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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 143 to 167 of 1242. Go back in thread:
Posted by not exactly on January 26, 2003, at 23:02:36
In reply to Re: hypersensitivity, depression - not exactly, posted by BekkaH on January 26, 2003, at 22:09:47
Bekka,
> That's an interesting screen name.
It refers to my diagnosis:
Chronic Major Depression? not exactly...
ADHD? not exactly...
OCD? not exactly...
GAD? not exactly...
Asperger's Syndrome? not exactly...> Am I correct in understanding that you are on BOTH Provigil and Ritalin?
Right now, I'm taking only Provigil & Neurontin.
I've tried Ritalin several times in the past, both by itself and in combination with other meds. I'm a "low-dopamine" type of depressive, so Ritalin has been a helpful AD enhancer. It definitely reversed the emotional flattening I experienced with Wellbutrin.
I did try Ritalin along with the Provigil for a few days to see if it would similarly reverse Provigil's emotional flattening. Didn't help (just amplified the anxiety) so I discontinued the Ritalin.
> I don't think I could ever tolerate such a combination
It's funny. I'm very sensitive to stimulants, in the sense that I need only small amounts for optimal effect. But they don't "stimulate" me; they actually calm me down. Dexedrine, for example, makes me quite serene. But then so does very loud very fast dance music. Go figure.
> I have to read more about Provigil.
> I still don't understand how it works.I don't think anyone really understands how Provigil works. I asked my pdoc if it was a norepinephrine agonist. "Not exactly..."
- Bob
Posted by Peter S. on January 27, 2003, at 12:05:01
In reply to Re: hypersensitivity, depression - not exactly » BekkaH, posted by not exactly on January 26, 2003, at 23:02:36
How are people doing on Straterra? I bought a ton of it which cost me an arm an a leg. I realized aftwerwards I should have split up the prescription. After taking 40mg and throwing up, I've been hesitant to try it again. I'm probably going to split up the capsules and try 10mg to start. The warnings to not split up capsules sound silly to me. I would love to hear updates from people about experiences, dosages, side effects, etc.
Thanks!
Peter
Posted by not exactly on January 27, 2003, at 14:35:04
In reply to Straterra Updates?, posted by Peter S. on January 27, 2003, at 12:05:01
> The warnings to not split up capsules sound silly to me.
I agree, and you certainly stated it more succinctly than I did in my long-winded treatise on the subject [http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030125/msgs/137561.html]. :-)
Considering the number of bad reactions, plus the fact that many seem to be doing OK on significantly reduced dosages, Lilly's official recommendation that _all_ adults should start at 40mg/day seems unrealistic and almost irresponsible.
- Bob
Posted by Dog Breath on January 27, 2003, at 14:49:10
In reply to Straterra Updates?, posted by Peter S. on January 27, 2003, at 12:05:01
> How are people doing on Straterra? I bought a ton of it which cost me an arm an a leg. I realized aftwerwards I should have split up the prescription. After taking 40mg and throwing up, I've been hesitant to try it again. I'm probably going to split up the capsules and try 10mg to start. The warnings to not split up capsules sound silly to me. I would love to hear updates from people about experiences, dosages, side effects, etc.
>
> Thanks!
>
> PeterI'm on day 5 of Straterra. I did 2 days at 25mg and 3 days since 50mg. I have had no side effects (or really any effects) so far. I also take 20mg Lexapro.
D
Posted by BekkaH on January 27, 2003, at 17:56:35
In reply to Re: Straterra Updates? » Peter S., posted by not exactly on January 27, 2003, at 14:35:04
> Considering the number of bad reactions, plus the fact that many seem to be doing OK on significantly reduced dosages, Lilly's official recommendation that _all_ adults should start at 40mg/day seems unrealistic and almost irresponsible.> - Bob
>
************************************************
Hi Bob,
I agree, and that's true for almost all medicines I've tried over the years. There are some medicines that I can't even consider because the lowest strength available is still too high for me.
Bekka
Posted by BekkaH on January 27, 2003, at 18:38:17
In reply to Re: Straterra Updates?, posted by Dog Breath on January 27, 2003, at 14:49:10
Dog Breath? I'm amazed and amused at the screen names PB members think up. Is Dog Breath better than Cat Breath? A few months ago, someone posted with the screen name "Freudian Garter Belt." That was surely the strangest name I've seen. I asked him/her what it meant, but I got no reply.
Posted by not exactly on January 27, 2003, at 19:30:36
In reply to Dog Breath, posted by BekkaH on January 27, 2003, at 18:38:17
> A few months ago, someone posted with the screen name "Freudian Garter Belt."
> That was surely the strangest name I've seen.
> I asked him/her what it meant, but I got no reply.I assume a Freudian Garter Belt is what would be worn underneath a Freudian Slip. :-)
- Bob
Posted by Phil on January 27, 2003, at 19:33:43
In reply to Re: Dog Breath » BekkaH, posted by not exactly on January 27, 2003, at 19:30:36
Posted by BekkaH on January 27, 2003, at 20:00:19
In reply to Re: Dog Breath » BekkaH, posted by not exactly on January 27, 2003, at 19:30:36
> I assume a Freudian Garter Belt is what would be worn underneath a Freudian Slip. :-) - Bob
************************************************
Good thinking, Bob! Thank you!
