After trying different antidepressants for the last 4 years I finally started going to a counselor and then to a pdoc. I was even concerned about the possibility of bipolar because I do have an aunt that is bipolar. My pdoc ruled out bipolar and seemed to be very convinced that it is ADD. It makes sense to me as well.

He prescribed 25mg of Adderall xr and 10 mg of Lexapro. For the first 5 days I felt for the first time how great it was to go through my day without the overwhelming feeling of wanting to go back to bed. I was able to keep up with my house the way I wanted to, I was more affectionate with my children and my husband (I wasn't expecting that but it was a nice bonus), and I also found that I wasn't so easily irritated. After week one I began to notice my huge need for naps coming back. It started with just a 30 minute nap which was fine with me because I was used to needing about a 2 and a half hour nap. By the end of week 2 I was back to needing that 2 and a half hour nap. The Adderall was still helping me in the morning but at about 12pm it kind of died off. I called my pdoc and he told me to cut the Lexapro to 5mg. This did help with being tired. I do think that I am experiencing these sad waves at times from the adderall. Does anyone else feel that? They are different from the depression I would experience in the past. My depression shows up more in just being completely overwhelmed with the demands around me everyday so I just want to shut down. These sad waves just come over me with this feeling like I just want to stop and cry. It never bothered me so bad that I gave into it until about 4 days ago. At about 1:30pm I just layed down on my bed and cried for about 30 minutes. My doctor suggested that I take 25mg of adderall in the am and then again 6 hours later. I tried this but felt like I needed to do it 4 hours later rather than waiting 6. This worked for me but it still did not seem to work as well as that first week. The sad waves are still there as well. I will see my dr on Monday so hopefully he will be able to figure this out.

I actually ran out of my adderall because I was taking 2 a day like he recommended. When I called to get some prices on the meds I about died. I don't have health insurance right now. It would cost me like $200 a month to be on this dosage. Today I haven't taken any. I feel tired and overwhelmed but I am not experiencing those sad waves. Strange. I don't know which I'd rather deal with. Maybe going higher would help. I do feel like I have a high tolerance to meds and stuff. I am 5 2' and weigh 120 but even with alcohol it would take so much to get me drunk. Not that I drink that much but it's just a thought I guess. I wonder if that has anything to do with our tolerance to meds as well.

I would appreciate any of your ideas or comments. Thanks.

I have a problem with tolerance to adderall too, at first I was taking more than prescribed cause the effects were dying out, then my doctor lowered my dosage when I needed a higher one.

I would ask your doctor about XR, which lasts up to 8 to 12 hours, and then mabye add a regular release later on.

I'm currently on 30mgXR in the morning, 10mg of regular in the evening, I still get distracted, impulsive, and figet throughout the day, on 90mg of adderall most of my symtoms diminished, but 40mg is what I deal with.

Good luck, just accept the med as it is, what ever dosage, I see it like this, a low dosage is still better than no dosage.

T-Bass

If a generic is available in your area, you can ask the doctor to specify it instead of the name brand stuff, generic is much cheaper! You should consult with your doctor before increasing your dosage, as too much Adderall is worse than not enough!