Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Dear Sir, A Dear Friend Has ADHD , She Was
Question: Dear Sir,
A dear friend has ADHD, she was given adderal since she was a child and now she is 25. She was taking 60-100mg of Adderall XR a day until she had swelling of the legs that required IV, severe constipation, and heart palpitations. She weaned down on Adderall in August and spent the last two weeks in August with no adderal, it was extremely difficult because she could not find the energy to do anything except sleep and eat. So she begin a none XR version of adderal 20mg/day, for about 10 days now. She is able power through work but extremely tired and also depressed most of the day, her dopamine level is extremely low.
Can you provide suggestion on the medications or supplements she can take to increase her dopamine levels to feel normal again? Do you think she can eventually begin to feel normal again with 20mg of adderal in the mornings?
Thank you in advance for your answer and guidance.
With regards,
George Chu
A dear friend has ADHD, she was given adderal since she was a child and now she is 25. She was taking 60-100mg of Adderall XR a day until she had swelling of the legs that required IV, severe constipation, and heart palpitations. She weaned down on Adderall in August and spent the last two weeks in August with no adderal, it was extremely difficult because she could not find the energy to do anything except sleep and eat. So she begin a none XR version of adderal 20mg/day, for about 10 days now. She is able power through work but extremely tired and also depressed most of the day, her dopamine level is extremely low.
Can you provide suggestion on the medications or supplements she can take to increase her dopamine levels to feel normal again? Do you think she can eventually begin to feel normal again with 20mg of adderal in the mornings?
Thank you in advance for your answer and guidance.
With regards,
George Chu
Brief Answer:
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Dear Chu,
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic.
I read your query and understand your concerns.
From the available description it appears that she was addicted to adderall and it is valid point to go off to it. 20 mg of adderall can be continued for few weeks till the depression is treated and should be avoided for longer term as far as possible.
In regard to her current symptoms I feel Bupropion is most close for treatment of depression as well as low activity level during daytime.
Since it is prescription only medication, it will be appropriate to get the medication from local medical practitioner.
I hope this helps you.
Let me know if need more assistance.
Thanks again.
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Dear Chu,
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic.
I read your query and understand your concerns.
From the available description it appears that she was addicted to adderall and it is valid point to go off to it. 20 mg of adderall can be continued for few weeks till the depression is treated and should be avoided for longer term as far as possible.
In regard to her current symptoms I feel Bupropion is most close for treatment of depression as well as low activity level during daytime.
Since it is prescription only medication, it will be appropriate to get the medication from local medical practitioner.
I hope this helps you.
Let me know if need more assistance.
Thanks again.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Dr XXXXXXX
Thank you for your suggestions, it is much appreciated.
But her underlying problem of ADHD still exist. If she does not take adderal what can she do to treat her ADHD? It is very difficult for her to focus without adderal.
With regards to Bupropion, it would increase her serotonin? How would this medication improve her extreme tiredness and fatigue?
Regards,
George
Thank you for your suggestions, it is much appreciated.
But her underlying problem of ADHD still exist. If she does not take adderal what can she do to treat her ADHD? It is very difficult for her to focus without adderal.
With regards to Bupropion, it would increase her serotonin? How would this medication improve her extreme tiredness and fatigue?
Regards,
George
Brief Answer:
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Thanks for follow up.
Bupropion is second line medication for treatment of ADHD and acts similarly to other ADHD medications. The only difference is that it is non addictive and have limited or insignificant side effects for most individuals.
On the flip side it is less effective in compare to first line ADHD medications and may have limited effect in compare to Adderall.
However we need to look for both positive and negative aspects and there is no harm in giving a fair trial.
Hope I am able to answer your concerns.
If you have any further query, I would be glad to help you.
If not, you may close the discussion and if possible you may rate the answer for me, so that I get a good feedback.
In future if you wish to contact me directly, you can use the below mentioned link:
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-ashok-kumar/67386
Thanks and regards.
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Thanks for follow up.
Bupropion is second line medication for treatment of ADHD and acts similarly to other ADHD medications. The only difference is that it is non addictive and have limited or insignificant side effects for most individuals.
On the flip side it is less effective in compare to first line ADHD medications and may have limited effect in compare to Adderall.
However we need to look for both positive and negative aspects and there is no harm in giving a fair trial.
Hope I am able to answer your concerns.
If you have any further query, I would be glad to help you.
If not, you may close the discussion and if possible you may rate the answer for me, so that I get a good feedback.
In future if you wish to contact me directly, you can use the below mentioned link:
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-ashok-kumar/67386
Thanks and regards.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
