![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 849 to 873 of 1242. Go back in thread:
Posted by Kacy on August 3, 2003, at 11:56:09
In reply to Re: Straterra approval. » Shel Swartz, posted by Viridis on August 3, 2003, at 1:43:26
One of the Adhd profiles described my whole life. A sister brought me an article she had seen on it and said "This is you."
If I say I'm Adhd, am I triggering a lot of judgement? Is Adhd a disrespected condition?
Does anyone here have experience with that? Is it best to keep my mouth shut?
Posted by CC67 on August 3, 2003, at 16:25:36
In reply to Re: Straterra approval., posted by Kacy on August 3, 2003, at 11:56:09
Kacy,Hi, I find it better for me to use discretion
with who I tell anything.
I dont know if "adhd" is frowned upon,I believe from what I have picked up on that some of the "stims" are frowned upon.
I believe that if you can benifit from the use of medication and nutritional ect.. Then go for it and dont concern yourself ,if someone judges you.
I will add that strattera did not work for me ,however I have heard several posters who are happy with it.I think my personal decision to medicate has helped me considerably,along with lifestyle adjustments.
Yes it is a ongoing process . we must move forward in the right thinking process.When we stumble we recognize it and make the proper adjustment. Take care!! CC67
Posted by Viridis on August 3, 2003, at 18:22:25
In reply to Re: Straterra approval., posted by Kacy on August 3, 2003, at 11:56:09
All "mental illnesses", ranging from ADD to depression to panic disorder etc. are frowned upon by some people. Some think they aren't real and just reflect character weaknesses, and others believe they're real but feel you're somehow flawed because of it. ADD/ADHD is a particularly sensitive one because many people are skeptical that such a condition exists, or think that it only applies to children.
So, the amount of discretion you exercise is really a matter of choice. Since (with a few exceptions) it's not anyone else's business, you can just choose not to say anything. Or, you can limit the information to a few trusted friends and family. I don't really care what people think about my ADD etc. -- the ones who judge me negatively probably aren't the type I'd want to socialize with anyway, and their opinions don't mean much to me. So, I'm pretty open about my condition, the meds I take, etc. if the subject comes up, although I don't see any reason to advertise it.
I think there is a rapidly-growing awareness of mental illness as real and treatable, and the stigma definitely is lessening. When I first took Prozac for depression about 12 years ago, I discovered a "secret society" of Prozac users who were extremely close-mouthed about it except with other users. Now, many of the people I work or socialize with talk openly about the antidepressants, antianxiety meds, and even ADD drugs they use. Sometimes this leads others to say things like "you don't need drugs to make you feel better" and so on, but that can be an opportunity to educate them. I ask what medications they take, and whether they could just wish their medical conditions away. Sometimes this has an impact, sometimes not. But by being open, I think it contributes to the growing awareness that mental illness and psychiatric meds aren't limited to crazy people.
This is just my choice -- again, you're not obligated to discuss your mental condition any more than your religious beliefs, political views, sexual orientation, etc. All of these are likely to lead to disapproval from someone. It just comes down to your comfort level, and how much you worry about other people's opinions.
Posted by CC67 on August 3, 2003, at 20:34:46
In reply to Re: Straterra approval. » Kacy, posted by Viridis on August 3, 2003, at 18:22:25
Posted by Dr. Bob on August 4, 2003, at 2:00:50
In reply to Re: Straterra approval., posted by reba on August 3, 2003, at 0:26:59
> This product, like most others, was created by a chemical company hoping to make enough profits than the cost of lawsuits.
First, I'd like follow-ups regarding the pharmaceutical industry in general to be redirected to Psycho-Social-Babble.
> What you are feeling is a placebo effect. PERIOD!
>
> Shel SwartzAlso, please don't exaggerate or overgeneralize:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#civil
> Ok ok, I read all about what you had to say shel swartz and I find it to be so rediculous that there is no reason to waste my time to defend myself...
