car wreck caused ADD & RX calls for Ritalin & Adderall?? - ADD / ADHD Message Board

dzr1107 · 02-12-2008, 06:58 PM

In Feb 2006, I was the passenger in a car making a left hand turn, which, mid-turn got hit from behind. Many months and diagnostic tests later, I was diagnosed with ADD (I assume, from the diagonal whiplash and neuron shearing). I was put on 5mg of Ritalin (generic), which over the course of about half a year increased to 10mg up to 3 times a day. I predominately took 2 doses when I was at work but didn't like how often I needed to take it (if I took more, I couldn't sleep). My doctor decided put me on Adderall (20mg up to 2x per day) with ritalin as needed. For a few days I took an Adderall in the morning and a Ritalin a few hours later. The side effects were awful. My stomach felt like it was being ripped out and I would cry for no reason each night (and I am NOT a crier). I stopped for a few days, and decided to try once more. The sixth and last time of this combination sent me into a depression that lasted for a week and a half. I stopped the adderall and continued solely with Ritalin. About a month of this, I had a "mental breakdown" and went into hysteria, resulting in an emergency room visit almost 3 weeks ago. I've stopped taking the Ritalin. I knew that I wouldn't bounce back, but I started feeling better only to be dragged right back down. Im not sure if I"m going through withdrawal or that the combo triggered something. Actually, I don't even know anymore. If anyone could tell me anything about this, I'd really appreciate it because some days I just feel so lost and confused about how I could do a 180 in concentration, etc.

cme12299 · 02-16-2008, 02:04 AM

I know that head trauma can cause several things. In myself I had a brain lesion (from a car accident) that led to many years of migraines. The injury healed and occasionally I get migraines(3-4 times per year).

I do not think that ADD falls into a category of "results" or effects of a car accident/head trauma. Mental illness, although may be amplified by physical head trauma, is generally already present at some level (whether it be depression, OCD, or ADD).

Judging by your reactions to your meds, I would think it is safe to say that you do not have ADD and maybe you are adding something to your body that it does not need. I would have a longer diagnosis or repeat diagnosis conducted to see if ADD is infact present.

addprogrammer · 02-21-2008, 06:02 AM

dzr,

Brain injury can cause a disorder that is identical to ADHD. One expert, Daniel Amen MD, calls it ADHD. Most others say it is like ADHD. It's the old duck thing. Walks, looks, quakes like a duck. What is it?

Adderall and Ritalin can induce depression and can cause stomach upset. Both side effects can sometimes be managed by low dose extended release formulations such as Concerta. Another possibility is a stimulating antidepressant such as Welbutrin instead of the stimulants or along with a much lower dose of stimulants.

Your best bet is to learn to manage without meds ... if that is possible. A good psychologist with ADHD therapy experience may be able to help you find effective work-arounds. Take a look at some of the bio-feedback therapies out there. You may be able to teach an undamaged part of your brain to take up the slack.

Bob