Adderall Miracle Drug for Anxiety, Depression

Hi everyone. I have been lost for so long. I search online every day for help and support but never had the motivation or courage to respond to anything or reply until right now. I have been severely depressed for years but it has recently made any of life's normal circumstances overwhelming and unbearable. I haven't been able to work, do laundry, play with my kiddo or sometimes even leave the house for days. I've recently developed social anxiety and have been hating myself so much I don't speak to anyone. This brings me to the topic at hand...I started on Paxil 20 yrs ago which stopped working..then onto Wellbutrin, Zoloft, cymbalta, all with the same outcome...they worked slightly for a couple of months and then just stopped. I have tried every dosage and "cocktail" of ADs and tried adding in Abilify which made me gain weight and of course that contributed to my self hatred and depression -vain or not, when you look good you feel good and vise versa. I just started on Lexapro 2 months ago and as with all of the others it helped almost immediately and then stopped. I go to regular counseling sessions, see my GP often, exercise...everything one is supposed to do but the dark cloud follows me everywhere. My finances, relationships and overall quality of life have been ruined by this. Those of you with horrible depression know what I mean when I say I haven't been able to see colors..I would probably have ended everything if I didn't have an amazing kiddo...it would crush her and I never want to be a cause of pain for her.
The other day I was researching online (at 3 am - I don't sleep at night because I somehow think that will keep the morning from coming so quickly when I have to go through the motions for another long, empty, pointless day like the walking dead) and I read about treatment resistance. I spoke to my doctor and therapist about it and it is the consensus that this is the case for me. I have had a few people mention the possibility of ADD to me but I have always dismissed it...now that I have been given materials on it and spoken with professionals, it seems as though this too defines my condition. I am actually very happy about both because I have hope now.. Rather than just trying a new AD they gave me adderol two days ago. I have never felt any kind of high at all I just feel more confident and not suicidal. I encourage those of you that are feeling hopeless to have a very open and honest convo with your doc. Everybody I know takes Xanax and that is addictive but docs have no problem giving that out. I was told that if you truly are ADD you won't get high etc - you will "normalize". How is that drug abuse? Let's say someone does end up depending on this drug to live even a somewhat happy or productive life..isn't that better than crushing depression or constant suicidal thoughts? I have been no good to anyone for a long time...including myself. I now feel like maybe -just maybe- I have a shot at this whole "life" thing.
Please don't write back your judgements or two cents on how I'm not doing this right. Things have been hard enough..those of us that suffer from depression need to stick together and support each other in this world where many wonder why we aren't strong enough to just shake it off.
Best of luck to everyone. Within reason, focus on what you need to and do what you have to in order to beat this f'ing demon.

@Teri...I don't tell anyone anything either. My family knows because they all have it too but my friends, boyfriend etc have no idea how bad things get for me. What's ironic is we think they would judge us for the meds...if they saw us without them they would encourage us to take a steady dose.

I have had ocd for 30 years and finally sought help. So far ive been 3 different places eaxh giving me prozac etc. It makes me want to die i want to try riddalin adhd meds etc. And they treat me like a drug fiend and absolutely refuse to take the suggestion. Im getting to the end ill let fate have what itay for them if things get worse. The moral of my story is they say seek help i did and my life ia worse than ever.

Having bipolar 2 for 20 years I tended to downplay my symptoms to my doc. I was worried about losing my job as a fireman. When I finally tried to hang my self, he got serious and sent me to the hospital. I went through a dialectical behavioral program as an outpatient. It changed my life. Not it cured my I ll s. In fact I learned that it is actually not the job for me. And I was able to get a fair disability pension from the department. And now I am NOT happy all the time but at least I don't have to worry about forcing myself to act like I give a s***.
You need to demand proper treatment. Also one thing I learned was that a psychiatrist prescribe medicine. A psychologist trains you how to think.

Tell her the truth and she will give u them since it is helping and you are taking them any way. They want you to be prescribed instead of illegally taking them so she most likely will. My doctor did.

Have you found a good medication that works yet? We have similar symptoms, our sounds like, and would like to know if yoy have found relief? Thanks.