>
> rebaPlease respect the views of others and be sensitive to their feelings. Please don't post anything that could lead them to feel accused or put down. Thanks,
Bob
PS: Follow-ups regarding posting policies, and complaints about posts, should be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration; otherwise, they may be deleted.
Posted by KimberlyDi on August 5, 2003, at 12:31:12
In reply to Re: Straterra approval., posted by Shel Swartz on August 2, 2003, at 15:54:08
Try being a parent to an ADHD child. The disease is definately not made up. My son takes Ritilin only while in school. Without it, he's unable to concentrate. With it, he's a straight-A student. The only gift Ritilin gives my son is the ability to Focus instead of being distracted by his surroundings. I don't like that it takes a Stimulant to help him Focus. If Straterra does the same and isn't a stimulant, I'll be grateful to those *money hungry* people.
Sincerely,
KDi in Texas> This product, like most others, was created by a chemical company hoping to make enough profits than the cost of lawsuits. Takng chemicals for ADHD (another disease made up by money-hungry pyschiatrists) is DANGEROUS. What you are feeling is a placebo effect. PERIOD!
>
> If the supposed doctors are sio learned, how come they get just as sick as everyone else, and die off just as we do?
>
> The motivation: MONEY.
Posted by KimberlyDi on August 5, 2003, at 13:00:33
In reply to Re: Straterra approval., posted by Shel Swartz on August 2, 2003, at 18:48:07
There is no cure for the *common* cold because there are hundreds-thousands mutated versions of it.
What in the world would provoke you to come into Psycho-Babble and tell us that our illnesses are perceived?
Your family came from the Depression era? Wow, so did mine! Ever heard of something called Evolution? We adapt to our ever-changing environment. Though once we struggled with manual labor, our hard work is now within our minds. Computers, electronics, requesting and providing information. It's an intellectual world out there. I know when something hampers my brain, it isn't perceived. I know when something fixes the problem too.
KDi in Texas
Posted by KimberlyDi on August 5, 2003, at 13:07:51
In reply to Re: Straterra approval., posted by Kacy on August 3, 2003, at 11:56:09
kacy
My new boss asked me if I had ADHD. He thought it was great if I did. I'm a problem solver at work for a new computer system. I work best attacking problems from many different angles. My hyperactive thought process has me finding solutions every day. Some are discarded, but only when I think up of a better way.It's nothing to be ashamed of.
KDi in Texas
Posted by Kacy on August 5, 2003, at 13:30:23
In reply to Re: Straterra approval. » Kacy, posted by KimberlyDi on August 5, 2003, at 13:07:51
Thanks for your comments. I have been pretty open, but am going to be a little more careful since most people don't know what to say. Since they say little or nothing, I am not sure what they have been thinking.
I don't bring it up out of nowhere, but on occasion, it's the right thing to say. When your life is in flux, it's kind of hard to say who you are when you can't say what you do. I'll be glad when I'm working, again.
Hey, Kimberly, that's great. I know some of the issues are assets.
Posted by readyforchange on August 5, 2003, at 13:35:31
In reply to Re: Straterra approval. » Shel Swartz, posted by Viridis on August 3, 2003, at 1:43:26
(I have two things...a question and a comment.) I have come to my wits end with my ADD. I was diagnosed at 17, and couldn't take the meds long enough (3days - half the battle is just remembering to take the pills) for them to work. Since then I have been trying to survive without taking perscriptions for my disorder, and in my opinion, I am now a mess. I just turned 25 and have sought out help, with the aid of meds, over the past two weeks....I have not taken anything yet, but Strattera is suggested. My doctor has said it would be best if I did some research before she prescibes it ( I find that very unusual, b/c doctors normally can't wait to write out perescriptions - but it makes me trust her.) I have allowed ADD to completely take over my life, but I won't babble on about that right now... my question is - does Strattera cause increases in appettite, or can I take something with it so I don't gain alot of weight (*because I know that will make me stop, or prevent me from starting to take it.) I don't have an eating disorder at all, 130ish 5ft 10- very normal, but I have a hard time not complusivly stuffing my face or procrastinating on excersise... I don't need it to get worse. Any insight would be helpful,thanks!
