Hey guys, I'm new to these forums.My situation is a little different... Unlike many of you, I do not think I have ADD (Although I could be wrong). However, I do need adderall for other purposes.2 months ago I was diagnosed with panic disorder, depression, and general anxiety. I went to see the college doctor, and she put me on lexapro, and xanax (for the attacks).After over 6 weeks of using lexapro, it occured to me that I did not, and would not respond to even elevated doses of this medicine... Nor did I respond to the xanax, which is quite rare.From there I began to see the guidence counselor, which has definitely allowed me to get some things of my chest, but in no way helped my depression. Because I can say almost for certain that my depression is neuro-chemical.I have a great social life, a great home life, and there is nothing reasonably wrong with me... Yet I have always, since the time I can remember, struggled with these feelings.My biggest problem is school. I can't focus in class, and have no motivation to do work outside of class (Probably similar to some ADD symptoms).Recently, I was given a few 10 mg pills of adderall by a friend. Since my major and interest is in health, I've done a good deal of research on medication. So I decided to take a 20 mg dose before class... and wow is all i can say! I felt... like a new person. All my symptoms of depression were relieved within an hour, and the feeling lasted most of the day.I was also able to function normally in class, do my homework, and completely crush any social anxiety.Since then I have taken adderall a few times at the same dose, and similar results occured.My question is, how do I go about requesting a prescription for adderall, if i do not have add? I tried to talk to my school doc about it, and although she thought it was a good idea, and nice alternative to anti-depressents, she did not have the legal ability to prescribe me adderall.What type of doctor can prescribe me adderall, and how do I go about confronting him/her? Should I focus on my add symtpoms, or tell the truth like I am telling you? In just a few days this drug has made a world of difference in my life. So please, any help or advice is very, very appreciated.Thanks
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Unusual situation... concerning adderall.
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I'm a little confused, were you ever diagnosed with ADD? If you were, you could simply ask your doctor to switch to Adderall. A psychiatrist can prescribe it.
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No, I never was. I don't believe I have add, like i said though, it helps dramatically with my depression.
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Adderall is actually prescribed to some people for depression. Only a Dr. can prescribe adderall. It is a very controlled substance, so no Dr. assistants can prescribe it. Psychiatrists can prescribe it, but I don't know about a psycholigist. Usually if you see a family health establishment where there is only like one Dr., they will just pass it on to him to sign the prescription. I have to physically carry the written prescription to the pharmacy. The Dr. can't just call it in, that gives you an idea of how strict the control stuff like adderall and ritalin. They are amphetamines, so they tend to get abused hence the strict controlling.
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That's useful information, Bullydub. I hadn't heard of Adderall's use for depression. I assume hockeykid23 should explain the sitation to a doctor or psychiatrist and hope he/she accepts that this is the right medication in this case.Depression (along with many other mental disorders) seems that it may well be a single syndrome with different possible biochemical causes.
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"panic disorder, depression, and general anxietyI can't focus in class, and have no motivation to do work outside of class I decided to take a 20 mg dose before classI was also able to function normally in class, do my homework, and completely crush any social anxiety"From the excerpts above, I'd say you want to explore the possibility it might be ADD. ADD symptoms vary widely but yours fit one of the profiles. Also, the drug actually helping to clear the focus problem is an indication.When it comes to conditions caused by chemical imbalances or other neurological factors, never rule out anything; a lot of them mask themselves quite cleverly merely by their symptoms overlapping.And maybe I shoud point out that taking prescription medicine that is not specifically prescribed for you can be dangerous (not to mention illegal in the case of controlled drugs). Though given your situation, I won't fault you specifically on this one.
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Yes, it is very dangerous taking another person's meds and illegal especially an amphetamine. I have read a lot of stories where parents who's children were diagnosed with add, have taken their kid's meds and noticed an incredible change in habits. Don't get me wrong an amphetamine will change just about anyone, but more or less in these people's issues for the better.Read the book The 6 types of add and how to cure them, I believe that is what it is called. He debunks a lot of myths concerning add and the misdiagnosing certain types of add as depression or bi-polar. In my case I have a form of add that is in the same nut shell as OCD. I tend to over worry and have an EXTREME over focusing problem. Like a lot of add people with this trait they are very gifted in things they enjoy because they will spend so much time focusing on it. It goes back to grade school and taking tests and reading way to far into questions etc and constantly changing answers. When I was prescribed just a medication for add it made this problem worse, so they through in zoloft for the OCD and it balances it out.My mother has been diagnosed with everything under the sun and they seemed to settle on bi-polar, well the meds just never seemed to work right. They put her on just adderall and it was like night and day. I get my add from her and after moving home now realize my OCD comes from my father because he stresses over the most petty things and over reacts way to much.Seeing that depression is basically being down, an amphetamine would seem like a good choice to motivate someone, but the problem with an abusive personality comes into play and that is why Dr.'s will try to stay away from prescribing an amphetamine for depression. A lot of depressed folk tend to have abusive personalities, I should know because I have one myself. I have a pretty strong will power, so that helps. Also it is pointless for myself to take more adderall than I should, because it will just give me a bad headache and loses it's affect because my body adapts.I am thinking of switching back to ritalin because it has a shorter life span and I am able to control my doses better. Adderall stays in my system to long and affects my ability to sleep, plus if I don't take it my withdrawl symptoms will make me sleep for days. Although I must say, it is nice being caught up on all my tasks and being able to sleep so good on my days off, problem is I am like a hybernating bear lol
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I am in the same boat, been depressed,and stressed with small panic attacks and crazy anxiety, im on meds but they only help a little. Someone I know gave me 10 mgs of adderall and I was afraid thats id feel high or drugged and I dont want any of that nonsense. I am feeling totally in control of myself and extremely happy and very focused. I am seeing a doctor next week but I dont want her to think i'm trying to abuse this by asking for it and am afraid what she will think if i tell her I took one from a friend because i know thats illegal and looks really bad