Posted by Christ_empowered on May 25, 2016, at 19:47:23
In reply to Considering stimulant for depression, posted by Stewie on May 25, 2016, at 19:24:40
Do be careful. I would think that Ritalin or Focalin would be a good first choice over the amphetamine preparations, but...hey, I'm not an MD, much less your MD, now am I?
I found that amphetamines did help my mood, but dosage is key. Too low, you get no good out of it; too high, you run into problems. Hopefully, your doc will sit you down and talk with you about your options.
Stimulants can be very helpful. Ritalin, in particular, has long been used where fatigue is an issue, whether its from the depression, advancing age, medical issues, etc.
If you've gained a good bit of weight, stimulants might be worth considering for that reason, too. I think the amphetamines are more effective for weight loss than Ritalin or Focalin, but I imagine (again) dosage would play a big role.
Watch out for: paranoia, agitation, anger, "Ritalin Kid Syndrome" (where the dose is too high and you're hyper focused and feel...well, you'll know if it happens to you...), mood swings, and...the "crash" that some people experience when the stimulant wears off. I would think gabapentin would be good for this, should it happen to you. Klonopin might help, but more sedating meds are often more helpful...
Anyway, it is your body, your life, etc. If you're tired all the time and/or gaining weight rapidly and/or just not getting any mileage out of more standard treatments...I'd seriously consider it.I have an acquaintance...she's on seroquel and adderall. Works nicely for her. I think something like that...a more sedating, calming medication...plus the stimulant...could be something to consider. I seem to recall reading that some docs use Remeron+stimulants or something.
That's about all I have for you. Talk to your prescriber, watch the dose, and keep an eye out for that crash and other side effects.
Good luck!
poster:Christ_empowered
thread:1089226
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20160501/msgs/1089227.html