Oh, and a word to the infamous Mr.Shel Swartz... I was thinking that maybe the reason you and your child were able to overcome your issues with ADHD, was due to the fact that you were probably not a victim of the disorder to begin with. To write things that state, "it is all in your head, snap out of it," is very similar to the thinking of people without ADD. They don't get it... just like I probably haven't the slightest idea of how your brain truly functions...and I wouldn't assume to know. I do know that I am highly driven and motivated person, with an IQ of over 140(depending on which test you take) yet I have managed to destroy everything in my life path because of ADD. I would appreciate it if you would not try and take away my hope of a better tomorrow, because you want to prove to yourself and the rest of the world that you do not condone the capitalistic society in which you live. I agree that the US over medicates, and I do not support that. It is all about the dollar, true, but that does not mean that our conditions do not exsist. I was never allowed to take meds as a child, unless the situation was very serious...so I am not in the habit of popping pills.
Mr. Shwartz, you can run without athletic shoes, but not far- and your feet will wear out quickly, and I am sure that you function far better when you wear them...I bet you will most likely buy "a" pair, if not more. Isn't that the same basic principle? Why don't you write letters to the owners of Nike for praying on "the victims of sore feet everywhere," instead of mocking people for ther mental disorders? On the otherhand - possibly you do have this disorder. Someone may have given you the speeches like you are posting, and you became exhausted of defending yourself, so you switched sides. Maybe people were able and willing to give you the constant attention neccessary to overcome it, but it is a continuous proccess that doesn't just get better. I just think the world would be a more loving place if the bitterness, like you have displayed, did not exsist. I could go on and on... but I think you get my point, please feel free to reverberate on my posting. Best Wishes.
Posted by Shel Swartz on August 5, 2003, at 14:15:28
In reply to Re: Straterra approval., posted by readyforchange on August 5, 2003, at 13:35:31
Gosh, please re-read my posts. I never said it is all in one's head. I have ADHD and so does my son. It uis real. But I am saying that it has been taken advantage of by the chemical companies and doctors... and we as a people these days often (not always) want that "quick fix" instead of perseveringthrough a problem.
ADHD is real.. but we don't need ALWAYS to throw medicine into us. That's from experience... not conjecture.
Posted by readyforchange on August 5, 2003, at 14:26:37
In reply to Re: Straterra approval., posted by Shel Swartz on August 5, 2003, at 14:15:28
I did re-read your passage, and I appologize if I came across harshly...I sensed your anger in the responses from past postings, and had to say my piece. I tend to scimm things for the words I want to read (ah, the joys of ADD - not a bad name for a book- ha ha)I am just trying to fight my way right now in proving my worth. I think that I am not taken seriously because of my track record, when that alone should be my evidence... funny how the minds of those who are "ok" don't have the depth neccessary to understand our issues, a blessing and a curse. But I am sorry, we should not be enemies - I have similar views, and wish I had other methods... but for now, meds seem like the way through the fog, until I learn better how to deal with myself...hopefully.
Posted by Kacy on August 5, 2003, at 15:40:30
In reply to Re: Straterra approval., posted by readyforchange on August 5, 2003, at 14:26:37
Readyforchange: I got a great response from Wellbutrin after little more than three weeks on it. It affects the same thing Strattera does and also gives you the Adderal, Ritalin advantage without taking a stimulant. I would try that first.
I'm on Strattera because right after I got a great response from Wellbutrin, I got hives on top of hives with hives. So much for my magic bullet.
Strattera is very good, but I have a problem with its sedating effect which doesn't seem to be going away for me. For some others, it has gone away.
I use Effexor, too. The effects of untreated Adhd on your life can create other issues or you can just happen to have other issues. Effexor has helped.
Ask your doctor if a trial of Wellbutrin would be a good idea, since it addresses two issues in one.
My problem, though, is Adhd—not Add. That might make a difference.
