Hi,
I am desperately trying to find pertinent information about Adderall, depression, and whether antidepressants can be combined with and/or have been shown to be helpful when paired with Adderall.
Here's the background info:
I was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. My entire life I'd always just thought I was different then every body else; that somehow everyone else could just do things that I was unable to do. At 23, my psychologist inquired as to whether I had ever been tested for ADHD, and whether or not I really knew what ADHD was. I started researching, and remember being blown away at finding out what ADHD really was... it was me. I was astonished that I had exhibited so many of the symptoms for as long as I could remember, and yet had never had any idea that there was a legitimate medical reason, not to mention any idea that my situation, a lifetime of feelings of inadequacy and being different from my peers, was not as unique as I'd believed.
I followed up with an ADHD testing certified psychologist to determine the legitimacy of my suspicion and was diagnosed with ADHD-predominantly inattentive type. Then, at this professional's recommendation I followed up with a psychiatrist, and was placed on Adderall XR. Initially, he placed me on the starting adult dose of 20mg. I was lucky to have found a psychiatrist who worked rigorously with me over the following months to find just the right medication and dosage, and after trying a number or drugs and doses, found that 40mgs of Adderall XR per day provided me optimum results.
The effects of the medication were immediate for me; I felt like I'd suddenly emerged from a haze surrounding my brain's ability to perform. I'd never in my life been able to do the things I could suddenly do, like: study for longer than 30 minutes, concentrate on the task at hand, house work, arrange my thoughts clearly, etc. In many ways, I was jubilated with my increasing confidence and ability to demonstrate my full potential. Overall, being properly diagnosed and treated for the first time seemed to be enhancing the quality of my life and self-worth.
However, its been a little over a year since I was diagnosed and first began taking medication, the last 6 months of which I've consistently on the 40mg dosage of Adderall, and I feel like I'm falling apart. I want to be as honest as possible here, because I'm really in need of guidance/help/knowledge/advice/information. I no longer see the psychiatrist I was working with because I've since moved. He forwarded my prescribing information to my general practitioner who now writes my scrip (I know I need to, and I absolutely will find a psychiatrist asap after the Holiday, obviously that's got to happen if I'm going to resolve anything... but things seem to have come to a head right before the holiday, so finding a psychiatrist is out till next week). I'm hoping someone might have some know something about a few things so I can stop stressing out.
Here's the problem now and the questions:
I feel like the adderall might be causing depression for me. I'm not even certain I am depressed (maybe because I don't want to believe I am), but I feel like I'm purposely isolating myself, like I'm less sociable, I can't concentrate the way I remember being able to concentrate initially, I feel like everyone thinks I'm too uptight and critical (when I don't mean to be), I feel content at being alone even though I know it's not really what I want, I feel like others find me impossible to deal with or relate to... Generally, I feel paranoid that I am collapsing in on myself; unsure if others perceive me this way; and scared as to whether it is the adderall that is allowing these problems to manifest /worsen, or if this is just who I am as a person... and all of this combined, I think, is making me depressed and creating a vicious cycle which worsens my paranoia about all of the above mentioned. I can, and lately have been skipping Adderall on certain days, but the truth is, as a full time student, and with the pride I've found in my academic ability, I hesitant to miss days of my medication. The simple fact is --and this is nothing new, I can't even focus, much less retain what I did hear in a class lecture if I don't take the Adderall; my not taking it isn't much of an option for me.
The last detail, I guess, is that I've had times of feeling anxious about who I am and my self worth since high school... well before I was diagnosed. I'll keep it simple and just say that I grew up in an extremely critical environment (both socially, academically and in my home setting) that constantly reinforced the idea that whatever inadequacies I demonstrated were the result of my personal choices, and thus a personality flaw... I really felt like I'd found the answer in my diagnosis... that the truth was that many of the symptoms I'd become so convinced were just personality flaws (and thus my fault) were just nonexistent when I was on the medication I needed. Prior estimations by others and any fears about not measuring up were shattered... a year ago I felt vindicated. But, now, I'm feeling those insecurities creep back as I wonder whether I am just incapable of being the happy, and mostly content woman I feel like I once was able to be, or if its the drugs causing that.
So, my questions:
1) Has anyone else experienced this? If so, did you find something that made it subside, or did it go away on it's own.... do you still struggle with it?
2) Are there antidepressants that can be combined with Adderall?
3) Are there any combinations of AD and Adderall that actually enhance one another? If so, what were your experiences?
4) Has anyone found ways to manage and thus overcome this where they feel like their lives are back on track and happily moving forward?
Thank you in advance anyone and everyone who has any information they think might be helpful. I'm really feeling hopeless that this might just be, as a person, who I am or something. 
Q: Adderall causing depression? Can Antidepressants help while on Adderall?
Hi Katie-
Like you I was diagnosed with ADHD (combination type) as an adult and immediatley after starting adderall I felt like a new person. No depression no anxiety clear headed and accomplished. After some time I too started feeling depressed and anxious again. I learned through guidences and counseling that you can't just take medications. Has your new Doc suggested Cognative Behavioral Therapy (CBT)? That was the best thing I ever did for my self and my diagnosis. After CBT I did not need my zanax nor anything to help me sleep at night. My anxiety was completely gone and my depression with it. Even after 2 years and 10 wks of therapy I still have days (weeks even) of depression and anxiety but now I know that it is because I hadnt been using the tools I was given in CBT. It is ALOT of personal work and gets really tough (my 1st 2 weeks I almost gave up) but it teaches so much that its worth the fight.
I have been taking adderall for 6 years 40mg a day but I also take prozac, zanax to offset the stimulant in adderall. If I just took adderall I would be bouncing off the walls. I take the other meds at night to go to sleep. I try not to take them in am unless I get so anxious I can't stand it. I have been on medication for 20 years for anxiety and depression but 6 years ago the doctor added the adderall for energy source. Now I can't go without it or I will just lay around and do nothing. I use to feel like I did not need to take drugs for my condition but over the years I have realized that it's necessary for me. I definently have an imbalance somewhere up there and the meds do help. Medication will only help with the symptoms you must deal with life yourself. Negative thoughts can take over and destroy your quality of life. You begin to dwell on the negative all the time and isolate yourself from everyone. I have to literally make myself go outside and do something. It makes me feel ashamed because I could be alot worse off with some major debilatating disease that confines you to a chair. Anxiety and depression can paralyze you if you allow it. This is a problem you have to come to terms with. Over the years I have talked to countless people about this I have read all the research about the subject. It all comes down to your will to survive. If I can help you in anyway feel free to email me and put subject "desperate" so I can pick it out of the spam mail.
Talking to someone who is going through the same thing helps immensly.
kristina
wow, this is all very true...i have been dealing w/the same issues and spend countless hours second guessing if the adderall is helping or hurting. Having to take ambien at night to sleep...and never always end up feeling discontent after adderall high/euphoria wears off. Scrambling for answers myslef..let me know if you find something that helps
Kristina, We are VERY similar! How easily we get calmed or elated by the drugs, but when it's just us, yuch! I do think we're all wired differently. But you are in my same "network"! Let's stay in touch and try the best we can! B
Hi, I also am on Adderall and feel like it may be causing me depression. I used to other meds but then was put on adderall around Jan. Since then, I have noticed that I started to become depressed and was diagnosed for it. I am still struggling with my depression but I am starting to think that the adderall is making me worse. Every time I take adderall my depression becomes more severe. Prior to taking adderall, I was not depressed by I am still not sure if its just becaus eof my life events or if it is a side affect. Either way, I feel exactly like you do and I was always a very outgoing person. I still am outgoing but I have to push myself to go out or be with my friends. I also noticed that when the medication's half-life hits me I suddenly become very tired. I have been searching the web but have not found ay clinical studies on Adderall linking to depression.
im 17 and i used to take Adderall and Stratara when i was younger but i stopped and now im taking Adderall again and im on 10mg extended release
i havent even been taking them for a solid week and i feel horrible
im depressed, lazy, tired, bad anxiety, heart poputations, horrible headaches,and never ever hungry and i dont even feel lik drinking anything.
im always the girl how brightions ppls day and can make everyone laugh but im not lik that anymore
Yes the meds do help me focus and get my work dont but at the same time i feel that it is defeating the purpose because i sleep in class because im so tired and i dont do anything.
There is three solutions to your problem. Cut off the Adderall completely, up the dosage, or begin taking antidepressants... Adderall is an Amphetamine and so your body is addicted to it. If you need this stuff to concentrate like I do I would recommend talking to your Doctor about adding an antidepressant to your daily regimen and upping the dose but hey im not a doctor so this is just an opinion. But you should definitely talk to your doctor about it no matter what you decide.
Sounds to me like your dosage could also be too strong if it's only been 1 week. I'm 48 and did a test trial and the psyciatrist said if you get the headaches anxiety, palpitations the meds are too strong. The doc only wrote me a prescription for 2.5 mg. This seems to work quite good for me but I don't take regularly. When he tested me at like 5mg or 10mg, I got depressed and wanted to cry immediately after trying it. My daughter 17, was put on 20 mg Vyvanse. And this has worked much better for her, sometime she's verycranky at the end of the day when it wears off. She's only been taking for 1 month. You might want to suggest it, it's not yet found in generic form though and can be costly.
Also, my neice has done best on Vyvanse.
Hi- I was researching Adderall and antidepressants online when I came across your post. I felt like I was reading a very eloquent and exact description of what has been happening in my life. I even forwarded the link to my father so he could better understand what it has been like for me.
I'm still at the beginning of my journey with ADHD and Adderall, having only recently been diagnosed and started on medication. I am 26 years old and I go to school and also have a full time career. I am struggling with the side effects of Adderall- the anxiety and the moodiness are definitely present. I've also been growing increasingly concerned about how my personality has been effected. I feel like a social idiot now, to put it lightly. I feel like it's a struggle to interact with people socially, and that is a far cry from how I was before. I've felt like it's put a cap on how upbeat, positive, or even happy and joyous I can feel. When I smile, I feel like it's just a motion instead of a true expression of happiness because I don't really feel it. My thoughts become fixated on things that cause me anxiety and I feel dull and listless, like I'm just going through the motions instead of really experiencing things. it has been really great for me as far as the usual benefits are concerned- school performance, task efficiency, concentration (for the most part), etc. But these negative side effects are starting to take a toll on me.
