ADD Meds and Bipolar | ADHD Information

Hi,

I was recently diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and discovered that my Strattera was causing me to go manic.  Having stopped taking it, I feel a lot better, but my attention span is once again nil and I am worried about my academic performance when I start classes again.

I have tried Adderall before, but had a strong psychotic reaction to a small dose -- I think stimulant meds are out.

Is there anything else I can do to help my attention span? I have seen herbal remedies, but I am skeptical of their actual performance.

There are very good bipolar meds now on the market that can be used with stim meds quite safely.  You should check with a psychiatrist versed in both bipolar and adult ADHD to get the best up-to-date info on solutions that are out there.

Stratterra is still in my thought a last-ditch effort for ADHD.  There are just too many side effects and tend to anesthetize people who take it to a high extent.

 

[QUOTE=GlenW]There are very good bipolar meds now on the market that can be used with stim meds quite safely.  You should check with a psychiatrist versed in both bipolar and adult ADHD to get the best up-to-date info on solutions that are out there.[/QUOTE]

My reaction to Adderall was before I was even diagnosed with bipolar, and was due to an amphetamine allergy, which is rare and occurs in less than 1% of the population.

Are most of the ADD meds (Concerta, etc.) amphetamine-based?
My 13-year-old son has bipolar disorder and ADHD.  We are working to stabilize his moods with the mood stabilizers Depakote and Lamictal.  Once he's stable, we'll see what residual attentional difficulties remain.  If there are any, I'm leaning toward Provigil, which will receive FDA approval for ADHD this summer (but some pdocs are already prescribing off-label for ADHD).  Good luck.

Provigil! That was the name I was searching for earlier!

Maybe ask about provigil.  It's in a whole new class of stims - they are non-habit forming and far more efficient.  Maybe they may not have the effect that other meds have on you?

 

As one with bipolar, I can tell you that inattention is often mania/hypomania. ADHD meds of all sorts are often very bad for people who have bipolar, even with comorbid ADHD, if you even have that (if it's not mania causing the inattention). If you're had a bad reaction so far to ADHD meds, like me, you may not be able to take any. Wish ya luck.