Appropriate use of medication | ADHD Information

Everyone,
I'm currently being treated for mild depression and my doctor has theorized that I may also suffer from ADD/ADHD.  He prescribed samples of Vyvanse and Focalin for me to try.

I'm still not sure that I believe I have ADD/ADHD but I do know that these drugs make me feel better -- more upbeat and positive. That helps me be more productive and less depressed. But is that really a good reason to use them? Or is that the beginning of a dangerous habit?

I'd love to hear your experience with these drugs.

Thanks!
In the end it's really up to you.  Your doctor works for YOU not the other way around!

One thing I recommend to everyone is to talk to a psychiatrist and get a in-depth assessment.  At very least take a few online questionnaires from somewhere legit like oneaddplace.com.  If you answer most of the questions and it says likely ADHD I'd say that you probably do have it.

The meds you are taking if taken AS DIRECTED by the prescription are safe.  Follow the instructions and read the warnings carefully. 

I've been on a similar med routine (Dexedrine) for about 6 years now.  I feel level, centered and very happy.  I hope you find the same for your life.
Glen - I was on Dexedrine as a kid for three years and now for about two months and I found that it wasn't working so I quit.  While I was glad that I didn't have severe withdrawal, I was a bit concerned about the rebound I had the next day.  After being terribly frustrated, I've given up medications. (Long story)  I guess I just couldn't tell if I was better.  But the past few days I notice that I'm a bit more scattered.  I'm glad you are doing well.  Maybe someday I'll get there.
Maybe it's just your choice of words bt, but I think most folks would agree that a diagnosis of ADHD needs to be based on more than "a theory" that your doctor has.

I personally don't think that tests are conclusory in diagnosing adult ADHD--it's careful identification of ADHD traits that are resulting in royally messing things up at home and work that is the most compelling evidence.

Feeling upbeat and postitive taking Vyvanse (essentially Dexadrine in another form) is fairly typical--whether or not you have ADHD--so that kind of response isn't diagnostic for ADHD either.

But heck...let's put all the lables and diagnoses aside and look at this striaght up--whether or not you have ADHD traits sufficient to be diagnosed as such or not, if the medication is improving your life, and you follow the doctor's orders, then good enough!  Even absent ADHD traits, stimulant medication is sometimes prescribed for depressed patients.    best of luck to you!

For years, I was told I was depressed. After trying tons of medications and seeing lots of doctors, I found someone who took the time to listen to my whole story. He asked if I'd ever been told I have ADHD...I was floored. One of my major depression symptoms was lack of energy. I thought you had to be hyper to have ADHD...boy, was I wrong.

I did a lot of reading before changing any of my medications. Looking back over my life, I can see SO many examples of ADHD. The missing factor was the hyperactivity, which is why no one ever suggested ADHD as my problem growing up. Turns out, I have the inattentive type ADHD, which often goes undiagnosed until adulthood.

We slowly switched my meds over to Wellbutrin and Ritalin, adjusting the dosage for a few months until everything was right. Now that I'm being treated for the ADHD, I can see that the depression was directly related to the ADHD.

When you can't finish things, are called flakey, told you lack willpower, and are repeatedly instructed to "just try harder," it takes a toll on your self worth. After a while, I just withdrew from the world - it was easier than listening to people tell me I wasn't good enough.

Now, I can see that those faults are part of the ADHD...that my problem wasn't lack of willpower at all. I'm becoming more comfortable in my own skin and the depression that weighed me down for years is lifting.

All that being said...I would ask for a referral to a psychiatrist who can give you a thorough examination. The formal diagnosis can sometimes be cumbersome and may not be worth the time or money, but the professional opinion of a specialist would make me more comfortable with the prescriptions. :)