>
Posted by BekkaH on January 27, 2003, at 22:17:26
In reply to Straterra approval., posted by scoper on December 28, 2002, at 2:19:34
I'm wondering how Jim Boardman, nmk, jrbecker and some of the other "early" Strattera PB members are doing. If you have time to post updates, we'd like to hear from you!! Thanks.
Posted by mshyper on January 27, 2003, at 22:33:05
In reply to Strattera, Jim Boardman, nmk, jrbecker, posted by BekkaH on January 27, 2003, at 22:17:26
Hi, I just found your board. I am diagnosed ADHD and was on ritalin from age 5 to 13. I refused to take the stimulants any more because of the rebound. My docs never gave me anything else to take the place of it. I am now an adult and still have all the same problems, focus, organization, you know the trip...I make a list and can't remember where I put the damned thing...find it 2 weeks later after I've made a new list.
Anyway, I know I need to go back on meds again for my sanity. But, I also want to have a baby. Anyone know anything about Strattera and pregnancy?
Posted by Ritch on January 27, 2003, at 22:54:26
In reply to Re: Straterra Updates? » Peter S., posted by not exactly on January 27, 2003, at 14:35:04
> > The warnings to not split up capsules sound silly to me.
>
> I agree, and you certainly stated it more succinctly than I did in my long-winded treatise on the subject [http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030125/msgs/137561.html]. :-)
>
> Considering the number of bad reactions, plus the fact that many seem to be doing OK on significantly reduced dosages, Lilly's official recommendation that _all_ adults should start at 40mg/day seems unrealistic and almost irresponsible.
>
> - Bob
>I wonder if the idea of making a variety of doses that are all only available in capsule form (rather than tablet) could be a strategy to maximize profits. Many pharmacy coverage plans may only cover the higher dosage tablets (because they can be split). Higher doses are usually always much cheaper/mg than the lower doses. If you can't divide the capsule-you have to buy the more "expensive" smaller dosages instead of large tablet split in half (i.e.).
Posted by not exactly on January 28, 2003, at 0:58:01
In reply to Re: Straterra Updates? » not exactly, posted by Ritch on January 27, 2003, at 22:54:26
> could be a strategy to maximize profits
How could you say such a thing? The drug companies are our friends! They don't care about profits. They just want to improve our health.
yeah, right...
Notice that there's no 80 mg size, even though that's the recommended adult dosage.
- Bob
Posted by tia on January 28, 2003, at 6:35:20
In reply to Re: Straterra Updates? » Ritch, posted by not exactly on January 28, 2003, at 0:58:01
Hello to all,
I just want everyone to know that i have been taking 60mg of straterra for about 5 days and everything has been wonderful. The only thing i have is energy and maybe a little dry mouth. I will be moving to 80mg in a few days. Will let you all know how that is. I am also on anafranil but will be slowly going off that. I really dont have any unusual side effects.
Tia
Posted by nmk on January 28, 2003, at 9:08:53
In reply to Strattera, Jim Boardman, nmk, jrbecker, posted by BekkaH on January 27, 2003, at 22:17:26
> I'm wondering how Jim Boardman, nmk, jrbecker and some of the other "early" Strattera PB members are doing. If you have time to post updates, we'd like to hear from you!! Thanks.
Hi,
It is my 4th week on 18 mg of Strattera and I am still doing well. No depression, a little-hyped up at times and lately, I am finding that it is difficult to fall asleep. My usual 15 mg of remeron and 25 mg of seroquel is not doing the trick so I have added 1 mg of ativan at night. This works but I do not want to be 3 meds to put me to sleep. I meet with my pdoc this thurs. and I will see what he says.
My initial s/e's were early morning awakening but that subsided after a few weeks. I haven't experienced the dryness and urination problems that some have but do have constipation. The positves by far outweigh these minor drawbacks.
I will keep you posted.
Nicole
Posted by Jack Smith on January 28, 2003, at 12:17:57
In reply to Re: Strattera, Jim Boardman, nmk, jrbecker, posted by nmk on January 28, 2003, at 9:08:53
Anyone on this stuff for just plain old unipolar depression? If so, how is it working?
Posted by nmk on January 28, 2003, at 15:32:06
In reply to Strattera--just for depression????, posted by Jack Smith on January 28, 2003, at 12:17:57
> Anyone on this stuff for just plain old unipolar depression? If so, how is it working?
That would be me. I have been on 18 mg for 4 weeks now and it has done more for my depression than any other med I have tried (zoloft, effexor, lexapro). I noticed a significant improvement in my mood after only 2 days of treatment. The only s/e I am dealing with now is difficulty falling asleep. I will address this with my pdoc on thurs and see about possibly lowering to 10mg. When I dove into postpartum depression 9 months ago and all of the antidepressants failed, my doctor tried 10 mg of adderall. This lifted the depression but it had a tendency to aggravate my anxiety. Please keep me posted if you are taking it for depression (and the dose)....I will be curious to see how it works for others who are not diagnosed as ADD or ADHD.
