Half Stars (Out of Five)

The new documentary about the benefits and costs of prescription stimulants, which are the most commonly used drugs in America today. It was directed by Alison Klayman (who also helmed the 2012 critically acclaimed doc 'AL WEI WEI: NEVER SORRY'), and it was produced by Maria Shriver and Christina Schwarzenegger. The film was released by Netflix through it's streaming site. I found it to be extremely educational, and interesting, although not that moving (like my favorite documentaries are), which is fine.

The filmmakers interview several doctors, patients, and family members of patients, on the usage of Adderall, Ritalin and other prescription stimulants (as well as the history of these drugs). The film takes a pretty fascinating look on both the dangers and benefits of these stimulants, and how they effect the users, and those around them. It also analyzes how acceptable these drugs are, in modern society (by most people), as compared to other equally dangerous drugs. Everyone has their own unique opinion on the subject too.

I found the film to be pretty fascinating, and (like I said) really informative and insightful. There's a lot of information in it too, from a variety of different sources (with extremely varying opinions on the subject). I like how the movie represents all sides of the issue pretty equally too, without really seeming to take one side or another. It's of course not as emotional, or personal, as most of my favorite documentaries are though.

I always was against treating yourself with pills if there was a different approach. In this case some felt there was not. And while there are cases where pills did the trick, there are others where they were not needed. But once you get on that train, it's tough to get off it/them.

The documentary does compare this with the opiod crisis (maybe not the best comparison, but they felt it was necessary to make people listen). We get a lot of people affected and who really think or thought the pills helped them. Some even question if they are different now and if their achievements are their own or just something they cheated their way into. Being an enhanced version of themselves (even though it is not labelled that way officially) ... interesting while flawed documentary

The Pharma industry got a bad name lately and guess what this documentary is about? I'm guessing you guessed right, so let me not ponder on that, let the people in this do the talking. And they have some very valid points and opoid crisis/epidemic or whatever you want to call it, is full on. And whether a US president (current or future) will be able to put a stop to it, will be something we'll have to look out for (don't hold your breath).

There is a lot of money in the business and there is always the financial gain that seems to weigh more than the helping part. Which I think most would agree is a shame. Those not agreeing are probably the ones profiting. Not the best documentary overall that I've seen, but more than decent, especially if you are interested in the topic

This movie shows how healthy people use prescribed medication due to social demands. It does not focus on ADHD disorder and its treatment. Taking that in consideration, the documentary brings an interesting discussion to the table, which is about how the American society encourages its young adults to seek unrealistic high levels of performance.

While the film raises many interesting points, it seems to jump around a lot from those who use it recreationally to excel in their work or studies, to those who have legitimate uses for it. Also, I found it didn't actually do anything to dispel the positive aspects of adderall or discourage those wanting to take it recreationally but it does deter those who want to use it for its actual purpose (ADHD). They just kept seeming to bang on about how great it is to really help you study further and in the wrong hands may encourage more students to try getting hold of the drug.

Overall, interesting aspects within it - such as the history of these drugs - but lacked a coherent structure and bounced all over the place.

And when I say overdue, I mean 1930's overdue. While this film does have its flaws, which I will discuss in the second paragraph, but for the most part I found this to be a very interesting exploration of the history of stimulant medication and how it now over-saturates our society, a society based on success and being the best you can be. The film follows the history of stimulant amphetamine drugs from the 1930's till now and tells the story of both personal usage as well as how our society has conditioned us to need these medications. I found the intertwining stories to be well structured though at some times repetitive. Loved the art style they use to tell the story, and the facts and information about its history and its prevalence today to be very interesting and of the utmost importance to our America culture.

Now one of the flaws of the film are for one it does feel repetitive at times on multiple levels. For one the personal stories all felt the same, person wants to do better in life so they take these drugs to do better, and they do better. I found myself saying, yes I get it, it worked. The first half of the film they continually reiterate the fact that it worked, whether it be an artist, a college student, an athlete, a music producer, a stock broker, or a bay area tech guy. Instead of lumping them all together because the story is the same each time, they spend more time than needed o n each one individually. Another potential issue people might have is they may see the film about promoting ADHD medications as a miracle drug, and advocate its abuse by people who don't need it. While they do discuss the serious long term risk involved, it is massively overshadowed by the film talking about how great it is to abuse medications. But only some will have a problem with that.