Posted by readyforchange on August 5, 2003, at 16:02:15
In reply to Re: Straterra approval. » readyforchange, posted by Kacy on August 5, 2003, at 15:40:30
kacy: thanks, I was prescribed wellbutrin originally, but it takes concentration just to take the damn stuff :) I will see what she says. I was curious if you keep any sort of behavioral journal, i would love to start one... the more i read, the more i learn how things the things that i do, have a connection to ADD, and are because of it - interesting.
Posted by reba on August 5, 2003, at 17:40:31
In reply to Re: Straterra approval. » Shel Swartz, posted by KimberlyDi on August 5, 2003, at 12:31:12
Kimberly Di:
If youre satisfied with the results that you get from stims, then why change the meds just because of a label??! I recently went from taking strattera to taking Adderall, and the Adderall for me is soooo much better, but thats just me! The thing with strattera is it can take up to a few months to really see results, thats so hard for a student to deal with!!!!! I am also a student and the stress from waiting and not seeing great results really can throw a student, especially a student doing so well already!! Plus if your childs main problem is attention then stims are probably the best thing for him. (Ive done alot of research) The one thing that apealed to my about strattera was that it stabolized my moods and helped me not be so anxous, but the adderall ended up taking those away too!! All im saying is really think about it cause switching meds is SUCH a big deal for the person taking them, so if there is no problem why switch. Stimulants statistically have shown to be the best type of ADD treatment. If stims arent working, then DEF try something else. Just thought I'd put my two cents in, cause I am a college student and just went through all the stress of switching.
Posted by reba on August 5, 2003, at 17:59:23
In reply to Re: Straterra approval., posted by Kacy on August 5, 2003, at 13:30:23
I would def say be careful of who you tell about it. When I first realized I had ADHD, I talked a little bit with one of my professors about it, because he was wondering what was going on. I am an art student and this happened to be one of my favorite art professors, who I looked up to alot. He had a very negative reaction to it, and it really upset, and for a little while changed what I thought about ADD. This can be discouraging, and I'm sure his views were from miseducation on the topic. It all ended up ok though becuase I started reading all the books i could, to get as many differnt perspectives as possible to create my own opinion ont he subject. So I'd also say to be careful about who you tell, for not only the reason I listed but also people are very quick to judge as we all know!
Oh yeah and now that I seem to be getting ADHD under control I am realizing more and more the wonderful things that come alot with ADD not just the bad ones! People with ADD are tipically (and I did read alot about this as well as notice many attributes in myself)sensitive, empathic, creative, have unique perspectives, spontaneous, playful, fun to be around, humorous, energetic, looks past surface appearences to the core of people and things, original.... the list goes on and on!!!!! Just thought this might help some people who have such negative thoughts on ADD.
Posted by reba on August 5, 2003, at 18:09:49
In reply to Re: Straterra approval., posted by readyforchange on August 5, 2003, at 13:35:31
Viridis:
I was on strattera for 6 months and thats one of the things I liked most about the drug! I'm not saying I have weight problems becuase I dont, but I always ate compulsively!!!! Lucky for me I have a great metabolism! The one huge thing that i noticed was that I forgot to eat all the time!! there was no more eating Because I was bored, or stressed, or upset! I felt there was no need to compulsively eat after going on strattera! The only thing I would recomend to people on strattera would be to make sure they dont skip lots of meals becuase I found myself doing this and realized that it let to horrible moods in the late afternoon, and also me being tired. I'd say that this seems to be true in many people since ive been here reading all these posts for a while now! I'd also say that even adderoll was worse in the food catagory because on adderall when my short acting wears off I think I'm overly hungry sometimes. On strattera I could have probably skipped a few meals in a row with out really realizing it if Im busy enough. (but don't get any unhealthy ideas! lol) so goodluck!!
Posted by readyforchange on August 5, 2003, at 18:23:29
In reply to Re: Straterra approval., posted by reba on August 5, 2003, at 18:09:49
Viridis:
Thanks, that was my concern - I have always been naturally thin, but i eat when i am bored- or to give myself an excuse of being too full in place of focusing and working out, etc. Maybe I eat alot to give myself something subconciously to control? Who knows, I just haven't been able to get on a normal healthy diet b/c I compulsively pick fast foods ( microwave-able, quick) b/c cooking requires a long proccess... I can't wait until I am able to do all the things I want to do. If you have any other tips on how to manage the use of drugs, like just taking them( I have a hard time remembering to)that would be great.