I don't really have anything to offer you in the way of answers to your questions; I just wanted to share a little bit about my experiences and let you know that reading about yours has offered me a little clarity about what I was feeling, but couldn't really put my finger on. I will get back to you with info from my doctor after I see him next week. My email is kzwicki@gmail.com if you or anyone else who has posted has any info or would like to discuss this further. Thanks!!
Hi, just wanted to mention that our situations are very similar. I concentrate MUCH better on the Adderall, however, go into a slump when not on it. There is a fine line between bipolar/ADHD. I am convinced, given the inadequancies I have always felt (and masked well) and my accomplishments (rn, then bachelors), I have masked things well. I also have had tremendous struggles related to relationships. I feel we build up a tolerance to medications at some point. I had been on Wellbutrin w/Adderal 40 daily. I recently quit the Wellbutrin and started on Prozac. Prozac is not just for depression. It helps with repeated negative thoughts (similar to OCD), feeling need for repetiotion, anxiety and constant worrying. Taking the prozac, coupled with the Adderall has made a difference.
Finally, and most importantly. I listed to a show briefly by Joyce Meyer. She is, YES, an evangelistic lecturer. She quoted many scriptures and also focused was focusing on her irritation over things related to her husband, job, etc. Her bottom line was GET OVER YOURSELF! This really hit me. Yes, we may need medication. Yet, we have a choice how much negativism and how much we want to KEEP PONDERING these things, that we do. Perhaps you need a change in meds. Pray, do it, and then GO ON. Start to concentrate on what you need to do for YOURSELF to improve yourself. Do this with the attitude that the more you improve yourself, the more valuable you will become to others. Ask ALWAYS for God's help. If you don't believe, I urge you to read the book of John. Phil 4:13. You will feel best about yourself when you give (what you have ... not your perfect self) to others.
Yes, I am on meds; yes I am sick of asking questions, seeking MDs and feeling as if "I am the only one going through this" ... in a way I am sick of being my own worst enemy and causing myself to feel so negative. Recognize also, that there are principalities of darkness, and that God did NOT give you a spirit of weakness, but of a strong, sound mind. If you feel inadequate and talk negativism to yourself, WHO do you think is helping to create this within you??? If you believe in God and His word, you MUST believe then, that the enemy, Satan is real and he comes to kill, rob and destroy!
Read your bible, learn the truth and arm yourself appropriately.
I am not saying we do not need medications. But we need to do our part mentally and spiritually as given on the directions of the bottle for the meds and the BIBLE for our intructions on life!!
Good luck my friend. I know you will be find. You have the power of a sound mind and the ability to use it. I pray for you that the Lord is with you and pray against all evil spirits that come against you and your mind at this time and rebuke them in the name of Jesus. Remember, where two or more are gathered and pray, God hears and answers. Satan LOVES to get into our heads, yet hates when we use the precious name of Jesus to rebuke him and his powerful enemies out of our lives. He has no choice but to leave. Pray that with me, continue to see your MD, concentrate on others and only what is good for your life and you will SEE a difference quickly.
I understand, care and pray for you. Bonjo999
That was so uplifting, I am a christian and have been for many years. I happened to stumble across this while researching some information in regards to Addrell. I take Adderall and was looking for some information in regards to is effectivness and longivity. Actually, I personally feel great on my meds after three month and was looking to see how long they work and if there is a time frame they may begin to not work anymore. My 8 year old has also been dignosed with ADD and we both began the meds at the same time. Anyways I usually do not respond to posts, especally ones that were not directed to me however I felt complelled to write you.
I know you wrote this post awhile ago, and hopefully you get this email, but I just wanted to tell you how much that uplifted my spirt and how I wish there were more people out there that were not afraid to speak the truth. I pray that you continue to praise God and live the life you were meant to live and continue to be blessed. I want you to know your words and actions are powerful and that even a person whom has been a christian for many years needs a reminder of the grace and glory of God now and then. Sometimes it is very easy to take is love for granted. I don't know if when you wrote this if you were a new christian or just rediscovering God through Joyce Myers but I pray that you continue to grow and be strengthen. God has great things in mind for your life. I pray that you will continue to spread the word and I pray that you have been able to overcome your depression. Thank You for sharing.
Hi H,
Believe me, I am much more non-encouraging than encouraging. As Christians, let's just really pray for each other. I love you in the Lord, and let's resolve when you read this that we will pray together for our 'release'! Where two or more are gathered .....! I will start praying for you every night (and all others who wrote in .. we can all relate to one another). I am sure that one night we will be both praying and bonded in spirit over this! B
I agree with this statement and have tried using the same philosophy, but the effects the adderall have on your mind can be worse and confusing. Simply praying and believing for it to be better can be helpful but will not always help w/symptoms...I've noticed a much more intense level of prayer and or connection w/God. I believe this to be the feeling of the euphoria caused by adderall, which can lead to some psycosis like symtoms...with the highs of this state being great and the lows obviously being a scary place to be. be careful with this one
Hi KM, I totally agree with you. Sometimes I think I'd be better just to fight the good fight and do it alone - instead of adding the burden of a medication that's suppose to help me for another issue! Sometimes I think I just use it as a crutch, but terrifying to think what it would be like without your meds! I am so used to being majorly "up" from Adderall and then mellow from the xanax ... I feel like Marilyn Monroe! Then I get headaches at times, and I know it's from the stimulant (adderal)! I'm gonna bite the bullet and just stop. B
Bonjo, that reply was PERFECT!! I am so glad to see that someone else is a believer and that satan just wants to keep us as far from God as he can. Have you heard Tommy Nelson's teaching on "If I were the Devil" ? It's great for those who do not believe that there is a spiritual warfare going on, and the battle is to win souls. Even our churches want to candy coat things so as not to "offend" anyone, so they end up tolerating everything. This is NOT what Jesus preached! If a person is really a Christian they will study God's word for EVERYTHING they need to know. In the New Testament, they would find that most often when Jesus healed anyone, they had a demon that had been causing their illness or affliction. Jesus would cast them out and the person would be healed! Period! There is nothing new or different today than then. Either we BELIEVE or we don't! Put on the Armour of God, starting with the sword of truth ie the bible. When we study God's word we become more powerful against the flaming arrows of the devil, including the arrow of depression.
I too am a Christian and disagree. I don't think we should encourage people to stop taking medication that is helping them. God gave us the gift of medicine, physcians and science. You could hurt someone by telling them they should go cold turkey and quit taking medications. Some people have a chemical problem that medication helps. We live in a fallen world where illness andinfirmity exists and God has gifted us with intelliegent people who can help us. To tell someone they have a demon that is causing their problem is inappropriate. We cannot make that judgement. To insinuate that my faith or anyone elses's is lacking because they need medication is not very loving. A person should consult with their doctor and pray and find their own answers and if taking medication helps you, you are not sinning. We each have to search out our own salvation.
hello, this response is to Thank you for your post! You never know when you are going to have an effect on another human being...good or bad. That's why is it so important for us to keep ourselves in a healthy state mind, body, and yes SPIRIT..... You have it all so correct......and I literally prayed this morning about this very topic...met with a psychologist friend of mine last night to speak about depression I am experiencing on adderall in the past few months... (but has been here for way longer...) just alot more noticeable now that's it's been two years on a low dose. I picked up my bible and I did read what you suggested.... I'm a believer and without God on our side I would have no shot. So for whatever reason I have ADD and for whatever reason I have the "blue gene".... I was looking for help on online and came across alll these posts..... I'm not alone....There is a great book I am reading lately... How interesting the Lord works when we Let HIM.... the book called Blue Genes by Dr. Paul Meier Anyone experiencing depression symptoms should read it...they cover ADHD/ADD issues as well....... serotonin levels that get low cause tons of problems!!!! Not only did I get this book in such a peculiar way.... It's like God knows I've had enough at 43 years old and just keeps placing in the information in front of me to get the help I need...... I'm so grateful.... God Bless you !
Thank YOU! Thank you! pk
I have never found something so exact on describing how I feel at the moment. Although it's unfortunate, it's comforting to know you aren't the only person who feels like this.
I currently take 30 mgs of adderall daily.. and have done so for little over a year now. It really does help when it comes to school, but i'm beginning to feel like I can't remember who I am. I have become very moody and it seems I'm more mean than nice anymore. It's a constant battle to keep myself from snapping at people. I see this more so at the end of the day when my medicine wears off, but its become too regular. I do not want to feel like this anymore.
I'd really appreciate it if we could keep in touch somehow because I feel our situations are very similar. It's much easier to talk to someone about this who can relate. I'd also like to know if you ever started another medicine and how it's treating you.
I am doing my masters in nutrition and was also using these. Please try probiotics a good 15 billion unit. Many people have healed autism add, adhd all mental disorders like anxiety depression all linked to imbalances of grain due to GUT issues .. Gut and brain are linked form the LARGEST vein in body the VAGUS nerve. Please try this the pharma industry n docs wont want u to know. Omega 3s will help too. Chromium supplement and zinc and selenium. Please just google this stuff and you will see. Internet is your tool to save ourselves!
Hi. I have been put on adderall since my shrink believes ADD is the "underlying cauese of my panic disorder". At first addy was great! I did fantastic in school, work, and even shed a few stingy pounds... 2 years later I am desperately trying to get off it without destroying my career or damaging school. Without the drug I can barely get out of bed... I cry a lot... can't focus... and definately believe the drug has caused some kind of imbalance strong enough to cause the depression. If I ever figure out a way to fix this, I will definately let you know. Until then, good luck.
This is so crazy....I am going through the exact same thing as you. Except that I gave up trying to get off of adderall because without it, like you said, I can barely even get out bed. It's nuts...my psychiatrist barely speaks english so it's impossible to talk to him about it and when I do he thinks I'm just being crazy and tells me to stay on my meds. All they know is meds. I'm thinking about visiting an alternative medicine doctor or something but either way I'm not sure if I am strong enough to quit taking adderall. I also take Lexapro, AND Ambien CR. Can anyone top this?? I am not proud of that at only 24 years of age, I take all this medication. My chiropractor says it's going to f-up my liver which is probably true since I get drunk after like only 2 or 3 drinks and it never used to be like that. Honest, what I want to do is go into a treatment center for a couple weeks to get "Clean" from all these perscription drugs. But that would involve explaining to my boss that something is wrong with me and if I lose my job and have to reapply for insurance I will be screwed because that treatment center will show up on my record and no one will insure me. WTF right? Anyone got any advice, comments? It's all welcome. Thank you.
