View Full Version : Anyone else get a bad depressive crash with Adderall?
lacey999 05-18-09, 03:49 PM I feel conflicted about Adderall really. I absolutely love the pill and what it has done for me when I am on it. On the down side, my crash is just terrible. I feel really depressed coming down from it and I hate it. Sometimes when I am on it I keep thinking about how I will feel depressed soon and I keep anticipating it happening. I think about it so much sometimes that I probably cause the depressive crash to happen earlier/worse than it normally would. A week ago I actually didn't take it for 2 days and I ended up sleeping ALL DAY both days. I felt like I was in this sleep coma where I'd get up and eat something, go back to sleep.
I have no complaints whatsoever about the side effects when I am on the pill. No heart racing, acne, nausea, insomnia..nothin. I just wanna know if the depression while coming down from it is common? Is this a sign of another mood disoder or just a side effect of the meds? When I am on it I have no mood problems at all. Damn it if Adderall were a 24 hour pill I'd be set for life. lol. The constant up and down thing is rather annoying (tried XR and it sucked). I hate feeling good, then coming down and feeling awful, then good, then bad. It can almost make me feel like 2 different people or something. Not that I am this whole different person on it but I can go from positive and talkative to irritated and depressed. My outlook on things totally change when I am on this pill to when I am off it. One time I even kind of laughed at myself duing my crash because I was thinking "God this sucks, life sucks, everyting sucks" when just an hour before I was so motivated and calm. I just laughed because I found myself ridiculous with how I went from happy to moping like a baby. lol..I'm weird....
lilhotADDmama 05-18-09, 06:58 PM Who is your manufacture? I find that when I had Corepharm is was worse then Teva/Barr- but then again- I had problems with Teva/Barr just not the depressive crash. Instead I have terrible headaches, irritability, etc.
I feel conflicted about Adderall really. I absolutely love the pill and what it has done for me when I am on it. On the down side, my crash is just terrible. I feel really depressed coming down from it and I hate it. Sometimes when I am on it I keep thinking about how I will feel depressed soon and I keep anticipating it happening. I think about it so much sometimes that I probably cause the depressive crash to happen earlier/worse than it normally would. A week ago I actually didn't take it for 2 days and I ended up sleeping ALL DAY both days. I felt like I was in this sleep coma where I'd get up and eat something, go back to sleep.
I have no complaints whatsoever about the side effects when I am on the pill. No heart racing, acne, nausea, insomnia..nothin. I just wanna know if the depression while coming down from it is common? Is this a sign of another mood disoder or just a side effect of the meds? When I am on it I have no mood problems at all. Damn it if Adderall were a 24 hour pill I'd be set for life. lol. The constant up and down thing is rather annoying (tried XR and it sucked). I hate feeling good, then coming down and feeling awful, then good, then bad. It can almost make me feel like 2 different people or something. Not that I am this whole different person on it but I can go from positive and talkative to irritated and depressed. My outlook on things totally change when I am on this pill to when I am off it. One time I even kind of laughed at myself duing my crash because I was thinking "God this sucks, life sucks, everyting sucks" when just an hour before I was so motivated and calm. I just laughed because I found myself ridiculous with how I went from happy to moping like a baby. lol..I'm weird....
I have always had the exact same problem. I absolutely have to take extended release tablets because I crash too hard with anything else. I know you said that Adderall XR did not work for you but I was on that for awhile and I did not crash as hard but still crashed. I am now on Vyvanse and crash even less but still crash. Maybe you are like me and no matter what you take you are going to crash. Hopefully you can find a med that doesnt hit you as hard. Good luck!
lacey999 05-18-09, 10:13 PM Who is your manufacture? I find that when I had Corepharm is was worse then Teva/Barr- but then again- I had problems with Teva/Barr just not the depressive crash. Instead I have terrible headaches, irritability, etc.
