Dexamphetamine mood swings

[Missscott91]

I'm 22 year old female and got diagnosed with ADHD about 3-4 months ago, my mum always thought that I had it as my brother was diagnosed at 2, and for the last few years I've seen doctors, physiatrists & psychologists, some thought I had bipolar,
however that was ruled out. One doctor did give me mood stabilisers which evened out my moods however there were still all the other ADHD symptoms.

The dex has been great for
Improving my focus, has stopped my excessive day dreaming ( I used to walk around with my head phones in and dance and day dream for hours and hours)  has improved my work life and I am actually organised for the first time in my life.

However the last few weeks I have been feeling depressed, am easily frustrated (I always have been) and I stress about a lot of things (I've always done this to but it has been worse lately), my moods can change from being happy as to sad in the blink of an eye. I have had a lot go on lately for example my job is ending, I had to have an abortion and I can't seem to get on top of my finances (it's one bill after another)

I'm not sure whether this is a side effect of the dex or whether it's what I've had to go through lately?  Has anyone else had these side effects and if so what was done? I don't really want to take another medication as we'll, however I do not want to stop taking the dex because for the first time ever I'm able to function and accomplish things. For example I've always started studying things and never finished them, last week I received my first qualification!

I've read about a lot of people getting addicted to it, and to be honest it does frighten me, so the last week I've cut back to half my dose which is 15mg daily. I can easily not take it for a day and do not feel the need to, however I do have those days were I feel like I won't get out of bed and do the things I need to do without it?

Any advise would be great! I'm going back to see my doctor next week and I would just love some insight!

Thanks! :)

[Sandman2]

   vague memory of vit C maybe slowing down the absorbtion (I'll see if I can find more info on that), other then that - nothing that I have seen.
   What is really important is a good high protein breakfast as it makes the Dex work better and last longer.  Also eating before you take your meds is easier as you are apt to have a better appetite.  Eggs, high protein shakes, protein bars, etc all work well and are fast and easy.

[Missscott91]

Thank you! I have an appointment next week with my doc so I'll see what he says.
Does anyone know if there are certain vitamins that you can't take with dex? It's just that I find it hard to eat, like I eat but a lot less than before, and I somewhat changed my diet when I started the dex because I didn't want to put anymore strain on my heart. So just want to make sure that I'm as healthy as I can possibly be :)

[Sandman2]

   Oh, forgot to mention that the statistics on anxiety and depression come from the ADD&ADHD Answer book by Susan Ashley, chapt 3 on co-existing disorders.

[Sandman2]

    In my opinion, the things that you have been feeling are partly the results of ADD and partly what you have been going through.  Not the meds.
  People with AD/HD have much greater problems with co-disorders like anxiety (25-30%), and depression (10-30%),   What you have lately gone through would depress anybody, and the ADD makes it worse.  
   I have never seen any studies (and I have seen a lot of them) of people with AD/HD who follow their prescriptions getting addicted to the stim meds.  The people who do get addicted are taking it illegally for the "high".   And I have seen recent studies that say taking a longer acting stim med like Vyvanse, Concerta, or Adderall-XR is even better because it is smoother and cannot be popped on demand.  However what you are doing is also good.  Many adults with ADHD have learned to take the smaller, shorter acting dose only "on demand" when they have learned that they will need it.  But before you do that, I would probably make sure that you are on some type of a regular schedule so you can predict when it would be necessary.
   So do talk with your doc (you might check out some of the extended release versions for awhile).  Do try and get outside and get some exercise or other anxiety reducing things to get your mind off of what has been going on with you.  You have been through a lot.  There are ways to deal with it that don't involve medication - but there is also nothing wrong with taking a very light anti-anxiety med for a short period of time,if you just cannot get over the hump.
    It sounds like you are getting your life put back together!  Keep at it.  Keep studying!  Let us know if you have any more questions (I know of a few sites aimed at adults with ADD).  And do let us know how your visit with your doc goes.  Best wishes.