[Sunshinesworld]

I know you're not supposed to do this, but my aunt gave me a 20 mg extended release adderall Thursday because I was so tired and low energy and there was rotting food and filth in my apartment. She is prescribed it. Anyways, we cleaned it all. It took 8 hrs. But it gave me energy, I was focused, happy, relaxed, more social. She gave me 2 more pills so I took one today and same thing. I have 1 left so I'm not using it unless I really have to. But it felt like I had no more bipolar. I want to see if my doc will prescribe this stuff. It makes me feel like a brand new person.

[Pookyl]

Adderall is a stimulant and mimics a number of drugs including cocaine. It’s not going to fix/cure your bipolar.

[pirilin]

In case your shrink does not prescribe it, like mine, Hydroxycut does the same sort of.

[~Christina]

Playing with Fire never ends well.

Be safe

Your aunt should not have done that. It's not that unlike a drug pusher trying to get a person addicted to a med. I assume she didn't mean harm, but she could be causing a lot of harm. Please tell her to stop offering them to you. If you feel fatigue is a major issue seek help for it from your psychiatrist.

In my state, what your aunt and you did with the Adderall is a crime. If my possessions were searched by a cop and they found I had Adderall without a prescription, I could be charged with at least a misdemeanor crime (even with just a few pills of Adderall) since it isn't prescribed for me.

Does your psychiatrist (bipolar medication prescriber) know you take St. John's Wort? I see that in your medication list. I wouldn't have normally asked, but since you seem willing to take unprescribed medications it makes me wonder.

I want you to know that I understand the frustration with feeling too tired and unmotivated to get things done. I've had those periods, too. I had a couple issues starting to abuse stimulants. They turned bad. It was better for me to work closely with my psychiatrist to find better solutions, without abuse potential.

[Nola0250]

I was diagnosed ADHD and the. Ritalin sent me manic and I was diagnosed bipolar. I had some leftover and felt low energy so I tried it. I was awesome and got tons done during the day while sleeping at night for 3 days. Then went pretty badly mixed. Personally I’d stay away from that kind of stuff. Too dangerous.

[Sunshinesworld]

My doc suggested st johns wort actually. I'm not going to take adderall because I called my doc and he's prescribing provigil.

[~Christina]

Originally Posted by Sunshinesworld

My doc suggested st johns wort actually. I'm not going to take adderall because I called my doc and he's prescribing provigil.

Much safer

Originally Posted by Sunshinesworld

My doc suggested st johns wort actually. I'm not going to take adderall because I called my doc and he's prescribing provigil.

I'm glad to read that! I hope you feel better soon. Provigil may take a week or two to start making a difference, so please be patient with it. Many people have no problems with Provigil at all. Others can experience hypomania or even mania, like I did. It's good for people to be on the lookout for this possibility. I was always told that Provigil tends to be safer for people with bipolar disorder than other stimulants, like Adderall or Ritalin.

[FriendlyJoe]

Originally Posted by Sunshinesworld

I know you're not supposed to do this, but my aunt gave me a 20 mg extended release adderall Thursday because I was so tired and low energy and there was rotting food and filth in my apartment. She is prescribed it. Anyways, we cleaned it all. It took 8 hrs. But it gave me energy, I was focused, happy, relaxed, more social. She gave me 2 more pills so I took one today and same thing. I have 1 left so I'm not using it unless I really have to. But it felt like I had no more bipolar. I want to see if my doc will prescribe this stuff. It makes me feel like a brand new person.

I'm on vyvanse which is similar to adderall.

I'm bipolar 1 and the meds I'm on are: 30mg vyvanse, 60mg buspar, and 300mg lamictal.

There's a high chance it will cause an increase of mania. Also be careful trying medications without a doctors consent even if you think it might be harmless it could have very bad effects.

[sarahsweets]

The euphoria will wear off. If you do not have adhd or treatment resistant depression or narcolepsy you shouldnt take it. Neurotypical people who take it use it as a performance enhancer and it gives them an unfair advantage in life. People with the above mentioned issues get a shot at a level playing field when we take it. And thanks to the opiate crisis and so many people just taking them for whatever, the DEA is cracking down on all cII substances so it makes me feel like a criminal filling my prescription. How do you plan on talking to your doctor about a medication he/she did not prescribed that you want to try?

Originally Posted by Sunshinesworld

I know you're not supposed to do this, but my aunt gave me a 20 mg extended release adderall Thursday because I was so tired and low energy and there was rotting food and filth in my apartment. She is prescribed it. Anyways, we cleaned it all. It took 8 hrs. But it gave me energy, I was focused, happy, relaxed, more social. She gave me 2 more pills so I took one today and same thing. I have 1 left so I'm not using it unless I really have to. But it felt like I had no more bipolar. I want to see if my doc will prescribe this stuff. It makes me feel like a brand new person.

