I’m asking this question here instead of asking my doctor right away, because I find that psychiatrist’s explanations of drug effects often differ from REAL peoples!!!!
I’ve been taking 10 mg Lexapro daily for bipolar depression for 2.5 months. The adderall helps with motivation and focus. The combination allows me to actively work on my depression, without sinking too deeply into it.
But I find that my 2-2.5 hour “adderall experience” doesn’t fit well into my daily life.
I’m a college student and the majority of my week consists of waking up around noon and spending the day busy, and often evenings as well. I try to wait at least 1 day (sometimes 2) between doses, so I won’t develop tolerance too quickly. My experiences have been as follows:
The 20 mg Adderall IR (the lowest dose that affects me) always kicks in about 1/2 hour after ingestion, then hits its peak at around 2 hours. At around 2.5-3 hours, the crash QUICKLY begins. (This crash consists of spending the rest of the evening emotionally/physically drained until I fall asleep…which in itself is insanely difficult.)
Adderall is supposed to be taken 6 hours apart. But how can I possibly function steadily if between my Adderall doses there’s a huge dip in my mood, focus, and energy???
What I’ve been doing is taking 20 mg then 20 mg 3 hours later. This makes the comedown twice as difficult and prolonged. I’ve stupidly tried to take another 20 mg on top of the other doses to keep me going into the evening. This third 20mg is not a good idea. The feelings of being productive and motivated begin to cross the line into feeling cracked out (talking too fast and sometimes getting ahead of myself). I’ve been trying, but still haven’t found a dosage plan that works well for me! For about 6 hours after ingestion, my body physically continues to be completely awake (yet worn out), while my mind slowed down hours earlier, leaving me in “Adderall hell”
I’m aware that the answer should be Adderall XR (which is supposed to last 10-12 hours). Following the same formula, it seems as if the jittery effects would continue for 12 hours, while the good effects would only last a short time. The problem is sleep…some people have told me that they adjust to the initial insomnia, and others never adjust.
I’ve found that by taking the Adderall 2-3 days in a row, the bad side effects become somewhat less pronounced (not significantly) but my tolerance shoots up. I love the euphoria, and am still able to experience it by taking frequent breaks.
If I do end up taking Adderall XR, I want to continue with the Adderall IR because of its flexibility.
Melatonin and valerian root are no match for an amphetamine, and I refuse to take a prescription sleep aid. 2 drugs are enough for me, and I am unable to take doses earlier in the day. I need help finding a solution with what I have!
Answers to ANY of these questions would be insanely appreciated. THANKS!!!
Questions:
1. Has anybody reacted similarily to Adderall IR? What did you do?
2. What are your experiences with Adderall and sleep? Does it get better?
3. How can I maintain the Adderall euphoria for as long as possible and keep my tolerance low?
4. Has anybody been on Lexapro/Adderall? How did this work for you? Success stories are preferred…feeling hopeful is an incredible tool in overcoming depression.
5. What are your experiences with Adderall XR? Is it a smooth feeling? Or ups and downs? Also…how long does it last for you? If possible, describe it as detailed as you can!!!
6. If applicable, what combination of Adderal IR and Adderal XR do you take?
Kelle…I’m not in a manic state, I just like to do my research so I’ll know what my doctor is talking about. I’ve researched the drug online in a factual sense as well. As for the prescription, I’m a healthy young adult and not dangerously depressed, so my doctor gave me authorization to experiment to see which doses work for me.
Cakes…thank you for your help!!!!!!! I have an appointment later this week with my doctor…I’ll be sure to ask about Vyanse and my other options!!
Kelle
April 19, 2010 at 8:27 am
The psychiatrist’s info on drugs is much more to be listened to than “real people”.
I’d say you are writing this post in a manic state. You need the meds prescribed. Take them EXACTLY as prescribed and keep all your appointments with the psychiatrist.
cakes
April 19, 2010 at 9:06 am
Adderall never lasted 6 hours for me, and I could really feel it kicking in and I definitely felt the crash, which left me feeling so tired and kind of depressed. I can’t imagine having that feeling on top of being diagnosed with bipolar – it doesn’t seem like a good combination. Adderall XR was much better – a LOT smoother, which made me a little sad because I really liked that initial “rush” when the IR first kicked in. I was on the XR for several years, then around a year and a half ago, my doc switched me to Vyvanse, which is, as far as I can tell, pretty much the same drug, except it’s even a slower release. This might not be good for you if you have trouble sleeping, since it lasts longer. For me, the Adderall XR didn’t last 12 hours. I don’t remember how long it lasted, but it wasn’t that long. I’d say the Vyvanse does last 12 hours, but I am not at all aware of it wearing off. I have a different problem from you in that I am normally a very tired person who can sleep 14+ hours a day without medication, so I can’t speak to any problems with these drugs and insomnia.
Oh, and as to your question about tolerance – I started taking Adderall around 7 years ago and only raised my dosage slightly one time.
I also briefly had a prescription for 5 mg of the IR that I could take with the XR if I felt like I needed a boost, but I decided rather quickly that I didn’t need it.
Good luck!
P.S. Regarding the person’s post above, you clearly do NOT sound like you’re in a manic state.