![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 20 of 20. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by TRACIE on July 28, 1998, at 13:08:51
I HAVE TAKEN RITALIN FOR 2 YRS AND NOW CHANGED TO
ADDERALL 20MG 2XDAILY BUT ON MY OWN I HAVE TRIED IT 3
TO 4 TIMES A DAY DUE TO NOT BEING ABLE TO COMPLETE MY
TASKS.I HAVE HAD TWO SURGERIES IN THE PAST SIX MTHS &
HAVE GAINED 30 LBS WITHOUT ANY LUCK OF LOOSING AT THIS
TIME.MY METABOLISM IS SHOT AND I HAVE LITTLE ENERGY TO
COMPLETE THINGS.I ALSO TAKE DEPAKOTE FOR MY MIGRAINES
(IMITREX DID NOT WK)THE ADDERALL,I HAVE NOW TAKEN FOR
8 WEEKS,I WANT TO HEAR FROM OTHERS, I AM 38 YRS OLD.
Posted by Carmela on August 28, 1998, at 12:13:58
In reply to ADULTS W/ ADD AND MEDS THAT WORK, posted by TRACIE on July 28, 1998, at 13:08:51
> I HAVE TAKEN RITALIN FOR 2 YRS AND NOW CHANGED TO
> ADDERALL 20MG 2XDAILY BUT ON MY OWN I HAVE TRIED IT 3
> TO 4 TIMES A DAY DUE TO NOT BEING ABLE TO COMPLETE MY
> TASKS.I HAVE HAD TWO SURGERIES IN THE PAST SIX MTHS &
> HAVE GAINED 30 LBS WITHOUT ANY LUCK OF LOOSING AT THIS
> TIME.MY METABOLISM IS SHOT AND I HAVE LITTLE ENERGY TO
> COMPLETE THINGS.I ALSO TAKE DEPAKOTE FOR MY MIGRAINES
> (IMITREX DID NOT WK)THE ADDERALL,I HAVE NOW TAKEN FOR
> 8 WEEKS,I WANT TO HEAR FROM OTHERS, I AM 38 YRS OLD.Tracie-I thought that I was the only one that got fat on adderall.
I too have gained over 30 lbs after taking adderall and I am
46 years old. I take 40mg in the morning and it helps me concentrate
alot better. I am also on Effexor for depression.
My 17 yr old son went from D's and F's to A's and B's
after going on adderall. It seems to be the new miracle drug.
Posted by Tim Powell on August 29, 1998, at 13:00:57
In reply to ADULTS W/ ADD AND MEDS THAT WORK, posted by TRACIE on July 28, 1998, at 13:08:51
I am 31 years old, and just switched to adderall about 3 weeks ago. I was taking Effexor, and before that, Paxil, both with little effect other than lethargy and weight gain. As a child, I was diagnosed with ADD and took 60mg of Ritalin/day for about eight years. My doctor thinks that my present problems with stress and depression could very well stem from my ADD. Since the anti-depressants did not seem to work, we are giving this a try. I am on 10mg three times a day. It took a while for my body to adjust to the medication, but I seem to be doing very well on it at this time. Dry mouth and some nausea are the only side effects I'm still experiencing. So, hopefully this will do the trick.
Posted by denise on September 1, 1998, at 19:23:56
In reply to Re: ADULTS W/ ADD AND MEDS THAT WORK, posted by Tim Powell on August 29, 1998, at 13:00:57
I am a 36 YOF with adult ADD. I have been using
adderall for about a year. It is great!
I don't lose weight and I can function quite well.
I use 10 mg 3 times a day!
Posted by Julie A on September 3, 1998, at 1:02:47
In reply to Re: ADULTS W/ ADD AND MEDS THAT WORK, posted by denise on September 1, 1998, at 19:23:56
Me? I'm a 40 year old newly offical ADDer.
Posted by Julie A on September 3, 1998, at 1:37:24
In reply to Re: ADULTS W/ ADD AND MEDS THAT WORK, posted by denise on September 1, 1998, at 19:23:56
I am one of the late in life accepted ADDers.At
36 I was finally given the right to be me.A smart
woman that could accomplish anything that did not
require organization or coordination.Long befor
Doctor's gave me the OK to be me, and the ritalin
allowed me to succeed at life,I had a very
sapportive husband who would just shake his head
and smile when I had what he would call" A
Julie Day".
