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172715 tn?1285494490

Ritalin for adult chronic depression, any opinion out there?

I have had many forms of depression most of my life.  I have found myself in deep depression for the last 7 months and was taking 60mg of Cymbalta(helps depression w/ pain)for almost 2 years for Fibromyalgia pain and depression. This wasn't giving me much help so I went to a psychiatrist today who added 30mg to the Cymbalta and added Ritalin 1 in am & 1 at lunch. He said this would help boost the Cymbalta medicine into doing a better job and would give me more energy to be more physically active. I am supposed to be walking a certain amount a day but haven't had the spirit or energy to do it.  I cry every day and my marriage is stressed out because I had to stop working my full time job due to pain and saddness over my Dads death in June and my brother & his family stopped talikng to anyone for reasons unknown. Has anyone had Ritalin in their depression treatment plan? I could use some information on it. Thanks
24 Responses
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Avatar universal
yes. my mother has had chronic depression for years and has been on many different antidepressents, none of which helped. Her dr. put her on Ritalin. that is the only thing that helps her. its wonderful. there was a study that showed Ritalin to be very successful in helping with depression in older adults. She has moved to another town in her state and her new Dr. will not put her on it because he is not familiar with this study so now my mother is very depressed again.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I am bipolar and was put on ritalin 12 years ago.  That also was the last time I have been in the hospital for my illness.   I have been taking medication for over 25 years consistently to treat it with many spiral of out controls incidents.  I take topamax, seraqual, lexapro, ritalin, ativan, and ambiem.  I also have a paranoid disorder sadly to say along with chronic severe depression along with the bipolar, sounds strange and even I do not understand myself...  I suppose that is why in my teens and twenties I would not listen to doctors and would self medicate.  When ritalin was finally added it was almost instantly that same day I felt great and happy.  11 years later I am still happy.  I do have bad days, but not everyday is a bad anymore :)  I have found though over the years, not all doctors can even write a script for this medicine.  I still see my doctor monthly.  This medication needs a new script too everytime you fill it.  Hope this helps.
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Avatar universal
I  take 150mg Effexor (for 6 years).  Instead of bumping up this dose, my doctor decided to add 20 mg (2x's per day) Adderall.  The Adderall had some positive effects, but not really enough for me to stay on it after 3 months.  So my doctor switched me to Ritalin 20mg (2x's per day). Been on it for 2 months now and it's been a life saver.  The Ritalin gives me more of a euphoric/happy feeling and not as many side effects as Adderall (like jitters/stiff neck).  The biggest difference is the better Euphoric/Happy effect!  
If you’re looking for a happy pill, Ritalin worked best for me.  
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Avatar universal
I am on anti depressant past 10 years. Depression  is part of my ancestors on my mother's side. From time to time my Gp added 10 mg ritalin for about 2 to 3 months. For me it is an absolute joy. Together with anti depressant I am a complete new person.  Focus and able to work. Beginning of this year I went to see pschyciatrist and he did not like the  fact that I am on Ritalin. So he asked the Gp to prescribe Lamictim.  But it is not working yet I am trying it. This week was very difficult. I could not work or focus. Yesterday I decided to drink a Ritalin. After 30 min I was up and about rocking and rolling. I am also reading a little book from Exclusive books.  A practical guide to Emotional Intelligence DrDavid walton and at the back are more books. Wonderful.  
I have no choice but to cope because my insurance exclude depression with a list of sicknesses from here to Cairo associated with depression.
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Avatar universal
I have the same problem. I live in a small town and my doctor isn't going to even consider  adding Ritalin to my anti depressant medication. How do you know the online pharmacy is legit, and the medication is real and not a scam?
Helpful - 0
4067477 tn?1450124336
I too have fibro and am bipolar with deep depression. I take ADDERRALL and it does seem to help some......I guess I didnt realize it til reading this and looking at how my days go when I miss a dose. I sure wish there were more simpler and better answers to fighting this depression.
Helpful - 0
6498268 tn?1381848518
Hi! Wow...i am sorry to hear of your pain! I understand. Although I have fibromyalgia, I am suffering more from depressive disorders and focus with hyperactivity seem to be the prevailing issues. I am being treated for depression, and the topic of ADD has been initiated by me, due to the focal troubles I am having. All in all, the doctors fealt I didn't have ADD and went for treating the depression. So far I am sleeping well enough to dream again but the hyperactiveness in my brain has not stopped.I still feel that an ADD med would serve me better. I am not making any progress myself. Blues
So anyway, yes, I was surprised to see them treating depression with the stimulant...although it makes perfect sense. What a nice doctor...Compassion! As for me, I would like to be a friend to your needs right now...and offer a suggestion. With a stimulant you ought toimpress in your mind you will be moving faster(like a youngster,if you will). Forget about your past hurts. As a child would, only work at one thing at a time. Your Your pain will disappear. I would go for your job first.
As for me...I really need a hand in finding a doctor more willing to prescribe the stimulants to me.
Would you keep me posted? Take care.
Boxie Kym

