Treatment FAQ

adderall no longer works for my cfs or my treatment resistant depression - what do i do?

by Breanne Hartmann Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

It is the tolerance induction that leads most Adderall users back to their doctors to report that their starting dose is no longer working (or effective). At this point, the doctor suggests increasing the dosage, perhaps to 40 mg – doubling the amount of psychostimulation.

Full Answer

Can Adderall help with treatment resistant depression?

Lots of literature pointing in the direction of Adderall for treatment resistant depression. But it takes a Dr. who cares, and who is willing to listen and at least try to find a modality of treatment that will have his patient looking forward to tomorrow as opposed to dreading the next minute, and the one after that, and the next, etc.

Can you take Adderall for chronic fatigue syndrome?

Some doctors prescribe stimulants, like Adderall, Vyvanse, and Ritalin — all commonly used to manage symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) — to people with CFS who don’t respond to other treatments or who experience symptoms of both CFS and ADHD.

Is it easier to come off Adderall than an SSRI?

If you have been taking a high dosage and are trying to stop taking it, you may be extremely depressed during withdrawal. However, I tend to think that it’s far easier to come off of Adderall than it is to come off of an SSRI – that’s my experience. Supplementing Adderall with an SSRI or TCA

Does Adderall work immediately?

Although some antidepressants do work immediately, most take awhile and Adderall can help pick up the slack. Pro social effect– Some people experience a pro-social effect related to Adderall. They feel more social, more outgoing, and want to interact with people.

Why is my Adderall not working anymore?

The body can develop Adderall tolerance. If you are using it for medical reasons, you may feel as though it has stopped working or become less effective after a period of time. This is perfectly normal. Usually, your doctor will evaluate the efficacy of your current dose and prescribe a tiny increase in dose if needed.

What is the best stimulant for CFS?

The most popular stimulants prescribed for chronic fatigue syndrome include:Ritalin and Concerta, which contain methylphenidate.Dexedrine, which contains dextroamphetamine.Adderall, which contains amphetamine and dextroamphetamine.Vyvanse, which contains lisdexamfetamine.

What is the best antidepressant for CFS?

Antidepressants often prescribed for chronic fatigue include:Tricyclics: amitriptyline (Elavil), desipramine (Norpramin), notriptyline (Pamelor)Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft)

What drugs are approved for treatment resistant depression?

Aripiprazole (Abilify), brexpiprazole (Rexulti), or quetiapine (Seroquel XR) are FDA-approved as add-on therapies to an antidepressant for treatment-resistant depression.

Does Adderall help CFS?

Can stimulants really be a 'fix' for CFS? Some doctors prescribe stimulants, like Adderall, Vyvanse, and Ritalin — all commonly used to manage symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) — to people with CFS who don't respond to other treatments or who experience symptoms of both CFS and ADHD.

Is Adderall good for chronic fatigue?

Stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and the mixture of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine (Adderall) are also prescribed to treat fatigue.

Does Wellbutrin give you energy like Adderall?

With the increase of dopamine that Wellbutrin provides, some patients may experience a boost of energy and motivation while taking Wellbutrin.

What is the latest treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome?

There is no cure or approved treatment for myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS).

What is the newest antidepressant on the market?

On March 5, 2019, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first new medication for major depression in decades. The drug is a nasal spray called esketamine, derived from ketamine—an anesthetic that has made waves for its surprising antidepressant effect.

How do doctors treat treatment-resistant depression?

About one-third of people with MDD have treatment-resistant depression. A doctor may recommend adding or changing medications, psychotherapy, electroconvulsive therapy, or new or novel medications. Find encouragement and support through 1-1 messaging and advice from others dealing with major depressive disorder.

Is there an untreatable depression?

“Although there is some disagreement as to how to define treatment-resistant depression, a patient is generally considered to have it if the individual hasn't responded to adequate doses of two different antidepressants taken for a sufficient duration of time, which is usually six weeks,” explains Jaskaran Singh, M.D.

What is the standard of care for treatment-resistant depression?

There's no standard diagnostic criteria for treatment-resistant depression, but doctors generally make this diagnosis if someone has tried at least two different types of antidepressant medication without any improvement.

What Is Adderall Tolerance?

Adderall tolerance is defined as a reduction in neurophysiologic response associated with repeated administration of Adderall. As a result, the use...

Factors That Influence Adderall Tolerance Onset

Should you become tolerant to the effects of Adderall, it is necessary to analyze the factors that likely contributed to tolerance development. It...

What Causes Adderall Tolerance?

There are likely several multifaceted mechanisms by which Adderall tolerance is induced within a user’s neurophysiology. Repetitive (daily) ingesti...

Pharmacologic Mechanisms of Adderall Tolerance (Possibilities)

The exact mechanisms by which Adderall induces tolerance aren’t fully elucidated. Tolerance to Adderall is speculated to principally involve: alter...

How to Prevent Adderall Tolerance: Hypothetical Strategies

There are a multitude of opinions floating around the internet regarding how users can prevent Adderall tolerance. While certain supplements, medic...