Over all, it was a fairly great documentary that is long overdue, I recommend it to documentary fans, and also to people like myself who were diagnosed with ADD or ADHD.

This is a documentary about the ABUSE of stimulants. Not about how stimulants can legitimately help people who need them. The thing I'm upset about, is I do have ADD. I take a generic adderall every day to help me get to a normal productivity level. It doesn't make me high, it doesn't make me feel like a super human. It just helps me feel normal. And this documentary barely even touches that aspect.

Its all about people who dont have ADD, taking adderall and hit. it gives them a "high" or helps them go above and beyond. It really almost seems like a commercial for adderall. It focuses on the people who legit abuse it and struggle with addiction of it. They bring in people who crunch numbers all day, Athletes, coders etc. and it just really leaves a bad taste in Your mouth for a drug that literally helps millions ever day, including me.

I was on the edge of my seat the whole time watching this film! The editing is fast-paced and engaging and the stories personal and interesting. The color is also beautiful. I wasn't expecting to get so much historical information about amphetamines and loved all the back story. Lots to consider afterwards.

This documentary is shameful. Instead of watching this hot garbage fire, Watch "How To ADHD" on YouTube she's amazing insightful and far better at this topic.

Also stop Romanticizing my disorder.

Thank you Netflix for having the courage to say what needs to be said, and for not wimping out toward the end with some kind of maybe-this-drug-is-OK-after-all cop-out.

There are plenty of people in the world who will tell you that your child with ADHD should be medicated. There are very few voices that have the courage to point out that if millions of kids need medication to "succeed" in our education system/society, then maybe it's the system and society that has a problem, not the kids. I appreciated the context and history of how Adderall and Ritalin were developed and how the rates of prescription have grown in recent years. It was also interesting to see the role of social class bias toward prescription methamphetamines, and I would have liked a few more minutes' discussion of this topic, as criminalization of lower social class behaviors is important, and the high socioeconomic status of most of the people in this movie was evident. I would have also liked to have a little more insight into how people with ADHD were treated before high rates of prescription, although that's a little off the topic of the movie.

I watched this with my 13-year-old who was diagnosed with ADHD at age 8 and has never been medicated. This movie came at just the right time as she becomes more self-aware and uses introspection to begin taking control of her own self-management. We learned a lot and it was the basis for several conversations. Super-uplifting movie for a kid who believes, deep down, that there is nothing "wrong" with her and galvanized her determination to forge her own path rather than become a medicated zombie (references to The Matrix were quite apropos). We especially liked and identified with the artist kid who has been on Adderall most of his life, wants to quit, and struggles with anger at his mom for having medicated him for so long. Incidentally, the movie does a nice job of empathizing with the mom and other parents who choose to medicate, rather than demonizing them.

Who should watch this movie? Parents of kids with ADHD, adults with ADHD, teens with ADHD, teens in general. Note: if you have a competitive teen who is driven to succeed, stay one step ahead of them and have them watch this.

My only complaint was that the added graphics, while well done, were too flashy and jittery for my taste; this was a minor aggravation and when I joked to my daughter that they were designed to keep the attention of someone with ADHD, she replied that it worked.

3/17/18. This documentary certainly goes a long way in shedding light on why there is a drug epidemic in the U.S. It tries to be even-handed in presenting the problem of substance abuse as a coping mechanism for people trying to deal with peer pressure to succeed and excel by leveling the playing field through the use of drugs. Not necessarily the best answer to life's problems. One issue that wasn't discussed, and probably should be, is the growing addictiveness of Technology. A growing number of studies are showing that excessive electronic use is affecting mental health and increasing distractions that compromises one's ability to focus. Rather than learning how to overcome Technology addiction, young people are looking to drugs as the answer when all they need to do is learn how to manage their electronics.

It is common in America to take shortcuts (like drugs) for enhancing productivity. It is a simple, painless, and quick method. In reality, these perceived enhancements are just people creating their own reality. School is really boring. Getting A's is really just regurgitating all the lies and unnecessary memorization of facts that your subconscious mind finds repulsive. The placebo effect of taking Adderall and other ADHD drugs is convincing your mind that the drug will permit your rebellious mind to be more obedient. Pro athletes, programmers, and financial traders who believe in the effects of these drugs are really experiencing a self-fulfilling prophesy (creating their own reality.) By believing and subscribing to the notion that one has to compete at a superhuman level to succeed is the collective turning a myth into a reality.