Recently I had to change Doctors and this guy
changed the ADD( he said it's just a cover label
for mild mood disorder) and put me on Depakote.
Never have I been more disfunctional-My husband
said I seemed like I was on the verge of a mental
break down.I couldn't even stay on track long
enough to finish a sentance.Yet alone drive a car
or work
After 3 weeks I
switched a clinic for Add and am now on Adderal
15mg AM & 5mg PM it seems to be doing very well.
What I've learned though is to find a good doctor
true, but also follow your gut instincts( mine was
against the depakote -hubby said give it a try)
and to research for your self.Also love ADD for
what it is , a unique way of seeing life around
you and to always see beyond the edge of what
you encounter.The flower is pretty but the little
bug down inside is amazing - most "normal" people
lack attention to detail where as God has blessed
us with the ability to EXPERIENCE IT ALL!!!!!!!
Posted by jim on September 6, 1998, at 8:27:45
In reply to ADULTS W/ ADD AND MEDS THAT WORK, posted by TRACIE on July 28, 1998, at 13:08:51
> I HAVE TAKEN RITALIN FOR 2 YRS AND NOW CHANGED TO
> ADDERALL 20MG 2XDAILY BUT ON MY OWN I HAVE TRIED IT 3
> TO 4 TIMES A DAY DUE TO NOT BEING ABLE TO COMPLETE MY
> TASKS.I HAVE HAD TWO SURGERIES IN THE PAST SIX MTHS &
> HAVE GAINED 30 LBS WITHOUT ANY LUCK OF LOOSING AT THIS
> TIME.MY METABOLISM IS SHOT AND I HAVE LITTLE ENERGY TO
> COMPLETE THINGS.I ALSO TAKE DEPAKOTE FOR MY MIGRAINES
> (IMITREX DID NOT WK)THE ADDERALL,I HAVE NOW TAKEN FOR
> 8 WEEKS,I WANT TO HEAR FROM OTHERS, I AM 38 YRS OLD.Hi Traci,
Hang in there - sorry to hear about your difficulties. I am 40 and suffer from migraines and am learning to live w/ADHD.
I was diagnosed with the migraines about 10 years ago. I have seen several doctors about it (due to moving, retiring, changing ins plans...) but between 'only' having ~2 migraines/month, never being able to find a prophylactic that worked, and finding that Midrin (and later Imitrex) were effective symptomatic approaches, I am not on daily stuff for the migraine.
So after seeing my year-old marriage disintegrate, my suspicions of this ADHD stuff grow, and the level of complexity in my life grow to the point something needed to change, about 3 months ago I went to a recommended doctor who gave me a computer-based TOVA test. It indicated I had ADHD but primarily with the component of distractability as opposed to impulsivity.
I started on Ritalin about the time my wife moved out and the stuff worked pretty good but the effectiveness seemd to taper off after a month or so. I was at 60 mg/day. The doc switched me over to adderall at 20 mg/day. The dosing fits my lifestyle better (i.e., fewer times a day doesn't require me to remember to take it!).
This stuff is a scream. I can sit down and get stuff done. The house is almost transforming itself! The little adderall elves have almost finished cleaning my office at work too. I'm getting projects completed that should have been finished years ago and started grad school this semester. I don't sit down at my computer to get work done and hold down the ALT-TAB keys and watch the windows rotary at 90 mph trying to figure out what project I want to get back into for the next 60-120 seconds prior to 'vectoring' again.
If I could just get my wife back. It warmed my heart to see Julie's post that her husband was accepting of her symptoms. I think most of the problems in my marriage can be tied to this ADHD in some way or another. She can't seem to come to terms with it, me, or my new changes. Go figure. There are definitely some advantages to ADHD - it's not all bad. That's not to say I wouldn't be shed of it given the opportunity - it amazes me sometimes that other people can't seem to 'think around corners' like it seems I sometimes do. (My favorite term about this stuff.)
