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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by brandon J on February 14, 2000, at 11:05:20
Hi to all that reads this...
I have a question?
I'm having some trouble with school and it seems to be OCD(suspected dx) & ADHD(dxed) related. I have an extEnsive history of drug "experience". I do feel that stimulants are a valid form of treatment for me so long as my pdoc agrees. The only thing is, he doesn't. He is sort of old fashioned, a little stuck in his ways, and feels that I will become addicted easily. This may be true, but no one knows for sure; remember, I haven't tried this approach just yet. This isn't my main concern right now. Trying to fix the current problems. I do know that I am inundating my body with coffee daily and this has got to stop. If anyone else may have advice, please offer it. It will be considered greatly. Ps - I've tried remoron for this( 15mg/day: no ability to function, possibly due to 4 hrs sleep nightly last semester) and Wellbutrin(150 mg 2x/day). Also, I currently take .5 mg Risperdal "too help me focus." It turns me into a slow-witted, non-creative analyzer, rather than the fast-paced feeler I'm so used to being. Also, I make music, the love of my life, which this situation is not helping. pss- having frequent troubles postingThanks,
Brandon
Posted by S. Suggs on February 15, 2000, at 4:57:10
In reply to some advice please, posted by brandon J on February 14, 2000, at 11:05:20
Brandon: Have you tried Vivictal (one of the stimulating TCA's or Parnate - MAOI - ? Ask your doc. Best of luck and blessings,
S. Suggs
Posted by brandon J on February 15, 2000, at 9:40:53
In reply to Re: some advice please, posted by S. Suggs on February 15, 2000, at 4:57:10
I have heard of Parnate, but not Vivictal. I'm about to do some research. Thanks a lot S!
b
Posted by JohnL on February 16, 2000, at 4:26:55
In reply to some advice please, posted by brandon J on February 14, 2000, at 11:05:20
Brandon,
It's too bad your doc will not consider all the options to get you well. There are so many drugs available. I think it's a mistake to rule any out. In the old days we didn't have many choices. But today there are many.
The stimulants do seem to me to be the best option for you. In theory anyway. The OCD is usually serotonin related though. Off the top of my head, an SSRI + stimulant makes a lot of sense in your case. This is often a wonderful combination anyway for a variety of psychiatric conditions. Stimulants can also counter the sexual side effects of SSRIs, making the combination attractive from a variety of vantage points.
If your doc won't prescribe a stimulant, I would seriously consider calling around to find one who will. What your doc seems to brush off is that a person may indeed become addictive or abusive with one stimulant, but not with another. They aren't the same. Results or response on one does not predict results or response with another. Several people here have done fine for example with Adderall when they found Ritalin too addictive. A non-addictive stimulant that works well in adults is Cylert. It requires periodic blood testing to check liver function, but it would nullify your doc's argument of addiction. But I think you need a doc who is more concerned with getting you well. One who isn't afraid to use all available possibilites. It's a risk/benefit choice. In my opinion, in a worst case scenario, it's a better choice to be well, yet addicted, than not well and not addicted.
In summary, my opinions are:
Try Cylert + SSRI. Remind your doc Cylert is usually non-addictive. But you may actually need to try three different stimulants in short one/two week trials to find the one best for you.
And/or...call around for another doc who is not timid in getting you well. SSRI for the OCD, stimulant for the ADHD, possible antipsychotic to smooth it out and help with sleep. Just my opinion. I would be mightly disappointed if your doc was mine. I would have a phone in one hand and the yellow pages in the other.P.S. Stimulants increase NE/dopamine activity. Risperdal reduces dopamine activity...just the opposite of what you need. Stimulants + antipsychotics work very well together, but an antipsychotic alone for your symptoms doesn't make much sense to me. Again, I'm skeptical of your doc's whole approach with you. He must have what he feels are good reasons, but I can't figure out what they are.
Posted by brandon J on February 18, 2000, at 16:46:00
In reply to Re: some advice please, posted by JohnL on February 16, 2000, at 4:26:55
Hey John,
Thanks a lot! You provided tons of good info and a great way of looking at the situation. It's funny actually because the day that I read your post I had just signed up for an appointment with a doc who was sure to consider the possibilities. I'm also happy to say that he did. I'm now taking 10 mg. 2-3x/day methylphenidate and am undecided whether 200 mg/day Luvox is a good option to add to the Risperdal or not. Got the pills, don't necessarilly have the will. At any rate. I thank you a lot for the advice. Take care,Brandon
ps ~ so far ( 1 day) it seems that I'm a little more organized on the medicine, but I guess my gut prediction for the reaction to the meds would have been a "feeling" of focusness. I don't feel it... maybe I just am.
This is the end of the thread.
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