WOW...I'm amazed at how may people going through this. I'm on same meds minus the Lexapro but feel like I need some sort of antidepressant at night.....maybe that's the one?? Same situation w/wanting to quit everything and detox..but too much at stake....I'm right there with you but reading all this is not giving me a ton of hope
Hey....I have some good news for you and for anyone else that may be following this.
I'm still on the same medications. I take 20 mg adderall xr, 20 mg lexapro, and 12.5 mg ambien cr. The good news is, shortly after I wrote my crazy-sounding message, I started eating breakfast. I know...it sounds weird. But seriously, I'm usually in such a hurry in the morning that I don't have time. I wake up and I'm so hungry, then I take my meds and get ready for work, and then the hunger subsides so I forget to eat until lunch.
When I started making myself eat breakfast (and have 1 cup of coffee) a couple weeks ago, my moods started staying more stable. I didn't have the "crash" feeling at the end of the day that I normally felt. Or the paranoid thoughts that were constantly racing through my mind. Then, last week, I started working out at the gym again. I hadn't been there since September. I have felt absolutely wonderful ever since.
So my point is, I don't think the medication was the problem. My doctor was right, I do need to be on it. Maybe not forever, but at least for now. What I learned though is this....being on medication does not mean you can blow off taking care of yourself in traditional ways, like eating regularly and exercising. I never thought it would make such a difference, but it truly has. I think that if I can keep up with this routine, I will eventually be able to ease off my medicatons. My body/mind just needs to re-learn what it means to live a balanced lifestyle. I haven't done that, ever. I really hope that you try doing what I did. Let me know how it goes. : )
Yes, I agree with you 100%! I just started Adderall XR and Lexapro (wish me luck guys!) and to be honest, I feel great with Adderall. I am finally able to be the person I need to be. I am focused, I am energetic, enthusiatic, talkative. My mom has noticed the difference on me. I am ready and able to help with chores, I can read something without dosing off. I love it! I have purpose again. I can dream again! I feel nothing but positivity. The day before I started taking these meds, I said a prayer to God. I asked him to please help these meds help me do better in my life. He knows I've suffered so much because of ADD/anxiety. I just didn't know what to do. I went to therapy first, I did self-help books and tapes, I even did herbs and teas. Nothing worked. So I am going to do these meds and then I'm going to go to therapy and the gym too. I think a combo of meds with therapy will work for me. And already God is helping me so far! I feel great! But you know, when I started taking Adderall, I read that it decreases appetite. This is actually not true for me. What I don't get is a grumbling stomach. But my brain tells me, "Hey, time for a break! You need to eat!" And I comply right after. And I feel that it really does help to eat. I feel it makes the med work smoothly and keeps me at the right level of motivation and alertness. Actually, I find that I like what Adderall does for me, because I feel like my brain is more able to process information correctly and without feeling overwhelmed. It also allows for me to assess problems with a level head instead of freaking out like I used to. If I start drifting off, within a milisecond, my mind just goes like, "HEY! PAY ATTENTION!" It's awesome. To think I was so scared to even try! I just think that in addition to taking the meds, you need to take care of yourself, of your well-being. These meds can only become a crutch if you let them. But if you use it as just a tool to LEARN and to thrive, I think you can get the best and most out of it. I thank God that I found this med (I don't yet know what lexapro will do to me, but I also hope it's a positive thing), and I pray to God that I can continue to improve! GOD I just feel so positive! I feel like my life is getting better for sure! I hope the same for everyone on this post! I will pray for all of you.
I am so glad (but NOT) that I am not the only person going through this same thing. I'm a 5th year college student and everything and ANYTHING above and beyond believeable that could go wrong in my life HAS. I take 20mg of adderall 3 times daily, and have been for 5 years now. It seems like the doctors' have no answers for anybody experiencing this other than to "up the dosage" or "integrating adderall with some kind of downer or upper". I believe at the ages between 21-33+ we all begin to realize that life is not what we once necessarilly perceived it to be. Being that I take my adderall, ironically, for anxiety, it makes me wonder if the reason for my being so intensely paranoid and stressed even while I am on it is just the effect of the "outside of the box" realm. It seems like I have become so self indulged as if I am resisting the reality of the changes around me and the obligations I have obtained throughout the years as I get older. I begin to put them off, stressing my own self out even more each day, occupying myself with keeping organized with other agendas than the initial one at hand, almost literally driving me to insanity, all in all, to keep myself from feeling so awkward around others, I too seclude myself.
A lot of people with ADHD also have OCD. I mean, can anybody blame us?! We forget EVERYTHING that we initially knew we needed. How many times have you gone to the store to buy JUST 1 item, walked out with 15, and you get home and smack youself on the forehead because you FORGOT to purchase the item, the ENTIRE reason for your visit to the store? That's why you see lists everywhere around the house with half checked off, yet, neatly stacked and organized, BUT you forget which "to-do" list is for "what"? The whole point is, we focus on being so neat and organized the more that our bodies get use to the amphetamine that when we are done "making everything neat and tidy" we feel like we have already finished those lists, its hard for me to explain but IT SUCKS! Once satisfaction of being able to relax sets in, we get anxious and realize we spent 3 hours cleaning and organizing while that term paper that is due in a couple hours has yet to be drafted (for example). I also was told by my psychiatrist that a lot of ADHD individuals are dyslexic. If you have problems with writing papers or talk backwards or have trouble trying to get to the point while in conversation, welcome to my world.
My thoughts are that our bodies become so use to this trigger of dopamine in our nerve receptors that it no longer detects any difference while being administered the amphetamine, we become depressed while off, but still somewhat are while on because over the years it looses its receptor changing capabilities. Doctors need to look for and stress the other diagnosed areas of each and every individual with ADHD. (Also, they should take into account environmental changes.) You've probably heard that "cats" do not react to change very well at all. Neither do we, and at the age range I stated earlier we are going from babies to independent individuals all over again, it is like going to kindergarten. Mommy can't hold your hand kind of crap, and you can't use your mommies health insurance anymore because you graduated college, can't find a job though, and your ADDERALL costs how much?! We panic, could these doctors implement some kind of "weening off" process or do we just have to admit our own selves in the psych ward?
Oh my gosh....I can totally relate to what you've said. When my Adderall XR kicks in for the day, I have to make sure I don't get started on anything cleaning or organizing related (unless that is a priority for the day). If I do, I will get sucked in and won't get anything else done....my room will look great, my bathroom will sparkle, but like you said, my "to-do" list will still be sitting there uncompleted.
I think that Adderall makes me long for quick results, like a clean room for example. I enjoy quick errands, or quick phone calls, but larger scale projects seem uncomprehendable. I distract myself with meaningless little things so that I can avoid the big picture. So weird, but I supposed it makes sense.
A solution that sometimes works for me is breaking larger projects into smaller projects. Like, writing a paper.....instead of listing "write paper" on your "to do" list, try listing the individual tasks you need to do in order to finish the paper. It's definitely easier said than done, but worth trying for sure.
Let me know what you think of this.
Well, I can relate to Everything you said, I too have been on adderall for about 6-7 years, it does suck, that just to function I MUST take adderall, or I would be a vegetable. Also, I recently had to be admitted for severe depression. With having a dramatic divorce, and having to increase my adderall over the years, I don't know what is what when it comes to life, ADD, my chronic fatigue, and what is the true cause to my depression.
I do know if it wasn't for that pill I would not have gotten through 6 years of schooling and getting me in the direction of the medical field. But recently with the depression, I have body aches, headaches, and more tired than ever, but with depression all these symptoms tie together.
Wanting to isolate myself along with everyone else on this site commenting on Adderall, I fit right in. I guess the only way to get to the bottom of all this crap, cuz that's what this sums up to, is to go to therapy and see a "Professional" with regards to all this medication. I also take Lexapro for depression, and I've been on that for about the same amount of years. "So what the Hect", ????. Sometimes I don't feel normal and I do want to isolate, I did but now I have to do something. I have the rest of my life, possibility of getting in the BSN, for nursing and kids that depend on me, and my job.
I am going to start doing more research and be my own advocate. So with starting that, I did, and in doing so: "Be Aware for people seeking Answers" These medications do affect your chemistry, what I mean by that is; The medication can cause "VITAMIN DEFIECENCY" especially Vitamin "D". So just make sure you don't give in to the symptoms, see someone and be your own "ADVOCATE". Google Adderall and other medications and how it can deplete your body's essential vitamins, the lack of vitamin D can cause, many many symptoms that people on here seem to be experiencing.
OMG, I am so sorry that you're going through a bad moment right now (or was...I didn't see when you posted this). But I will tell you: when I talked to my doctor, she told me that Adderall is really not good for anxiety. It makes you feel much worse, actually. So if I were you, assuming you're still taking adderall for anxiety, I'd go to a different doctor. Think about it: it makes no sense to give an overly stimulated person a stimulant! What you need is something to calm you down. Get a second opinion. I did this before I went on Adderall and Lexapro. Also, even if you don't feel like it, use the motivation you get from the pill to take care of yourself. Don't just leave it up to the meds to do the work for you. You can do it! I know you'll feel better. Don't give up or feel bad. I don't look at it as a negative thing. I see it as an opportunity to feel better and become a better me. Trust me, you're not alone and never will be! :)
Thank you for sharing your story! for me, the best thing in life is to know I'm not alone. I am much older then you, but have been struggling for 7 years. To complicate matters, I had a reaction to an antibiotic (Levaquin) and had a reaction and panic at the same time. This reaction led to the demise of my health. To this day I don't know if I have an autoimmune condition or just debilitating depression. Anti depressants fatigue me and I've gone through many for short periods of time. With a lot of research and determination, I've managed to get much better, but not perfect. I was on lexapro 10mg. and Ambien Cr. I couldn't get out of the bed in the morning for work, so I went back to my Dr. With a family history of ADHD, we decided to add a very small dose of Adderall XR. just 5mg, twice a day. to counter act the jitters, I take .5 of xanex. I'm very sensitive to meds, my doses are small. To this day, the Dr.s go back and forth with the autoimmune diagnoses, which would explain the fatigue. Before the age of 42, I never took a pill for anything but a headache. When the adderall wears off, I have terrible mood swings and my teenage kids never want to be around me. I keep my composure at work, but I work 12 hr. shifts, so I fall apart at home. My daughter asked me to get help, like I haven't researched every avenue. For my children I went back to my Phsyciatrist (sp), and he said that the adderall will do that. The lexapro hasn't helped my depression, so he switched me to Zoloft. Week number one and I'm so sleepy. I'll stick it out for a few weeks and see. Don't feel as reactive, but don't want to stay this sleepy. Also forgot to mention. If it wasn't for Adderall, I wouldn't be working. My fatigue was so bad, I couldn't lift my blow dryer to dry my hair. Now I lead a pretty productive life, the moods swings are far better then being bed bound. My physciatrist also agreed to talk to my children and explain my condition and the meds. I thought that was a very supportive idea and my kids are old enough to maybe understand. The balance is difficult, but I got sick and without the meds, I was bedbound for almost a year.
