Should I Disclose My Use of Street Dexedrine to My Psychiatrist?
Age 26, Weight 120 lbs, Height 5'5" I am currently dealing with a perplexing health condition that resembles a milder form of schizoaffective disorder primarily characterized by bipolar symptoms. My new psychiatrist and I are in the process of uncovering more about it. After a lengthy wait to see a psychiatrist in Canada, I am eager to ensure this consultation goes smoothly. My past experiences with eating disorders and twisted thoughts around control have made me cautious; I want to avoid repeating those negative encounters. I discontinued Seroquel at summer's end, only to find myself drawn to stimulants shortly thereafter. In November, I managed to obtain grade-A Dexedrine from the pharmacy. At the end of October, I started treatment with Vraylar. I've been using Dexedrine for the past two and a half weeks, but it has seriously disrupted the effects of Vraylar. Most of my day is now consumed by obsessive thoughts and delusional experiences, which is concerning. Even a small dose of 15mg has been detrimental to my sleep patterns. I find myself regretting this decision. My psychiatrist and I had previously agreed on avoiding any substances, including alcohol. He expressed reluctance to prescribe stimulants, believing that my lack of focus and drive stems from my illness rather than ADHD, suggesting that an antipsychotic could be more beneficial. I feel guilty realizing that my use of stimulants complicates our ability to assess whether Vraylar is effective. Stimulants do not enhance my focus, although I naturally concentrate well; instead, they lead to repetitive behaviors and euphoria associated with psychotic episodes. I'm now faced with a dilemma: should I be honest with my psychiatrist about my stimulant use? I could stop taking them, yet I have concerns about my ability to do so.
Answers (1)
12/15/2025, 3:00:59 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's commendable that you're seeking clarity in this complex situation. Disclosing your stimulant use to your psychiatrist is essential for your treatment and ongoing support. Transparency can lead to a more effective treatment plan and help address the challenges you're facing with your current medications.
Explanation: Being honest about your use of Dexedrine is crucial for several reasons:
- Medication Interactions: Stimulants like Dexedrine can interfere with the effectiveness of Vraylar, which may confuse the assessment of your treatment's progress.
- Mental Health Understanding: Your psychiatrist needs a complete picture of your current mental state, including any substance use, to make informed decisions about your treatment plan.
- Support and Management: Your psychiatrist can provide you with appropriate support and strategies for tapering off Dexedrine if needed. Being open about your difficulties with control and the compulsive behaviors linked to stimulant use can help tailor a more suitable approach for you.
Next Steps:
- Prepare for the Discussion: Reflect on your experiences with Dexedrine, including how it affects your mood, sleep, and overall well-being. Write down specific examples if that helps you articulate your situation.
- Be Honest During Your Appointment: Share your stimulant use openly, discussing how it has impacted your mental health and treatment with Vraylar. Express any feelings of guilt or concern you have regarding this.
- Discuss Your Options: Inquire about safe ways to manage or discontinue the stimulant use. Your psychiatrist can also explore alternative strategies or adjustments to your treatment that may better suit your needs.
- Prioritize Your Mental Health: Focus on working together with your psychiatrist to find a balanced approach that prioritizes your mental well-being.
Navigating this situation can be challenging, but fostering an open and honest relationship with your psychiatrist is a strong foundation for your treatment progress. You're taking an important step by considering the implications of your stimulant use; lean into that awareness as you move forward.
Related Questions
Ongoing Symptoms Post-Concussion: Seeking Insights
Hello everyone, I’m a 25-year-old male and experienced a significant car accident about two and a half years ago. Although I didn't black out during the incident, I felt disoriented and unsettled immediately afterward. Since that day, my health has noticeably deteriorated, and I'm attempting to discern whether my current struggles are commonplace or if something more serious might be overlooked. Here’s what I've been grappling with: I endure daily headaches that typically originate in the back of my head or neck, gradually migrating towards my temples or eyes. Conditions that intensify these headaches include bright screens, excessive light, noise, and bustling surroundings. When I attempt to power through the discomfort, I sometimes see halos around lights or experience visual static. Mentally, I find myself exhausted very quickly. Concentrating becomes a challenge, and I frequently lose track of my thoughts or encounter difficulty finding the right words. Engaging in conversations or attending meetings can drain me significantly. Additionally, I become easily overwhelmed, especially in loud or crowded situations. Tinnitus is another issue I face, as the ringing in my ears is a constant presence. Since the incident, I’ve noticed weakness in my left hand; my ring and pinky fingers often curl up like claws. An electromyography (EMG) test revealed damage to the ulnar nerve, which accounts for some of this phenomenon. Unfortunately, it hasn't improved, impacting my ability to type, grip objects, and carry out everyday tasks. I also experience occasional facial twitching, jaw tightness, and short bouts where different parts of my body feel weak or tremble, but these symptoms are temporary. Fatigue is a significant battle for me. I struggle with poor sleep quality, waking up feeling unrested, and sometimes experiencing anxiety first thing in the morning. Even on days when the pain level is tolerable, my energy depletion restricts my activities. Here’s a summary of what medical evaluations have revealed: • My brain scans returned normal results, revealing only minor, nonspecific findings like white matter changes in certain regions. • The blood vessels in my brain appeared healthy. • EEG results indicated some slowing but no evidence of seizures. • More invasive tests ruled out any major health concerns. • Mild sleep apnea was detected. • Cognitive assessments showed deficits in attention, processing speed, and memory. • Eye examinations indicated challenges with tracking and focusing post-injury. What has proven somewhat beneficial includes: • Migraine medication has helped lessen the severity of my headaches. • Telecommuting allows me to take frequent breaks. • Engaging in occupational, speech, and vision therapy whenever possible has been somewhat advantageous. I maintain a full-time job, but managing it drains a considerable amount of my energy, leaving little for family interactions, social engagements, or time for recovery. I’m at a stage where I’m seeking clarification on several points: 1. Is it common for post-concussion symptoms to persist for such an extended period despite normal scan results? 2. When is it appropriate to seek an alternative explanation rather than accepting a diagnosis of merely post-concussion syndrome, stress, or anxiety? 3. Is it typical for fatigue to be the most pronounced and debilitating symptom? 4. Are there often overlooked aspects, such as sleep quality, visual processing, nerve health, or nervous system function, that should be reevaluated? I’m not seeking a diagnosis—just some insight. I want to determine whether I’m on a reasonable track or if I should be considering different inquiries. Thank you to all who have taken the time to read my message.
