I was told ADD drugs can be "activating", which means it could cause other BP symptoms. I am always wriggling in my chair, I get distracted easily and tune people out really fast. I find that my dosage of Seroqual was increased because of my anxiety has helped a bit with the ADD, I'm also on 200mgs of Lamactil and that sure has helped with my depression. I find that since my other symptoms have been alleviated for the most part, it's easier to handle this. There is no *cure* for this. I am trying my best to focus and relax, you have to be able to do your part as well, my pdoc basically said get off your butt and do your part. *gulps* (she was very tactful).
I have been taking Adderall for several years and I will admit that the pills put me in a "hypomanic" position BUT they allow me to get things done. I have a highly depressive form of BP and rarely ever go into any mania (my natural mania consists mostly of obsessive thoughts) so I just lie in bed most days. The Adderall is like alot of coffee - I get a little shaky but I see a problem one step at a time on it instead of one insurmountable mess and I have the ambition to attack it for a change. I know it exacerbates psychosis in alot of BPs. It isn't for everyone. I saw my doctor a few hours ago and he asked me where I was getting prescriptions for Adderall! From him. "No you aren't", he said.I am getting through him and have been for years.. (he admits to being ADHD himself and maybe he's a little ...)
I'm just starting to take Lithium and Depakote for the BP but, unless they fill me up with energy and concentration like my stimulants, I'll take all three.
Is there some reason you can't have Ritalin with Lamictal? How about Klonopin? (Ritalin day- Klonopin eve.)
I'm like, Duh, of course a mood stabaliser alone is not gonna hellp ADD cause the problem with ADD is not mood instability it is with keeping a managable level of stimulation to the brain.
Try asking your Psychiatrist or neurologist this an let us know what they say.
Peace,
MARY age 13