I take 30mg Adderall 2x a day, Wellbutrin XL 300mg 1x a day and another drug called Buspar 10mg (2) 2x a day (40mg total).
I have both ADHD and a learning disability called Mixed Receptive Expressive Language Disorder. Both have many symptoms that overlap including problems with attention, organization and concentration and as such Adderall is a drug that is indicated to be helpful for both. As I have both my Psychiatrist thought it would be a good fit for me. This is the reason that my Adderall dose is on the high end, if I only had ADHD I suspect it might be effective at a lower dose.
I have also been on Wellbutrin XL for several years. I have had depression since I was a kid so I cannot say that I noticed that Adderall affected my depression either way.
Buspar is what they call an augmenter drug to anti-depressants. I have been on that for a few years also, it significantly reduces any anxiety that can accompany depression and is not a benzodiazepene.
Originally I knew I had ADHD but my parents prefered I not take medication so I dealt with it. As an adult though with more pressure I became very depressed and anxious because I had a hard time getting my act together and I was emotionally unstable.
I went to the Dr. who tried me on a few different anti-depressants which were not for me (lexapro-irritability, prozac-sexual side effects, effexor-empty feeling) and then finally gave me Wellbutrin. It works excellent for depression (it also helped me quit smoking) but it made me more anxious.
As I didn't want to take any tranquilizers for my anxiety the Dr. gave me Buspar. This I feel is an excellent medication. I had to start very small because the initial side effect was nausea. This went away quickly and I progressed to a dose of 40mg per day. It took 2 months to notice but when it started working it was a miracle. One day I just noticed that I don't worry anymore. My feeling regarding mental health meds is that it should be what you don't notice not what you do. It does not make you feel any certain way (sedated, weird, agitated) and there are basically no side effects as long as you stay away from grapefruit containing food (something reacts with the filler).
Now that my depression and Anxiety was under control I could focus on my ADHD. I tried Stratterra (didn't do anything), Ritalin (didn't help my attention or concentration much) and then Adderall XR. At first it was only working some what but as my dosage was increased it became very effective. I was taking it at 7 AM and Noon but the Dr. switched me to regular release because taking the XR version at noon was making me go to sleep too late and regular release wears off a few hours sooner.
I had been on this combination for 2 years which was very effective and for some stupid reason I got the idea that since I was feeling so good that I didn't need Wellbutrin anymore. Within a month I was back on it because with out it I was depressed again. I think it is the nature of people to think they are ok and I realized the medication helps me be ok. Some people just need it and it is nothing to be ashamed about.
It took a long time to figure out what was right for me and I'm glad I stuck with it and didn't give up. I hope this is helpful.
I have had the same issues that I have read in all of these collums. I am 28 yrs old with 2 kids and full time student and employee. What I can't understand is every freakin time I go to the doctor and tell them this is whats wrongs with me. They want to prescribe me an antidepressant. I am NOT in any way depressed. I can't concentrate on anything it seems for more than 15 minutes. This is me going to my regular family dr. but from what I understand you need to go to a psycologist is this right? I am not depressed I just want to feel normal again.
I got the same responses from my previous doctors. I was not sad..didnt want to run away..I was just soo overwhelmed! My new doctor told me that is the key word. overwhelmed. absolutly nothing gets taken care of. Iwould not do our online banking, made my husband do it, because It was easier to avoid it. I was 'that friend' who was always late. laundry piled until one of my children told me they ran out of underwear...If my husband forgot to make coffee in the morning before I woke up or didnt start the dishwasher...it totally ruined my dad and I would just go back to bed. out of site out of mind. everything completly out of control..a terrible feeling..and a feeling that can make you depressed just thinking about it :) So my non professional advice is that on your next appt. tell your dr you are not sad, you do not lock yourself in your room and cry for days...you are just over the top overwhelmed and feel like you have no control over your life as it is spinning down the john. Best wishes to you and your family as this effects them all! Please keep me updated!
Hello... I am taking 5 mg of adderral but feel very anxious.. dont want to do anything... I have few significant relationships.. And even though people want do things with me.... d ont want to... My doctor seems to be out of town a lot...
Yes, I agree! I felt so over the top OVERWHELMED! I was sad though, but because I felt overwhelmed with everything and anything. Everything seemed like one big chore. I'm taking meds now though, and it has helped. I'd say, don't be afraid to try it. I have approached this in a very unusually positive manner for myself. I really hope you find something that works for you too!
I just read your input regarding Adderall. If you have the time I have many questions. First you mentioned you take 2 Adderall a day and that you have taken 2 different types. I'm new to Adderall, taking the generic Amphtea S-Combo 10mg, and don't know the difference between the two types of Adderall. Also, I'm unclear..is it the Buspar that took 2months before it was effective? How long did it take to notice a difference once you started with the Adderall?
I've taken anti-depression med's for 20 years. Two years ago, after having several driving mishaps (falling asleep at the wheel), falling asleep in church, falling asleep at my desk, I was started on Provigal for what the Doctor diagnosed as narcolepsy. It worked for maybe 6 months and the dose was increased. After maybe 4-5 months, my tolerance built up and the dose was increased again. The Provigal no longer worked so I was switched to Nuvigal. I tried it for 4 months and it didn't work at all. So now I've been switched to Adderall. I've only been on it for 3 weeks. As of yet I can't see that it has any effect at all.
I also take 100mg of Zoloft. I had been on it for several years and last year thought maybe the increase of my symptons was due to the fact that I had taken it for several years. I was switched to Cymbalta because it's prescribed for depression and fibromyalgia. Cymbalta didn't work for me at all.
One of the many problems I continue to suffer with is chronic fatigue. Over the years different doctors have given different reasons for the fatigue. Everything from B12 and Thiamine deficiency, extreme weight loss (140 after gastric bypass), malnutrition and additional weight loss (recalcitrant ulcer), narcolepsy, anemia to depression.
I DO NOT FEEL DEPRESSED! Believe me I know what depression feels like and what I suffer now ain't it! I am sad because of not being able to do those things I truly enjoy and want to do. Not only is the extreme fatigue debilitating, I also find I can't stay focused on anything long enough to accomplish or finish a project. It's almost like I'm in a fog or daze. I find myself doing really stupid things (and I'm NOT a stupid person) such as being in the bathtub and reaching out to turn on an electric heater; or picking up a hot skillet or pan knowing it just came from the oven.
I tried to keep a sleep log but found it much easier to keep an "awake" journel since most of my 24 hour days are spent asleep. I can go to bed, sleep for 8-10 hours and wake up absolutely exhausted. I find it difficult to keep up with the simplest chores of housekeeping which is a shock in itself since all my life I've been known to be a compulsive cleaner. More astounding is the fact that I've always been a very active person, actually hyper as befits a person with ADHD. It used to be said when describing me that the only thing I didn't know how to do was RELAX!
Frankly, I feel the many medical problems and symptons I've had for almost 6 years now, may be due to something other than ADHD, fibro, or the current diagnosis of being anemic and having a Vitamin D deficiency given by the pathologists reading the lab results. I even took the results and my medical records to a second physician for another opinion and was told by him that though some of the metabolic blood tests are somewhat low..they aren't low to the point which would cause extreme fatigue and "mental awareness" problems.
When the fatigue and cognitive issues manifested several years ago, blood panels done were done in order to either rule out or diagnose a specific problem. With the nature and the many symptons I have, the first thought was I may have an underactive thyroid. However, results have always come back as being in the "normal" range.
So now I'm taking Adderall, extra iron and Vitamin D. I don't know if I've been on the Adderall long enough to see improvements. Am I not seeing a change because the dosage is too low? Should I be taking a different version of Adderall or taking it more than once every morning? Frankly, I'm more than a little discouraged. At this point I don't know what to think or do and would appreciate your input.
Thanks so much,
Darcy
Darcy-
Like you I went into my doctors office wearing a billboard stating that "i am not depressed' lol. The way I understand from talking to my psychiatrist is that adderall goes in and out of your body. Take it in the morning..by evening its out. completly.So I beleive there is no 'build up' (I swear those are 2 of the favorite words for psychiatrists and the least 2 for patients) Maybe you need a high dose, I would ask. Good luck and keep me posted!
been dealing w/ for 2 yrs now...right there with you...finally asking for help instead of telling self I can tough it out
I've been taking adderall for about 4 months and depression runs in my family. After awhile of taking adderall i went back to the doctor and she gave me very low doses of strattera to take with it. I really haven't noticed a difference in mood but it does seem that the adderall effects( focusing, even moods) have lasted longer. So you may have depression and ADHD they are linked together. My doctor told me that ADD/ADHD are commonly found along with depression, bi-polar and OCD. The best thing is talk your doctor really
Hi Funk...I SO agree with you. If I don't take the Adderal sometimes I don't even realize it. However, put in my structured environment, I feel as if I have to have it. I will do endless small tasks, yet the house looks more out of control than ever. I think, "what if I don't take it for awhile and then when I do, concentrate that great burst of energy on blowing this house away ... totally gutting and getting rid of stuff!" I will scrutinize every piece of paper, etc. Sometimes before I know it, the sun is coming up and I have not slept. Ridiculous. I am allover the place. I'm still convinced I need to get off this stuff and the antidepr and the lorazapam. Thank God you have a therapist ... I tried that for awhile and was losing my temper with them. I have NO TOLERANCE LEVEL either if I feel they aren't getting my point. HAVE MERCY! Please pray for me and I'll pray for all you ... we are in this mess together!