I have lost weight but that's OK too. I was carrying ~20# too many and am also getting back into shape to run races and marathons again.
The only advice I can give is three things:
1) Keep trying to find a doctor that WORKS FOR YOU. I never cease to be amazed at how many of them are total hammerheads. You'd think that the hurdle of all those years of school might indicate their intelligence would be higher than the rest of us but it seems doubtful - maybe they are just white mice that learn to run the maze a little better than others. You sound like yours is probably OK.
2) I am not a 'running nut' but I can say it has helped me immensely. If you can't run - walk! Just get out and do something regularly and consistently. When stress is eating me up I leave it all out there on the road during a run. I think it would address some of the migraines, sleep problems, and possibly appetite as well. I think some form of exercise is soooooo important for soooooo many different reasons. If you can't run/walk get a bike. There is an activity of some sort for all of us.
3) Since migraines and ADHD are both undoubtedly related to some sort of brain chemical imbalance, any/all of us would be fools for not trying to be sure we are getting all the nutrients/vitamins/whatnot that we should. While I don't eat right, I have started to eat one of those multivitamin pills when I 'should'.
I hope things work out for you. Keep pluggin' away at it.Jim
Posted by Karen Bradshaw on September 26, 1998, at 20:40:47
In reply to Re: ADULTS W/ ADD AND MEDS THAT WORK, posted by jim on September 6, 1998, at 8:27:45
> > I HAVE TAKEN RITALIN FOR 2 YRS AND NOW CHANGED TO
> > ADDERALL 20MG 2XDAILY BUT ON MY OWN I HAVE TRIED IT 3
> > TO 4 TIMES A DAY DUE TO NOT BEING ABLE TO COMPLETE MY
> > TASKS.I HAVE HAD TWO SURGERIES IN THE PAST SIX MTHS &
> > HAVE GAINED 30 LBS WITHOUT ANY LUCK OF LOOSING AT THIS
> > TIME.MY METABOLISM IS SHOT AND I HAVE LITTLE ENERGY TO
> > COMPLETE THINGS.I ALSO TAKE DEPAKOTE FOR MY MIGRAINES
> > (IMITREX DID NOT WK)THE ADDERALL,I HAVE NOW TAKEN FOR
> > 8 WEEKS,I WANT TO HEAR FROM OTHERS, I AM 38 YRS OLD.> Hi Folks,
I guess I'm the outsider here, but I'm trying really hard to understand.
My husband, at 36, and daughter, at 8, were both diagnosed with ADD and
started on Adderall in Nov 97. Kali is on 10mg a.m. & 5mg p.m. She
has lost a great deal of weight. Her attention level in school has greatly
improved. She's a very bright child, this has helped her to focus tremendously
since her school requirements are getting much harder. But she still has her
moments where she's "out there". It may be time to increase here dosage.
Ben's weight hasn't fluctuated, but I'm still not sure his dosage is correct.
Ben seemed fine on 20mg 2x/day but went nuts on 30mg 2x/day. He's been O.K. back on
20mg 2x/day, but still has a great deal of anquish. He was probably ADHD as
a child and has many emotional scars from the "You're not good enough" routine
most ADD and ADHDers must go through. The psychiatrist started him on 10mg Paxil
for his depression with his first dose of Adderall. He's 6' @230lbs. His thinking
seems to still be jumbled and confused. They both tell me they do things they
know are wrong, but can't control themselves. As a nonADDer, it's difficult to
understand and continually try to accept.It's just the 3 of us, so I definitely feel like the "odd" man out most of
the time. It has been a struggle to keep things together while trying to
understand what they're going through. I think the most difficult thing has been
to try to find doctors, within the constraints of our medical insurance, that can
properly medicate. I'm still not convinced his meds are right. He still has so
much anxiety and depression. He so hard on himself and expects too much from himself.
