Expert: Dr Alan Galbraith - 10/4/2006

Question
I value and respect your opinion.  But how can you explain that I feel so good on the adderol and I can do so much better on the exams?  The adderol makes me feel so "together" and "confident". It is much easier to focus on the work at hand when I take the adderol, eventhough I have not been diagnosed with ADD or ADHD.
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Followup To

Question -
Hi,
I'm a college student and not brave enough to ask my doctor about the implications of taking the drugs that were prescribed to me, and occasional another that was not.I am currently on 10mg of Lexapro and 150 of Wellbutrin for Anxiety and Depression.   Most of the females in my family are on one or another of these drugs.
As a typical college student, I enjoy alcohol a few nights a week.   Is this something to be extremely worried about...taking these prescribed drugs and drinking alcohol a couple nights a week?
The other question I have is that I'll occasionally take an adderol of my roomates during exam time.   What is your opinion on this?  Is the combination of the Lexapro, Wellbutrin and Adderol going to have adverse affects? (The Adderol really helps me study!)
Thanks--I enjoyed reading your other posts on this board, this is a wonderful service you are providing!
Sincerely,
College Girl

Answer -
Firstly,  Adderal may mislead you into thinking that it helps you study. I have several times in my career as a university professor see Adderal or similar drug used for this reason. Believe me when I say, it only makes you believe it is working but in actual fact does the opposite. It is also addictive.


Moderate drinking with both Wellbutrin and Lexapro is inadvisably but not completely contraindicated. The effec ts of all drugs, including the alcohol may be increased. Alcohol can also intensify both depression and anxiety so it is inadvisable with your condition. Sorry I am not being very positive in my answers but anyone in a professional position, like myself, can only tell the truth.

Regards

Dr Alan Galbraith


Answer
I would agree with your statements in that you will feel more confident and more together but this is usually just an illusion yo yourself. Are you sure your exam results are better or is it your imagination. I am not trying to be impolite but the medical facts about Adderal use in adults is that one perceives themselves to be on top of things but in fact they are not. It is possible that you are different as there are always exceptions to drug action in what are known as drug idiosyncrasies and you may have one.

However, remember they are addictive.

Regards

Dr Alan Galbraith