Posted by viridis on November 26, 2002, at 4:49:14
In reply to What to take for ADD that won't worsen anxiety???, posted by Saragram on November 25, 2002, at 9:38:52
If you have ADD, you may find that stimulants actually have a calming effect. I have anxiety problems and episodes of panic attacks, and also have ADD. Caffeine makes me very jittery, but Adderall (an amphetamine mixture) makes me calmer and more focused at low doses.
I've tried Provigil, and it was OK -- it kept me alert but didn't help too much with the concentration issues. It didn't increase my anxiety, though. Free samples seem pretty easy to obtain from doctors (it's being marketed aggressively), although prescriptions are very expensive unless you have really good insurance. Wellbutrin was awful for me and is notorious for increasing anxiety in those with anxiety disorders, although it might be worth a try, at an extremely low dose to start.
Whatever stimulant you try, I'd say just begin with a very low dose and see how it affects you. Emphasize to the doctor that you want to move very cautiously and (unless he/she advises against it -- be sure to ask) divide the pills if necessary. Again, you might be surprised and find that stimulants such as Adderall or Ritalin actually make you feel calmer. This is a common reaction with ADDers; just take it slow with very low doses until you know what to expect.
I'm not qualified to comment on the blood pressure issues etc; this is definitely something to discuss with your doctor.
Good luck!
poster:viridis
thread:129188
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20021122/msgs/129357.html