He's always trying to find satisfaction and gratification somewhere that he takes on
too much. By doing so, he's destined for failure. Hence, the cycle of depression and
anxiety starts all over again.We think a 2nd dose of Paxil may help the depression. He says he feels a lot more jittery
when he takes his 2nd dose of Adderall since he doesn't take the Paxil with it. I'm not sure
if we should try increasing the Adderall again or not. We've struggled a great deal as a
family with all of this, but Ben is the one that's really struggling. Can anyone suggest how to
get rid of the "demons" that haunt him. I guess we thought the medication would help. It seems
like all it did was make them clearer.Kali is still in "outer space" most times. I hear most parents talk about their kids this
way, so I don't know if her problems are ADD or kid related. It's just the start of school, so
we'll see how difficult 4th grade gets for her.Any suggestions?????
Posted by Rabbit on September 27, 1998, at 16:32:43
In reply to Re: ADULTS W/ ADD AND MEDS THAT WORK, posted by Karen Bradshaw on September 26, 1998, at 20:40:47
I am a 23 year old college student, I was diagnosed with depression when I was 18 or 19 years old. I wasn't diagnosed with ADD until I was 21, and it wasn't until the past few months that I've finally been able to get effective treatment. I see a psychologist each week for therapy, and a psychiatrist about every six weeks for medication managment. I'm currently on 300mg/day of Wellbutrin (150mg SR twice a day) and it is working wonders, for both the depression and ADD. Finding the right doctor and medication is not an easy task, but don't give up hope. It's taken me the past four years to find the right combination of therapy and medication. It's still hard and things still get to me sometimes, but for I finally feel like I'll be able to get through things, particularly school. To everyone else going through the same sort of struggle: good luck, and hang in there
Posted by Paul Bain on November 1, 1998, at 11:04:43
In reply to Re: ADULTS W/ ADD AND MEDS THAT WORK, posted by Rabbit on September 27, 1998, at 16:32:43
> I am a 23 year old college student, I was diagnosed with depression when I was 18 or 19 years old. I wasn't diagnosed with ADD until I was 21, and it wasn't until the past few months that I've finally been able to get effective treatment. I'm currently on 300mg/day of Wellbutrin (150mg SR twice a day) and it is working wonders, for both the depression and ADD. Finding the right doctor and medication is not an easy task, but don't give up hope. It's taken me the past four years to find the right combination of therapy and medication. It's still hard and things still get to me sometimes, but for once I finally feel like I'll be able to get through things, particularly school. To everyone else going through the same sort of struggle: good luck, and hang in there
I would like to echo the above remarks. Finding the right medication takes time -- for me, it took years. Wellbutrin was effective for me, allowing me to concentrate about 70-80% of the time (in class or while studying), but Guanfacine has been even more effective (so far). While on guanfacine, I am able to concentrate about 90% of the time, and my productivity has soared. When unmedicated, I am able to concentrate only about 20-25% of the time. I'm taking 2 mg of guanfacine per day, which my psychiatrist says is about average. The psychostimulants did not benefit me at all, and Desipramine was effective only for two weeks (even after I had increased the dosage to 450/mg. per day, which, for me, was near the maximum safe dosage).
Posted by Dave Birren on November 23, 1998, at 9:50:45
In reply to Re: ADULTS W/ ADD AND MEDS THAT WORK, posted by Paul Bain on November 1, 1998, at 11:04:43
I happened on this thread while looking for information about any possible interactions between Ritalin and St. John's Wort. What I found was a well of needless suffering. Someone lost his wife, while others are struggling as spouses of ADDers.
My suggestion for ADDers with spouses, and people who are married or committed to them, is to read the book "Driven to Distraction" by Drs. Ratey and Hallowell (both ADDers themselves). There's a great section on how spouses can help - and be helped - while trying to learn how to live with ADD.
I am a 49-y.o. male, taking Ritalin for 1-1/2 years (20-40mg/day in a combination of regular and SR, as needed). I've wrestled with depression most of my life and am finally thinking of doing something about it. Does anyone have experience with Ritalin and St. John's Wort, Zoloft, or Paxil? Any side effects? My neurologist says they're OK, but there's no recommendation like someone who's been there.
Be well, all.