[seoultous]

I take ritalin prn. It works for my seasonal depression. I don't take it often but when I do the fog lifts and I feel like a new person. My pdoc trusts me to make the right decision and a 1 month supply typically lasts me 3-4 months so he knows I am not abusing the stuff.

[annielovesbacon]

I totally feel you. When I take adderall every once in a while, it makes me feel like a brand new person.

But a couple years ago I liked the feeling so much that I started taking it every day. Soon the euphoria and happiness wore off but I had to keep taking it because if I stopped, then I crashed and felt absolutely horrible. Eventually it messed up my sleep enough that it sent me manic.

I cannot lie and say I don't still take it every once in a while, but I only take it for what I deem "emergencies." Please don't get in the habit of taking it regularly, that's very dangerous even for someone without bipolar.

[sarahsweets]

I have bipolar II and adhd. I was treated for the BP first in my early 20's and then when I was stable I began treatment for adhd. I have been on adderall for like 13 years and I take it exactly as prescribed and only once I needed a dose increase and that was after my gastric bypass. Someone with bipolar can take amphetamines but they have to be monitored in the beginning. Yes it can be dangerous to just start popping them whenever you want but if you have a good doctor who is willing to closely monitor you it can work out. I have been seeing my doctor for 17 years.

Originally Posted by annielovesbacon

I totally feel you. When I take adderall every once in a while, it makes me feel like a brand new person.

But a couple years ago I liked the feeling so much that I started taking it every day. Soon the euphoria and happiness wore off but I had to keep taking it because if I stopped, then I crashed and felt absolutely horrible. Eventually it messed up my sleep enough that it sent me manic.

I cannot lie and say I don't still take it every once in a while, but I only take it for what I deem "emergencies." Please don't get in the habit of taking it regularly, that's very dangerous even for someone without bipolar.

I left you a message Sarah sweets....

[annielovesbacon]

Originally Posted by sarahsweets

I have bipolar II and adhd. I was treated for the BP first in my early 20's and then when I was stable I began treatment for adhd. I have been on adderall for like 13 years and I take it exactly as prescribed and only once I needed a dose increase and that was after my gastric bypass. Someone with bipolar can take amphetamines but they have to be monitored in the beginning. Yes it can be dangerous to just start popping them whenever you want but if you have a good doctor who is willing to closely monitor you it can work out. I have been seeing my doctor for 17 years.

I'm glad it works for you!! I just meant it can be dangerous for someone with bipolar to take adderall recreationally/not as prescribed. I'm glad you and your doctor were able to work it out

[Blueberrybook]

I'm on it. It will not fix your bipolar and can cause mania. But I've got ADHD according to the pdoc though sometimes I think I have ADHD caused by all the meds I'm on and what they've done to my brain over the years...but IDK, I could have. Some things from my childhood might suggest it...or bipolar...or generalized anxiety disorder...or PTSD...

[Blueberrybook]

Originally Posted by BirdDancer

Your aunt should not have done that. It's not that unlike a drug pusher trying to get a person addicted to a med. I assume she didn't mean harm, but she could be causing a lot of harm. Please tell her to stop offering them to you. If you feel fatigue is a major issue seek help for it from your psychiatrist.

In my state, what your aunt and you did with the Adderall is a crime. If my possessions were searched by a cop and they found I had Adderall without a prescription, I could be charged with at least a misdemeanor crime (even with just a few pills of Adderall) since it isn't prescribed for me.

Does your psychiatrist (bipolar medication prescriber) know you take St. John's Wort? I see that in your medication list. I wouldn't have normally asked, but since you seem willing to take unprescribed medications it makes me wonder.

I want you to know that I understand the frustration with feeling too tired and unmotivated to get things done. I've had those periods, too. I had a couple issues starting to abuse stimulants. They turned bad. It was better for me to work closely with my psychiatrist to find better solutions, without abuse potential.

Agree 100% with this. It's a crime in Texas at least to even possess a small amount of unprescribed Adderall. IDK, I think giving someone unprescribed Adderall is illegal in the entire U.S., but I'm not 100% sure. I never studied law, and I am not a lawyer.

[MickeyCheeky]

I'm really happy that you've listened to your Pdoc, Sunshinesworld! Trust me when I say that you've made the right decision for yourself. I completely agree with what all the others have already said better than I ever could. You've been given some great advice in this thread. I'd suggest to follow it if you can. Taking unprescribed meds can be very dangerous, and it's also illegal. Try to avoid doing this kind of thing if you can. It's always important to take meds under a professional's care. They know what's the best thing to do for you. You can ask about some meds that you'd like to try if you want, but please don't try them out by yourself. It can be really dangerous. Stay safe and take care of yourself. I hop you and your Pdoc will be able to find the right combination for yourself. Remember that we're here for you if you need it. Feel free to PM me anytime. Let me know if I can do something to help you. Wish you good luck! Let us know how it goes. Sending many hugs to you, Sunshinesworld. I'm sure you'll be able to get through all of this! Please don't give up. You're a strong, wonderful person. Stay safe. We're all rooting for you