I was DXed Bipolar-II(mild) and ADD (mild), the ADD I swear is my main thing and has been since I was in grade school (the early 60's) but that was an era when kids were "just not following directions",etc.
My pdoc doesn't care to use stimulants when there are 2 DXes, but did go with release acting one, Concerta.
I had told him, that I was told after I was on the mood stabilizer(s) and things seemed alright (no signs of hypomania/mania) we then can move onto including a med for the ADD dx, soooooooooo he suggested Concerta,the other formulations of this stimulant wouldn't be advisable, due to the quicker acting time,the peaks and valleys may contribute to my tendency to fall in severe depression(s).
He's right, the Concerta doesn't cause this, but then there is no "boost of energy" like other stimulants which I use to like when using diet meds.
Okay, that wasn't a great time, so I'll stop the rambling on about that stuff (phenterimine).
I take 200mgs of Lamictal (actually down to 150mgs) and 2 to 3 18mgs of Concerta.
For sleep, only if needed, Ambien or Sonata. Sometimes Ativan for me, depending on what's going on, will help me relax enough to fall asleep.
The sleeping pills and benzos (Ativan and Klonopin) are to be taken only when needed, so not many are dispensed during refills.
In the begining of BP DXes most pdocs rule is, treat the BP first and then after, go onto carefully treat the ADD.
My former pdoc,T and present pdoc, said this is because BP and ADD can have overlapping symptoms or similiar behaviours so that is why it is important to address one at a time, less chance of sparking any manic episodes with the use of stimulants. My pdoc wasn't for Strattera (non stimulant) cause of some questionable stuff he's read about the effects on the liver. All meds can have dangers, but he felt confident using the ritilin based med for ADD, for it has been used for over 30yrs,but now Concerta is just formulated in a time release form.
Hope some of this rambling was of help.