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Devistated · Jan 4, 2008, 12:22 PM

Hi I recently stopped taking my metadate because I was losing too much weight. I have also been dealing with a lot in my life that has caused me deep depression. Is it a possibility that my not taking the meds have made my depression worse? I slowly backed off them and haven't been on them for about 2 months now. I was on Adderall before that. I had to switch because the Adderall was making me too aggressive. Any insight on this would be greatly appreciated.

N0help4u · Jan 4, 2008, 12:41 PM

Many of those meds will make you lose weight.
The doc had my son on ritalin when he was 7 and within 3 weeks his ribs and shouldler blades were poking out so bad I took him back and had him switched to something else

Deprocote might be better. Ask the doctor about putting you on something different.
The psych even told me that they have no idea of what psychotropic drugs work best on who so they have to keep switching them until you have one that agrees with you.

peggyhill · Jan 4, 2008, 12:52 PM

I agree with what Nohelp4u said. Different meds work for different people. Ask your doctor about trying something new. If he/she refuses to listen to you, find another doctor. There are meds out there that will work, so don't give up!

It is possible that is could have made your depression worse. Of course, I can't say over the internet (not to mention I'm not a doctor), lol. Where you diagnosed with depression in the past, in addition to the ADD?

It's normal to feel down when bad things happen in your life, but if you feel really sad for a long time and you lose interest in things you once liked, it can be a sign of clinical depression. Talk to the doctor about the events that have been upsetting you, so that he/she understands what is going on with you. It will help them give you a more accurate diagnosis.

I hope you feel better soon! I think making a doctor's appointment and sharing your concerns will make you feel much better. Sometimes it takes a while to find the right med, or the right combination. Good luck! :)

J_9 · Jan 4, 2008, 01:04 PM

We need to be careful here about the psychotropic drugs, as many tend to be CNS depressants, when people who have ADD or ADHD actually need a CNS stimulant.

Metadate (Concerta) is most definitely a CNS stimulant, and can cause depression when off the med in a person who has ADD or ADHD.

ADD and ADHD meds are widely known for causing weight loss, hence the reason so many mothers want their children diagnosed with these conditions so that they can take the meds to lose weight. It is imperative when taking these meds that they are taken after dinner rather than in the morning, as the appetite will decrease after taking the meds.

I believe NoHelp4U meant Depakote, is an anticonvulsant that helps with aggression in children with ADHD, among other disorders, so I don't feel that this would be a good fit for you.

Again, we want to stay away from psychotropic drugs with ADD/ADHD and use Central Nervous System Stimulants. I know it sounds strange to stimulate a person who already seems overstimulated, but stimulants actually calm the person with ADD/ADHD, where they would over stimulate those of us without these disorders.

So, in answer to your question... Yes, coming off this medication (metadate a/k/a Concerta) can and does cause depression.

Devistated · Jan 4, 2008, 01:21 PM

Wow thanks I have been diagnosed with adult ADD and I was doing really well and then I quit because my ex Bf thinks being on meds is a sign of weakness. Plus he thought I was too skinny. I'm 31 5'6 115 pounds. I do take vitamins and drink ensure to help. I started taking my prescription again today. I also take Klonopin for anxiety attacks.

J_9 · Jan 4, 2008, 01:26 PM

Good for you going back on!!

If your boyfriend thinks meds are a sign of weakness, ask him if he would take meds if he had a heart disease and it could save his life. It's really not much different, just different chemicals in different areas of the body.

Concerta/metadate is one of the best meds on the market for adult ADD.

And you tell that boyfriend that weakness means recognizing there is a problem and not doing anything about it.

Devistated · Jan 4, 2008, 01:38 PM

My friend said after taking one tablet today I seem a lot calmer and I do feel better.

N0help4u · Jan 4, 2008, 01:58 PM

If you are losing weight from it you still need to check with the doctor to get him to change you to something else. It scared me when I saw my sons bones so vividly.

J_9 · Jan 4, 2008, 02:41 PM

Also, what time of day do you take it? This is important as taking it early in the day is one of the main reasons for weight loss.

peggyhill · Jan 5, 2008, 12:30 PM

Good for you! I'm glad that you are feeling better. Explain to your boyfriend that it is just as important to take meds for your condition as it is for any other medical problem, like J_9 said. It's your body not his, so do what is right for you. Hope you continue to feel better! :)