[newtobipolar]

So here is my dilemma. I am prescribed Adderall for my ADD, and I take other meds for my BP. The Adderall doesn't seem to be really helping my ADD, but, it helps keep the depression away, and helps me keep going (not in a hyper way)

If I don't take it, I am tired, unmotivated, and pretty much depressed.

My question is...It seems like the Adderall is a HUGE help with my depression (I am prone to major depression). Is this OK, or should I be taking something else to get that same effect?

Anyone else take Adderall for depression??

I am going to ask my pdoc (she is WONDERFUL) on the 31st, I just wanted to see if anyone else gets the same effect from Adderall???

Thanks everyone, and blessings to all that suffer from Mental Illness.

Adderall makes me full blown manic whenever I take it. I'm surprised you're able to take it with only 250mg of Lamictal.

The mania I got from it wasn't fun either. I stayed up for nearly 4 days straight and I was hallucinating really badly. I was also freaking the f#ck out the entire time. So nope, I don't use it to treat depression.

Anyway, to answer your other question, I don't think using Adderall to treat depression is necessarily the "right" thing to do. I realize that meds sometimes are used off label, but I would first ask about getting meds that are intended to treat depression. I would exhaust every depression med class before I looked into stimulants. So... basically try SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs, APs, AAPs, etc.. Ask to fiddle around with your AD dosages if you can, or maybe start something like Latuda or Abilify

It sounds like you've built a strong dependency on Adderall, which isn't good

[newtobipolar]

I totally agree with you. 99% of the time my problem isw depression, so it definitely doesn't make me manic at all. I just really don't have to rely on Adderall. I'm going to ask my doc to maybe up my Wellbutrin or my Lexapro to see how that goes

[bioChE]

Using a stimulant to treat depression isn't unheard of. I take Vyvanse, and it helps a lot with keeping me going, focused, and able to sit still for longer than five seconds.

In addition, it certainly has antidepressant properties. My previous psychiatrist used to call it a "mood brightener." That's a pretty appropriate term for the way it makes me feel. It doesn't act like other ADs per se, but it definitely helps my mood.

As far as dependency/tolerance, that's a given. It's an addictive substance, so just like benzos, if you take it you'll become dependent on it. That's not a problem as long as you're under medical supervision and using it as prescribed. Don't snort it, that'll make you batsh.it crazy.

[jtassar93]

Personally adderall made me manic and did not help with the depression.

[Tucson]

Yes, I have. It helped allot. My doctor used this med to supplement my Fluoxetine.

Tucson

[newtobipolar]

For those that take, or have taken Adderall to help with depression...what was your dosage?? I take 20mg 3x day

[venusss]

I've heard it works for some people. Even folks on Icarus forums raved about it... and when predominantly anti-med crowd considers a med good... it must be honestly working (not "I feel worse and dumber, but my doctor insist it works and that this is how normal people feel" way).