Any bipolar ADDs out there, I've got a med question

If is anyone is ADD and bipolar, I'm wondering if stimulant meds for ADD affect your mania in bipolar. Specifically, I'm concerned about them making my manic insomnia worse. I could really use the focus during the day, but the last thing I need is less sleep.
How well do you all sleep on these meds? Doc is suggesting Adderall. I currently take Lamictal for bp and ambien/sonata/restoril for sleep. Thanks.

Well hello JonB
The bad thing in this type of medication is the side effects you may or may not have them.
These are the ones that pertain to your question:
restlessness
difficulty falling or staying asleep
insomnia
agitation
tiredness
It's funny these are just a few, but lot's of them just clash
***Like tiredness, but you may have difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep, which can make you restless, which may make you agitated ***
The medication does eventually wear off by the end of the day. So hopefully these won't effect you.

I have ADHD and BP with other DX as well. I'm on Lamictal, Trileptal, and Concerta. I tried the Adderrall but IMHO-it really didn't seem to work to well for me. I am on 72 mg of Concerta. I am focused, but by the time it wears off 8-12 hours later. I get extremely Anxious. I have Sev. Anxiety as well but it kicks in bad later in the day, because the Concerta is wearing off. IMHO-I would try the Adderall, but maybe mention the Concerta to him. They both do the same thing really.
The doses just run differently.
The Concerta runs 18mg,27 mg, 36mg and 54mg tablets
The Adderall runs 5mg,10mg,15mg,20mg,25mg, to 30mg tablets.
Maybe it would be easier to monitor you on Adderall because of the dosages

I hope this helped you out a bit. I didn't mean to babble on. I have a tendency to do that. So I apologize.

Jlove

It is good that you are seeking answers before taking a new med. Work with your doc and if you begin the Adderall and it amplifies you too much then (perhaps) consider a lower dose. I have heard of this med interrupting sleep, but it seems to vary by the individual.

Also, if you do begin with Adderall, allow for a couple of days to adjust to the effects before making your determination. This med has the tendency (initially ) to ramp you up until your system gets used to it and these effects begin to level out and you are able to experience the benefits.

Also, research your drug interactions to be sure that this new med fits o.k. with your other meds.

If you choose to try this avenue, you will know before too long if it is right for you. If you are feeling more "scattered" after a month or so then consider discontinuing after talking with your Doc.

Peace to You.

-Breezer

Thanks for the info. breezer and jlove. I'll be sure to ask doc about the other options and what the pros and cons are for those with my particular symptoms. I'm excited to think I'm might finally find something to keep me focused during the day without turning me into a zombie. I just wouldn't want it to be at the expense of fueling my mania. I've got to get my days focused and in order and productive in a not so totally scattered sort of way. I think it's hard to say, for me, what things are the bp and what things are the add. Maybe it doesn't even matter. Thanks again...

I take Concerta & Provigil (a stimulant) as well as Lamictal& Abilify. & klonopin & Trazadone to sleep. I needed a stimulant on top of the Concerta due to excessive daytime sleepiness. I haven't found the Concerta (72 mg) or Provigil (200 mg) make me jumpy or anything. They just make me have normal energy & focus. I still have memory problems, though.

It's different with each person. I need the Trazadone & klonopin because my anxiety keeps me awake at night .--Suzy

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.