Bonjo
Hi guys -
I know I'm a little late to this discussion but I feel like I need to chime in. I am 34 and just diagnosed with ADD and began adderall a few months ago. It definately sounds like my ADD is not as severe as some others who have posted. My prescribed dosage is somewhere between 5-10 mg, I've been having a hard time finding the right sweet spot without having to break pills. I think really about 7.5 is right for me. But I have been having a really hard time with the side effects - what you guys are describing after being on it for years I feel like I have already been through the ringer with after only a few months - the ups and downs, the changes to my personality, the exhaustion and moodiness at the end of the day, the intense cleaning and organization bouts but still somehow lacking the focus I need to stay on point with more important tasks...I feel like the medication is making me exhausted and I can barely stand it anymore. I can't give advice to anyone else because everyone's situation is different - but like some on here, being diagnosed so late in life, when I first started the meds I thought I had found the answers to my life long under-achiever personality "flaws". But like many others, even after a few short months I have begun to experience what I guess is some sort of depression and it scares the crap out of me. Before now I never understood what depression really was, and I used to think people on antidepressants were just weak willed (sorry, I don't mean to offend anyone - because now I realize I was wrong). I think I've actually already had what could be classified as a "suicidal thought". Not necessarily that I wanted to kill myself, but I could see why someone who felt that way for a long period of time might just want to end things rather than go on that way. I think this is very, very, very unacceptable. And I know that this is not something inside me - this is a direct result of the medication. I may have been an underachiever all my life and I may not be where I want to be in terms of my career, personal relationships, goals, etc....but it not worth exposing myself to potentially much worse mental problems via medication that is supposed to help me!!! I would rather be the worst underachiever in the world than finally understand why suicide is an option!!! I have been reading research saying how so many psychiatric medicines actually end up making patients worse or bringing out different "disorders" that did not pre-exist before the medication was introduced. You go see the doctor for your ADD and you end up depressed. So many of you are describing having to add additional medications to counteract what the original medication is doing to you - where does it end?? At some point do you think you are causing more of a problem than what originally existed??? As I said it sounds like my ADD is not as severe and my reaction to the side effects of the medicine is quicker and more dramatic, so what works for me will not be the best advice for everyone, but I would rather quit Adderall than go down a path of having to take this and that medication to balance out what the one before it is doing to me. Once you start messing around with your brain chemistry too much at some point it becomes irreversable. My phsychiatrist actually told me that being on Adderall can bring out Bi-Polar tendencies that weren't already there!! Maybe some of you who were diagnosed late in life can agree with me - but I feel like I've gotten along this far in my life without drugs - sure I may not be at the top of my career or the most socially adept life of the party, but I'm not depressed or bi-polar in my normal state, so to me the risk is not worth it!! Is being an "achiever" SO important? Maybe it's time to re-think society's priorities. Do I need to be like everybody else? Do I need to prove something to feel worthy? Can't I be a little different, a little less motivated - but sane? Do I have to medicate myself to be more like everyone else? Is my difference really a "disorder"? Can I be ADD and just live with it rather than bringing on worse and worse psychiatric disorders? Too many forums I read on stimulant medication describe people's experience of the drug working great at first but then at some point everything goes haywire and they end up much worse off than they were before. I urge all of you on here to really think about this. As I said everyone's situation is different, but really think about what all these chemicals are doing to your brain and whether you REALLY need to be on them - think about what the next 30 years of your life on them is going to do to your brain given what you're already starting to experience. Some people will get mad at me for saying this, and I'm not denying that some people really do need to be on meds, but I think our medical system is too quick with the prescription pad and many doctors don't "really" care what happens to us. Writing a prescription is the easiest solution, and the quickest way to get paid. How many of you on here have looked into alternative options for treatment? How many of you are in talk therapy along with your medication? How many of your doctors take time talking with you rather than just writing the next prescription? How much research have you done on your condition and the pros and cons of your medication? Maybe I'm rambling, but what is going on with the side effects of this medication is very scary - and I don't think adding another chemical to the coctail is the answer. If you were disorganized before the medication and now you are organized but depressed, is that acceptable to you? If you've added an antidepressant and now you're "even" again, what are you going to do when the antidepressants stop working or another symptom such as OCD starts kicking in? Are you going to add another medication for that? I'm just saying, think about where this path leads and whether there is a good end. Personally, I've gotten to the point that I am afraid to take another adderall pill. Every day I tell myself I should probably take it and I'll be much more productive at work and I'll get promoted and make more money...but then I think about how I feel after a week or two of taking it. How out of nowhere I get this down feeling that I can't shake and that doesn't seem to be caused by anything. I think about how quickly I cry or snap at people, how anxious and dissatisfied I feel ALL the time. And I decide that the promotion is not worth it. That's just me.
Yes, I have. I'm 15 and have been put back on my Adderall about three weeks ago, and already being depressed, the Adderall has spiralled me even further into my depression. I am now going in for help and hoping to get off this medicine and begin the road to recovery. Do not doubt that Adderall definitely makes depression worse. That's my story.
I have felt the exact same way you do. This is incredible. I take 60mg of adderall a day as well as 20 mg paxil. I was on 8 mg of prozac before, then 100mg of zoloft. I have felt like I am falling apart too. Have asked myself, do I really need antideppresants or not?
How inspiring! After being on 9 different antidepressants through the span of the last 9 years, I realized one day..Im not sad..I dont want to run away...I am just so overwhelmed that my life is spiraling down and I cant catch it. Everything was out of control, my kids..my house..my weight..my love life. But I couldn't put the peices together. So then I was put on strattera for 6 months (for the added, but not fda appoved) mood enhancers and my psychologist just kept telling me to wait for it to kick in. A few weeks ago I went to him and told him im living on like anywhere from 1-3 hours of sleep at night and I just cant do that with work and a family. (my poor husband) So he put me on ambien for a week to get my sleep pattern back in order and then continue with the straterra. 3 looong weeks later I went back in and told him..my sleep got back on track but now im so tired during the day and litterally have to peel myself out of bed 45 min before work and am barely making it through my day...and my biggest issue was that I missed my kids! Im sick of 'waiting for it to kick in' (not to mention the hour of cold sweat nausa every morning) So now, Im on 40mg Adderall xr and taking 10-20mg of ambien as needed. Im only on day three here and was googling taking adderall and ambien...because..well..I dont want to die trying to fix myself. I have felt amazing the last few days. Like I have my life back. I am hoping the jitteryness does go away, but my deserving husband has been finally getting active conversation..ok--so maybe I cant stop talking and its more of a one sided conversation, but its better than saying hi then going right to bed right?? *sensor alert* (not to mention the extra energy for intimacy.) I am really praying this continues to provide me ultimum benefits. My first day, I realized right before bed that i had not eaten a single thing. good diet day! but not a healthy one. so at the fear of passing out during my 8 hour work day, I ate a banana and a piece of toast w PB right after I swallowed my meds so that I couldnt forget to eat. Today was much more balanced and I felt like I had lots of motivation and energy but could still hear my body tell me it needed nutrients.
Look--we HAVE to be our own advocates. I love my psychiatrist, but its not his body in the end. I also am lucky to have an amazing husband who is like my 'look-out'. He keeps an eye on my moods and will tell me if he is seeing them go in a consistant downward direction. Because I know, I am much more likely to not notice it until I have one foot off the bridge. (metaphorically of course). I am excited to be able to meditate again...thinking they should give monks in training some of this stuff. But in the end we should be able to live 'normal' lives, eating, sleeping, socially, and romantically. We are not broken, we all just have to find a combination of 'treatments' to get us there...and they dont have to ALL be normal western medicinal practices. Feeling off? Try some yoga, or read a book...go to a church service..meditate...see if its just a small funk you can pull yourself out of first. I sincerely wish you all a successful journey and would love any updates on your situations on here or feel free to email me. niki2742@yahoo.com
I have PTSD from childhood domestic violence, ADHD diagnosed as an adult and the depression that goes with these diagnoses. I have tried anti-depressants, stimulants and herbal meds. I have stuck with the herbal meds and therapy supported by quick release Adderrall for large projects at work, which I take for 3-4 days, then stop for about 1-2 months. Occasionally I take an Ambien to sleep, maybe 2x a month on average, so basically, I take vit B12 daily 5,000mg, and Deplin which is MehylFolate (an active ingredient in Folic Acid) 15 mg, then supplement with prescription meds only when absolutely necessary. In my experience I feel as good as I can depending more on the herbal meds than the prescribed ones as they all have their optimum use level then the benefit of taking them wears off. In my experience the Adderall causes my mood to be very depressed when I stop taking them after a few days and for about a week I know I am going to be miserable! I hope this helps.
Unfortunately, as a wild youth, I may have dabbled in the illegal "party" lifestyle, which I am not proud of to say the very least. I have always dealt with depression and anxiety, and back then the combination of illegal drugs that I did, including methamphetamine, erased all the psychological problems that I was having, or at least blocked them, which is probably why I did them to begin with. I know that is SOOO STUPID! Trust me, I am not at all proud of my past. I am a lucky soul however, because when I made the decision to turn my life around, I was able to change overnight. I am not that person anymore. I just walked away and that was it. I thought that I was maintaining concerning my emotional issues very well, however with the birth of my second child, my anxiety and lack of concentration and focus has returned worse than ever. I went to my doctor the other day and he started me on addarall ( for the ADD/ADHD he thinks that I have) and clonodine(to help with my anxiety). I had my doubts about taking it due to the fact that addarall is amphetamine, but I am trying to give it a shot because I am desperate to feel "normal" and "functional". I am still in my first week, but I am experiencing things that I am worried about. Not only am I getting somewhat of the same high that I got from meth all those years ago, which I DON'T want, but I am depressed and moody and emotional. I feel isolated already. I am still not able to get anything done because the newly found ability to focus and concentrate is being offset by the guilt and the sadness. What can I do? I am a mother of two with a full time career and a full time schedule in college and have left that wild lifestyle far, far in my past. I need the addarall, or something like it. Please suggest something if you know of anything. I want to be the best mother I can be for my children and live a life that they and I can be proud of. Thanks.
I am sorry that I do not have an answer to you but I do have this advice for you...If it has only been a month since you started taking Adderall, STOP! If you are getting the same sensation of being high, and you are enjoying it, it will be harder to follow doctor's doses. When you become more tolerable to the dose you on, the urge to abuse your meds will win...trust me....When you become irritated that the "high" isn't there anymore form the Aderall, that is when Meth comes back into the mind. I know this sounds harsh and dramatic but it is the truth. I have seen this happen to a few people..and myself.. I hope you see this reponse..it has been a couple weeks since you posted it. If you have anymore questions just ask..I will keep checking it out to see. Take care of yourself..
Yes, I agree - also having a "wild" history myself I know that the high is very similar to being on illicit drugs. I agree to be careful that you are not trading an illegial habit for a legal one... I would suggest to supplement your treatment with some personal growth work so you are not just relying on the drugs. Be an active participant in the process and realize you have to put in some emotional work too to get the best results.
