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Suggest Treatment For Relapse Of Depression While Weaning Off Adderall
Posted on
Sun, 30 Jul 2017
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Sun, 30 Jul 2017
Answered on
Tue, 29 Aug 2017
Last reviewed on
Question : Hello. I just quit an addiction to Adderall. Mind you, I've never taken an illegal drug, don't drink, don't smoke, nor suffer from any other addictions... ever.
I knew the initial physical withdrawals would be horrible and they were... for about a full week. Instead of tapering my Adderall dosage down gradually, they instead had me quit 'cold turkey'... which I still believe was the wrong way to go about withdrawing me.
Regardless, its now been about 1.5 months and no more phsixal discomfort but I believe that now I'm suffering the psychological and physiological aspects of withdrawal. I've read that complete recovery of Adderall can take as long as a year.
I suffer greatly from MDD coupled with some anxiety. I am EXTREMELY medicine resistant as in 14 years, I've been administered EVERY anti-depressant, to no avail. They don't even help for a week or so-- no relief.
I endured TMS which was splendid the initial 2 weeks but then, no more improvement; I returned to my initial depression.
Anyway, my question is this-- is it possible that the rapid return of depression, sadness, and lack of desire to get out of bed-- could I attribute it directly to any aspect of my Adderall withdrawal? Could the Adderall completely leaving my system cause all this angst? If so, does there exist any medication to relieve this lingering withdrawal? FYI, I have been provided Clonopin which indeed helps some. Is it scientifically proven that this type of withdrawal last a year? Thank you.
I knew the initial physical withdrawals would be horrible and they were... for about a full week. Instead of tapering my Adderall dosage down gradually, they instead had me quit 'cold turkey'... which I still believe was the wrong way to go about withdrawing me.
Regardless, its now been about 1.5 months and no more phsixal discomfort but I believe that now I'm suffering the psychological and physiological aspects of withdrawal. I've read that complete recovery of Adderall can take as long as a year.
I suffer greatly from MDD coupled with some anxiety. I am EXTREMELY medicine resistant as in 14 years, I've been administered EVERY anti-depressant, to no avail. They don't even help for a week or so-- no relief.
I endured TMS which was splendid the initial 2 weeks but then, no more improvement; I returned to my initial depression.
Anyway, my question is this-- is it possible that the rapid return of depression, sadness, and lack of desire to get out of bed-- could I attribute it directly to any aspect of my Adderall withdrawal? Could the Adderall completely leaving my system cause all this angst? If so, does there exist any medication to relieve this lingering withdrawal? FYI, I have been provided Clonopin which indeed helps some. Is it scientifically proven that this type of withdrawal last a year? Thank you.
Brief Answer:
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.
1. Your return to depression is not connected to Adderall withdrawal. There is no link between Adderall withdrawal and depression in the medical literature. You are safest and healthiest off Adderall, and should remain off of it.
2. There is no medication to treat Adderall withdrawal -- the only way to remain off of it is to remain off of it.
3. There is no robust scientific evidence that withdrawal from Adderall can last more than a few weeks.
One thing I will say is that you do not mention therapy here. Therapy is often more effective than medications for depression, and avoids the problem of addiction. Finding a good therapist may help you the most here.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.
1. Your return to depression is not connected to Adderall withdrawal. There is no link between Adderall withdrawal and depression in the medical literature. You are safest and healthiest off Adderall, and should remain off of it.
2. There is no medication to treat Adderall withdrawal -- the only way to remain off of it is to remain off of it.
3. There is no robust scientific evidence that withdrawal from Adderall can last more than a few weeks.
One thing I will say is that you do not mention therapy here. Therapy is often more effective than medications for depression, and avoids the problem of addiction. Finding a good therapist may help you the most here.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Thanks for all your information! Honestly, I have continually put off therapy for years. It's so very hard to open up and discuss my issues. Not that there is anything tragic-- it's just very difficult. Actually, this is my next step. I found a phenomenal therapist and plan to go through it in its entirety. Then, I plan to go through my TMS all over again.
What are your thoughts on this course of action?
What are your thoughts on this course of action?
Brief Answer:
Followup
Detailed Answer:
I think therapy is the most likely thing to help you, so I agree.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Followup
Detailed Answer:
I think therapy is the most likely thing to help you, so I agree.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
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