I think this was supposed to be a cautionary documentary about the dangers of legalized amphetamine, but 87 minutes into it and I'm still waiting to hear any negative affects of adderall. I noted Jasper, with minimal medical background, accusing it of "screwing with your liver" and "there was too many enzymes or something". Dr. Farah threw in a sentence about "cardiovascular risks" and "psychotic episodes". Did I miss the other parts in which they explained these risks or offered any case studies or examples?? Huge omission.

Addiction? Not a danger in itself, just could possibly lead to dangers if you need to undertake extreme measures to obtain more. Dehydration and injuries? Possibly, but that can come with any extreme diet or exercise required at the pro level.

Really enjoyed the stories but can someone please explain the real detriments to adderall?

Take Your Pills

The Netflix documentary, Take Your Pills, describes the use and also potential abuse of Adderall. Through interviews with those who were either prescribed the drug, or those that buy it illegally, the viewer gets to see the ugly side of "pep pills".

What's fascinating is learning the full history of Adderall, plus other amphetamines or stimulants used to treat those diagnosed with ADHD. For years, high school and college students would abuse Adderall to keep up with their classes, and maintain energy to work or worse, go drinking with their friends. It's absolutely insane to see how this drug has wormed its way into American culture.

This writer has ADHD, and I take low dose extended release Adderall. It does not give me crazy boosts of energy. It does not interrupt my sleep. It does what it's prescribed for. Instead of being scatterbrained and paralyzed by indecision on an overwhelming amount of tasks, I have the ability to breathe, pick a task, and focus completely on it.

This documentary really needs to be required for anyone with a loved one, or themselves, that might have ADHD. With an overprescribed population, it is very important to know when or when not to be put on medication. It must be used properly, or there can be painful withdrawals or consequences. It's scary. Being on the drug, I just can't understand the explosion of abuse, even after watching the interviews.

The film does a wonderful job of fear mongering and justifying the stigma around people using adderall. It is difficult enough for those suffering from adhd (especially adults) to seek help without feeling like they will be treated as drug seekers. Most of the experiences of the interviewees in this documentary are a poor representation of people prescribed adderall and the documentarian should be ashamed at the misinformation spewed out of this film.

This documentary, while edited well, is a very shoddily written one. Not only is it incredibly repetitive, with the interviewed individuals all saying some iteration of "I don't have ADHD but wanted to perform better so I abused a substance and voila, I became amazing," but it also does its best to downplay the significance and necessity of the drug it fails to demonize. Very few times in the documentary do they acknowledge that they're talking about substance abuse, not the evils of a perfectly helpful medicine, and they keep describing it as some miracle drug that makes literally every person who takes it ever hyper-productive and jittery instead of a drug that has harmful affects if abused, just like any other medication on the market. Fun fact: people with ADHD have trouble sitting still or paying attention because their frontal lobes aren't as active and may even be physically smaller than people who don't have ADHD. Stimulants help "wake up" their frontal lobes so that they can perform basic tasks like homework, hygiene, driving, and even just taking out the trash sometime in the next six months. A lot of folks with ADHD who don't have access to medication often self-medicate by consuming large amounts of caffeine, a less effective but more accessible stimulant, and when they DO have access to medication, INCLUDING Adderall, they behave and perform like "normal" people, not like people on meth or speed. If this documentary had done more to provide a cautionary tale to those who wish to abuse the drug while also highlighting its usefulness to those who actually need it, it would have been a more rounded and less irrelevant documentary. Unfortunately, it failed to provide, and many MANY people who have ADHD will continue to be stigmatized due to scare tacticians like the folks who put this documentary together.

This well-meaning documentary mixes old, outdated information with some current data using a template of "just say no" filtered through a dozen other perspectives, leaving a muddied view of ADHD treatment of a neuro-developmental disorder. The focus shifts between abuse of medically-indicated pharmaceuticals and street drugs, while stigmatizing ADHD itself. It contains valuable information but woven in with shame and little distinction between ADHD sufferers and thise without ADHD. Ultimately, it just makes a mess of the issue. For valuable information and resources, try YouTube Creator "How to ADHD."