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Bipolar disorder is not just a single disorder, but a category of mood disorders marked by periods of abnormally high energy and euphoria, often accompanied by bouts of clinical depression. This is the place to talk about your experience with bipolar disorder, learn from others' experiences, and find support.

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Adderall?

Maui1992
Maui1992

Are any of you on Adderall or have tried it? Is it the same thing as Ritalin? Does it help with concentration? Does it cause insomnia? Is it just like taking coffee/caffeine?

Over the years, my ability to concentrate has been worsening to the point now that I can't read without my mind wandering, and I can't even watch TV with focus. It's quite a battle to try to concentrate on anything for more than several seconds at a time. Any suggestions?

Thank you :-)

Distractedgiraffelady
Distractedgiraffelady
I can't offer much feedback other than to say that I was on Adderall and Ritalin for ADHD as a kid growing up. They are two separate medications though they work similarly if I'm not mistaken.

You are definitely not alone in your battle for concentration I have been struggling a lot too just like what you described, but I'm in a depression. Can't read and only watch TV shows I've seen before. Hang in there, hope you get some answers soon
Maui1992
Maui1992
Thank you, distracted giraffe lady. Perhaps I'm slightly depressed too. I think when I'm hypomanic I concentrate better, but I haven't felt hypomanic for a long time – not since being on olanzapine. I'm curious how I'll be feeling this summer because I usually get a mood lift from the sunshine.
MayB
MayB
Hi There Maui,

I could check the box for ADD as well as being a "Beeper." I'm one of those folks who can't take antidepressants because they cause mania. Yup even the ones that aren't supposed to do that. So my pdoc figured out a way to use Adderall as a short term anti depressant 2 days max and I'm over the hump.

And yes it really improved my powers of concentration. When I was in college as an adult when I had to write a paper Adderall was certainly welcome to my desk anytime.

Like any upper it sure can cause insomnia. So careful taking it after a certain time of day...
Maui1992
Maui1992
Thanks for the post, May. That's interesting that Adderall can be used as a short-term antidepressant. It's good to hear it improves concentration. I wonder if one develops tolerance to its effects over time if taken long-term?
mlr0853
mlr0853
I've no idea if I'm talking out the side of my silly stupid's....wondering if adderall being a stimulant and focus mind ''could kind of''' be like an anti depressant....simply because when depressed being able to focus the mind is '''so hard'''.

Many Many years ago I was on a small amount of ritilan....like .5 mg. It really Helped Me to focus!!! But then my Psydr said no no....oh how I'd love to be on something that would focus my brain too....l live in organized pandemonium! Take Care Maui ... good luck!!
Maui1992
Maui1992
Thanks Ml. Your psychiatrist said no to Ritalin… Is that because it's a stimulant and could trigger mania or hypomania?
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