Brief Answer:
Adderall if given with proper prescription, is a safe drug

Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries

I can understand your concern. He is just 19 and have depression. Adderall has been found to be effective for his symptoms. If we consider Adderall then the medicine belongs to amphetamines group of drugs. The drug is a brain stimulant drug and it is known to cause euphoric, increased sense of wellbeing, increased energy, excitation of brain and nervous system. The drug has been found to be useful in depressive disorders particularly in cases with symptoms like lack of motivation, lack of energy etc.

The drug has side effects, mainly high abuse potential. But if given as per proper prescription and with regular consultation of doctor and under proper supervision then the drug is very useful. So you just have to give him medicines as per prescription under supervision. Never give him doses more than his prescription and this would prevent any risk of abuse. Also remember one this that the drugs provide subjective relief in symptoms but the drug is not a first line anti-depressant drug. Visit his psychiatrist again and ask about prescription of proper antidepressant drugs. Drugs like SSRIs especially Fluoxetine, Escitalopram etc are found to be useful depression. Continue to give him antidepressants and then gradually reduce the doses of Adderall when his symptoms remit.

Thanks, I hope this helps you. Please dont hesitate to ask again for more doubts.

Take care

---

Brief Answer:
Visit a psychiatrist for his evaluation and treatment.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again and thanks for asking a follow up

He is young and even if he has history of addiction this shouldn't deter doctors to prescribe him the drugs. Visit a good psychiatrist along with him and discuss about management of his symptoms. He should be given proper treatment of depression.

Thanks, Still have more doubts please ask again.

---