Stimulants for depression (particularly treatment-resistant)

Has anyone here heard of or tried this?

I had tried all types of combinations of meds - anti-depressants and otherwise - along with ECTs and all types of non-physical treatments, with no lasting and few temporary results. The pharmacist specializing in psychopharmaceuticals and psychiatrists I saw in the hospital told me there were no more medicines to try. But a new psychiatrist was working over a weekend two weeks ago, and he believed in trying stimulants when other medicines had failed - adding Concerta (Ritalin) to my anti-depressant Cymbalta. I started it two days later, while in the meantime I saw my assigned psychiatrist who said he was skeptical of the stimulant and that most doctors he knew didn't use them in depression, but left me on it. The second day I took it it worked wonderfully, ever since which I've had energy, motivation and clearer thoughts, along with no trouble from my previously almost-constant suicidal thoughts/urges. What a great surprise it's been to everyone!

So I'd definately recommend to anyone with treatment-resistant depression that you ask about this.

But I'm also curious whether anyone else on here has tried or even heard of stimulants being prescribed for depression...

I'm on the same path, for about two weeks now. This week, though, I'll see my doctor about changing from Ritalin to Adderall, because of horrible headaches from the Ritalin.

It's working a charm for me, too, although between the Wellbutrin, the Ritalin, and my existing anxiety disorder, well, there are days I feel as though I'll jump out of my skin. But I suspect that could be from the anxiety disorder alone, due to what's going on in my life right now. It's amazing -- I don't think I was really aware of how much residual depression I had going, until I started this and the depression lifted a bit. More than a little, less than completely. But it's a hell of a lot better for me, and hope it continues to help so much.

Now to ease my doctor into addressing the anxiety without stopping the stimulant...

My doctor & I discussed giving this a try because I knew a couple of my friends tried these drugs and both had a good outcome.
First we tried dexamphetamine sulphate (speed) and that started to work on a small dose that we started on.
Two weeks later when we increased the dosage it spaced me right out.Didn't know where I was .
Once I contacted the doctor and told him he took me off it straightaway.
We also tried retalin but that just made me worse.
Guess I didn't get any benifit in trying stimulants.
I am also treatment resistant
Dean

Hiya folk, I was struck with a deep sense of concern whilst reading this thread, I hope you don't mind my input.
One of the biggest drawbacks of long-term medication is that our systems become resilient to their effects. As bizarre as it sounds, our doctors know this, but there is little they can do about it.
Stimulants are a taboo in my doctors viewpoint, and for good reason, the long-term drawbacks of stimulants can be quite extreme. Not to mention the ongoing changes within ourselves whilst taking them. We don't notice the changes in our behaviour because we are insulated within our own selves.
I don't mean to seem rude or patronising, because I'm genuinely trying to be helpful here. Have you all got a solid and balanced diet, please try not to be offended by this. Most people do not eat a balanced diet, the levels of vitamins and minerals our bodies need to function properly are seldom to be found within our bodies in sufficient proportions.
I'm not coming at you in any negative context here, I used cocaine for a long time, because medication did nothing for me, but the symptoms of my illness dissapeared whilst I had cocaine in my blood. But this eventually led to even greater problems than those I started with.
My startle reflex response had shot through the roof, and I managed to generate a fairly serious heart condition. Although I felt like I was on the up and up, I was actually spiralling down into dangerous territory. I know this isn't helpful in as much as I'm not resolving any problems for you, I'm very worried that you may fall into the same trap that I fell into.
I can only hope that you proceed with sufficient caution, sometimes we do things out of desperation, but our lives are so fragile, and so incredibly precious.
Keep safe, peace be with you...........
Fox

at one time I was on prozac along with the ritalin. it worked wonders for me.

I have been taken Nardil and Lamictal for some time and recently added Provigil. It's helping me with residual depression and also ADHD symptoms.

gg

I have been taking dextramphetamine for years now and its the only thing that gives me any measurable help. I'm concerned about the long term effects of the stimulants on my heart and body however and I see it as a dead end. But I still take em of course......... lol When nothing else works I guess we certainly do get desperate. Everyone knows SPEED kills and I bring this up to my PDOC ALL THE TIME AND she assures me it wont harm me........... My General MD disagrees and said she would NEVER prescribe stimulants to anyone.......... I have no idea what damage I could be causing and it worries me a lot....but its all I have to get a few decent hours out of a day. My friend takes Adderal and she feels the same way.