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Avatar universal
I took Ritalin, and then Concerta for a year or two and it really helped me with energy. Without it I just sat all day. When I went on an MAOI, Selegiline (Emsam patch), I had to go off it as they don't mix. I miss the Concerta because my motivation is pretty low and I sit in front of the tv on the computer most of the time. I really have to push myself to do things like take care of the house.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Does anyone know of a Dr. In Indianapolis who will prescribe Ritalin? I have ask my physicians about Ritalin and none I'll prescribe it. Not only that, they say I have yo have prior approval from my insurance company and they hate doing that. Does anyone pay for their own Ritalin, if so how much and which pharmacy?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I will expand a little on this med free comment for you.
First, I took the meds starting in 2003, I really think the Ritalin reestablished a balance in my dopamine levels in the brain which helped improve my mood tremendously. I slowly got off these meds by 2008 and made an earnest effort not to go back.
Secondly, I started a daily routine of some exercise (lots of walking) and socializing with people.
Thirdly, I started to carry out gratitude exercises on a nightly basis before going to sleep. This improved my ability to fall asleep, feel better about myself. This all became a virtuous cycle. There was a spiritual aspect to this.
Fourthly, I moved and left the place I was living in....The change in environment was positive.

Fifth and finally, I did meet someone special in 2006 which did add to the positive stream of things that were coming in my direction. But I must stress that I was already doing a lot of the steps above before this happened.
Still, if I had to determine what was the factor that made all the changes possible, it was the ritalin which changed my mood and perception of what I was able to do with my life.
It is now 2013 and am still grateful and happy.

There is hope!!!!!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thank you so much for sharing that you are med free, that made my eyebrows raise and think that maybe there is hope for some of us to also be med free someday.
I love ritalin, it helps me a lot in many ways, I just feel a little helpless and scared that I will never be able to function without it :-/
The benefits wear off when it does, not like SSRIs which I cant take due to the extremity of the sexual side effects.

Jeffro: I also had chemo, would you share what your long term effects have been that ruined your life?
How long ago did you finish your treatments?

Best to all of you,
S.
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Avatar universal
Congrats on being med-free.  I have tried no meds after a colectomy but always return to trying something to break free of this crushing depression.  Right now I am taking very small amounts (.5mg 1-2 times a day) of buprenorphine.  So far this drug has been the best for my depression and nerve pain (thanks to chemo).  I am going to call my PCP this coming week and ask him for a ritalin script.  I definitely need more energy and a little more boost above this low I've been in since chemo ruined my life.
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Avatar universal
Hi,

I didn't know just how depressed I really was until I took Ritalin with celexa. The first time it took effect, the dark cloud over me lifted, the chronic dull headache disappeared and I could see all the great possibilities in my life ahead. Before that moment, I felt nothing but hopelessness and sadness.
Along with weekly psychological sessions, it helped me return to a state I had not known since childhood.
I am med free 6 years and counting.

