Adderall and Bipolar Disorder: Understanding the Risks & Benefits

Adderall, or dextroamphetamine, is a powerful central nervous system stimulant used to treat ADD and ADHD. Recently, Adderall is being used to treat the depressive episodes in bipolar disorder yet not without great controversy as to its overall efficacy and side effects it poses.

What is it?

• Adderall is a CNS stimulant that according to drugs.com, affects chemicals in the brain and nerves that contribute to hyperactivity and impulse control.

Adderall for Depressive Bipolar Episodes

• Adderall, although only FDA approved to treat narcolepsy, ADD and ADHD, is also being prescribed to treat depression and depressive episodes in bipolar disorder. Its stimulant qualities give patients the energy to get our of bed or off the sofa.

Adderall and Bipolar Disorder

• RXlist.com states that Adderall usage by bipolar patients can actually experience a worsening in bipolar symptoms when the ̶0;up̶1; feeling from Adderall wears off. Most physicians are against using Adderrall in bipolar patients.

Drug Interactions

• Drugs.com states that patients with bipolar disorder should not use the drug. It interacts with medications commonly prescribed for bipolar disorder and can worsen the condition.

Side Effects

• Adderall side effects include, but are not limited to: fast, pounding heartbeat, dry mouth, agitation, confusion, loss of appetite, sleep problems, tremors, hallucinations, restlessness, weight loss, impotence and many others. (See Reference 1.)

Tips

• If you have bipolar disorder, do not take Adderrall without speaking to your doctor about its potentially harmful effects.