Posted by disney4 on January 28, 2003, at 15:45:11
In reply to Re: Strattera--just for depression????-Jack Smith, posted by nmk on January 28, 2003, at 15:32:06
How does the feeling of taking Straterra differ from taking Wellbutrin? Also is any one experiencing sexual side effects or an increased appetite, and/or weight gain? Does it increase, lower, or have no effect on anxiety?
Posted by disney4 on January 28, 2003, at 16:18:54
In reply to hypersensitivity, depression » golfergman, posted by not exactly on January 24, 2003, at 6:57:13
I am back to square one, because I couldn't tolerate the Provigil. Rather than try the Wellbutrin again, I am thinking the Straterra might be less agitating for me. What is your opinion? My other two choices are Buspar, or the natural substance Inositol. I need something for depression more than anxiety at this point, and have tried almost all of the current AD meds.
Posted by bennett on January 28, 2003, at 16:24:16
In reply to Re: Strattera, Jim Boardman, nmk, jrbecker, posted by nmk on January 28, 2003, at 9:08:53
Hi all,
Ive been watching this list for a week or so, and started 18mgs/day yesterday. Assuming no horrible side effects, how do you know when to increase the dosage. Is there a noticeable clinical effect before a few weeks? With the stims in the past, of course, the effect was immediate.
I was dx ADD about 10 yrs ago and have been on stimulants pretty much since then, but had to stop about a year ago. Very happy to find a non-stimulant Rx.
Not sure how to proceed with it though - neither is my doc. He is all ears on this and open to my suggestions (within the bounds of good medical prctice of course...)
Actually I gave him this address last week, so maybe he's reading this...
Thanks for being here
bennett
Posted by tia on January 28, 2003, at 18:31:02
In reply to Re: Strattera, Jim Boardman, nmk, jrbecker, posted by bennett on January 28, 2003, at 16:24:16
My sexual functions seem to be just fine. My appetite has been ok. I actually am not hungry. I am on 60mg right now and am taking it for anxiety/depression. I am also on 50mg of anafranil going slowly off from 100mg. I notice that my depression is ok even though this is pms week. I do notice some anxiety attacks during the evening but soon i will be on 80mg. Hopefully i will notice some difference. Not sure though. Not sure if anyone needs any more info. Just write here and i will be sure to answer.
Tia
Posted by zenclear on January 28, 2003, at 19:15:43
In reply to Re: Straterra Updates?-I am on 60mg, posted by tia on January 28, 2003, at 6:35:20
> Hello to all,
>
> I just want everyone to know that i have been taking 60mg of straterra for about 5 days and everything has been wonderful. The only thing i have is energy and maybe a little dry mouth. I will be moving to 80mg in a few days. Will let you all know how that is. I am also on anafranil but will be slowly going off that. I really dont have any unusual side effects.
>
> TiaAnd no dry skin like some of the other posters reported? Any joint pain? Many thanks.
Zen.
Posted by not exactly on January 28, 2003, at 20:13:16
In reply to Re: hypersensitivity, depression » not exactly, posted by disney4 on January 28, 2003, at 16:18:54
> I am back to square one, because I couldn't tolerate the Provigil.
Anxiety, I presume? What dosage did you try? I'm finding that 75-100 mg / day (divided into 2 or 3 doses) is plenty for me.
> Straterra might be less agitating for me. What is your opinion?
Hard to say. It has caused or increased anxiety for some folks. I haven't tried it yet.
> choices are Buspar
Could be a good option. It's supposed to help with GAD, and can act as a very subtle AD. There have been some interesting posts about it on PsychoBabble. I'm thinking of trying it myself.
> or the natural substance Inositol
That's a nutrient present in many foods. While a dietary deficiency of inositol could conceivably cause depression, I doubt that inositol supplements would have a significant AD effect for people with adequate nutrition. I tried it long ago and didn't notice a thing.
> I need something for depression more than anxiety at this point, and have tried almost all of the current AD meds.
I assume you've tried SSRIs & TCAs. Have you tried Effexor or MAOIs? Have the problems with ADs been ineffectiveness, or intolerable side effects?
- Bob
Posted by mshyper on January 28, 2003, at 22:41:27
In reply to Re: Strattera, posted by mshyper on January 27, 2003, at 22:33:05
Hubby and I both went to doc today. He put us BOTH on Strattera beginning tomorrow morning, 18mg each to start. Reading your posts, I have great hopes for the medication and our ADHD. I haven't been treated in years for mine. Hubby has been on Effexor for his. Will try to post our progress on Strattera.
Posted by tia on January 29, 2003, at 7:33:21
In reply to Starting Strattera tomorrow, posted by mshyper on January 28, 2003, at 22:41:27
The only dry skin that i have expierenced is this horrible dry weather we are having. I havent had any different dry skin. I have been doing good on the strattera except for the the anxiety attacks. I have been getting them on and off here and there. I am not sure if it is the strattera or not. Will give it some more time until i go on the 80mg and see if the higher dose will be better.
Tia
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