I hope you get to heal soon.
Helpful - 0
375688 tn?1348459116
I have taken Ritalin and was taking Adderall XR until the beginning of the year. I found it quite helpful in treating my depression. Unfortunately the Medicare drugs providers don't think that my mental health is worth covering the drug and I can't afford the $300/Month. Now I have serious problem again with depression and suicidal thoughts. I don't know what I am going to do now. How can a generic drug cost so much. My thyroid medication is only $4 with any insurance. Nobody in the insurance companies really care about mental health issues nor do the government until someone kills someone then they are all talk and no action.
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1 Comments
Your   statements   really  hit  the  mark.
Avatar universal
I have had chronic depression since age 14. I have tried almost every available prescription for this and have really found that my Ritalin 2Omg Ex Release, Cymbalta 60mg also Sertaline 100mg combination to be effective. I also have a 10 mg Ritalin IR in case I need a little extra here or there. This has changed my life. I can finally get off. The couch and begin living. The Ritalin Ex is ver affordable too compared to the LA, or SR. I get generic for 21.00 and the IR for 4 dollars at Walmart. The LA was priced to me 440.00 for 30 20mg pills. Outrageous! Good luck.
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Avatar universal
Hi, I have had manic depression with lots of suicide attempts in my life time. My first depressed feeling were in 3rd grade and first suicidal thoughts were in 5th grade. I started prozac at age 15 and it worked great for me for 7 years, then wellbutrin for 5 years, now I am on a combo of cymbalta and ritalin. The combo of Cymbalta and Ritalin has been amazing for me! It really helped to lift me out of the funk I was in or I always seem to be in. The only thing is it can really augment the antidepressant. So you will have more of the side effects that maybe the antidepressant carries? Like Cymbalta makes me nauseous so with Ritalin it feels like morning sickness all the time! I am hoping it goes away though just like when I first started the Cymbalta without the ritalin.
Helpful - 0
887932 tn?1241331703
my son is on concerta it works better and its 1 a day and lasts longer he uses it for adhd but it also helps his moods and depression
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Avatar universal
I am a 57 year old man who has tried almost ever medication for depression and anxiety that never worked.  One doctor suggested I try Ritalin; and I was amazed!
Ritalin has changed my miserable life into a happy one.  Ritalin I call a wonder drug, it has so worked! (for me at least)
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
To me Ritalin is a fantastic antidepressant and an augment to taking other more basic antidepressants, such as SSRIs, Effexor, Cymbalta, etc.  It seems to work quickly and improves your happiness profile and state of mind, makes you clearer thinking, provides more energy.  My problem is there is no way that my doctor in this small town would ever consider it, so I have to order it from foreign pharmacies and it gets a bit expensive.

There are drawbacks, of course, such as our body will develop a tolerance to it over a period of time, requiring higher does to get the same result, and also the fact that it may increase your anxiety if that is a part of your depression, and you have to make sure that you don't take it too late in the day because it will result in sleeplessness.

But it has worked for me and I use it from time to time to augment my antidepressants and to give me a needed boost in attitude.  Hard to get without a prescription, though, and easy to abuse, so be careful.
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Avatar universal
is it true that ritalin  will make you feel normal if you have add/adhd yet make u speed if you dont have add/adhd, manic if you are bipolar and overanxious if you have anxiety?
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Avatar universal
Ritalin has been a dream come true for my depression!!  I started taking it for a scattered mind, and happened to be taking prozac as well for depression.  I noticed that after I took my ritalin in the morning I had a spring to my step and felt the light at the end of the tunnel.  I now take a ritalin in the evening as well and I've noticed a HUGE difference!!
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228936 tn?1249094248
These drugs may be helping some or maybe not. I think normal people who get severly depressed can only get limited help from antidepressants and other psyco active drugs. I am strating to find a more spirtual approach than a chemical one. I think in these modern times we are almost programmed to look for answers from drugs and shrinks who are largely clueless. SSRI's helped me at one time but long outlived their usefulness. These docs today rarely suggest that a patient change drugs or god forbid stop a drug that is no longer needed or effective These shrinks today are in my opinion **** poor compared to the ones I first strarted seeing in the 60's and 70's and that's bad because they have much more info. all the best
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Avatar universal
I am currently taking Ritalin 2x/day until I can get back on Parnate (MAOI). When I first started taking it, it helped enormously. I had increased energy and felt like I was able to think more clearly Ironically my 6 year old was diagnosed w/ ADHD and I was researching Ritalin before I started taking it. When my dr. suggested it to me as an interim med, I had to laugh because I had no idea that it could work for depression.

Recently, the Ritalin hasn't been working as well and I'm getting very agitated when it wears off. I am so depressed right now and counting down the days until I can get  back on the MAO. There are severe diet restrictions w/ the MAO but it's the only thing that works for me.

I hope you are doing better. Until you and your dr. find the right med(s), life is grueling but you can get your life back w/ the right medication.
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Avatar universal
I know people who had success taking other types of ADD stimulant drugs short-term, to boost them out of very low energy depressions.  

I think that course went through a phase of popularity in the 1960's or 70's, & then went out of favor for a while, but is now being reconsidered.

It seems valid to me. I think they just backed away from it, because some people abuse stimulants which complicates matters for the doctors who prescribe them.

Hope it works out well for you
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