Ritalin for Depression

[Calypso]

I have bipolar disorder and suffer from really incapacitating bouts of depression at times. During my most recent depressive phase, my doctor started me on Ritalin. She said the Ritalin would work with my antidepressant to elevate my mood, and it did. Almost instantly, in fact. I was jittery for a few days but that side effect faded quickly and all I felt was better. Has anyone else heard of using Ritalin for depression or to treat bipolar disorder?

[Green-Moo]

Isn't Ritalin the drug that got a lot of publicity for being given to hyperactive kids? Or am I thinking of another one?

How odd that they same drug would be used to combat such different complaints.

[mollyL]

I am bipolar myself, but have been incredibly fortunate lately to not have such a depressive phase that I couldn't work it through. I have never heard of Ritalin for use with bipolar, but I'll certainly remember that when I do get a bad depressive phase. Thanks for sharing that info.

[tater03]

Yes it is Ritalin that is usually given for hyper activity. I wonder if it just has a different effect in adults? I never heard of this before but if it is working than that's good.

[Calypso]

The way my doctor explained it to me is that if your brain is hard-wired to be hyperactive, Ritalin actually has a calming effect. For those of us who aren't hyperactive, Ritalin provides a "boost." It's a controlled substance--a stimulant--and my doctor can only write me prescriptions for one month at a time, no refills. The hassle of getting a new prescription filled every time is a pain, but it's worth the trouble if it keeps the depression at bay.

[Green-Moo]

My friend's son was prescribed it to help with his behavioural issues and she had to jump through all sorts of hoops to fill the prescription. I remember when she lost it on holiday they had to actually come back early as there was no other way they could easily replace it & her son really, really did need something.

[tater03]

Why is it so hard to get? Just curious as to the reason you can only get a month's supply at a time? Thanks

[Taggart]

I think the positive effect of needing a doctor to renew it every month would be that it's less likely to be accidentally used if it was no longer appropriate for a patient.

I'd never heard of it being used for depression either.

[riskey58]

I have never heard of it being used for depression. I guess it depends on what is causing your depression.

[micheal]

This is something that you are going to have to take for the rest of your life right? Are you 100% dependent on it now.

[sacback]

Originally Posted by Green-Moo

Isn't Ritalin the drug that got a lot of publicity for being given to hyperactive kids? Or am I thinking of another one?

How odd that they same drug would be used to combat such different complaints.

Yep you got the right drug that is why I'm a bit confused but Ritalin is to calm children down , it supresses their hyoer, happy mood and makes them mellow which is wierd that it does the opposite for you but maybe it's a counter reaction of some kind.

[SageMother]

Originally Posted by sacback

Yep you got the right drug that is why I'm a bit confused but Ritalin is to calm children down , it supresses their hyoer, happy mood and makes them mellow which is wierd that it does the opposite for you but maybe it's a counter reaction of some kind.

The affects of coffee and Ritalin change with puberty. It isn't an anomaly in this case. It is true in most situations where mood and behavior disorders exist.

[Green-Moo]

Originally Posted by SageMother

The affects of coffee and Ritalin change with puberty. It isn't an anomaly in this case. It is true in most situations where mood and behavior disorders exist.

So those who claim that giving children coffee will make them hyper are mistaken? Coffee in quantity still cannot be good for children though.

[greatgazoo]

Ritalin and other psycho-stimulants (like Dexedrine which I'm on) have an anti-depressant effect especially on those of us with attention deficit disorder. Its not the first line of meds for depression but when someone just cannot tolerate SSRI's or SNRI's (like me) it can be considered. I'm on Wellbutrin (an atypical anti-depressant) and Dexedrine. Wellbutrin helped both depression and ADD but wasn't enough and because I was at what is usually the upper limit in Canada (in the U.S. they prescribe higher) the Psychiatrist prescribed the stimulant in addition. Its odd how it has a paradoxic effect on some people. The first time I took it I fell asleep because I suddenly felt so calm.

