I have ADD with comorbid depression + anxiety. I never thought these to be anything but minor and not really disruptive but still there.

I was diagnosed fairly recently for ADD (but have always had it) and diagnosed with Depression like 8 years ago.

1. First I tried Ritalin and I didn't like it. In fact I could compare it's inconsistency feeling like cocaine :eek:. Not Good.

2. Then my doc gave me one of those Adderall XR samples (because I can't afford it) and not only did it help my focus :cool: it helped me feeeeeeeeeeeeel better . What a concept. It's like I was depressed for so long that it's just accepted as part of me. I have had no recent attempts to treat it because of SSRI experience etc. Unfortunatly I haven't reacted well to any form of 'time released' drug and the focus (from d-amp) only lasted 3 hours and then focus stopped but I still didn't feel half bad and still confident.

3. Same thing with Dexedrine Spansules for focus but no l-amp. Plus a stimulant with no l-amp makes me very anti-social. I am still trying to find my best dosage and exact med. But it will most likely be Dexadrine IR and maybe generic Adderall if I can drive to the US to get it every month. (annoying and I don't even know if it's possible/legal).

It is much more important for me to focus and be effective in this part of my life than be super cool not depressed social guy. But both would be very nice.;) I don't want to go through an expensive grueling process for my depression or take a stupid SSRI (I have entertained the possibility that a stimulant + SSRI won't be as bad though).

Since I have come to the conclusion that it is the levo-amphetamine in Adderall that makes my mood, depression and confidence improve would Wellbutrin be worth a try? I would just take Adderall IR or it's generic but they both are not available in Canada (long story). Only XR is and timed release sucks for me.

I am hesitant about these anti-depressants soul sucking ability not mention the insane commitment. But Wellbutrin has always seemed different than those. I have actually been interested in WB before I even discovered it's link with l-amphetamine. I also just don't like the idea of taking something with out being able to 'notice' it right away or ever.

Some quick questions: It can only be used for some months before you have to stop? There must be a certain consistency taking it everyday or bad side effects like SSRI's? What happens? If I want to stop do I have to taper or can I just stop and expect some effects? How long do they last?

And more specifically has anyone used a Dex + Wellbutrin combo and found it similar in focus and mood to Adderall?

Yes, I understand they would interact the same. I like the combo, but as Dex is a direct Amphetimine, and WB is an analog of a modified Amphetimine - both drugs stimulate the CNS, and may potentiate eachother's effects. I also notice the combo seems to make the effects last much longer - therefore most readings suggest reducing the Adderall or Dex. Also, by this approach tolerence is reduced, and the Wellbutrin will prevent Dex's dopamine release from being as neurotoxic, as it is held in the synapse longer by Wellbutrin's DAT reuptake process. On the other hand, the combo might be too stimulating because of this, and it may slightly increase the chance of a seizure. You'll need to weigh the ADHD and Antidepressent benefits both meds offer as a como, vs. the chance of being too stimulating (which can also mean causing sleepiness because there is more dopamine, but the CNS is still being stimulated) and the posibility of lowering the seizure threshold.

I can't say about Dex, but I've tried Adderall and Wellbutrin for about a week and a half. It didn't really help me much. At all. Well, the Adderall didn't. I've been on WB for the past 2 months I think and it's diminished my depression considerably, I'd say a good 80%.

Yes, it's like an SSRI in that it takes a while to kick in. Doc said 5 or more weeks to feel the full benefit. Some people of course see some side effects from it but from reading about it I don't think it's as bad as Strattera, where like half of the people get side effects or something. In my case I am perfectly fine, but of course you might be totally different.

Doc never said I had to taper off if I decided to stop taking it, but I figure I should. Apparently the withdrawal side effects can get pretty bad, I think even seizures have occured (WB increases your chance of seizures. Negligible when used up to 450mg/day, but shoots up fast when you go beyond that. That's why it got pulled during hte 80's). So if I were to come down I'd taper.