Posted by helenbpd on June 5, 2002, at 10:56:04
Hi all,
My diagnosis: ADD + depression
Drug trials so far:
Concerta 18mg (knocked me out totally; groggy and sleepy all day -- awful)
Paxil (definitely zombie-like)
Depakote (did nothing but dilate my pupils)
Zoloft (was on it for 1 year -- ok for depression and general coping, but definitely zombied me out, which I didn't really notice since it was gradual -- very obvious after weaning off it, though)
Adderall XR (love it, love it, love it! Seems to work VERY effectively for me as an antidepressant as well as improving mental clarity schtuff)
I'm now on Adderall XR (20mg) and Effexor XR (150mg).
--->I also smoke about 1 pack a day. C. 2 cups of coffee every morning, never after 4 pm. Used to be a diehard sugar fiend but thankfully for waistline this has vanished upon starting the Adderall XR.
Current dilemma:
Since going off the Zoloft and starting the Effexor XR (4 weeks on Effexor now), I have been having crying jags virtually every day, and terrible sleeping problems. To be fair, the sleeping problems may be related to the Adderall XR, but I am so loathe to give it up, since it's the only med I *really* notice in terms of antidep effect when I run out.My sleep problems don't feel manic -- just unable to relax and sleep -- once I do hit the bed, I fall asleep quickly, trouble is getting myself to GO to bed. The late nights aren't very productive, I hang out watching tv or surfing the web or just reading until 4 or 5 am. I make my own work schedule, so am able to sleep in, but this cycle is getting to be a killer.
I definitely feel as though I am "feeling" more on the Effexor -- a good thing after the Zoloft -- and I am definitely having positive effects in terms of wanting to exercise for the first time in a long time. It's as though I'm feeling my body for the first time again in a year. Also feel a lot more mental clarity than I did on the Zoloft, and libido is definitely back.
On the premise that the EffexorXR might be stimulating a slight mania, my pdoc and therapist think that I might try a mood stabilizer instead, so we are going to try Lamictal.
I'm a wee bit nervous about trying the Lamictal since I don't believe that mania is the problem, but am willing to try anything. Anything I should watch out for with the Lamictal?
Anyone here take Lamictal with Adderall or another stim for depression/ADD? Experiences?
Many abjectly grateful thanks for any input! Chocolate will be forthcoming! ;-)
Helen
poster:helenbpd
thread:108766
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020602/msgs/108766.html