[cthonica]

Anyone have opinions on the use of stimulant meds to treat depression? I'm on Dexedrine, low dose, but kind of not sure it's the right thing. Have succeeded in not abusing it, which is a fairly big deal considering I am a cocaine addict (sober over a year).

My psychiatrist seems clear that he doesn't think i have ADD. He said he has used Dexedrine for people with depression who have histories of cocaine abuse, and it has helped them. What i'm concerned about is that I will require more to get the same effect, as that happened very quickly with the cocaine. The last thing I need is another addiction. It does seem to be helping though; I am more motivated, have had more success with work, and find it easier to fight self-destructive thoughts.

[(JD)]

Yeah I have heard some stuff with this regards. Seems there must be a lot of research money out there for stimulants... they are being proposed for countering a lot of stuff....

<font color=blue> meditation is a true way to connect to the Source </font color=blue>

[darkeyes]

They helped me but my pdoc says I am not to use them, I had been taking them from a quick weight loss center that strangely went out of business.
But personally I felt great while taking them.
Pdoc says he does not think Bipolar's should use them either, may create a manic mode.
Lots of luck with this
DE

In giving advice seek to help, not please your friend
SOLON

[Stargazer2493]

I'm new here, first post. I am bipolar, depressed, and have add. Until my Dr. put me on Ritalin, I HAD to have my Lexpro daily or I would go crazy with the crying and mood swings. Since ritalin I feel SO much better. I too was coke and meth user, sober 10 years, but this I believe is the answer to saving my job and marriage. I know I need this to survive; I don't have to abuse it to fell good.

Gazer

[pepperanne]

Provigil is a non addictive stimulant. I use this, with no history of addiction to anything.

[cleomaru]

if you ant ot try to get the same outcome without being on something HIGHLY addictive, try stratera, it's a new med, a stimulent thats not an addictive stimulent. and ritalin and such are very risky.

but if they work they work.

"don't kick the puppy" ~ j.e.p.

[MindResearcher]

Hi, in my opinion , i do believe in stimulants for depression, especially persons with a type of depression with lack of motivation, always tired, and just basically wants to lay in bed. Yes, that is what i suffer from. Well, in the past.
Im perscribed Adderall 20mg 2x daily, along with clonopin 1mg 3x daily and Lexapro. I also take a drug called suboxone for opiate addiction. But you see, im not nor do i abuse stimulants or benzos. I take them as perscribed. BUt i could tell if i miss my dose , if its Klonpin, which is long acting, it may take up to a day to start feeling withdrawls.

Im no doctor, but iv been researching psychopharm for 2 yrs now. Basically , anything from smart nutrition, to herbs and supplements to drugs, addiction and the brain, neurotransmitters.

Just becuase a person is an addict, doesnt mean he will abuse every drug he gets his hands on. For me, basically strong opiates like oxycontin or H. A bottle of codiene pills may lay on my dresser for weeks. But if i had oxycontins, i would go through 3 80mg a day. Opiate toerlance is a bummer, and then your pockets get empty.

Even this drug called subxone, which is buprenorphine and nalaxone, can be abused. Although its a partial opiate and opiate blocker, you cannot use other opiates while on it. But somehow the combonation of the adderall and klonopin with suboxone has done dramatic outcomes for me. If it wasnt for these meds, id be using. Peroid. But i know there is always someone who has there opinon to stay off benzos or amphetamines if you have an addiction. But being diagnosed with anxiety disorder, depression, and add, it seems i tried so many meds and found these to help the most.

I will post again very soon on drug addiction and the brain. But basically, if a medication is helping you, stick with it. Even if its a schedule 2 or 3. But on the other side, im into alot of natural substances. There is so much out there to learn and its very interesting.

MindReseach