Posted by Teri on March 14, 1999, at 1:56:38
In reply to Re: ADULTS W/ ADD AND MEDS THAT WORK, posted by Karen Bradshaw on September 26, 1998, at 20:40:47
> > > I HAVE TAKEN RITALIN FOR 2 YRS AND NOW CHANGED TO
> > > ADDERALL 20MG 2XDAILY BUT ON MY OWN I HAVE TRIED IT 3
> > > TO 4 TIMES A DAY DUE TO NOT BEING ABLE TO COMPLETE MY
> > > TASKS.I HAVE HAD TWO SURGERIES IN THE PAST SIX MTHS &
> > > HAVE GAINED 30 LBS WITHOUT ANY LUCK OF LOOSING AT THIS
> > > TIME.MY METABOLISM IS SHOT AND I HAVE LITTLE ENERGY TO
> > > COMPLETE THINGS.I ALSO TAKE DEPAKOTE FOR MY MIGRAINES
> > > (IMITREX DID NOT WK)THE ADDERALL,I HAVE NOW TAKEN FOR
> > > 8 WEEKS,I WANT TO HEAR FROM OTHERS, I AM 38 YRS OLD.> > Hi Folks,
> I guess I'm the outsider here, but I'm trying really hard to understand.
> My husband, at 36, and daughter, at 8, were both diagnosed with ADD and
> started on Adderall in Nov 97. Kali is on 10mg a.m. & 5mg p.m. She
> has lost a great deal of weight. Her attention level in school has greatly
> improved. She's a very bright child, this has helped her to focus tremendously
> since her school requirements are getting much harder. But she still has her
> moments where she's "out there". It may be time to increase here dosage.
> Ben's weight hasn't fluctuated, but I'm still not sure his dosage is correct.
> Ben seemed fine on 20mg 2x/day but went nuts on 30mg 2x/day. He's been O.K. back on
> 20mg 2x/day, but still has a great deal of anquish. He was probably ADHD as
> a child and has many emotional scars from the "You're not good enough" routine
> most ADD and ADHDers must go through. The psychiatrist started him on 10mg Paxil
> for his depression with his first dose of Adderall. He's 6' @230lbs. His thinking
> seems to still be jumbled and confused. They both tell me they do things they
> know are wrong, but can't control themselves. As a nonADDer, it's difficult to
> understand and continually try to accept.> It's just the 3 of us, so I definitely feel like the "odd" man out most of
> the time. It has been a struggle to keep things together while trying to
> understand what they're going through. I think the most difficult thing has been
> to try to find doctors, within the constraints of our medical insurance, that can
> properly medicate. I'm still not convinced his meds are right. He still has so
> much anxiety and depression. He so hard on himself and expects too much from himself.
> He's always trying to find satisfaction and gratification somewhere that he takes on
> too much. By doing so, he's destined for failure. Hence, the cycle of depression and
> anxiety starts all over again.> We think a 2nd dose of Paxil may help the depression. He says he feels a lot more jittery
> when he takes his 2nd dose of Adderall since he doesn't take the Paxil with it. I'm not sure
> if we should try increasing the Adderall again or not. We've struggled a great deal as a
> family with all of this, but Ben is the one that's really struggling. Can anyone suggest how to
> get rid of the "demons" that haunt him. I guess we thought the medication would help. It seems
> like all it did was make them clearer.> Kali is still in "outer space" most times. I hear most parents talk about their kids this
> way, so I don't know if her problems are ADD or kid related. It's just the start of school, so
> we'll see how difficult 4th grade gets for her.> Any suggestions?????
I would highly recomend wellbutrin, it doesn't work for ever but it works miracles for a couple of years.Both for ADD and depression.
Anyone knows anything about Reboxetin ?
Posted by Maureen Hinueber on March 17, 1999, at 21:13:49
In reply to Re: ADULTS W/ ADD AND MEDS THAT WORK, posted by Dave Birren on November 23, 1998, at 9:50:45
>I am taking Celexa and zyprexa and neurontin for bi-polar disorder and believe part of my challenges are ADD related, I think the anti-depressants are wonderful for me otherwise I just am not able to get motivated on a daily basis. I do not gain any weight on anti-depressants but gained weight on tegretal (about 30 lbs) I believe that many psycho-active drugs are responsible for this because they slow your motor system down overall. I am still happier than when I was not taking them.
I believe that studying personality types Myers-Briggs Type Indicator is a whole person healthy way to look at our individual differences instead of saying everyone is ADD.