Hi- I know you wrote this post a while ago but I felt compelled to respond. I actually came for support because i am feeling exactly similar to the initial post in this blog and (as i said in my response to her question) although I cannot identify what i am going through, i do have advice for you. I am an RN with a bachelor in psychology as well as nursing, and i have one more year until I complete my masters in nursing and earn my NP degree (to give you background)... I am surprised and sad for you to know that with your drug history (i have one of my own) your doctor would prescribe you to a drug practically in the same class- was he aware of your previous meth use before he prescribed you to adderall? It seems like you have come so far in your journey- and the chemical and emotional consequences of going on a drug that is similar to the one that you were addicted to- is not worth it! especially when there are other drugs that can help ADD/ADHD. Again, i know this was written almost a year ago but I am curious if you have found a solution. I hope that you have gone off of the Adderall...
My suggestion is (if you are not satisfied with your current solution) to ask your doctor about Bupropion(Wellbutrin). Wellbutrin is a drug that is prescribed for depression and anxiety, and has off-labeled uses for adult ADD/ADHD- it is important to note that some of the side effects of this medication have been known to cause the exact symptoms it is intended to treat- for example agitation- but that is with many anti-depressents with atypical uses (solution is simple: if you feel worse, tell your doctor and stop taking it)... It has been known to help so many people who are feeling the way you are feeling. and is an alternative to taking both an anti-anxiety and ADD med.
I hope you are doing well, I am curious to know what you have tried since you posted. I hope to hear from you. ~N.
wow, i can 100% relate to what you are saying. Although, i'm a senior in highshool, and i was diagnosed with Adderall since 8th grade. every symtom i'v looked up, i'v had. it's very depressing. Now i have not takin adderall for about 5 days now, and just today i started to feel very depressed, to the point where i found my self crying on the bathroom floor. i have had very random mood swings, and just being pissed at the world for no reason. i sit at home and do nothing all day. infact i used to be a very good hockey player, i used to love hockey. i quit last year(i remember claiming i hated it so much), and now that i havent taken adderall for these past days, all i have been thinking about it hockey hockey, i feel like its calling my name. i have plenty of examples on why adderal is making me feel depressed, alone, and isolated.
Please, definately tell your parents what you are going through and have them read this website to see some other people's experiences to help you make the decision if the medicine is helping or making you worse. You sound like me - like you have ADD but you can deal with it and you are happier off your meds than on them. You don't have to be on them if they are making you worse, it's not worth it. Don't let the medication ruin your life. After my brief experience on adderall, I don't think I would ever let a child in my life be on it. I think parents who have never tried illegial drugs, and/or been on Adderall themsleves can't really understand what they are exposing their children to. It's a major drug - not so different from street amphetamines. Once you're an adult and have a better understanding of your emotions and how things affect you, you can try it and make a decision for yourself whether you're better off with it or without it, but I think if you're young you're not really equipped to deal with the side effects. If you feel depressed or suicidal, please notify your parents, doctors and school counsellors right away. It's scary how quickly those feelings can turn very serious.
I am on Wellbutrin
you are my hero, my life is just like yours and im going to be getting adderall soon, u have shown me how all my problems will disapear, this is so awsome!
Wow- I could not feel more connected with what you were feeling!! I actually felt like when i was reading your blog that I was the one who wrote it. Everything that you are saying about yourself and the way you are feeling is entirely where i am at this stage in my life. I know you have written this three years ago, but i'm hoping that you may be able to share your journey with me.
Here is where i am: I am 23 years old and i was diagnosed with ADD inattentive type when i was a senior in highschool- as soon as i was prescribed to adderall my life completely changed- I not only realized with my diagnosis why i had felt so different from everyone for my entire life, but the medication "cleared my haze" as well and i became ambitious, motivated, and enthralled with life. However after three or four years of taking it (20mg XR), I too have begun to feel like i am isolating myself and that thing's arent the way they used to be. The outgoing social butterfly i was has almost completely dissipated and i felt like people i come across to people as overly critical or "anal" (ME!? ANAL!? is what i thought)... and it is me that is pulling away from my social life and almost all interactions recently. I can't get myself to return or make calls (whether it be friends, family, making appointments...etc), and I have found myself staying home and convincing myself that "i'm over the bar scene" when really I wished i had called my friends and gone out...
I have a history of depression in my family (mother) and when i was in my defiant high school years that was a topic that kept being brought up (whether or not i should be put on meds) but since the adderall prescription it has not been an issue- until recently. It finally was too much for me to handle and just this morning i went to my doctors and she prescribed me 10mg Fluoxetine(Prozac) to start... and the plan is for me to continue to take my current 20mg XR adderall prescription.
I have been searching through my pharmacology books looking at drug interactions and reading blogs all day because part of me wondered if it was actually the adderall that was "making" me feel depressed, and I wanted to know if anyone has ever felt the way i have. I am actually half way through with my schooling to receive my nurse practitioner degree (a place i would never be in my life if i had not been diagnosed with ADD... it actually terrifies me to think of where i would be right now otherwise)... and it's amazing how easy it is to identify what is going on with someone else, but how lost and confused you can feel when trying to identify your own issues.
I feel like it was a sign of fate that i was brought upon your post- and it was a sign of relief for me to know that someone has gone through exactly what i am going through right now. Can you please let me know how you have been- i hope you are happy and feeling well these days... what solutions did you try and what worked for you? we seem very similar in our life struggles, feelings, and beliefs and your feedback means so much to me! I hope to hear from you soon -N.
I have also experienced the same effects recently. I am a junior in college and I started taking Adderall last semester (20mg immediate release once or twice a day). Last semester I made excellent grades and felt wonderful. I'm still doing well in school, but my good emotions and normally positive attitude toward things has changed recently.
I haven't ever been depressed, although depression does run in my family. My mother has severe depression and my younger sister has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. My mother and sister are very alike emotionally. I have never felt the need for any type of anti-depressant or anti-anxiety medicine... But throughout this past month, I have noticed that I feel irritable, anxious, moody and unmotivated to do anything that isn't related to school. Friends have to beg me to go out with them, I don't talk as much when I'm out, and most of the time I would rather just be in bed or laying around at home. I never used to be this way!!! Last semester after beginning adderall OR before I started taking it!
I am all for medicine if someone truly needs it, as I have seen what an improvement it makes in the lives of those with certain disorders, however I have never felt this way and I honestly don't believe that I could be depressed. I'm not sad! I just feel an absence of something and I can't really explain what it is.
I am not sure if I need a higher dose to fix the problem, as one of you have suggested. If I were to have a higher dose, I feel like this cycle would just repeat and then eventually I would be on copious amounts of adderall just in order to function each day. I don't even take it on a daily basis unless I need it for completing any random tasks/chores/homework/studying/school.
I might try some of the things I have read in the thread, such as eating breakfast (or eating more, period), working out and attempting to get more sleep. I never have problems sleeping on the immediate release tablets, which is one of the things that I LOVE about them---I'm productive throughout the day, but I don't feel the speedy effects at night... Sometimes, though, I never really get tired unless I stop moving since I'm so busy!!! I have to force myself to wind down so that I can relax and go to bed most nights.
It's hard to juggle taking a full load of classes as well as the other responsibilities I have, but it makes it even harder when I feel this way!
Thank you so much to every one who has contributed to this whole thread--- I have honestly related with each and every one of you!
If any of you have any questions or need advice or just want to talk about this, please don't hesitate to e-mail me... maryhyatt@my.unt.edu
This is exactly the question I am also wondering. As I scrolled down the stories on this page, I couldn't believe how similar my story is to all of yours. I was diagnosed with ADHD last November, and Adderall has truly helped my concentration at school (I'm sitting in class 8-10 hours a day sometimes, VERY hard) and getting stuff done at home. I just started Grad school and it really hit me how much time I needed to spend with schoolwork. In my undergrad, I did very well but needed to study and do homework every night. It was always a battle: me sitting there with my computer or textbook staring at it, and my mind wandering every 10 minutes. When my workload tripled with grad school I had a breakdown. I couldn't focus at all and started having panic attacks because of all the work that I wasn't getting done. With the adderall, I finally felt like I could breathe. I didn't need to spend every waking moment studying or stressing out about hw. I could sit for a few hours at a time and get stuff done.
Around the same time, I started going through a very difficult time with my boyfriend. I don't want to get into all of the details but it has been very messy the past few months. On top of it all, it was the winter. I have had depression most of my life, but it is ALWAYS worse in the winter. I also have generalized anxiety disorder. I was originally put on paxil in my undergrad, which made my depression worse. Then, it was Zoloft- that was truly horrible. I couldn't even walk up the stairs without getting light- headed.
So, even though Adderall had been helping my motivation and focus, I was getting very, very depressed. The combination of my relationship issues, chronic self esteem issues and the winter months has put me through hell the past few months. I'm not sure if the adderall has made it worse or not. I have not noticed a definite pattern, but at night it can go one of three ways: 1. I go to sleep just fine, 2. I stay awake for hours not being able to fall asleep (this usually happens if i take the adderall too late in the afternoon or If i have a lot of coffee that day), OR 3. i have severely depressed mood/ agitation/ anxiety and panic.
It is sort of complicated by the fact that I don't take the adderall every day and I also don't take it at the exact same time every day. On days that I have to be at school late, I'll take a second dose in the afternoon.
I have definitely been feeling my typical depressed symptoms: all i want to do is stay in bed all day and watch TV. some days showering seems like too much for me to handle and I feel sad and cry excessively. I've been isolating myself in my room a lot lately. I spoke with a psychologist (my psychiatrist only sees me for med refills on a drop-in basis, so I haven't discussed this whole matter with her). The psychologist seems to think that I should be on some sort of antidepressant.
I don't want to stop taking the adderall because I finally have relief from my inattention and distractibility. I am afraid, though, that my Dr. will associate the depression I've been feeling with the adderall and take me off of it. I really feel like I should be on adderall + an antidepressant, even though I am so reluctant to start the merry go round of trial and error with SSRIs (I have been putting it off for 2 years now). I know that I am not a doctor or psychiatrist and can't go telling people what I should be prescribed, but would it be out of line for me to suggest this to my psychiatrist? It seems like some people get relief from being on the combo of the two.
I'm tired of feeling depressed, but I don't want to forgo the only drug that has helped me. Does anyone have any advice about how I should approach my Psychiatrist about this?
