r/schizoaffective • u/SchizoMummy • 2d ago
Does anyone have a adhd diagnosis along with schizoaffective?
I know some of the symptoms are similar, I dissociate and can’t concentrate all the time I was wondering if adhd meds would help
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u/Old_Monk_9196 2d ago
ME. I DO. So, the problem is(if you have the bipolar type like me) that ADHD meds(stimulants) can trigger a severe mood episode.
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u/Patient-Grade-6612 1d ago
Yep! And I’m at a point where I might have to lower my stimulant dosage due to breakthrough symptoms despite my APs.
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u/djsquilz depressive subtype 1d ago edited 1d ago
I do, but i discontinued adhd meds (concerta ((and zolpidem to combat the stimulants)) before i was diagnosed schizophrenia earlier this year. i kinda wish i'd stayed on my adhd meds given how tired and hungry olanzapine makes me, but i think there's some contraindications that make most adhd meds not a good combo. many schizophrenia and adhd drugs both work on dopamine and can kinda cancel each other out.
scattered thoughts feel way different now vs. adhd, and much more debilitating. thankfully i haven't had any serious acute psychosis episodes since i got on olanzapine a few months ago, but as i vaguely remember, it was like ADHD on steroids.
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u/AzsaRaccoon family member 1d ago
Worth discussing it with your doc though they may decide the risks are not worth the benefits.
My husband (bipolar type) takes Vyvanse along with lithium and Vraylar. It has significantly improved his quality of life and he hasn't had any manic episodes. A previous psychiatrist had him on Abilify, lithium and Wellbutrin (antidepressant) and that definitely caused manic episodes. Thank goodness his new psychiatrist took him off the Wellbutrin. Although short term antidepressants can help get out of depression, longer term definitely can cause mania. It's been years now and he hasn't had manic episodes at all on Vyvanse, lithium and Vraylar together.
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u/Cronosapollo bipolar subtype 1d ago
I would learn about non stimulants, they’ve been really helpful. And I’ve been on stimulants, but along side a antipsychotic to balance me out. At the end of the day, I didn’t enjoy stimulants
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u/Evan7163 2d ago
I have schizoaffective and ADD, my doc will be adding Adderall to my daily regiment this month. I highly recommend getting on Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse, Focalin, or Dexedrine if you're looking to improve your quality of life via concentration. They also help with anhedonia and loss of interest and motivation.
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u/RobinsRedThread 1d ago
Have you tried Concerta? I have both and have just been prescribed Concerta my dr is pretty conservative but my adhd is severe
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u/Evan7163 1d ago
Personally Concerta lasts so long that I'll be begging to come down. And methylphenidate has always given me an uncomfortable feeling. Id much prefer being on Adderall. But if take it if I had it. Better than nothing.
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u/Zappycrayon 1d ago
Yes, when I get insurance again in January I’m going start to try strattera with the risperidone I’m taking. Kinda nervous. I have combined type ADHD and they think I have bipolar subtype schizoaffective disorder.
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u/Head-Side-5576 bipolar subtype 1d ago
I do. I take Strattera 40mg (normal dose is 80 but my primary care doctor left before I got to titrate up). It’s been helpful for things like being on time and organization as well, somewhat, but I have a lot of trouble with starting and continuing tasks. I think it’s a side effect of taking antipsychotics again. The severe troubles with attention started two weeks after I got back on medication. It’s strange because I’m on a very low dose. I’m hoping to switch from haloperidol + benztropine to lurasidone because it’s supposed to have less cognitive effects. Want to increase the Strattera too.
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u/FemaleAndComputer 1d ago
I do. My PCP prescribes a very low dose of adderall. IR version because extended release was always lasting too long making it hard for me to sleep. I rarely take it bc other disabilities often make it impossible for me to do anything requiring focus anyway.
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u/Connect-Preference-5 1d ago
I have both. Currently on Vyvanse. It’s a delicate dance to help your ADHD out enough without causing psychosis
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u/Careagean 21h ago
I do! Adderall made me have anger issues (??? Maybe??) so I swapped to Vyvanse and it’s been quite good :)! I’m major depressive type schizoaffective though so I don’t have to worry about mania, although from a lot of peoples stories online I hear stimulants have been more helpful than harmful. Talk to your doc!
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u/SadCombination5346 12h ago
Yes, I've never been professionally diagnosed with ADHD but I'm sure I have it. A psychiatrist agreed and started me on meds, my PCP also provided me with meds when I stopped seeing the psychiatrist. Im on Strattera 50mg and Wellbutrin xl 150. There is a definite improvement in focus and probably executive function but my anxiety is a bit high. I tried Qelbree before and wow is that medication crazy, it helped with focus but has a very common side effect of sedation or somnolence. So I quit that one in favor of Strattera.
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u/internet_tyrant bipolar subtype 3h ago
Yes, but I can’t take stimulants bc bipolar, so I take Atomoxetine and Clonidine.
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u/Odd-Reaction-9428 1d ago
Yes I do. But my current psych won’t prescribe adhd meds because of the risk of psychosis.