Posted by Lin on March 23, 1999, at 19:03:30
In reply to Re: ADULTS W/ ADD AND MEDS THAT WORK, posted by Maureen Hinueber on March 17, 1999, at 21:13:49
I believe I have ADD and have had all my life. The problem I have is locating a doctor. My medical doctor says she cannot treat it and many of the doctors in my area will not take anyone over 40, which I am 46. Other doctors are booked up for three months. How does a person get help for ADD and find a doctor that will listen.
Posted by Jude on May 30, 2000, at 9:05:13
In reply to Re: ADULTS W/ ADD AND MEDS THAT WORK, posted by Dave Birren on November 23, 1998, at 9:50:45
> I happened on this thread while looking for information about any possible interactions between Ritalin and St. John's Wort. What I found was a well of needless suffering. Someone lost his wife, while others are struggling as spouses of ADDers.
> My suggestion for ADDers with spouses, and people who are married or committed to them, is to read the book "Driven to Distraction" by Drs. Ratey and Hallowell (both ADDers themselves). There's a great section on how spouses can help - and be helped - while trying to learn how to live with ADD.
> I am a 49-y.o. male, taking Ritalin for 1-1/2 years (20-40mg/day in a combination of regular and SR, as needed). I've wrestled with depression most of my life and am finally thinking of doing something about it. Does anyone have experience with Ritalin and St. John's Wort, Zoloft, or Paxil? Any side effects? My neurologist says they're OK, but there's no recommendation like someone who's been there.
> Be well, all.Been on Prozac and St John's Wort but I noticed no side-
effects at all..In fact the St John's Wort gave me diarrhea.
I don't think it was anything to do with the combo...just
the effect on me of the St Johns...but I do have a bowel
complaint so it may not be the same with you.But it is generally recommended that you do not mix
them...but I took Prozac and Effexor at the same time
too in an effort to get of the horrid Effexor and that
is a definate no no but I did it anyway and it helped
me to get off the Effexor and alleviate its withdrawals.I do not have ADD though.
Jude
Posted by Sara T on May 30, 2000, at 9:22:47
In reply to Re: ADULTS W/ ADD AND MEDS THAT WORK, posted by Jude on May 30, 2000, at 9:05:13
> > I happened on this thread while looking for information about any possible interactions between Ritalin and St. John's Wort. What I found was a well of needless suffering. Someone lost his wife, while others are struggling as spouses of ADDers.
> > My suggestion for ADDers with spouses, and people who are married or committed to them, is to read the book "Driven to Distraction" by Drs. Ratey and Hallowell (both ADDers themselves). There's a great section on how spouses can help - and be helped - while trying to learn how to live with ADD.
> > I am a 49-y.o. male, taking Ritalin for 1-1/2 years (20-40mg/day in a combination of regular and SR, as needed). I've wrestled with depression most of my life and am finally thinking of doing something about it. Does anyone have experience with Ritalin and St. John's Wort, Zoloft, or Paxil? Any side effects? My neurologist says they're OK, but there's no recommendation like someone who's been there.
> > Be well, all.
>
> Been on Prozac and St John's Wort but I noticed no side-
> effects at all..In fact the St John's Wort gave me diarrhea.
> I don't think it was anything to do with the combo...just
> the effect on me of the St Johns...but I do have a bowel
> complaint so it may not be the same with you.
>
> But it is generally recommended that you do not mix
> them...but I took Prozac and Effexor at the same time
> too in an effort to get of the horrid Effexor and that
> is a definate no no but I did it anyway and it helped
> me to get off the Effexor and alleviate its withdrawals.
>
> I do not have ADD though.
>
> JudeAntidepressants are often taken in combination with stimulants such as ritalin or adderall, etc.
I am currently taking 150 mg/day Zoloft with 40mg/2 day of Ritalin SR. I am a 46 yo with ADD and Depression/anxiety. It is a good combo at the moment. There are others here who take similar combos.
Sara T.