I'm on Barr Adderall.
lacey999 05-18-09, 10:16 PM I have always had the exact same problem. I absolutely have to take extended release tablets because I crash too hard with anything else. I know you said that Adderall XR did not work for you but I was on that for awhile and I did not crash as hard but still crashed. I am now on Vyvanse and crash even less but still crash. Maybe you are like me and no matter what you take you are going to crash. Hopefully you can find a med that doesnt hit you as hard. Good luck!
Yeah I honestly think I will crash no matter what I take which is awful. I would rather have any other type of crash but depression. I'd even take anxiety or sleeplessness over bad depression. Someone told me that even on an antidepressant, they still feel the crash when coming down from their medication. So really I don't think there is a whole lot I could do.
i used to, barr adderall comedown is what sounds like a really impure street amphetamine comedown, ive only tried prescription amphetamines but ive seen people in my area that are known to take street drugs like impure meth/amphetamine and cocaine, but that is what im guessin the word "Dirty" means when adderall is called that. barr adderall for me was the worst anxiogenic med ive ever had. i hate it.
SWITCH BRANDS IF YOU CAN. If not get 5mg Barr Dextroamphetamine, its cheaper than adderall probably, more potent, and very very smooth. GREAT adhd drug, best ive ever tried in my life and i would never ask for anything more.
I feel conflicted about Adderall really. I absolutely love the pill and what it has done for me when I am on it. On the down side, my crash is just terrible. I feel really depressed coming down from it and I hate it. Sometimes when I am on it I keep thinking about how I will feel depressed soon and I keep anticipating it happening. I think about it so much sometimes that I probably cause the depressive crash to happen earlier/worse than it normally would.
This is common for any of the ADHD stimulants, in fact it's common for any stimulant.
For me it's slightly different. I tend to suppress depressive emotions, and they all resurface at some stage in the future.
Although I don't get those daily depressive cycles, I know what you're going through. The thought of the impending crash will trigger little depressive spikes throughout the day.... a little taste of what it's like to be BP I guess. I have a renewed respect for those dealing with BP.
I haven't started to explore medication options, (EG SSRIs), and am trying to avoid it - I hate the thought of having to depend on drugs to function, but if I am to stay on my medication, I may have to.
It can almost make me feel like 2 different people or something. Not that I am this whole different person on it but I can go from positive and talkative to irritated and depressed.
Yes.... a little taste of what it's like to be BP. :(
actually thats a good point...SSRI/SNRI's definitely make the comedown much much less, for me i dont get one actually. i just get lethargic, hungry, and quiet/withdrawn. perfect to go to bed ya know
tlhengel 05-19-09, 09:01 AM I've read that a lot of people are able to take Wellbutrin with their Adderall to avoid the depression. I've also read that a lot of people get terrible anxiety when taking them together. A sort of dopamine overload.
I had a few depressive episodes when I first started, but not quite what you're talking about. Mine happened on the days I wanted to take a break. I'd start off fine, but by late morning something would happen and I'd feel so hopeless and lost. I had depression as a teenager but the Adderall induced depression was ten times worse!
It sucks to think about adding in yet another medication, but the Wellbutrin might help a lot. Just a small dose might do the trick. I'd talk my doctor about it if I were you.
BoldAsLove 05-19-09, 05:21 PM actually thats a good point...SSRI/SNRI's definitely make the comedown much much less, for me i dont get one actually. i just get lethargic, hungry, and quiet/withdrawn. perfect to go to bed ya know
I'm with Yellow on this one. Since starting my SSRI (Lexapro 10 mg daily), I have no real crash to speak of. Before the Lexapro the crash was horrible. Try supplementing with a fish oil supplement--keep in mind you may take weeks to see an improvment, but it could help. Try adding exercise to your routine--this is a natural mood-booster. Also, my pdoc said it was fine to take 5htp with adderall. 5htp is an amino acid that affects seratonin levels. I would take 50 mg about an hour before the crash and then another 50 mg one hour later and the result was amazing.