Can Everyone Prevent Adderall Tolerance?

It is farfetched to assume that everyone taking Adderall is capable of mitigating tolerance onset with a simplistic regimen of NMDA receptor antago...

Have You Developed Adderall Tolerance?

If you’ve developed Adderall tolerance, it is necessary to realize that there’s no biological free lunch – the cognitive enhancement and focus you’...

What is Adderall used for?

A stimulant, it 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.

What is the best medication for depression?

Medications used to treat most forms of depression include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or SNRIs or serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and bupropion , also classified as antidepressants .

Does Adderall help with narcolepsy?

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) When taking Adderall for ADHD or narcolepsy, patients can experience adverse side effects, and though Adderall may help patients who suffer from ADHD and depression, there are many side effects that can occur in the short term and long term.

Is Adderall safe for bipolar?

The FDA warns that Adderall in patients with combined mental health disorders, such as ADHD and bipolar disorder, should be cautious of adverse effects. Additionally, patients with underlying mental health problems, such as psychosis, mania, or depression, should consult with their doctor before taking Adderall.

Can Adderall cause depression?

Adderall dependence and withdrawal can be dangerous and can cause depression or suicidal thoughts. Symptoms of Adderall Withdrawal. “Adderall can be habit-forming, and people with depression may abuse the substance because it can provide a high,” says Nicole Arzt, MS, LMFT, a licensed marriage and family therapist.

Is Adderall a prescription drug?

Unfortunately, Adderall is commonly misused (taken without a prescription) or abused. Non-medically deemed the “study drug,” Adderall is widely known for its ability to improve cognitive abilities and many students (high school and college) have used it to concentrate for long periods of time.

Can you stop taking Adderall?

Abruptly stopping Adderall can lead to suicidal thinking. If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.

How long does Adderall last?

Thereafter, its efficacy is generally maintained for weeks, or perhaps months after the initial dosage with favorable results.

What happens when you take Adderall daily?

Repetitive (daily) ingestion of Adderall (75% dextroamphetamine, 25% levoamphetamine) triggers neurophysiologic changes within the central nervous system (CNS) – some of which are induced by the drug and others which accommodate for the drug.

What are the factors that affect Adderall tolerance?

It is also necessary to consider individual variables that may affect Adderall tolerance onset including: a user’s baseline neurophysiology, genetics, diet, stress, and sleep quality. Someone with favorable neurophysiologic activity pre-Adderall, genes that rapidly restore homeostatic neurotransmission (e.g. generate lost dopamine), eating a healthy diet, with low stress, and quality sleep – is less likely to experience rapid Adderall tolerance than someone in the opposite scenario. Individuals eating an unhealthy diet with high stress and poor sleep may use up excess dopamine stores quicker while taking Adderall – leading to quicker tolerance.

What is tolerance in Adderall?

Adderall tolerance is defined as a reduction in neurophysiologic response associated with repeated administration of Adderall. As a result, the user must increase the Adderall concentration (dosage) to attain the desired and/or therapeutic effect.

How long does Adderall XR stay in your system?

Adderall XR remains active for 12 hours, whereas the IR version elicits a 4 to 6 hour effect.

How long does it take to get used to Adderall?

Someone that uses Adderall daily (without missing a single day) may develop tolerance to a 40 mg dose within 6 months, whereas someone who’s been taking Adderall on an “as needed” basis may take 1 to 2 years to develop tolerance to that same dosage.

How long does it take to become tolerant to Adderall?

It is these factors that explain why one individual may develop tolerance within 6 months of Adderall usage, yet another may take 2 years to become tolerant.

What is the most common symptom of chronic fatigue syndrome?

People with CFS experience extreme fatigue following mental and physical activities. Brain fog, memory issues, joint pain, and sore throat are also common symptoms.

Can CFS cause memory issues?

Brain fog, memory issues, joint pain, and sore throat are also common symptoms. CFS can co-occur with mental health disorders, autoimmune diseases, and sleep disorders. Because of this, treatment for one of the above may offer relief. But, for some, there’s no long-term recovery.

Does Ritalin help with CFS?

A 2014 study, expanding on a 2006 trial, suggests Ritalin may help to relieve fatigue and improve cognitive function for people with CFS. A small, older 2003 study. Trusted Source. suggests Dexedrine, another stimulant prescribed for ADHD, might have similar effects for people with CFS.

Can stimulants help with CFS?

Can stimulants really be a ‘fix’ for CFS? Some doctors prescribe stimulants, like Adderall, Vyvanse, and Ritalin — all commonly used to manage symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) — to people with CFS who don’t respond to other treatments or who experience symptoms of both CFS and ADHD.

Can stimulants cause fatigue?

But as the stimulant wears off and neurotransmitters return to their previous levels, you might be left with even worse fatigue ( not to mention irritability). A number of people in the CFS community also report experiencing high blood pressure, dizziness, digestive issues, and insomnia after using stimulants.

What is the best treatment for depression?

Psychological counseling. Psychological counseling (psychotherapy) by a psychiatrist, psychologist or other mental health professional can be very effective. For many people, psychotherapy combined with medication works best. It can help identify underlying concerns that may be adding to your depression.

