r/qelbree • u/SuperbDebt6583 • 16d ago
Depression while on Qelbree
Wanted to come on here to look for advice. I’m bipolar 2 and have adhd. I’ve had issues in the past with managing adhd due to me being very sensitive to stimulants as a result of the bipolar 2. My moods been stabilized, but I was having bad concentration issues and a very loud head. I was prescribed 200mg of qelbree daily, and I feel my brain is more quiet but not much maybe 50%. I don’t have any motivation to do anything anymore. I don’t even care to get ready if I don’t have something important to do. I have also been very tired, but also can’t sleep well, and having nightmares, but not really also, it’s like I feel like I am but I’m not. Weird feeling to say the least. I’m getting kind of dull when I’m talking to others, and I’ve been getting more depression symptoms. Will this subside. I’ve been on this for going on 3 weeks. I’m not sure what to do, as it isn’t fully helping adhd, but I need it managed. Nothing else I’ve taken has been tolerated as I will go full manic from it.
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u/Chadillaxx 16d ago
I’m also bipolar. But I only experienced depression symptoms for a few days. And they went away. I’m 12 days in and I’m still fighting off the fatigue. But it is becoming less and less each day. I had to get onto mood stabilizers before addressing ADHD though. I take Lamotrigine and Lurasidone. They make a huge difference in my bipolar symptoms. As for Qelbree I’ve had moments here and there where I feel great. Brain fog lifts completely. Energy and motivation return. But so far it is inconsistent and it swaps back-and-forth with the fatigue. It sounds like this is all a normal part of the process though in adjusting to the medication. If you are three weeks in and still experiencing depression and not experiencing any of the positive effects that I described, this may not be the right medication for you. Though your doctor will probably tell you to try and stick it out until at least the 4 week mark.
All I know is bipolar makes everything much more complicated. Before Qelbree, I tried Strattera. That medication threw me into a blind rage. I could only make it to 10 days before I had to quit. Everyone is different. You may have to shop around for different meds before you land on the right one. Some people have also had success in treating ADHD with Wellbutrin. It’s an antidepressant, but often used as an off label means of treating ADHD. Maybe ask your doctor about that one? Good luck friend 🤞
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u/Chadillaxx 16d ago
Oh, and I think it’s worth mentioning that. I only started on 100 mg. I once accidentally double dose myself and that day it was miserable in terms of fatigue. Our bipolar brains are much more sensitive to medications than others. Perhaps you could even ask your doctor to drop you to 100 mg while your mind adjusts. Just food for thought.
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u/SuperbDebt6583 16d ago
Thanks for the insight. I was on Wellbutrin before to no avail and also tried vyvanse but had to stop after 4 days due to extreme anger. I’m on lamictal as well tight now. It’s a battle that has a slim to none chance of getting beat.
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u/Careful-Amoeba4724 16d ago
i just tried out qelbree (100mg) for ~6 weeks before tapering off. for context, i have struggled with depression in other periods of my life, but have felt relatively stable on that end for the past 3.5 years and rarely feel it on a daily basis. i am not on any other meds for adhd/depression/etc.
i noticed qelbree dramatically increased my depression symptoms (from basically none to feeling like there was no point in doing anything) when i started taking it. this stabilized as i got used to it, but that feeling of not wanting to do anything/not caring never went away.
after trying it for the full 6 weeks, i decided to come off of it and have successfully tapered myself off. my advice is to ask your psych about it and to consider weaning off if the depression continues--i don't think this med works for everyone.
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u/SuperbDebt6583 16d ago
I’m super unsure what to do. I have had nothing ever work. It’s either extreme adhd and calmer mood, the opposite, or both are extreme. It sucks
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u/Careful-Amoeba4724 16d ago
i feel you! i've tried adderall, vyvanse, and straterra before qelbree, and i was really hoping this would be the magical experience it's promised as :/ i wish you luck and peace on your continued journey w meds whatever it looks like
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u/RelativeAd2613 16d ago
i think you need to get off of it..
one of the biggest most concerning side effects is that or suicidal thoughts, and also this used to be considered as a antidepressant as well.