Excruciating Nerve Sensitivity
Greetings, everyone. I recently underwent surgery to address a cervical rib issue on the left side, utilizing the transaxillary method. Today marks ten days since the procedure was performed last Wednesday. I was discharged from the hospital Saturday morning and felt fine initially, aside from the typical discomfort associated with surgery such as pain, numbness, and some swelling in my left arm, which limited mobility. My surgeon assured me this was normal. However, come Monday morning, I experienced a sudden sensation that I initially thought was pain in my left hand, predominantly affecting my pinky, ring, and middle fingers, extending to my arm and shoulder. A visit to the doctor clarified that this was not just pain—I was experiencing hypersensitivity, specifically involving the ulnar nerve. A week has passed, and the intensity of the hypersensitivity is unmanageable. It feels as if my hand is simultaneously being burned, stabbed, and electrocuted. I have been prescribed medication like pregabalin, yet it only provides temporary relief lasting no more than an hour or two. While the swelling in my arm has subsided, the hypersensitivity and numbness continue unabated. Although I can move my arm and hand to a degree, my strength is noticeably reduced, which may be a lingering effect from the surgery. I was concerned there might be a hematoma at the incision site irritating the brachial plexus, but an ultrasound revealed no signs of blood accumulation. I'm currently in a challenging predicament and would deeply appreciate any suggestions or remedies you might offer, as the discomfort has become unbearable; at this point, I'd even consider amputation of my arm over enduring this agony.
Concerns About Changes in Partner's Semen Consistency
At 19 years old, I’m seeking some insights regarding a situation. My girlfriend, who is also 19, has experienced a noteworthy change in her semen consistency during our intimate encounters over the last two to three weeks. To provide some background, she stands at 5 feet 5.5 inches tall and weighs approximately 130 pounds. Her ethnicity is Caucasian, and she is from Canada. Historically, my girlfriend has been in good health without any significant medical conditions. Currently, she is not taking any medications. Previously, she had a history of frequent vaping, but that was about a year ago, and now she limits it to occasional use. The change in her semen is quite striking; it appears very thick, white, and somewhat chunky, rather than being mostly liquid. There are some liquid components, but the thick texture predominates. Throughout this period, she has maintained her regular diet, and importantly, there are no signs of a urinary tract infection or sexually transmitted disease. Neither does she experience any pain or unusual odors. This alteration has raised some concerns for her, and while I am trying to be supportive, I am uncertain about the potential causes. We searched online for explanations, but the reactions we found mostly related to digital sources that discussed various infections or medical conditions, none of which seemed to match her symptoms. Does anyone have insights or similar experiences regarding this matter? It would be appreciated in easing her worries and determining the best course of action.
Three Weeks Post Gallbladder Surgery - Is It Infected?
Patient Profile: - Age: 35 - Gender: Female - Height: 5 feet 4 inches - Weight: 160 pounds - Ethnicity: Asian Issue Duration: 3 weeks Location: United States Relevant Medical History: Approximately three weeks ago, I underwent gallbladder removal surgery. Recently, I have observed a slight amount of cloudy fluid emerging from the surgical site over the past few days. Just moments ago, I noticed a possible pus discharge from the incision. While there is no significant pain, I do feel mild soreness when shifting my position. I have not experienced any fever or chills, and there is no unpleasant odor coming from the wound. Should I continue to clean the area with soap and water, or would it be prudent to seek immediate medical attention at the ER for a professional evaluation?
Should I Seek Medical Attention?
At 22 years old, I am a female who has been on medications like duloxetine, lamotrigine, and hydroxyzine for several years. I have managed to keep my Graves' disease under control, but I have reasons to believe I may also be experiencing symptoms of POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome). Last year, I was scheduled to consult a neurologist regarding hand tremors and the possibility of fibromyalgia. Unfortunately, I could not continue my treatment after relocating and losing my health insurance. Just 15 minutes ago, I fainted. Prior to that incident, I was feeling unwell—dizzy, my vision was blurry, and I experienced a whooshing sensation along with heat in my ears. My face and arms also felt tingly. After fainting, I experienced a heavy, aching sensation in my head, and I still have a headache now. Additionally, I’ve been waking up with headaches for a couple of days. I want to know if it's advisable to go to the emergency room. It's important to note that this isn’t my first fainting spell; I had one incident years back, which helped me recognize the signs when it started happening. At that time, I was lifting a heavy bed frame, and when I began to feel faint, I tried to sit down but stood back up to assist, and that’s when I lost consciousness. I’m unsure how long I was out, but I initially thought I was just sleeping before realizing what had happened when I regained awareness.