Has anyone tried stimulants to help with depression?!

Has anyone tried stimulants to help with depression?

I've been on meds for depression for 3 years now and I feel tired all the time. I mean tired down to my bones and no amount sleep helps. I can sleep all day and drink tons of water and still feel the same. And I have had this exhaustion since my teens I am now 25. I've had blood tests and gone for a sleep study all to no avail. I drink like 3 diet cokes at work to stay somewhat awake. I've read that someitmes they use stimulants like Ritalin, Dexedrine or Adderall to help treat certain types of depression as well as ADD. Is this true? Has anyone tried this? I have researched it a bit and I even seem to have some characteristics of ADD. I've tried telling my "shrink" but he doesnt believe me and is always reluctant to listen when I tell him my meds arent working. Also how do you go about requesting a cat scan or different tests. Right now I see a shrink at the hospital because its covered by ohip so i'd have to go through him if i want to see someone else. Any help please?

1 week ago
Like I said I've had my blood checked for low blood sugar, low iron and thyroid problems.

1 week ago
Opps sorry. I guess i didnt say that b4. I must have deleted that part of my question.

1 week ago
How do these compare with Effexor or Mirtazapine? Anyone know?

I have a very treatment resistant major depression and have been under a doctor's care for over 12 years. I also have ADHD, PTSD and a Nonverbal learning disability, all of which can contribute to fatigue.

I have been on a variety of anti-depressants - Prozac, Zoloft, Effexor and now Vivactil and Wellbutron. Of all of them, I have responded best to the Vivactil and Wellbutron as they are the more energizing anti-depressants. To augment my treatment, I also take Synthroid as I have a borderline functioning thyroid. That tends to give me more energy.

In my case, I have also been on a variety of stimulants and that has helped alleviate some of my depression and give me alertness and better concentration. Since going on the stimulants, I haven't needed to have as much caffine as I used to need to wake up. It was common for me to need between 6 and 9 cups of strong coffee in the morning to start feeling alert. This was even before I became depressed.

If you are unhappy with your doctor you have the legal and ethical right to a referral or second opinion. You may want to have your primary care doctor involved to at least talk with your "shrink" as that may help things along.

Your "shrink" may be hesitant to prescribe stimulant medication if you have a history of chemical abuse, because of the danger of becoming addicted.

You can be tested for ADHD by filling out some questionaires, and participating in computerized testing that looks at attention/concentration/reaact... time. There is the Continuous Performance Test and the TOVA. Both of them can help in the diagnostic process.

You don't mention whether you have had a traumatic head injury, or have a learning disability. Those are some things that can be checked out as well, depending upon any work/school/life issues. Do you have "Chronic Fatigue Syndrome" or Fibromyalgia?

Just some thoughts, hope they are helpful for you. Take care.