Thanks for responding! Have you found this site helpful in growth, or has been a bit of an addiction/distraction too?
Posted by Lis on August 5, 2003, at 20:41:12
In reply to Re: Straterra approval., posted by readyforchange on August 5, 2003, at 18:23:29
I've read that some people had positive experiences on Strattera and some people had absolutely no effects. When I started Strattera, I definitely felt it. I wrote about negative side effects on this site a while back, and I think that with each increase in dosage I’d get a surprise ‘adverse effect’ accompanying it. At the same time, I could get through a day at my summer job with enough energy and clarity (sigh.) to start to avoid those god awful, embarrassing social moments. Now I’m at my target dose, I’m ‘foggy’ all over again. It started off as something so promising! Is this (the here today, gone tomorrow thing) a common experience for people on most psych meds? Is it common for Strattera?
Posted by worrier on August 5, 2003, at 21:20:47
In reply to Re: Straterra approval., posted by Shel Swartz on August 5, 2003, at 14:15:28
> Gosh, please re-read my posts. I never said it is all in one's head. I have ADHD and so does my son. It uis real. But I am saying that it has been taken advantage of by the chemical companies and doctors... and we as a people these days often (not always) want that "quick fix" instead of perseveringthrough a problem.
>
> ADHD is real.. but we don't need ALWAYS to throw medicine into us. That's from experience... not conjecture.> Just want to throw my 2 cents in here. Don't really have a dog in this fight as I don't have ADHD and I don't take sratterra, but I question you comment about the drug companies and doctors taking advantage of us. I'm sure there is alot of truth in what you say, but, my mother-in-law is alive today because of drugs that have treated her aggressive cancer and heart disease. We don't die of pneumonia and other diseases that killed our grandparents regularly and many people with ADHD, depression, bipolar disorder, panic disorder, etc. are able to live much more productive and pleasurable lives with the aid of medication. Everyone must make there own choice, if you elect to persevere through your problems and that works for you then more power to you. For some of us that isn't really an option. I persevered through my anxiety/panic disorder for nearly 20 years and it just about killed me. I guess I'm just suggesting that sweeping generalities should probably be avoided. Best to you, Worrier.
Posted by Lasagne on August 5, 2003, at 21:37:27
In reply to Re: Straterra approval., posted by readyforchange on August 5, 2003, at 16:02:15
> Hi Ready for Change:
You may be interested in reading a book called
"Women with Attention Deficit Disorder" by Sari Solden. It really demonstrates how attentional disorders affect so many components of your being. After reading it, so many things that had happened to me in my life made sense.
Lasagnakacy: thanks, I was prescribed wellbutrin originally, but it takes concentration just to take the damn stuff :) I will see what she says. I was curious if you keep any sort of behavioral journal, i would love to start one... the more i read, the more i learn how things the things that i do, have a connection to ADD, and are because of it - interesting.
Posted by Lasagne on August 5, 2003, at 22:26:16
In reply to Re: Straterra approval., posted by readyforchange on August 5, 2003, at 18:23:29
If you have any other tips on how to manage the use of drugs, like just taking them( I have a hard time remembering to)that would be great.
RESPONSE:
Hi: I have a household full of ADDers. Somethings that have worked for us are setting up a routine and using check-lists and timers. Prior to using these tools I often forgot to take my medication or I would forgot if I already had taken it and then would sometimes double dose everything. Neither situation was good. If I forgot my medicine then I would get a headache, if I doubled up on my medicine I felt wired.
At any rate, get yourself a white board that you can hang up in a place that you first see when you get up in the morning or in a highly visible place in your house. Write down on the board what order you will do your routine and check the items off as you do them. You may want to use a different color marker for each day for your checkmarks, in case you forget to erase from a previous day and then confuse yourself as to whether or not you took your medicine today. After establishing this routine, you will no longer need to do the checking. It will become habit.
