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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 21 of 21. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by yesac on May 21, 2005, at 21:05:57
I've had pretty bad luck with stimulants in my life... Adderall made me horribly depressed and basically suicidal, and didn't seem to help with attention. Ritalin seemed to make me a little calmer, maybe helped a little with attention, but also made me emotionally messed up (although not as bad as with Adderall).
This past week I've been taking Provigil out of desperation, because I had an important paper to write and wasn't sure I if could do it. The first day that I took the Provigil, I really thought that it calmed me down, made my thoughts somewhat less scattered, and helped me focus. After that I'm not so sure. One day I felt really hyper. Yesterday it seemed like it improved my mood for a while without making me hyper. A couple of days (like today) I've felt really hyped up and agitated, and I'm almost wondering if I have some kind of crash when it's wearing off (?).
Anyways, does anyone have any suggestions? I'm thinking about trying Strattera. Maybe Dexedrine, but that's a lot like Adderall so I'm not sure.
Does anyone know if something like Concerta could work if short-acting Ritalin didn't seem to, or would it just be the same? Or might the side effects be better?
I'm also currently taking lithium and Seroquel and I just went off Cymbalta.
thanks
Posted by alohashirt on May 21, 2005, at 21:23:21
In reply to stimulant questions, posted by yesac on May 21, 2005, at 21:05:57
Only way to know is to try.
Ritalin appalling for me, yet Concerta works fine
Dexedrine much smoother than Adderall for me.
Others have opposite experience.
Posted by jerrympls on May 22, 2005, at 1:46:07
In reply to Re: stimulant questions, posted by alohashirt on May 21, 2005, at 21:23:21
I have taken all the stimulants. The one that works the best for me is Dexedrine spansules (long-acting). Concerta *is* ritalin - but in a special time release form. I liked Concerta in comparison to regular and Ritalin SR. Cylert isn't that great. Provigil isn't an amphetamine like Adderall or Dexedrine - and it works in different areas of the brain than amphetamines. Amphetamines push out norepinephrine and dopamine from the pre-synaptic neuron whereas Ritalin work mostly with dopamine and blocks reuptake.
Hope this helps.
Posted by Paulbwell on May 22, 2005, at 2:37:20
In reply to Re: stimulant questions, posted by jerrympls on May 22, 2005, at 1:46:07
> I have taken all the stimulants. The one that works the best for me is Dexedrine spansules (long-acting). Concerta *is* ritalin - but in a special time release form. I liked Concerta in comparison to regular and Ritalin SR. Cylert isn't that great. Provigil isn't an amphetamine like Adderall or Dexedrine - and it works in different areas of the brain than amphetamines. Amphetamines push out norepinephrine and dopamine from the pre-synaptic neuron whereas Ritalin work mostly with dopamine and blocks reuptake.
>
> Hope this helps.Hi Bro,
hows, the sleep probs/ hope alls well, and you have kept your job. you have tried all stims? Desoxyn?
I'm still on Rit but up to 100-120mgs daily, always runs out early. I have been refered to a specialist so we'll see.
Maybe Dex will be better *hopes*havn't msn you in a while.
respond to me, dude
cheers
Posted by jerrympls on May 22, 2005, at 3:16:59
In reply to Re: stimulant questions » jerrympls, posted by Paulbwell on May 22, 2005, at 2:37:20
> > I have taken all the stimulants. The one that works the best for me is Dexedrine spansules (long-acting). Concerta *is* ritalin - but in a special time release form. I liked Concerta in comparison to regular and Ritalin SR. Cylert isn't that great. Provigil isn't an amphetamine like Adderall or Dexedrine - and it works in different areas of the brain than amphetamines. Amphetamines push out norepinephrine and dopamine from the pre-synaptic neuron whereas Ritalin work mostly with dopamine and blocks reuptake.
> >
> > Hope this helps.
>
> Hi Bro,
> hows, the sleep probs/ hope alls well, and you have kept your job. you have tried all stims? Desoxyn?
> I'm still on Rit but up to 100-120mgs daily, always runs out early. I have been refered to a specialist so we'll see.
> Maybe Dex will be better *hopes*
>
> havn't msn you in a while.
>
> respond to me, dude
>
> cheersHey Paul!
Still having problems with sleep. I resorted to using Seroquel - unfortunately Seroquel has a heavy hangover and makes me unmotivated and depressed - but it gets me to sleep. I still have my job, but we've got a new VP and she's going to overhaul our whole dept = layoffs. I won't be surprised if I am let go. But that's ok - I'm planning on moving and going to grad school to get my Master's in music performance.
I see my sleep doc in June and have my sleep study mid-June. I've realized, tho, through session with my therapist that a lot of my nighttime anxiety/insomnia has to do with intense loneliness and nervous anticipation of going to work. I'm just not a 9 to 5 person.
Hope you are well!
Jerry
Posted by yesac on May 22, 2005, at 10:13:37
In reply to Re: stimulant questions, posted by alohashirt on May 21, 2005, at 21:23:21
In what way was Ritalin appaling? and in what way was dexedrine smoother than adderall?