Now that I'm on an SSRI, I can't do the 5htp because they both affect seratonin. The good news is, I don't need it now anyway. I also take fish oil and a multi-vitamin at night, and I try to work out 2-3 times a week.
I feel conflicted about Adderall really. I absolutely love the pill and what it has done for me when I am on it. On the down side, my crash is just terrible. I feel really depressed coming down from it and I hate it. Sometimes when I am on it I keep thinking about how I will feel depressed soon and I keep anticipating it happening. I think about it so much sometimes that I probably cause the depressive crash to happen earlier/worse than it normally would. A week ago I actually didn't take it for 2 days and I ended up sleeping ALL DAY both days. I felt like I was in this sleep coma where I'd get up and eat something, go back to sleep.
I have no complaints whatsoever about the side effects when I am on the pill. No heart racing, acne, nausea, insomnia..nothin. I just wanna know if the depression while coming down from it is common? Is this a sign of another mood disoder or just a side effect of the meds? When I am on it I have no mood problems at all. Damn it if Adderall were a 24 hour pill I'd be set for life. lol. The constant up and down thing is rather annoying (tried XR and it sucked). I hate feeling good, then coming down and feeling awful, then good, then bad. It can almost make me feel like 2 different people or something. Not that I am this whole different person on it but I can go from positive and talkative to irritated and depressed. My outlook on things totally change when I am on this pill to when I am off it. One time I even kind of laughed at myself duing my crash because I was thinking "God this sucks, life sucks, everyting sucks" when just an hour before I was so motivated and calm. I just laughed because I found myself ridiculous with how I went from happy to moping like a baby. lol..I'm weird....
I take AdderallXR 30mg, I love it! I am focused and motivated, but at 3pm.... look out I turn into the wicked witch of the west. I am mad, depressed and fatigued. My Doctor suggested I try a "Boost" which is just plan adderal 10mg. He said I was expirencing the adderall crash, and the Boost pill will keep me level. It has worked great! He also said I can take another pill and 4pm If needed. I found I have trouble sleeping when I take the 4:00 dose. I hoped this helped
So far I've had mild crashes, usually I just want to go to sleep after it wears off.
QueensU_girl 05-20-09, 01:07 AM You can try something milder like Dexedrine. The wearoff from Adderall is pretty intense and also can be emotional for some.
fruitsalad2005 05-20-09, 08:42 PM Sometimes when I am on it I keep thinking about how I will feel depressed soon and I keep anticipating it happening. I think about it so much sometimes that I probably cause the depressive crash to happen earlier/worse than it normally would.
This was my main problem with the "crash" until very recently. I would take my adderall (I take 30-40 mg xr per day, usually in 2 doses) and about 3-4 hours into my last dose I would feel myself gradually coming down and I would get terribly anxious about how I would feel later. Most of the time, I experienced an hour or two of anxiety/mild discomfort and then felt fine... and wondered what I was worried about to begin with since it didn't turn out so bad. But then there were days that I would worry and obsess so much that I ended up making the end of the day so much worse than it had to be.
Up until a couple weeks ago, I was drinking a 6 pack of beer almost every night on the days I took my adderall... it was my way of dealing with the crash, though I found that the worst crashes I ever had were on nights where I went overboard with the drinking or drank quickly with the sole intention of "keeping a buzz going." I wasn't eating well at all either... I'd barely eat all day but once the adderall was worn off I'd pig out and just keep eating, mostly junk food, all night on top of all the beer I was consuming. I felt very anxious, confused and pretty much "trapped" most of the time, it was pretty rough for awhile.
I can't even tell you how many times I've looked around online for advice on how to deal with the crash that comes with adderall... I was hoping there would be some magical solution but instead I found a lot of people talking about how a healthy diet and regular exercise significantly improves your lifestyle/mood while taking adderall. I used to think "yeah right" until I recently decided to go on a diet when my boyfriend pointed out that I was snacking way too much and that I could look so much better if I lost a little weight. Instead of getting angry I took his advice and have been on a healthy diet and getting regular exercise for a little over a week now.
