Anyone taking Adderall with antidepressants? Thinking of going of going on Adderall with my antidepressants but not sure how to bring it up to my doctor?
Chronic fatigue, depression and Adderall?
Question posted by Needaxanax on 24 March 2018
Last updated on 23 November 2019
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Answers
I have MDD, OCD, chronic pain due to RA, Sjogren's, and debilitating anxiety. When I was working full-time, I noticed that memory loss, fatigue, and constant confusion were compounding my problems and making my days nothing but exercises in survival. Thinking that I might have adult ADD, I sought out an appropriate psychologist and did a battery of tests that showed that I did have the condition. At first, there was a concern as to how Adderall would affect my anxiety; however, since my depression was a bit worse than my anxiety, my doctor and I thought the benefits would outweigh the risks. For about 4-5 years now, I have been on 40 mg Lexapro, and three 15 mg Adderall a day. From the Adderall, I received a remarkable perk--not only did it help my focus and attention, it actually made me feel alive--like what I think a normal person might feel like. When I take my Adderall, I suddenly feel like leaving my house, talking to people, getting things done, and my depression is so much better. Bottom line is, for me, Adderall is the best "depression" medication I've ever taken although it isn't technically a medication for depression. It gives me hope. I'm sure my Lexapro does something, but my Adderall is what makes me feel normal. I know there are risks with addiction with Adderall, but I don't have that concern because more than three a day would keep me up at night and I have no desire to stay up all night. I just wish that Adderall would be endorsed more by the psychiatric community as a viable depression medication because I am a testament to the fact that it works when nothing else has made much of a difference. I guess a concern for me is that after several years on 15 mg, I feel like I need to move up, but I hesitate to tell my psychiatrist because he doesn't just love this idea of Adderall for me. I don't know why or how it works, but it does. Downside also is that it only lasts 4-5 hours and then you have to just get through the rest of the day. Lastly, if I'm in bed with a combination of depression and stiffness due to RA, I can take my Adderall and in 15-20 minutes, I am out of bed and getting ready to move around and I have no fear of leaving my home or of getting things done. I hope you get to at least give this a try because it has helped me tremendously. If you don't have an addictive personality and you're under the care of a licensed psychiatrist, I don't see anything wrong with this type of therapy. Many blessings and much love to someone much like me,
k
Oops don't know why it's not letting me post
Thank you for this.
I had a whole response to you but this site won't let me post it :(
It seems to limit my character count.
Until they fix that, I give you a vote up! :)
Hello jlove-jones,
I was just wondering what the testing process was like as an adult? I am considering going along the same path as you and would love some feedback on how you went please if that's ok?
Many thanks!
Related topics
adderall, depression, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (adhd), chronic fatigue syndrome (cfs), fatigue, doctor, chronic, antidepressant, antidepressants
Further information
- Adderall uses and safety info
- Adderall prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Adderall (detailed)
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