[Slothrop]

I have bipolar II, characterized mostly by stubborn depression. My "core" meds cocktail is:

- Cymbalta
- Abilify
- Lithium
- Lamictal
- ProSom (infrequently)

This cocktail really stabilizes me, but I am still fighting the crushing fatigue of depression.

My psychiatrist tried me on Adderall (mixed amphetamine salts, a potent stimulant). It was great...for a while. Then my body wanted more, so she had to raise the dose. When that pooped out, we tried Vyvanse (which breaks down into dextroamphetamine, one of the components of Adderall).

Now I'm at 70mg of Vyvanse plus a 10mg kick of Adderall later in the day. This combo keeps me alert and functioning for several hours, but once it gives out--wham! I run completely out of steam. At that dose of stimulants, the crash is pretty hard.

So, the amphetamine thing may be played out for me. Wednesday I'll be talking to the psychiatrist about a different solution.

Anyone else used amphetamines for hard-to-treat depression? How long have you been able to use them before they no longer cut it? What did you try next?

[Slothrop]

As it turned out, the doc suggested I lower my Cymbalta as it can cause tiredness. So I'll stay on 70mg Vyvanse and 10mg Adderall a day until further notice. At least that gets me through work, if not much else.

[lauren_helene]

I am on 70mg of Vyvanse too. Sometimes take another one later in the day. I ended up dropping Prozac (60mg/day) still take Lamictal and surprisingly...not being on Prozac is not hurting me and it has been a week.

Interesting. I thought it would be hard getting off of that.

I went one weekend without taking vyvanse, I know what you mean about the crash

[sisai]

I was wondering if this was happening to me as well. I have been taking 40mg of adderal for about 5 months and lately I have been getting super depressed. I am also taking Effexor at 225mg and topamax at 100mg. I don't know if it could be my bodies reaction to not having oxy-codone which I was on for about 7 weeks due to surgery...
I also have numerous life, stress, issues...some pretty intense and overwhelming.
Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

Originally Posted by lauren_helene

I am on 70mg of Vyvanse too. Sometimes take another one later in the day. I ended up dropping Prozac (60mg/day) still take Lamictal and surprisingly...not being on Prozac is not hurting me and it has been a week.

Interesting. I thought it would be hard getting off of that.

I went one weekend without taking vyvanse, I know what you mean about the crash

[Slothrop]

Hmm, I'll bet the oxycontin could be a factor...high addiction potential, they say. (Stimulants like Adderall and Vyvanse can be addictive too, and I feel there is a tendency to want more over time.) Life stressors can definitely bring out depression. Maybe your doc can adjust your meds while you get through this? Hope you feel better.