Adderall for Depression

Adderall has certain side effects. Depression may be a side effect to this drug. Studies comparing the long-acting version with the short-acting version are inconclusive. It has been noted that depression is not often reported for those taking the drug short-term. It should be noted that one of the purposes for Adderall is treat the various symptoms found with depression.

Adderall (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine) and the other version of the drug, Adderall XR (amphetamine-dextroamphetamine extended release), both have side effects. In both cases, depression has been reported as a side effect in clinical studies. Ironically, the drug Adderall is often used in treating depression.

Depression and Adderall:

Clinical tests and studies are performed before medicines are used on the public. In these studies, thousands of test subjects are given the medicine. Thousands of others are given a placebo. The two groups are compared and side effects are reported. These studies make it possible to determine which side effects are most likely to occur and how often they may occur. The reported side effects are categorized into one group (1 percent or more had the side effect), and another group (1 percent or less had side effect). In those who were taking Adderall, it was reported that depression was a legitimate side effect. The exact number of those reporting the Adderall side effect was not reported. On the other hand, depression did not come up as a side effect during the short-term studies that were conducted on Adderall XR. It was noted, however, that 1 percent of those children taking the drug had to stop due to depression symptoms. Generally speaking, the data is inconclusive as to how common depression as a side effect will be for those who are taking the drug.

Adderall Uses for Depression

It may sound strange, but Adderall can be used to treat those who have clinical depression. The drug has yet to be approved for this particular use, but has been shown to rapidly improve many of the common depression symptoms. When a drug is used like this is called "off-label" use. Off-label usage simply means a prescription drug Adderall is used to treat some certain condition that has not yet been approved by the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration). Consumers should understand that even though the FDA regulates the conditions on medication advertisements by the manufacturer, they do not regulate the physician's capacity to prescribe the drug if used for different conditions. The doctor can determine the dose as well as lengths of time a patient stays on the drug. Your healthcare provider can legally prescribe a drug for off-label use if they believe the medicine is right for your condition. Off-label use is often used to treat several different kinds of conditions. Do not be afraid to ask your physician if they are using medication (or even combinations of drugs) in a non-FDA-approved way.

Final Considerations

While Adderall can be used to treat clinical depression, it has also been reported to cause depression as a side effect. If you are taking Adderall be aware of symptoms that accompany depression. In the event you notice any of them, it is important that you contact your doctor as soon as possible and tell him. Your doctor can evaluate the situation and afterwards recommend effective treatment options.

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