Hey, everyone!
I have been taking Adderall for about a month and since then I have had an increase in seizure activity and suicidal ideations. I was wondering if any of you could tell me if there could be a correlation? I look forward to hearing from you?
Alice
I know you have said that you have discussed your suicidal thoughts with your counselor, however, both the increase seizures and suicidal thoughts are both things that you should bring to the attention of the doctor that prescribes your medication, immediately.
Both of these things can be very dangerous and he (I think I remember you saying your doctor was a him?) should be aware of what is going on with you. I have watched my son deal with suicidal thoughts much too often and know (2nd hand) how very awful they are and how much they can hurt both you and the people that love you (that I know 1st hand). Please contact your doctor and discuss this with him. It may be the medication you are taking, or it could be something different, either way, it is important enough to bring it to his attention.
Let us know how it goes.
Eileen
If your increase in suicidal thoughts began when you started Adderall, I would switch to a different med, even if your doctor pooh-pooh's the relationship. There have been several meds that were on the market for years before "they" (the government, doctors, etc.) starting talking about a link to suicide.
I am allergic to many things. Your reaction could also be due to an allergy to the dye or fillers in the pill, rather than to the med itself. I've had that problem.
I am also in the 5% of the population that needs additional thyroid meds, and in the 10% of the population that has a gene that prevents me from metabolizing Prozac. I've had heated discussions with doctors that just want to presrcibe to the norm, not take into account my genetic differences. I say, don't let your doctor intimidate you or ignore your specific needs! I think it may be prudent to abandon Adderall and try something more suitable for your body.
I don't mean to jump in here but I am curious how you found out you cannot metablize Prozac. I personally have found that I did not do well when I was on it but my doctor thought it was best because it was helping me but I gained about 10 pounds and even after really trying to lose it, I could not. I am convinced it just does not agree with my body. But because my mood was more stablized which I needed at the time, I agreed it was better for me at the time. After I stopped it, effortlessly, I lost over 20 pounds which I could not lose before.
There is a known gene that prevents one from metabolizing both codeine and prozac. When I was in my 20's in the 1970's, I was prescribed codeine for cramps. It didn't work, so I quit taking it and just suffered until Motrin was invented. In the early 1990's, this gene was discovered, which expained why codeine doesn't work for me! I no longer know the link with prozac, if it's chemically similar to codeine or what-I just know to avoid both meds, and tell doctors who try to prescribe codeine for me to find something else.
It's my layman' s opinion that those who kill themselves while on Prozac (and I've known someone who did) are really those who couldn't metabolize it, and it built up in their system, making them crazy, so to speak.
Women complained about weight gain from birth control pills for decades before "they" acknowledged it happens. You could be reacting to the fillers or dye, or something else unique to you. The main thing is to think for yourself, and not allow cookie-cutter doctors to make you sicker. Good luck!
Hi Alice,
While it doesn't specifically come out and say there is a correallation between the Adderall and suicidal tendancies, it does say to call your doctor immediately if any of the following symptoms appear:
"Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur:
You can read the full description here.
Sounds like you might want to see your doctor about a different medication. I hope this helps! Stay in touch and let us know how you are doing!
Vicki M
My doctor warned me when I was put on adderall the following:
If you have bipolar, it can induce mania
It can cause seizures, especially with those who have epilepsy
It can cause suicidal thoughts
It can cause insomnia
It can increase anxiety
---
If you're experiencing increased seizure activity and suicidal thoughts it is imperative you consult your prescribing physician asap.
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Hey Alice,
I was wondering how you are doing.
I have no knowledge or experience with seizure disorders. There is a website that I found through a search I did yesterday for a mother who has an infant who is having seizures that might be helpful to you too. Go to http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/
On the home page, you can enter the word adderall - (be sure to use the correct spelling) - into the search box.
I took a quick peek and the first thing I found was a family member stating that he had read somewhere that adderall lowers the seizure threshold, but I didn't confirm that information with a trusted source. I also saw other comments from a few parents that their children who have seizure disorders are taking or have taken stimulants.
It's an excellent website with an active discussion forum. I encouarge you to learn more about your seizure disorder there. I believe firmly that it's always in our best interest to become an expert in our care.
I'm assuming your psychiatrist is aware of all of your medical conditions and the difficulties that you are currently experiencing. If not, please inform him as soon as possible. Also, be sure to let him and/or your counselor know that you are having suicidal thoughts. Mental health professionals are both comfortable and skilled in talking about these things.
I have some training in suicide prevention, though all my books on suicide prevention and related resources are at my office. More than 10 years ago, I was trained and received a three-year certification to go out into the community and present information on how to respond when someone indicates they are suicidal using a question, persuade, refer method.
I'm not sure if I feel comfortable discussing suicidal thoughts on a public forum other than to say these types of thoughts are not uncommon but should be taken seriously. That said, I am comfortable talking about it one-on-one by phone. I think I've already given you my phone number but I will email it you again. You are welcome to call me anytime Alice.
To answer your question, I once read an article in which a psychologist stated that stimulants can bring to the surface old memories. Beyond that I don't know. Each person's response to medication is individual. I think you and your psychiatrist are in the best position to sort this out. Be sure to let him know.
Sorry to hear this month has been difficult for you. Medication trials can be trying, no pun intended. It's a process. My hope is that you will be able to find medication combinations and dosages that work well for you over time.
Grandma Lise
Thanks for the quick reply. I have already told my counselor about my suicidal ideations and she is working with me on it. However, I would appreciate having someone to talk to outside of therapy. I don't believe you have given me your phone number before. So I look forward to receiving it. Thanks, again!
~Alice
Hey Alice,
Thanks for responding to my email. And, by the way, if you make it over to epilepsy website, let me know what you think.
Grandma Lise