adderall + depression = ?? | ADHD Information

having suffered from both ad/hd AND seasonal depression my whole life, but having known i had SAD for years upon years and only known about the ADD for a month or two, i am faced with a new conundrum:

i am getting depressed.  again.

it is manifesting itself the way it usually does with me:  irritabililty, lack of motivation, social withdrawal & social anxiety.

normally, i'd say it's time to increase my zoloft dosage.  (i take 50 mg, which is fairly small)

but i just started adderall xr about 2.5 wks ago, so now i'm confused.  which came first, what is causing what?  you see my conundrum?

pdoc isn't in until friday, and i will certainly call her, but i *am* add and i like immediate feedback (not to mention instant gratification)...

for the past 2 wks i took 10 mg xr adderall and was fine.  just started the 15 mg xr on friday and so i'm not sure if:

a. the depression is a separate entity entirely than the adderall and it is getting colder and darker outside (i have sad), so it's time to up the zoloft and leave the adderall alone

b. the higher dose of adderall is causing the depression

c. the higher does of adderall is temporarily aggravating the depression but will subside if i tough it out another day or two.

penny for your thoughts.... bella_b38664.6192592593

Bella,

Hard to tell because:

a.  stimulants can exacerbate anxiety

b.  it's the time of year when SAD begins

Have you considered using a light box?

yes i use one every morning...


 Sorry, Bella,  I can relate, except my depression can come on anytime of year.   I would have never gotten out of depression without meds.  Lexapro worked for me, then Doc changed me to wellbutrin.  Exercise and laughter are two things that naturally increase seratonin levels - I know that's hard to do when you are depressed, but it's worth the effort.  Watch shows that make you laugh. 

Let's look at the things you are doing well
1) you recognised the signs
2)  you are seeking help
3)  you are fighting it

Good job,  keep it up , don't give in & don't give up!
Forgot to say - I take adderall too -  I don't link it to my depression tho.

Penny for my thoughts - don't think so much!
Trust me -
Thinking is where it all starts

No really, journal your feelings.  That seems to help too.

Since SAD is a form of mood disorder, has your pdoc ever suggested a mood stabilizer?  Just a thought . . .

 

well, it's known that i have a mood disorder, hence the zoloft.

docs used to think i was bipolar, but i'm definitely not ...  just anxious and depressed w/ adhd.

which - i guess if i were bipolar i wouldn't be saying this - but it seems harder to treat than manic depression.

i took a mood stabilizer for 2 years.  did nothing.  which brought me here - to add land. 
country girl - you are right.  i shouldn't think so much.  although isn't that one of those adhd things??  

exercise helps.  just can be so hard to get to the treadmill sometimes.

thank you for the support. that helps too.