...And ironically, the past week and a half has been the best period of my life for quite awhile! I feel very little anxiety though I still take about the same amount of adderall and I am learning to deal with the end of the day without feeling like I need to start chugging beers as soon as I walk through the door...I have drastically cut back on how much I drink. I am truly feeling confident and healthy and on top of everything me and my boyfriend have been getting along better than ever! To wrap it up, (I rambled a bit which I apologize for) a healthy diet and exercise really is the best solution for avoiding bad crashes and/or the anxiety that comes with it... Trust me, I have been searching for the answer for quite awhile and can honestly say I finally feel like myself again! :)
lacey999 05-20-09, 09:13 PM This was my main problem with the "crash" until very recently. I would take my adderall (I take 30-40 mg xr per day, usually in 2 doses) and about 3-4 hours into my last dose I would feel myself gradually coming down and I would get terribly anxious about how I would feel later. Most of the time, I experienced an hour or two of anxiety/mild discomfort and then felt fine... and wondered what I was worried about to begin with since it didn't turn out so bad. But then there were days that I would worry and obsess so much that I ended up making the end of the day so much worse than it had to be.
Up until a couple weeks ago, I was drinking a 6 pack of beer almost every night on the days I took my adderall... it was my way of dealing with the crash, though I found that the worst crashes I ever had were on nights where I went overboard with the drinking or drank quickly with the sole intention of "keeping a buzz going." I wasn't eating well at all either... I'd barely eat all day but once the adderall was worn off I'd pig out and just keep eating, mostly junk food, all night on top of all the beer I was consuming. I felt very anxious, confused and pretty much "trapped" most of the time, it was pretty rough for awhile.
I can't even tell you how many times I've looked around online for advice on how to deal with the crash that comes with adderall... I was hoping there would be some magical solution but instead I found a lot of people talking about how a healthy diet and regular exercise significantly improves your lifestyle/mood while taking adderall. I used to think "yeah right" until I recently decided to go on a diet when my boyfriend pointed out that I was snacking way too much and that I could look so much better if I lost a little weight. Instead of getting angry I took his advice and have been on a healthy diet and getting regular exercise for a little over a week now.
...And ironically, the past week and a half has been the best period of my life for quite awhile! I feel very little anxiety though I still take about the same amount of adderall and I am learning to deal with the end of the day without feeling like I need to start chugging beers as soon as I walk through the door...I have drastically cut back on how much I drink. I am truly feeling confident and healthy and on top of everything me and my boyfriend have been getting along better than ever! To wrap it up, (I rambled a bit which I apologize for) a healthy diet and exercise really is the best solution for avoiding bad crashes and/or the anxiety that comes with it... Trust me, I have been searching for the answer for quite awhile and can honestly say I finally feel like myself again! :)
When do you exercise? When the crash starts, or the beginning of the day?
I know, I've been searching for answers too. I've mostly been told to take an antidepressant with it, but I cannot afford that. Hopefully exercise will help.
take dextroamphetamine (barr generic 5 mg tabs) and half of the comedown will be lessened.
hollywood 05-21-09, 09:42 AM yellow,
thats actually true.
its really is man.
sometimes i think the whole adderall concept (mix of salts) is a way to make the drug nonabusable.see its all amphetamine techincally, but each chemical is like binary, theres a right/levo and left/dextro. obviously levo is the bad active ingredien, and if undesirable active ingredients that have 0 value for anything (except makin u jittery/hyper)are added to the other main active ingredient dextro(for adhd/concentratoin) then its probly there to reduce any euphoria abusability. i cant think of any other reason to throw those 3 other salts that do nothing for CNS stimulation or dopamine into a pill thats sometimes to provide a calm focus. now its true, dex might be too good for some, and they become addicts, but thats really their personal issue, u cant just say its the drug. if you can control your intake, follow ur script, and not overindulge, abuse shouldnt be a problem.....just dont ever test why it can be (like taking more than 30mg of dex, cuz youll see why)
i learned quickly that adderall sucked, especially in comparison to dex (tho different dex's have different feels)...in any case, if you are experience ANY anxiety on adderall, its not because of you (Well kinda in a way, its how ur body deals with norepinpehrine and anxiety), but its the pill.
lose adderall. get dexedrine. otherwise, try focalin or maybe provigil if stimulants make u too anxious.