Posted by KarenB on May 30, 2000, at 17:26:13
In reply to ADULTS W/ ADD AND MEDS THAT WORK, posted by TRACIE on July 28, 1998, at 13:08:51
> I HAVE TAKEN RITALIN FOR 2 YRS AND NOW CHANGED TO
> ADDERALL 20MG 2XDAILY BUT ON MY OWN I HAVE TRIED IT 3
> TO 4 TIMES A DAY DUE TO NOT BEING ABLE TO COMPLETE MY
> TASKS.I HAVE HAD TWO SURGERIES IN THE PAST SIX MTHS &
> HAVE GAINED 30 LBS WITHOUT ANY LUCK OF LOOSING AT THIS
> TIME.MY METABOLISM IS SHOT AND I HAVE LITTLE ENERGY TO
> COMPLETE THINGS.I ALSO TAKE DEPAKOTE FOR MY MIGRAINES
> (IMITREX DID NOT WK)THE ADDERALL,I HAVE NOW TAKEN FOR
> 8 WEEKS,I WANT TO HEAR FROM OTHERS, I AM 38 YRS OLD.
Dear Tracie,I am 39 years old, with ADD and depression. I started Adderall several weeks back and it triggered my migraines. Someone on this board suggested taking Inderal, a beta blocker, to prevent the migraines so I could stay on the Adderall. It worked! I take 20mg of Inderal (Propranolol) three times a day and have not had a migraine since.
The Depakote may be what's sapping your energy and causing the weight gain. I tried it a couple of years ago and it made me gain weight rapidly and simply made me feel awful in every way. The beta blocker is a great alternative with (for me) no side effects whatsoever.
The Adderall works very well, now that I have finally figured out how long it is effective (in my system), so I can take the next dose before I decline in energy. I take 20mg before getting out of bed in the morning, then 10mg exactly 5 hours later. I also take Buspar, 10mg three times a day, for anxiety and low level apathetic depression. This cocktail is working quite well for me...and it's about time I found something that worked. Yee hah.
Best to you - hope you find what works for you.
Karen
Posted by AndrewB on June 1, 2000, at 12:04:29
In reply to Re: ADULTS W/ ADD AND MEDS THAT WORK, posted by KarenB on May 30, 2000, at 17:26:13
Karen,Congrat.s on your combo. Glad it is working.
Does the buspar help with both the depression and anxiety or just the anxiety.
AndrewB
Posted by KarenB on June 1, 2000, at 12:37:09
In reply to KarenB, posted by AndrewB on June 1, 2000, at 12:04:29
Andrew,
For me, I believe it (Buspar) is helping with both the anxiety (low level - not panic attacks or phobias) and depression. I told my doc that on just the Adderall, I had the energy necessary to do things but lacked the desire. I wasn't exactly suicidal but didn't give a rip about life. Nothing excited me. Anhedonia, I think.
So, it's working, at least better than anything else ever has, stateside. If it wasn't such a hassle and was covered by my insurance, though, I would definitely give the Adrafinil/Amisulpride combo a try that is working so well for JohnL. I think, for my symptoms, at least, that low Dopamine is the culprit and and stimulant/neuroleptic combo is best.
If I weren't a full time Mommy right now (I'm not complaining - it's great!) I'd go to medical school and specialize in Psychopharmacology - that is, if my ADD would allow for such hyperfocus. I don't understand why I can figure out what the problem is and I haven't found a doctor who can, yet. I KNOW they are out there but everyone in a given profession is not necessarily "operating in their gifts," if you know what I mean. I almost let loose on my doc a couple of weeks ago - I wanted to suggest that he look for another area of specialty that did not require him to be human. I bit my tongue and I'm glad I did.
But...I'm feeling better now than I have in months, so I certainly can't complain.
Oh, I've also lost about ten pounds. Just five more to go and I'm back in a size 2, where I should be (I'm a shrimp). Now, THAT is worth celebrating.
Hey, thanks for asking - I feel like I've got friends here.
Karen
Posted by Sara T on June 1, 2000, at 13:02:18
In reply to Re: ADD Meds - AndrewB, posted by KarenB on June 1, 2000, at 12:37:09
Karen -
I think it's hard to find doc's that take Adult ADD seriously. You know what's going on in your head better than anyone else, but of course, they're operating out of their own belief system.
Sara T.
This is the end of the thread.
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