My psychiatrist did a DNA test to check certain markers because I have been on several anti depressants with only partial.relief. I also suffer from anxiety, depression,insomnia and fibro.plus I have herniated disc in my lower back and neck with pinched nerves. So I'm on many different meds.
He found that my liver doesn't produce and metabolize melatonin properly so my brain can't process the anti depressants properly.
He put me on a vitamin prescription only with b and melatonin in it along with Adderall. I just started the adderal.
The DNA test was very beneficial because now I know certain medications need higher doses such as pain mess and antidepressants a lower amount. My 60 MG of Cymbalta is actually like taking 90 MG but my liver didn't process it right so my brain didn't get the proper dosage.
I will keep everyone posted on my progress.

It sounds to me like you abuse your benzodiazepines and run out too early.

Maybe if you spoke with your doctor or whoever you see and tell them you want to taper off the benzodiazepines, and don't say you're going through "withdraw syndrome."

Yes. Yes. Yes. I've been feeling very depressed and anxious for a while, which has led to a lack of motivation, extreme fatigue and concentration problems. I haven't told anyone about this, especially not my husband but it's really controlling my life. I've been consuming multiple energy drinks to stay awake and give me a pick me up to get something done. Otherwise, I would layou in bed all day. I've also been drinking at night to relax and calm my nerves. If I don't, I feel extreme stress and anxiety. The other day, my husband made a comment like "here just take 10 of my adderall and you will be wide awake." He was obviously joking but it got me thinking...... and I tried one. I have never felt better in my life. For once, I could actually get done what I needed to. I had energy, I felt happier, my anxiety levels were lower than they have ever been. I've always thought I might have some kind of ADD because I've always had problems focusing and it takes me 10X longer to complete tasks than everyone else. This makes me wonder if the ADD, depression and anxiety are related. Does one cause the other? Or do they just have similar symptoms? I'm at a loss. I was so happy to finally feel normal, but I can't just tell my dr that I took my husband's medicine, illegally. But I really do want help. I'm also really scared to tell my husband about what's going on because I don't want him to think it's his fault. I'm not sure what to do about this. I don't even know where to start. Should I just go to my doctor for my ADD symptoms and see if that helps? I just don't know what to do. Any advice is greatly appreciated! (Sorry for the novel!)

Were you able to find someone?

I believe I am having bad reactions to the anti-depressants as well I cant remember the name of the last one they gave me about a week ago but I had a 5 alarm manic attack and almost landed me in the ER it was that bad and my anxiety leave was out of control. I was close to running around naked outside and pulling my hair out.. J/K there.. lol.. but it was bad.. I will look up the name of it and post it. So after you begged your doctor finally gave it a try I am happy for you really.. I know how you feel.. I am treated like a junkie begging for drugs .. I have been patient profiled and now most doctors see that and I get that look from them.. I think I will give it a try with my doctor .. Good Luck :)

I too suffer bad where I used to just have them in a grocery store my legs would turn jello and I was certain I was dying now I get it at home..than depression kicks in I can't do ANYTHING usually during fall winter..i have 3 kids and want to win my life back ..does adderall help with store and social anxiety?

Gail, can you sleep on the XR, or does it keep you up? I think I'm having similar trouble as you with anti-depressants.

I have the same disorders including Intermittent explosive disorder. I've been on 10mg XR the last couple days and OH MY GOD IT'S A MIRACLE!! I've been working on finding an anxiety medication for over a year now that worked other then Xanax!
I've had zero anxiety taking it!! My cognitive and social skills have noticeably changed for the best. I feel like myself. Granted it's hard to fall asleep at night, and I clench my jaw pretty bad but it's so worth feeling "at peace."
Tell your doctor your symptoms. Let him know you've tried it. They aren't that judgementall and think you're asking for meds for a bad reason. Build a relationship with your doctor. I've never asked for Adderal he suggested it for me. It's worth a shot.
I feel amazing and I hope you can feel this way too. I wish you luck.

I am bipolar, I have anxiety, as well as Intermittent explosive disorder. I've been on 10mg XR the last couple days and OH MY GOD IT'S A MIRACLE!! I've been working on finding an anxiety medication for over a year now that worked other then Xanax!
Right now I'm also on Gabapentin, Zoloft, and an anti that starts with a V.
I've had zero anxiety taking it!! My cognitive and social skills have noticeably changed for the best. I feel like myself. Granted it's hard to fall asleep at night, and I clench my jaw pretty bad but it's so worth feeling "at peace."
Tell your doctor your symptoms. Let him know you've tried it. They aren't that judgementall and think you're asking for meds for a bad reason. Build a relationship with your doctor. I've never asked for Adderal he suggested it for me. It's worth a shot.
I feel amazing and I hope you can feel this way too. I wish you luck.