Hello!
I can give you a lot of information regarding the use of dextroamphetamine for those with depression.

Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine) comes in an IR (immediate release) forum or an XR (extended released) form. The IR pills only last 2-4 hours while the XR capsules last anywhere from 4-8 hours. It is also a generic.

Stimulants - in this case an amphetamine - have been used for decades for those with depression and are used now for people who have certain types of depression including treatment-resistant depression, melancholic depression or just a very dysphoric stubborn depression where the person has severe fatigue and very low motivation. They can help augment antidepressants very well - especially SSRIs that cause emotional flattening and fatigue. Many psychiatrists commonly use stimulants in combination with other antidepressants and for many it's a life saver.

How do amphetamines work in the brain? Well, they "make" the neurons release norepinephrine and dopamine - two activating neurotransmitters. They also block re-uptake of these as well (although somewhat weakly). So basically the synapse between your neurons is occupied with more of these stimulating neurotransmitters which then activate more sites on the adjacent neuron. You might have heard on TV or from another source about people who are addicted to certain drugs experiencing a "crash" after the drug wears off. Well, this also happens with prescription stimulants like dextroamphetamine. Why? Because of how it works: it forces your brain to release its storage of NE (norepinephrine) and DE (dopamine) and in doing so the brain has to make more to keep up - supply & demand - and it doesn't always catch up. So, many people feel a crash as their last dose wears off - feeling very tired, mood is kind of "blah" etc. However, the intensity of the crash depends on how much you're taking and if it's the IR or XR version - the XR version being the better option because it slowly releases the med into your body and doesn't drop off sharply like the IR form does.

Side Effects: insomnia, appetite loss, weight loss, nervousness, diarrhea and rapid heart beat.

Cost: If your insurance won't cover it- which many do not unless you are diagnosed with ADD/ADHD or Narcolepsy, you can count on paying around $20-40/mo for 60 pills.

I hope this has helped some. If you have any other specific questions please feel free to ask!

Jerry