[Wild Coyote]

I have been experimenting with prescribed Adderall. I am doing well on Adderall. It's the first time I can see a light at the end of the tunnel in ages! It's not a "cure-all," but it has definitely helped.

One of the keys to using Adderall is to systematically try various doses and timing in order to find your own individualized optimal dosing.

Some people, for example, can tolerate 30 mg, twice daily. At 30 mg, I was so dizzy I had to rest on the bed. Not good. At 15 mg. every 4-6 hours, I am awake, less depressed, have some physical and mental energy, etc. It's highly individualized.

My pdoc has told me stimulants were used for depression, many years ago, before the tricyclics and SSRIs were discovered. I have wasted a lot -- many, many-- years trying to tolerate all of the many drugs. Those I could tolerate did nothing for my depression. Adderall is giving me some hope.

I hope someone may find this post helpful.


WC

[MtnTime2896]

Adderall once helped me a lot. I was taken off of it, though and put on antidepressants. Worse choice I could've made.

I'm glad they're helping you and you're feeling good.

[Wild Coyote]

Originally Posted by Só leigheas

Adderall once helped me a lot. I was taken off of it, though and put on antidepressants. Worse choice I could've made.

I'm glad they're helping you and you're feeling good.

Thanks!

I am getting a new pdoc in a couple of months. I hope the new one is on board with stimulants. If not, I have no idea what I'll do.


WC

[Wild Coyote]

I hope Rose76 sees this thread.
Hey there, Rose!

WC

[Rose76]

Thank you W.C. I have an appointment to see a pdoc in April. I plan to ask for a stimulant. Fatigue and depression dog me every morning. Than starting at 4 p.m. I always feel much better. It takes till then for me to fully wake up. I waste hours every day feeling so lethargic.

Thanks for attesting to what this med did for you and for explaining how you use it. It might help me too.

[paynful]

At one point, Adderall really made a difference for me. For the first time in my life, I was actually motivated and excited to do life and school (which is unheard of for me).

Maybe it was the combination of prescriptions, but I couldn't take it for long. I suffered from tremendous migraines, nausea, vomiting, killed ALL appetite, and there was NO chance of sleep without taking another prescription. I thought my heart was going to beat out of my chest if I took a sip of coffee. However, I would still be zipping around on Adderall if my system could handle it.

I'm glad you found something that works for you, but please be careful. (It's like one ingredient away from meth.)

[Wild Coyote]

Hi Rose,

If/when you start a stimulant, start low and slowly work your way upward.
I wasn't told this, yet found out how to increase it safely by reading the prescribing literature available online.

Feel free to PM me anytime.
I think of you daily and hope things are going as well as possible.


WC

[boomerango]

My Doc prescribed modafinil along with my antidepressant for my debilitating fatigue. It helps lift my mood and some of the exhaustion! I have no insomnia.
I still want to nap a lot. Too much. I am taking a low dose. Maybe a higher dose would make more difference.

[Rose76]

Coyote - do you have experience with any other stimulants. I'm wondering how a doctor selects one over another. I'm wondering if I should specifically ask for Adderall.

Here it is 11:40 a.m. and I am still trying to wake up. I've been in and out of bed. I keep falling back asleep.

[MissCathryn]

Sorry to interject here, but i am glad I am not the only one that cannot wake up until like 4:00 every day. If I have to work, I manage, but if I am home, I am useless until late afternoon. Ugh. It sucks.

Wild Coyote--Adderall helps me at times too. My pdoc calls it a little bump to help get through the day.

Glad it is helping you!