Posted by laima on February 17, 2007, at 8:44:57
In reply to adderall for depression, posted by wishingstar on February 16, 2007, at 18:20:55
I understand amphetamines are still considered useful for tough depressions, and when they work, it's pretty instant and dramatic. I speculate their abuse appeal is related to this fact that they can brighten mood so instantly and dramatically- while typically improving competence right along at the same time. They used to BE the antidepressents, but one reason they fell out of favor was high levels of abuse by both patients and non-patients. (We've heard the phrase, "better than well"- I think that is a definate possibility with some stimulants.) To top it off, if someone takes more of some stims than they should, the potential crash could be worse- starting a real cycle. I'm sure this could be a real risk to well being for some patients.
I've found the brand name adderall to be an AMAZING help for me for both mood and ADD. It doesn't feel at all "druggy" to me, and perhaps for that reason there really isn't any temptation to abuse it. Abusing it seems to have as much appeal and makes about as much sense to me as abusing, say, Emsam. Anyway, I read somewhere once that it was specifically designed to not result in a mood crash, and to be "even". I don't use it late in the day, and it seems to flush out well enough that I don't have sleep difficulties from it. For whatever mysterious reason, I didn't have the same good luck with generic adderall, and it actually left me feeling emotionally volitile when it wore off.
I think your doctor may be on to something.
> Anyone ever heard of this?
>
> Called my pdoc today wanting to admit myself to the psych unit. I'm having a VERY hard time. He told me it probably wasnt needed and that he'd leave me a perscription to pick up on Monday for adderall. I havent been on any meds for about six weeks because I couldnt tolerate the last one he gave me (cymbalta) and then got ill (unrelated) and couldnt get in to see him. My appt is the 28th.
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> I've been on the following, all with no success: zoloft, prozac, effexor, wellbutrin, celexa, lexapro, lithium, and lamictal (made me worse). Tried wellbutrin and effexor together, as well as lithium and lamictal together.
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> Adderall just feels like an odd choice. I understand its supposed to have some energy-boosting effects, which I do need, but my biggest problem really is this deep depression I cant get out of.
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> Any thoughts? Anyone tried this or heard anything?
poster:laima
thread:733371
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20070213/msgs/733559.html