How to get better from depression?

Stick to your treatment plan. Don't skip therapy sessions or appointments. It'll take time to get better. Even if you feel well, don't skip your medications. If you stop, depression symptoms may come back, and you could experience withdrawal-like symptoms. If side effects or drug costs are a problem, talk with your doctor and pharmacist to discuss options.

What to ask a psychiatrist about depression?

Consider your response to treatment, including medications, psychotherapy or other treatments you've tried.

What type of therapy is used to help with depression?

Interpersonal psychotherapy focuses on resolving relationship issues that may contribute to your depression. Family or marital therapy. This type of therapy involves family members or your spouse or partner in counseling. Working out stress in your relationships can help with depression.

What type of counseling involves a group of people who struggle with depression working together with a psychotherapist?

Group psychotherapy. This type of counseling involves a group of people who struggle with depression working together with a psychotherapist. Mindfulness. Mindfulness involves paying attention and accepting one's thoughts and feelings without judging them as "right" or "wrong" in a given moment. Behavioral activation.

How to help someone with depression?

If you have trouble sleeping, research ways to improve your sleep habits or ask your doctor or mental health professional for advice. Get regular exercise. Exercise has a direct effect on mood. Even physical activity such as gardening or walking can reduce stress, improve sleep and ease depression symptoms.

Can you stop drinking alcohol and drugs?

In the long run, alcohol and drugs worsen depression and make it harder to treat. If you can't stop drinking alcohol or using drugs on your own , talk to your doctor or mental health professional. Depression treatment may be unsuccessful until you address your substance use. Manage stress.

Should I take a break from my antidepressant?

No. It’s not recommended to stop taking antidepressants “cold turkey.”

Step 1: Keep taking your medication

Medications to treat depression depend on a delicate balance. If that balance isn’t working for you right now, there are ways to go back to it.

Step 2: Talk with a mental health professional

A mental health professional can help assess your current experience. They can offer advice, support, and strategies on how to feel better again.

Step 3: Develop a new plan to support your health

Once you discuss your symptoms and your medication with a healthcare professional, they will help you develop a new plan.

Step 4: Practice self-care

Whether your antidepressant is or isn’t working, self-care is important when living with depression.

What is the most common medication used for fatigue?

Most of the pharmaceuticals used to increase energy in chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) (Vyvanse, Ritalin, Adderall) are amphetamines or have amphetamine-like structures. Amphetamines have been used in the past to elevate mood, reduce feelings of fatigue and increase alertness, concentration and motivation.

What is the most common disorder in which stimulants are used?

Plus, the disorder stimulants are most commonly used in – attention hyperactivity deficit disorder (ADHD) – appears to be common in fibromyalgia and probably ME/CFS. One study which employed an ADHD self-test found that almost 50% of FM patients tested positive for ADHD.

Does ME/CFS help with fatigue?

in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and fibromyalgia because they increase alertness, concentration, motivation and energy and can assist with circulatory problems. One study suggests they may be able to help with fatigue and pain as well.

Can stimulants cause addiction?

When taken correctly the risk of addiction is reportedly very low but taking large doses of stimulants over a long period of time can cause addiction. Sleep and energy levels can be negatively effected in ME/CFS and FM in some patients.

Can psychostimulants boost energy?

Dr. Murphree, an alternative health focused MD, agrees that psychostimulants can boost energy levels but asserts that long term use – which the clinical trials do not address – is “a disaster for most folks, but especially so for those with fibromyalgia and or chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS/ME) “.

What happens if you stop taking antidepressants?

If you feel like your antidepressant has stopped working, you're not alone. It's common for a medication that once worked wonders to become ineffective, especially if you've been taking it for a long time. Symptoms return for up to 33% of people using antidepressants — it's called breakthrough depression.

What is the best treatment for depression?

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) SSRI drugs are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants and are often considered the first line of defense against depression. They increase your brain's level of a neurotransmitter (a chemical that transfers messages from brain cell to brain cell) called serotonin.

What are the factors that affect the effectiveness of antidepressants?

Multiple factors can change the way your body responds to an antidepressant, including: Drug or alcohol use. Illicit drug use and alcohol can cause strong mood changes, which can make antidepressants ineffective. Pregnancy. Your body's weight and blood volume increase when you're pregnant.

How do you know if you have breakthrough depression?

Depression symptoms vary from person to person, but signs include: Low mood. Changes in sleep or appetite. Decreased socializing.

When to see a doctor for depression?

When to See a Doctor. If your depression symptoms return for more than a few days, it's time to see your doctor. But even if you feel like your antidepressant isn't working, it's important to keep taking it until your doctor advises otherwise. You may need a dosage increase or a slow tapering off process.

Does SSNRI affect serotonin?

Both SSNRI and SSRI medications affect serotonin levels , but SSNRI drugs also impact the level of norepinephrine, another neurotransmitter that may affect mood. This type of medication is helpful for those who have extreme fatigue associated with depression, or who have had side effects or poor response to SSRI drugs.

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