Posted by vbAgent on January 12, 2006, at 2:49:42
In reply to RE: Result of doctor's appt. - robot, JohnK, et al, posted by vbAgent on January 10, 2006, at 14:38:12
> JohnKeats and Robot, thanks so much for your responses.
>
> I had a meeting with the substitute pdoc today; my regular doctor is out of the office until later this month. It went well. He made no changes, thankfully, meaning we didn't add or replace any medication. He suggested, however fishy it sounds, that I experiment with the timing and dosages of Adderall. Bearing in mind I take the last dose (5mg) no later than 5-7pm, he said that I may NOT be getting complete coverage throughout the day and into the night. The main reason I cannot fall asleep is a very restless mind. I keep myself up pacing, worrying, reading two or more books, messing around on the computer, smoking, thinking about yesterday and tomorrow, etc; basically moving from activity to activity like a juggler handling a lot of tennis balls or constantly changing channels on the TV. I don't know of any other way to phrase it...
>
> I told the doctor that I always thought you had to follow the prescribing directions (for Schedule II stimulants) to the letter - no more, no less and *definitely* don't take it late in the day. The doctor corrected me saying, "No, your needs will constantly change. None of my patients take the same dose all the time. In the morning you may need more and in the evening less. Try taking 2.5-5mg at 9pm to calm your mind." There's also the issue that I'm afraid it will raise my blood pressure or that I'll become addicted. The impression I got after the meeting was he worked toward debunking some of the myths, fears and mistaken beliefs that I have collectively formed about medication over the years. He wasn't giving me permission to misuse or abuse Adderall, but to exercise flexibility with experimentation, all within reason.
>
> So, I will put his words into action. Wish me luck. Peace...
Unfortunately, his suggestion isn't working to help me fall asleep. I took Adderall 2.5mg at bedtime along with Lunesta 2mg, but all without the anticipated benefit. Don't tell your local pharmacist, but out of desperation the other night I took 8mg of Lunesta, 4x the prescribed dose, but even THAT had no effect. Wow, do I have problems! Don't worry, I won't be doing that again; it's pointless. Now, it's past 3:30am and I'm at the computer. I'm not wide-awake, wired or agitated. Just a laying-in-bed-staring-into-space kinda deal. I've accepted my disposition. God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change. Although this is the wrong attitude, I'd prefer to laugh at my situation than get more frustrated. At least I made the effort!Anyhow, I meet with my regular doctor for a standard med check on Wed Feb 15th. Let's hope I'm still sane and gainfully employed by then. Of course, I'll keep ya'll posted. Later... :-)
poster:vbAgent
thread:596465
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060108/msgs/598246.html