If you were able to get through school as an undergrad successfully I strongly urge you to reconsider Adderall. It may seem like a miracle drug. You may be able to study for 10 hours on end. Its not worth it and it wont last. Your messing with a dangerous drug. The descion to take adderoll is one that you will have to live with the rest of life. Even if you are able to get yourself off it at some point. You brain chemistry will never be the same. You will never be the same. Please get off before its too late. You have a choice, your mental health, or your adderoll. There are no shortcuts in life. As hard as it may be you have to face the fact the school may be more difficult for you than it is for others. Look at alternatives. Keep your mental health forth and foremost when making this decision. If it takes you an extra year or two or three to graduate... so be it. You will have walked away with mental health intact and the knowledge gained from learning how to more effectively deal with your problems. Please Please just stick with it a little longer without the drugs. Find resources which can help you complete goals. There are many out there like you. Look into a professional educational coach, tutors, study groups, support groups, organizational classes, study skill classes, DBT groups. Take advantage academic support you school can offer. If there is a disabilities program they can provide great services and accommodations, such as note taking, extra time on tests and assignments. If you are able to complete school without stimulants it will make you a stronger person. It will be hard. You owe it to yourself to try. Its not worth risking your mental health.
SuzChance,
I am trying to find the same info. My situation is incredibly similar. I was diagnosed with ADHD several mo ago and my Dr put me on Adderal 30 mg in the AM and 30 in the afternoon. I have been on it for 2 weeks. the 1st week I felt like life was manageable. I can't tell you how grateful I felt as I am 62 yrs old and have been struggling my whole life. The 2nd week I began to feel depressed and tired. I was sad that maybe life would never improve. Its like I got just a quick taste of happiness and being able to function well and it was taken away. I wonder what ,if any, antidepressant would help me.
I feel exactly the same way! I started taking adderall in 2009, and am on 30mg 2x a day. When i started it was amazing, I lost about 15 pounds without trying and could concentrate very well. Now it is the opposite, I barely even want to get out of bed in the morning. I have a job in what I was going to school in, but i just stopped going to school. I am worried as well, since I feel so anti social as well. How you described it , is totally how i feel. I want to go places, but i feel very paranoid. Honestly, I do believe adderall causes depression. I have been trying to stop taking it for about 6 months no, and have failed. It is the worst drug to prescribe someone. Because if I try to quit, I have major mood swings and the depression get's way worse. I hope you found a solution, i would love to hear one too!
Kind of an insensitive and ignorant response, but true. To all those suffering from the depression, addiction and confusing world of adderall: When I was first "perscribed" it, it was because I claimed to have ADHD but really I wanted to lose alittle weight and have more energy at my desk job, which I hated (I'm still working here 3 years later). Within 2 months of taking 30mg a day, I lost 25 pounds (got down to 95 pounds) and performed the best I'd ever in my life at work...I'd get through about 40 files a day, but the worst part was that adderall made me LOVE my job...each file I worked on was like a mini high because my brain and fingers just wanted to keep working and working. At first the depression and insomnia didn't hit me. Life went along as normal, except the 40 hours a week I used to dread became almost fun because I was so cracked out on adderall. I was loving how thin I got and by the time I noticed the negative effects of the adderall, I didn't know how to stop. After about 9 months I started realizing that I had become really paranoid and depressed in my own mind. Once a happy go lucky person, I had become kind of hard and moody. As time went by I became more and more inward and always in my head, getting down on myself and hating everything about myself. My boyfriend would always say "why are you in such a bad mood, wtf is wrong with you" and a light finally went off in my head...I realized it was the adderall. Once I knew it was making me depressed, I knew I had to stop but didn't know how. The way I started to get off it was to weane myself off it...I began taking it only at work, three times a week. Then I would take it twice a week (Monday and Wednesday)...Over time I found that if I took it Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, by Thursday I was a trainwreck...crying in my car for no reason, thinking about driving off the road, etc. I have found that as more time has gone by, I have become more and more sensitive to the withdrawls. It's still hard....I continue to fill my script, but usually about every 50 days. I usually only take it once a week if I get really behind at work (or honestly, it also makes my stomach not hurt so if I am unable to go to the bathroom for a while, I'll have to take it) It is NOT easy. I hate my job and not being on adderall makes me sit at my desk, not giving a shit about the hundreds of files piling up. If I take it...I'll go through 50 files with pleasure. It's a daily struggle, but I'd rather be bored at work than hating every other aspect of my life. The depression WILL GO AWAY if you stop taking it. And if you can't stop all together, try and find a way where you can take it only once in a while so the withdrawals/depression doesn't creep up on you...one thing is certain...having the drug in your system non stop means you will continue to be depressed. If you find a way to stop taking it and get through the withdrawals, life on the other side is so much better. Try and force yourself to be the person you want to be without adderall...try to force yourself to perform the way adderall makes you perform without the adderall. Life is too short
So I did not read all that you wrote...but most. I suffer from anxiety and concentrating is a difficult task for me. In the past I had suffered with depression, but my mood has stabilized, somewhat. I have been taking aderall for two days:
First day: Felt pretty good.Tunnell vision and amazing focus(almost scary)! ...euphoria, insomnia. Feelings of wanting to socialize-I went to class and interacted more with my peers, and went out with a couple friends that night (something I rarely do). I had approx. same amount of energy. Dry mouth, rash on back....no other physical side effects.
Day Two: I felt sleepy and took another small dose of aderall(5mg). 20 minutes later I shot out the house for a 4 hour run (great energy)! As the day goes on I find it hard to communicate. It is difficult to find my words... lack of sleep caused by the aderall could be whats drained me. Feeling down, emotionless.
Assessment: This is a powerful and dangerous drug. You must be very responsible about achieving proper sleep, eating throughout the day and perhaps balancing the drug with an SSRI to counteract depression(as side effects include insomnia, loss of apetite, mood swings/anxiety). Good Luck
I have struggled with severe depression for years along with bipolar. my doctor also perscribed adderral to help with ADD. i found that at first it seemed to help my ADD and my depression but after a while (6 months or so) my depression got horribly worse. By stimulating my brain to increase the production of chemicals, i think adderral actually depleted my brain of chemicals like seratonin, dopamine by using them up to fast. to those with depression I would not recommend taking adderral!
Agreed. I am 29, been dx with ADHD August of 2010. Initial 15mg of Add, I slept like a baby for 2.5 hours, studied all evening, and aced Anatomy the next day! Super excited because I could "think" for the first time ever, I was like a sponge soaking up all the information I could after a lifetime of ridicule, failure, and spinning wheels.
Now, over a year later, finding out there is also a mood disorder involved; am reconsidering treatment regimen. I see a highly respected alternative specialist, and dx with tx have not been overnight. I had been told bipolar initially with another dr., on lexapro (anxiety/depression) with 50 mg Trazadone to promote sleep. No thank You!! Walking into walls is not my thing. Alternative dr took one look at me, said you are not bipolar, you have ADHD; and the Lexapro (10 mg)was excacerbating (making it worse), the affects of ADD. Hmm..makes you think, right?
Now, have reached stage where Prozac is necessary, with feelings of apathy, irritability, intolerance, or simply no feelings at all. Completely opposite of my former personality. I relate to most of these blogs, and understand how sometimes we feel as if we are all alone in this. I believe God gives us the tools sometimes to fulfill His purpose, learn life's lessons, going "through the fire as gold refined"; only to reach out and help other people. I believe stimulant drugs are not the only answer to this so-called learning disability, these drugs are a deception that ultimately work on our cognitive abilities. Our minds may work a little differently than others but that doesn't mean we are beneath them or not as capable.
Honestly we have special gifts, if you will, and we are robbed of something precious; our minds. Is ADHD crippling? Absolutely not. There are unique gifts and talents. Patients are going to have to be active themselves and search out a "cure" or remedy. It is not God's will that our minds be attacked in this way.
Some of these symptoms I have read: may want to consider thyroid testing (even subclinical, especially if presenting with symptoms); def family history. Personally have found small help: colloidal minerals, vit d, proper diet i.e. food combining, avoid known food allergies, magnesium d/t nerve function, tryptophan, helps promote sleep, also melatonin (DO NOT TAKE TRYPTOPHAN IF TAKING SSRI), EXERCISE (induces body's natural dopamine spike which is proven to increase concentration, and decreases stress).
Sometimes these things would help, others not a chance. If you have a true chemical imbalance, you know what I mean. Definitely continuing personal research and experimentation; not sleeping for weeks, or talking non-stop, appetite decreased, desire for former activities non-existent, non-productive, impulsive activities, etc not a fun place to be.
Will leave this thought: we are fearfully and wonderfully made. Do not apologize or hang your head low because of how Our Maker created us.
A research study of some natural form of serotonin, natural substitute or booster for dopamine; etc would do wonders for the "busybodies" and "dreamers" among us who have abilities, talents, and visions to literally change our world.
"Brighten The Corner Where You Are". 
Took adderrall for about 6 months i would say, on and off for a couple months thereafter. I am finding myself slowing sinking into a well of depression. In fact, since coming off the adderrall I have noticed a definte increase in suicical ideation. This is not me. I used to be a really upbeat, outgoing lady, now I rarely go out, and dont find much to look forward to when I wake up. I am really wondering if this has something to do with the adderall....? I have no history of clinical depression, until now I suppose. How long does it take for this to go away. There are life things I need to work on, but it is hard to get motivated when one is comsumed with negative thoughts. I dont talk about this to anyone, they think I am just moody.
I have also had a similar experience with adderall. I am a 24 year old male and I began to suspect that I had ADHD when I was about 15 years old (a sophomore in high school) but was not technically diagnosed until I had just turned 22. When I was a young child, doctors told my parents that I had a genius IQ and my academic performance through grade school backed up their opinion as I cruised through AG, Honors and AP classes as well as scoring a 1300 on my SAT without putting much effort into the work. But by the time I was a senior in high school, my academic performance began to slip relative to previous years. At the time, I attributed this to my occasional recreational use of marijuana (maybe once a week). Promising myself I would turn over a new leaf when I went to college, I stopped smoking marijuana and greatly reduced my alcohol use. Despite this, I found my ability to concentrate on my schoolwork was still extremely difficult. Sitting down and reading for my classes was nearly impossible to do for more than 30 minutes without falling asleep. Eventually, despite putting forth what I felt was my best effort, I was put on academic suspension by my university because my 1.98 GPA did not meet the required 2.0 GPA.
