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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Severe Depression On Withdrawal From Focalin?

Hi, I believe I was misdiagnosed with adhd, while I've been on a myriad of medications for it and currently focalin xr and although they work, when I don't take it I am very creative and alive, I socialize and am completely different, while forever and always dedicated to my academics, regardless when I do and don't take my meds I experience transient periods of lows / depression, very short for a period of an hour and a half, the smallest things can spark it. This is all accompanied my long lasting creativity and loudness and awful walking (when I dot take it) in essence primarily energetic accompanied by transient lows. This has led me to believe either bipolar II or cyclothmia. Is the bipolar spectrum feasible. Thank you.
Fri, 28 Aug 2015
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries

I can understand your concern. Focalin is an amphetamine drug and the drug can result in depression symptoms during its withdrawal. You have been diagnosed with ADHD and when you dont take medicines you remain creative, alive and socialise with people. In between there are episodes of feeling low, depression which last for short periods of time only. In my opinion these episodes can't be attributed to depression. Transient episodes of feeling low occurs in most of individuals so don't remain worried about that.

If you are seeing improvement in your ADHD symptoms or have doubts regarding the diagnosis of ADHD then there is no need to take Focalin. Focalin as I have mentioned, is an amphetamine drug and the drug is known to cause dependence. If the drug is stopped then withdrawal depression, craving etc are seen. So consult your psychiatrist and ask for discontinuing the medicine. Based upon the symptoms you have mentioned the bipolar spectrum is not possible, more information is needed to make diagnosis.

Thanks, Hope this helps you. Take care

Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi,
Psychiatrist.
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What Causes Severe Depression On Withdrawal From Focalin?

Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries I can understand your concern. Focalin is an amphetamine drug and the drug can result in depression symptoms during its withdrawal. You have been diagnosed with ADHD and when you dont take medicines you remain creative, alive and socialise with people. In between there are episodes of feeling low, depression which last for short periods of time only. In my opinion these episodes can t be attributed to depression. Transient episodes of feeling low occurs in most of individuals so don t remain worried about that. If you are seeing improvement in your ADHD symptoms or have doubts regarding the diagnosis of ADHD then there is no need to take Focalin. Focalin as I have mentioned, is an amphetamine drug and the drug is known to cause dependence. If the drug is stopped then withdrawal depression, craving etc are seen. So consult your psychiatrist and ask for discontinuing the medicine. Based upon the symptoms you have mentioned the bipolar spectrum is not possible, more information is needed to make diagnosis. Thanks, Hope this helps you. Take care Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi, Psychiatrist.