[random334]

I'm taking Concerta (Ritalin) for my poor concentration in School. I just started back on today. The problem is I over think everything and worry too much. The concerta seemed to balance my mood not much over thinking more focused. I keep switching medications everytime I see my doctor its almost like an impulse. I cant stop wanting to switch. Im not taking any anti depressant but I am taking depakote and seroquel xr. I kinda feel guilt that I am taking Concerta for some reason, even though Bipolar and ADHD run in my family. Isn't possible to have both? I feel better on a Stimulant because I have energy and feel better than anti-depressant the anti depressants never seemed to do much for me. Bottom line: Is it ok for a Bipolar patient to take a stimulant?

[Travelinglady]

I would think there might be a possibility of a stimulant kicking in mania in a bipolar person, but I don't the answers to your questions. I think your doctor would be the one to ask.

As for your question "Will I survive?", I think the answer is "yes." Just work with your doctor and don't get ahead of things.

Look at your diet, Random 334. Evidence now points to the use of wheat (which contains gluten as a problem) as a strong influence on mental conditions, particularly
strong mood shifts and ADHD, among many other mental illnesses, including schizophrenia.

Try reducing strongly the amount of wheat in your diet (substituting nuts, seeds, and green vegetables for the amino acids you will miss in the wheat). If you
feel better after about three weeks, you should ask an allergy specialist for
testing to determine if you have antibodies against wheat.

It's quite possible to live a very healthy life without wheat in your diet. If you have
a weight problem as well in your illness, chances are you may have a sensitivity to
gluten in wheat.

It's worth your investigating for the long run in your treatment.

[Bipolar mom]

It is completely possible to be both.
I was on adderal xr for a few months in high school, but I was also on the highest dosage of lithium and lexepro, and seroquil as well... But I still struggled to keep grounded.

Everyone is different on what works for them treatment wise, every med works differently in people. If you are interested in trying a non stimulant you can talk to your pdoc about strattera. Did wonders for my brother.

Now I want a stimulant! lol... if it works for you, then just accept that. If it doesn't, be honest about it. only you can say what is working for you.

[Darth Bane]

you can take it if it makes you feel better.... but judge it carefully.... i found out being bipolar means almost no meds are good for my brain... for me these meds have side effect as depression... not doing something drastic like changing or stopping meds is better... dont feel guilty about taking these... you are taking those for bipolar and adhd thats sufficient reason.... you can try to stop them when you have school vacation.. dont think about now..

and yes... you will survive ,as long as you know how to love you will stay alive ... best thing about bipolar is we get our priorities right.... we know what is important in our life...

[faerie_moon_x]

It is possible to have both. I do think there is a risk of both the antidepressant and the stimulant to push you into mania, so be careful. Also, stimulants can be very addictive.

My husband has ADD and when he was perscribed adderal xr, his doctor told him to only take it when he needs to focus on something. And to also take "med vacations" from it, like a week or two off here and there. Because stimulants aren't like other psych meds. They don't take 2 weeks to kick in.

[random334]

Thank you everyone replying.

[Cocosurviving]

My pdoc advised against stimulant fear of mania. If your pdoc is willing to have you try it then you can see what works for you.

[Victoria'smom]

We've been told that BP has to be stabilized before Adha is addressed.