After this happened, my parents became very concerned as to what was going on with me. I assured them my academic problems were not due to drug use and suggested to them (which I had done many times before) that maybe I had ADHD. So they took me to a specialist to be tested and I was found to be in the 96th percentile of people having symptoms of ADHD. I returned back to school after taking a semester off and was now prescribed to Adderall in order to improve my memory and academic diligence.
Backtracking slightly, the first time I took Adderall was my sophomore year of highschool while attendeding a wealthy, private high school. I was well aware of ADHD medication going back to when I was in elementary school but I was never tempted to take it until going to private school in highschool. The first time I took Adderall, I WAS AMAZED at its effects. For the first time, I WANTED to study and I LOVED learning. Needless to say, being an impulsive highschooler, I was hooked on this drug and because of its cheap cost and wide abundance due to so many people being prescribed to it at a young age, I could get ahold of Adderall for almost any test or assignment I had in highschool. Looking back, it would be fair to say that by the beginning of my senior year of high school, I was completely dependent on Adderall to study for tests or complete any major assignment. These Adderall dependent behaviors continued throughout college as I struggled to maintain good academic standing as well as have any kind of life outside of school and work.
This brings me back to the end of my junior year of college, when I had failed to meet the required 2.0 GPA requirement by three hundreths of a percentage depsite what I felt were my absolute best efforts throughout highschool and college. So during my semester off, I was diagnosed with ADHD and was prescribed to Adderall (10 mg IR intially, and eventually boosted to 20mg IR after several weeks). For much of that first semester back at school, I didn't feel it was necessary to take the Adderall most of the time because I was getting solid grades without it. But towards the end of the semester, I became very stressed out due to finals and large assignments that were due around the same time. During this time, I went through close to almost two prescriptions in three weeks. As usual, the medication enhanced my academic performance and I received great grades. But during this time, I experienced what I believe to be amphetamine psychosis due to lack of sleep and taking more than the recommended dosage of the medication. During this very intense three week period, I became very irritable and my behavior became increasingly erratic (fighting with friends and family and experiencing what I thought might be short bouts of depression). When school was over for the semester and summer began, I immediately stopped taking my Adderall. This led to withdrawal symptoms that were nearly unbearable. I don't think I had ever felt so awful in my life and I directly attribute this to taking so much of the medication in two weeks, something I had never done before.
When the next academic year began in the fall, I had high hopes for good grades as usual but was really hoping that I would not have to take Adderall ever again. After only one or two weeks, I gave in and had my prescription filled and began taking 20mg IR a day several times a week. Although I did not take my Adderall everyday, I took it at least 3-4 times per week through the Fall and Spring semesters. Despite taking the medication, my grades actually slipped to the point where my academic standing was in jeopardy once again. Additionally, my friends and family constantly complained of my moodiness during this time. Eventually, due to reasons I still cannot explain, I failed to complete several assignments my Spring semester and have once again been placed on academic suspesion, putting my college education in serious jeopardy despite my best efforts.
To this day, I still take Adderall several times a month despite the fact that everytime I take this medication, I deeply regret it and tell myself I'll never do it again. Now when I take Adderall, I usually can't sleep for at least 48 hours, I hardly eat and I use alcohol and occasionally marijuana to reduce the anxiety and tension caused by the medication (probably creating more problems).
In conclusion, I definetly believe that Adderall can cause depressive symptoms. As the drug causes you to analyze every single thing, I think that it can make you look at your life and feel as if there has to be something wrong it (not to mention the comedown from the drug is often unbearable). I think that the drug is extremely effective for the first six months or so, but I believe that for some reason, what makes the drug great initially is also what can cause it to be inneffective over a long period for some people. I hope that what I have written has helped you feel that you are not alone in this struggle and that you will find a solution.
I was misdiagnosed and became addicted to Adderall. I also suffered from depression and anxiety and was on just about every type of anti-depressant, mood stabilizer know to the medical community.
Nothing worked. I started Dialectical Behavior Therapy to gain coping skills. That didn't work.
Recently I came off Prozac cold turkey because I wasn't feeling good. I have been without for about 6 weeks.
I started abusing Adderall again. For 8 days, I was up to 60 mgs.
I then entered a partial hospitalization program, they disposed of my stash.
Your best bet is to go in-patient to detox and be monitored. If this option is not available to you, then check with a medical professional to see if you can start a regimen of .5 mg klonopin in the morning and .5 mg klonopin in the afternoon. 1 mg of klopin at bedtime with 25 mg of Trazadone.
This helps for me. So far I am 12 days clean off of Adderall and have 7 more weeks of withdrawl to go thru. I am 6 weeks clean from Prozac (60 mgs daily) and have about 2 more weeks of withdrawl to go.
This regimen was tough at first for me however; i have noticed that I am more calmer and able to get through my PHP program. With time, I aspire to become a function member of society again.
Good luck....Michele
I feel the same way. I had used addrell in college to study for tests and when I started working and needed to study for exams like series 7, 63, NMLS, Insurance etc I would take it. I was so productive that I started to take it every day M-F when working and sometimes on weekends. I felt like conquering the world and was on my way. After 6 months or so I started to get real bad anxiety. I had anxiety before but was never this bad. The next day after taking an addrell I was so useless that if I didnt have a drink or take an xanax I would fell my world was ending. Thoughtout my life I was always an outgoing person, some would say a social butterfly. But since this I have been locked in my home, afraid to go outside and scared to see people I once knew because I am embarrassed of how far I have fallen. I can not hold a job, cant sleep without xanax and when I do get to sleep I do not want to wake up. The only reason I can write down my thoughts right now is I have an exam tomorrow and took a quarter of addrell. I fear tomorrow or next day I am going to fall back into depression and anxiety. I used to be able to go to the gym and feel amazing when I had days like this, but I worked out more then ever and watched my diet this summer and it didnt even help. No runners high, motativation to achieve, no consistent rythym. I dont know what to do at this point. I have a GF that lives on the other side of the country that puts pressure on my to move back to see her, but I am living back home with my parents since I spend my lifes savings I earned prior to taking all these meds. Im not sure what to do. Im worst then broke, I have a friends wedding coming up and I finally BK7 as soon as I have the money to do so. I really need help, but right now I feel great because I am actually focusing and want to work. I know this is the meds and at this moment I rather be like this and continue to work then sleep all day. I cant get help without money and I have no money so its a catch 22. ANy suggestions?
I suffer from clinical depression and an anxiety disorder. I am on Cymbalta and Abilify. They did not do the trick for me. I am a student and the pressure of school drove me to the decision to take adderall to help me study (please don't ridicule me. I understand it was a bad choice, but I was desperate).
The effects of combining Adderall with my medication was nothing short of unbearable. Sure, I studied more, but I had crazy mood changes. I'd cry all the time at random things, and my anxiety was through the roof.
But the worst side effect was definitely servere skin picking. It was a compulsion to pick and itch everywhere and I couldn't control it. One day I picked so bad that it took a long time foe me to even stop bleeding. Seeing this, I immeadiately stopped taking the Adderall.
I now have sores on my arms, thighs, face, and chest. They still itch because they are healing wounds, but I have to be careful not to make it worse.
I have always loved my clear skin. But now, I have to cake on makeup and wear certain clothing just to leave my room. My boyfriend has said that he doesn't even find me attractive because it's such a turnoff.
Adderall made me ugly. I hate it. Therefore it's made me more depressed. I am looking into a drug call Provigil though. It has the same objective as Adderall, but it doesn't have bad reactions to antidepressants.
I suffer from clinical depression and an anxiety disorder. I am on Cymbalta and Abilify. They did not do the trick for me. I am a student and the pressure of school drove me to the decision to take adderall to help me study (please don't ridicule me. I understand it was a bad choice, but I was desperate).
The effects of combining Adderall with my medication was nothing short of unbearable. Sure, I studied more, but I had crazy mood changes. I'd cry all the time at random things, and my anxiety was through the roof.
But the worst side effect was definitely servere skin picking. It was a compulsion to pick and itch everywhere and I couldn't control it. One day I picked so bad that it took a long time foe me to even stop bleeding. Seeing this, I immeadiately stopped taking the Adderall.
I now have sores on my arms, thighs, face, and chest. They still itch because they are healing wounds, but I have to be careful not to make it worse.
I have always loved my clear skin. But now, I have to cake on makeup and wear certain clothing just to leave my room. My boyfriend has said that he doesn't even find me attractive because it's such a turnoff.
Adderall made me ugly. I hate it. Therefore it's made me more depressed. I am looking into a drug call Provigil though. It has the same objective as Adderall, but it doesn't have bad reactions to antidepressants.
I suffer from clinical depression and an anxiety disorder. I am on Cymbalta and Abilify. They did not do the trick for me. I am a student and the pressure of school drove me to the decision to take adderall to help me study (please don't ridicule me. I understand it was a bad choice, but I was desperate).
The effects of combining Adderall with my medication was nothing short of unbearable. Sure, I studied more, but I had crazy mood changes. I'd cry all the time at random things, and my anxiety was through the roof.
But the worst side effect was definitely servere skin picking. It was a compulsion to pick and itch everywhere and I couldn't control it. One day I picked so bad that it took a long time foe me to even stop bleeding. Seeing this, I immeadiately stopped taking the Adderall.
I now have sores on my arms, thighs, face, and chest. They still itch because they are healing wounds, but I have to be careful not to make it worse.
I have always loved my clear skin. But now, I have to cake on makeup and wear certain clothing just to leave my room. My boyfriend has said that he doesn't even find me attractive because it's such a turnoff.
Adderall made me ugly. I hate it. Therefore it's made me more depressed. I am looking into a drug call Provigil though. It has the same objective as Adderall, but it doesn't have bad reactions to antidepressants.
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I like your response the best. Adderall can and often does cause depression. My
son was 17 when he was diagnoses with ADD. He was put on adderall. Within several months he became very isolated and depressed. He was then put on Prozak in conjunction with adderall. He situation did not improve he became so depressed and started using other illegal substances to help lift his mood. To make a long story short. He ended up in rehab and has been taken off all of his medications. Its been two weeks and he is the son I knew before all these medications started. He says he feels happy again and the brain fog is gone. He can sleep again. The adderall interferred with his sleep. These medications nearly destroyed my son. The brain strives to stay in balance naturally! Taking these medications alters you brain chemistry and I believe cause imbalances and we become someone other then ourselves. Please don't start an antidepressant. Get a new psychiatrist, slowly wean off the adderall and get a good Cognitive behavioral therapist.