AND you have the worst of the worst: barr adderall is the WORST anxiogenic pill ive ever eaten and i wont ever again. took one script to stop taking it and switch to dex
good luck with that, maybe throw on an SSRI/SNRI for anxiety, if its low dose it cant hurt really, and itll help with anxiety from stims (which is a good test) and they provide neurological protecetion from any negative effect from adderall. (great combo is SNRI + DEX...if u dont want an snri, then ask bout SSRI+dex)
Not to sound like a spammer, but it's true. I never crash on Dex IR. I feel hungry when it wears off, that's it.
Exercising is good advice, but good luck trying to exercise while you're coming down off Adderall. Exercise when you feel your best and have the most energy.
I get a crash with Dexedrine IR, Dexedrine ER, Adderall, Concerta and Ritalin. Barr, Mallincrokdskjgksdj or whatever, the manufacturer doesn't matter. IT'S ALWAYS HERE AND IT SUCKS!!!
I'd hate to think that the solution is to take another pill. When I do that, it intensifies the depressed feeling I have and my crash from THAT is even worse than the one before it. On days where I don't take anything, I'm happy as they come (but still feel a little guilty all day since I can't concentrate on anything or get anything done).
This crash is because we are hyperfocusing on how bad we feel. That's my theory, at least, and if we can find a way to hyperfocus on... something else? How good we feel? Then it might be solved.. but obviously this is easier said than done.. Perhaps a distraction.. force yourself to do something productive?..exercise, clean, talk to a friend, dunno...
I'm seconding the post that said the best way to deal with it is diet and exercise. I'm gonna try and stick to that method and see if it has that profound of an impact on me... really don't have any other options at this point.
Also, re: SSRIs.... I would highly suggest not trying an SSRI. I was given the minimum dose of Paxil for anxiety and when I (gradually) came off of it, I had the worst, most intense, suicidal depression FOR MONTHS and I'd never been depressed before. It is tempting, but for me it was a nightmare. Look up SSRI withdrawal syndrome for more info...
fruitsalad2005 05-23-09, 01:00 PM When do you exercise? When the crash starts, or the beginning of the day?
I usually exercise at the end of the day during the time when the crash used to be the worst for me. This used to be about the same time I would start drinking beer. The worst part of the crash for me is this frustrating feeling of unrest where I just don't know what to do with myself... I still feel the adderall but not enough to enjoy it/get stuff done, but at the same time I don't really feel like relaxing just yet. When I start to feel like this, this is when I do some exercises and go for a long fast-paced walk, and it really helps to take my mind of the crash and keep myself occupied. And when i get home, I feel great about getting some exercise and am ready to relax comfortably. It definitely beats the way I was living not too long ago!
This crash is because we are hyperfocusing on how bad we feel.
That might be true for you, but it's not universal. I used to get bad crashes on Vyvanse and there was no way to distract myself from it. They were physical symptoms, not psychological. It would be like trying to distract myself from a migraine. I'll be in pain whether I'm paying attention to the pain or not!
That might be true for you, but it's not universal. I used to get bad crashes on Vyvanse and there was no way to distract myself from it. They were physical symptoms, not psychological. It would be like trying to distract myself from a migraine. I'll be in pain whether I'm paying attention to the pain or not!
Yeah you're right. Now that I think about it, it seems to have a bad effect eventually even if you're in a great mood. I picked up some vitamins and supplements like fish oil in hopes that they'll help even this out because it's almost unbearable. Also going to the gym again.
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