Do stimulants make you less depressed?

Working with a doctor or mental health professional is crucial when considering treatment options. Adderall (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine) is a stimulant medication most commonly used to treat ADHD but has been linked to depression both as an off-label treatment for depression and as a cause of depression.

verywellmind.com - The Connection Between Adderall and Depression - Verywell Mind

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Millions of Americans experience depression every year. Finding the right treatment can be a long, strenuous process, especially when you’re dealing with other mental health disorders. Working with a doctor or mental health professional is crucial when considering treatment options. Adderall (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine) is a stimulant medication most commonly used to treat ADHD but has been linked to depression both as an off-label treatment for depression and as a cause of depression. Adderall is a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. As a stimulant, Adderall affects chemicals in the brain and nerves that contribute to hyperactivity and impulse control. It is used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. It is often used as part of a treatment plan, which can include psychological, education, or social measures. Adderall and depression are linked in multiple ways. Adderall has been used as an off-label treatment for depression in patients who experience depression in combination with ADHD. Because stimulants can increase alertness, attention, and energy, they can feel like mood boosters for those experiencing depression. But Adderall can cause depression, especially if a person is taking a high dosage of the drug and suddenly discontinues use. Adderall is also commonly misused and taken without a prescription. Non-medically deemed the "study drug," Adderall is widely known for its ability to increase attention for long periods of time. Many high school and college students also use it recreationally. The problem is that many people don’t know how stimulants work, what side effects can occur, and how the drug impacts the body in the short and long term. Adderall dependence and withdrawal can be dangerous and can cause depression, suicidal thoughts, fatigue, sleep problems, and more. Though ADHD and depression can be diagnosed separately or together, says Alex Dimitriu, MD, founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine, it’s better to treat one condition at a time. Even though ADHD can cause depression and stimulants like Adderall can help with symptoms of both conditions, it's often best to treat the depression first, Dr. Dimitriu explains. Once mood is regulated, cognitive function can be evaluated. "It is important to realize that certain treatments in psychiatry, like stimulants, are more of a bandaid than a fundamental treatment," says Dr. Dimitriu.

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Other treatment options for depression, in addition to or in place of medications, may include alternative therapies such as: While other medications are often more effective for treating depression, Adderall also comes with additional risks. "Adderall can be habit-forming, and people with depression may abuse the substance because it can provide a high," adds Nicole Arzt, MS, LMFT, a licensed marriage and family therapist. Though Adderall can "provide a high" and instantly improve your mood, it is not an approved treatment for depression. Depression should be treated separately by a medical professional and you should not take Adderall without a medical consultation and personalized prescription. The Best Online Therapy Programs We've tried, tested and written unbiased reviews of the best online therapy programs including Talkspace, Betterhelp, and Regain. Tell you're doctor if you are pregnant (or planning to become pregnant) or if you are currently breastfeeding.

Decreased appetite

Diarrhea or constipation

Difficulty sleeping

Dry mouth

Eyesight changes or blurred vision

Nausea

Nervousness

Seizures

Serotonin syndrome

Shortness of breath

Stomachache

People who stop taking Adderall for an extended period of time may also experience extreme fatigue and depression. Depression can also occur when patients misuse Adderall. Abruptly stopping Adderall can lead to suicidal thinking. If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911. For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database. Using Adderall for long periods of time (prescribed or not) can cause many serious physical and mental health issues. Even if you are diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed Adderall, you should be extremely cautious when taking it.

Warnings & Interactions

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Serious cardiovascular events, some resulting in sudden death, have occurred in people who take stimulants and have preexisting heart conditions such as cardiomyopathy or serious heart rhythm abnormalities. Stimulants cause an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, so people taking them should be monitored to make sure these levels are within a healthy range. Peripheral vasculopathy, a circulation disorder, has occurred in people taking Adderall. Be sure to talk to your doctor if you notice any pain in your extremities, especially in your fingers and legs.

Antidepressant medicines including MAOIs

Blood pressure medicines

Blood thinner medicines

Cold or allergy medicines that contain decongestants

Seizure medicines

Stomach acid medicines

People with preexisting psychiatric conditions like psychotic disorder and bipolar disorder should consult with a doctor prior to taking Adderall. Stimulant drugs have worsened psychiatric symptoms for some people, including increasing manic episodes in people with bipolar disorder. Symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, mania, and increased hostility have also been observed in adults and children taking Adderall, even without a history of mental illness. Let your doctor know right away if any concerning side effects occur as you're taking Adderall so they help you safely discontinue treatment.

A Word From Verywell

Adderall should not be a go-to treatment for depression. If you believe you have depression, you should speak with a mental health professional to discuss your symptoms, how best to treat them, and what lifestyle changes, medications, and/or therapies are best for you.

verywellmind.com - The Connection Between Adderall and Depression - Verywell Mind

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