Another thing that is helpful in conjunction to setting a routine is preparing ahead of time. If you know you are going to have a very hectic morning then set all your medicine out the night before. You may want to have a nightime routine written on your board to get you in the habit of doing certain tasks each night before going to bed. Also, set your car keys or wallet/purse near your ready to go medicine. You know each day that you cannot leave without your keys or your wallet, so by strategically placing your medicine near them will also minimize the forgetfulness.
If you are on the go alot this is another thing you can do. Each night before bed you get your medicine ready for the next day and place it your bag/purse/whatever. If you have a cell phone or watch alarm you can figure out how to set it at whatever intervals you need to take your medicine. When it rings/beeps then you will know it's time to take your medicine.
My oldest son has severe ADHD and he will always forget to take his medicine at a certain time if I am not home to monitor him. So what I started doing was getting his medicine out and ready for him and then I set our kitchen timer to go off at a certain time. Before I leave I get his attention and point out where I sat his medicine and that when the timer goes off he needs to take his medicine. The timer will not stop beeping unless he gets up to turn it off, in which case he is now in the kitchen where his medicine is waiting, so it minimizes the forgetfulness.
Also, setting your medicine up into pill organizers by each day of the week is very helpful. They sell these at all pharmacy's/drug stores. If you pick up the Tuesday pill container
and you see that your medicine is gone, then you know that you already took it for that day. I had to use this method for quite a while until I established a good routine of taking my medicine.
My husband also has ADHD and he has certain items set up in his laptop computer to give him daily reminders. There are various scheduling software programs available to help you if you are the type of person who is tied to your computer the majority of the work day.
Well, I think I have exhausted all my ideas on how to remember to take medication. Hopefully one of these ideas will work for you. It's not easy for us ADDers to be so organized, but it is possible through retraining through the use of charts and various other systems.
Good luck!
Posted by readyforchange on August 5, 2003, at 23:03:04
In reply to Re: Straterra approval. » readyforchange, posted by Lasagne on August 5, 2003, at 22:26:16
Thank you house full of ADD'ers :) I would love to get those into play... i will definetly use them and see if they work for me, i appreciate your concern. I hope I can be successful in my efforts!
Posted by readyforchange on August 5, 2003, at 23:11:04
In reply to Re: Straterra approval., posted by worrier on August 5, 2003, at 21:20:47
Hi "worrier," I am "readyfor change" thanks for saying that... with this problem you are consistanly having doubts about your condition.. am I crazy? am I just lazy? what is my problem... we don't need the negative reinforcements ever - let alone when we are just beginning our healing proccesses. I feel validated by your response, to the response of mr. schwartz to my emails. i don't want to go back and forth on my stance, I see both sides - I have compassion for both - but I need to be strong in myself to grow right now, and you have had a positive effect, and I appreciate it. Thanks!
Posted by worrier on August 5, 2003, at 23:45:19
In reply to Re: Straterra approval., posted by readyforchange on August 5, 2003, at 23:11:04
> Hi "worrier," I am "readyfor change" thanks for saying that... with this problem you are consistanly having doubts about your condition.. am I crazy? am I just lazy? what is my problem... we don't need the negative reinforcements ever - let alone when we are just beginning our healing proccesses. I feel validated by your response, to the response of mr. schwartz to my emails. i don't want to go back and forth on my stance, I see both sides - I have compassion for both - but I need to be strong in myself to grow right now, and you have had a positive effect, and I appreciate it. Thanks!
>Glad my babbling had some positive effect...even though my problems are different than yours I have all the same doubts and worries you do (am I crazy,am I lazy,etc.). Then you get the people who just don't get it and tell you to just get a grip and stop "acting" like you do. I've found it's very important to find someone who understands that there are some things you just can't control by sheer will and desire (we'd have already done that if we could,right?). I respect whatever decision people make for themselves.One size does not fit all, do what helps you....that's all any of us can do. Hang in there, Worrier.
Go forward in thread:
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.