Posted by JohnL on June 5, 2000, at 5:46:42
In reply to Chronic Depression/Dysthymia and ADD, posted by Kerry on June 4, 2000, at 23:31:27
> I've been diagnosed w/ Dysthymia and ADD. I'm currently taking Wellbutrin 450 mgs but am not too pleased with the results (I've been on it since January). Before the ADD diagnosis I was on (at different times) the following: Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, and Effexor. What next? I'm not in therapy right now--am somewhat skeptical about cognitive therapy (hasn't worked in the past though I never was in it consistently). What about "interpersonal therapy--" is it different? I'm new to this board.
Kerry,
Based just on what meds you've tried so far, I think it's fairly safe to gather the clues and conclude that your symptoms don't have much to do with serotonin. There's likely a different chemistry that needs some tweeking. Personally I don't think any kind of psychotherapy will be of major benefit. Been there, done that. It's helpful after you've found a drug that works. But overall it was less than satisfactory for me. Fixing whatever chemistry is screwed up is where the magic is.So where to go from here? Well, there are lots of choices. Wellbutrin has had a fair chance and could be discontinued. You might consider weening off it to compare other meds. Further exploration is warranted I think.
In the list of meds to try these come to mind:
Ritalin
Adderall
Desipramine
Modafinil
Adrafinil (international pharmacy)
ZyprexaMy personal favorite of the bunch is Adrafinil. But that's just me. I did not list these drugs in any priority. But I think you should give them all a short personal comparison, saving Desipramine for last; Zyprexa second to last. Give each one two weeks. These drugs do not require the long trials of antidepressants. Desipramine however is an antidepressant, and has more side effects that the others, and that's why I suggest saving it for last. Hopefully the magic will be found with one of the others. After comparing all of them, choose your favorite to continue for a longer trial.
Each one of these has the potential to correct common chemistries responsible for both dysthymia and ADD. Wellbutrin has had its day in the sun. Time to find a superior med. It's out there. And it wouldn't surprise me at all if it ended up being one of the ones listed above.
JohnL
poster:JohnL
thread:36062
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000603/msgs/36080.html