The other major use for the stimulants if for some people (definitely not all) who have addictions problems. It is becoming more common to see alcohol/drug use as an attempt to self-medicate. I have abused alcohol for years but when I was put on Dexedrine the desire disappeared. Its now been 2 years since I had a drink and its been almost completely out of mind. Before that, I couldn't go more than 4 months without starting up again.

[Carrie_Lou]

In response to your abuse of alcohol, please enlighten me. I have been taking Celexa and Wellbutrin for over ten years now, for clinical depression. Gradually, over the past two or three years, I have started to drink more and more. After two or three glasses of wine, I totally loose control and then get completely, falling down drunk. I'm afraid that this is happening more and more. Am I an alcoholic? I am self-medicating because the antidepressants don't work well enough? Do I just not care anymore? Dexedrine worked for you? Is it not banned here in Canada now? I'm desperate to stop drinking.

[greatgazoo]

Carrie Lou,

Stimulants such as dexedrine are not illegal but are highly controlled. Many Doctors are not open to prescribing it. It is not prescribed as often in depression as it once was but is used in ADHD (how I came to it). I have been trying to get a new Psychiatrist as my old one is moving out of province and I'm having a difficult time finding one who will work with adult ADHD (and I'm on a low dose of dexedrine for it). I'm in the process of reducing the Wellbutrin as I'm finding it not as helpful as it once was.

Drinking on anti-depressants is not a great idea, as I'm sure you know, and I suspect that it is the Celexa that will have the worst interactive effects (your Doctor is who you should consult with re: this).

It is not a magic bullet and it has its drawbacks, believe me, but it gives some degree of control back so that when I think about drinking I can put it in perspective of what doing so will do to me. It does not mean I can drink "normally" but it means I have a better chance of deciding not to drink.

As to your drinking, there are so many factors involved such as age/gender/life situation/family and friends/ family members with the same problem etc.

If you want to discuss it further I'd be happy to respond in the forum, otherwise if you would prefer to communicate more privately I'd be open to that as well. Not only do I have these issues to deal with myself but I've been a social worker for over 20 years so I know both sides of the issue.

[email]anewalphabet@gmail.com[/email]

[jeredruth]

most of the time, antidepressants are prescribed, so far as i am concerned, using trial and error. if it doesn't work, it is replaced with another one with hopes of success. the alcohol consumption could be triggered by the way the antidepressant plays havoc on the brain. people are always asked if they have any suicidal thoughts before being Rx'd an antidepressant. this must be because the drug triggers some people to do things they normally only keep hidden in their subconscious. healthy food, good doses of sunshine and proper exersize will usually give better results than any drug out there!! i know because i have been Rx'd these tablets three times over the years and all with terrible results. when i eat right, get my sunshine and do some walking, i can cope with depression and throw away the drugs -- and the alcohol! on the other hand, all things must be taken up with the doctor. we are all different.

[greatgazoo]

I've been put on Dexedrine along with an anti-depressant for the same reasons. It is basically the same as ritalin-a psycho-stimulant. I fell asleep the first time I took it it calmed me down so much in fact (and It was a very low dose). The paradoxic effect is so odd.

I find that its benefits are inconsistant now after about 4 years. Some days I don't bother to take it in fact. I've developed soemthing of "sixth sense" as to knowing when it will help and when it won't. Its strange. The important thing is to not take more than is recommended. It can be difficult at times I confess, but you will not be helping yourself in the long run.

All the best with it

[Jojesek]

Ritalin is prescribed for ADHD. My son took it for a few years, he's old enough now where he has learned to control the hyperactivity and impulsivity on his own. My understanding is that if you have ADHD it has a calming effect, if you don't have that particular chemical makeup that causes ADHD it has a stimulant effect.

My sister has been prescribed Ritalin for her depression and she says it has greatly increased her ability to engage in life and to be motivated to do what most people would consider everyday things. I am currently on Concerta to augment my antidepressants which helps but it is not working nearly as well for me as the Ritalin is for my sister. I will be speaking with my Dr. re a switch.

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