Posted by Katalina on April 8, 2002, at 11:53:51
In reply to Question about stimulants, posted by sid on April 7, 2002, at 16:47:57
> Hi all -
>
> I'm seeing my doc this week and I know we'll talk about stimulants. I've been on Effexor XR for 4 months, feeling good overall, except for lack of energy. Some days I have almost none and I'm not old enough to have so little energy. Other days I'm just fine, but overall, it bothers me that I can't do more. For example, I'd like to exercise more and loose weight, but once my day's work is done, I can't imagine going back out to the gym, I'm too tired. My sleep is better than it's been at the beginning of the treatment, so I know it's not a problem of sleep deprivation anymore.
>
> Last time I saw my doc, she said to tough it out 3 more weeks and we'd discuss adding a stimulant to the Effexor XR (75 mg a day - for anxiety and dysthymia).
>
> Does anyone have suggestions about meds used as stimulants? Which ones could help? Dosage? What can I expect in terms of side effects, etc... I must say that since things are going relatively well, I'm reluctant to add anything to what I'm taking, but I do need to lose some weight and move around a whole lot more. Anyone experienced with Effexor XR and some stimulants?
>
> - sidHi there,
I also take 75 mgs. of Effexor XR and have for the past 6 months or so. About three months ago I added Adderall (due to ADD- inattentive type).
The results have been amazing. I am so much more motivated now and the first week on Adderall I accomplished more than the prior 3 years of my life. I'm not even really sure if I need the Effexor anymore, but since I'm doing well, I'm hesistant to stop it and deal with withdrawals and find out I really do need it. I've taken Prozac several times in the past 7 years due to low lying dysthymia and anxiety. I find when I'm not on anything at all I'm rather pessimistic and negative about everything.
I also stay home with my two daughters (3 and 1.5) and find that the Adderall makes me so much more patient and tolerant with them. It has just been miraculous really. I take 20 mgs in the a.m. and 10 in the afternoon. When I find myself becoming the least bit tolerant, I take a weekend holdiday and the positive effects are restored.
I don't know if you've ever looked into an ADD diagnosis or not, but if you don't have ADD tendancies I'm not sure if your doc will prescribe something like Adderall. Overall, I haven't heard too many positive things about Wellbutrin. While it is supposed to be stimulating it has definitely been known to exacerbate anxiety, which I don't really notice on the Adderall.
Hope some of this helps you!
Good luck, Katalina
poster:Katalina
thread:102283
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020408/msgs/102392.html