I feel like I'm the only one who ever had that experience with Adderall of feeling totally emotionally messed up. It seems like others feel a crash when it wears off, but I felt horrible the whole time I was actually on it.
Posted by yesac on May 22, 2005, at 10:15:58
In reply to Re: stimulant questions, posted by jerrympls on May 22, 2005, at 1:46:07
Does anyone know if there a difference between Ritalin SR, Ritalin LA, and Concerta?
Posted by alohashirt on May 22, 2005, at 14:40:14
In reply to Re: stimulant questions » alohashirt, posted by yesac on May 22, 2005, at 10:13:37
Ritalin left me feeling extremely grouchy as it wore off.
Concerta has never felt like that.Adderall XR felt subjectively worse than dexedrine XR generic
worse == glum,blah,grouchy I only used Adderall for one month so it jay have been something that would have improved with titration, however as the Adderall blend was created as a unsuccesful diet pill there seemed no objective reason to prefer it over dexedrine so I didn't stick with it.I have friend who swears by it.
> In what way was Ritalin appaling? and in what way was dexedrine smoother than adderall?
>
> I feel like I'm the only one who ever had that experience with Adderall of feeling totally emotionally messed up. It seems like others feel a crash when it wears off, but I felt horrible the whole time I was actually on it.
Posted by alohashirt on May 22, 2005, at 14:46:27
In reply to concerta vs ritalin SR, posted by yesac on May 22, 2005, at 10:15:58
> Does anyone know if there a difference between Ritalin SR, Ritalin LA, and Concerta?
Concerta uses a very sophisticated extended release technology that ensures that the plasma concentration follows a desired path over a 12 hour period. The path has a spike at first hour, a second spike and increasing concentration after four or five hours. It does this so as to avoid the side effects of a sudden reduction in concentration.
I believe that Ritalin LA may use a similar older technology to Metadate CD. Metadate CD has a more noticeable dual peak feeling and its obvious when it wears off. Concerta is longer acting (noticeable for 8 hours, effective to some degree for 12) and much more expensive.
Posted by Phillipa on May 22, 2005, at 18:27:44
In reply to Re: concerta vs ritalin SR » yesac, posted by alohashirt on May 22, 2005, at 14:46:27
I just noticed. It seems as if it's mostly the guys that are on stimulants. Is it true what they say about more boys having ADHD? Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by Paulbwell on May 22, 2005, at 18:44:27
In reply to Re: concerta vs ritalin SR, posted by Phillipa on May 22, 2005, at 18:27:44
> I just noticed. It seems as if it's mostly the guys that are on stimulants. Is it true what they say about more boys having ADHD? Fondly, Phillipa
Yep.
I tried the sr20s but i could control the effects off n on, I like the IR more
Posted by Sarah T. on May 22, 2005, at 21:58:29
In reply to Re: stimulant questions » alohashirt, posted by yesac on May 22, 2005, at 10:13:37
> In what way was Ritalin appaling? and in what way was dexedrine smoother than adderall? >
> I feel like I'm the only one who ever had that experience with Adderall of feeling totally emotionally messed up. It seems like others feel a crash when it wears off, but I felt horrible the whole time I was actually on it.Hi yesac. My experience with Adderall was similar to yours. This has always baffled me because I did very well on Dexedrine/dextroamphetamine, and Adderall is about 69% dextroamphetamine. I don't like Adderall AT ALL. I often wondered whether my difficulty with it had to do with being on the wrong dose. Perhaps I took too much. I don't know. I think Dexedrine is the best stimulant, but for others here, Adderall is better. You just have to try them out for yourself. Start at the lowest possible dose and work up slowly. Less is more. In other words, taking too much stimulant can turn you into a total zombie or an agitated mess. I think it's best to take stimulants on an "as needed" basis rather than every day. Take as many "drug holidays" as possible in order to stave off tolerance.
Posted by alohashirt on May 22, 2005, at 23:21:24
In reply to Re: concerta vs ritalin SR, posted by Phillipa on May 22, 2005, at 18:27:44
More boys get diagnosed but gender stereotyping must play some part.
(A girl staring off in space is assumed to be thinking about ponys)
Posted by KayeBaby on May 23, 2005, at 11:01:28
In reply to Re: stimulant questions » alohashirt, posted by yesac on May 22, 2005, at 10:13:37
I had the same eperience with Adderall as you did. I was..a mix of things-depressed, irratable, tired, apathetic. I just felt like crap with nothing positive.
Dexedrine works great for me.
Kaye
Posted by yesac on May 23, 2005, at 11:54:14
In reply to Re: stimulant questions, posted by KayeBaby on May 23, 2005, at 11:01:28
> I had the same eperience with Adderall as you did. I was..a mix of things-depressed, irratable, tired, apathetic. I just felt like crap with nothing positive.
>
> Dexedrine works great for me.
Really? That's good to know. Whenever I mention Dexedrine my shrink just says that Adderall is very similar blah blah blah... he doesn't seem too thrilled with the idea of me trying it. His hesitance could also have to do with the fact that my other meds are not stable either and he doesn't want to screw around too much with too many things.It's hard to explain how I felt on Adderall, but it was like I'd feel okay, and then all of a sudden feel this sense of horrible despair and despondency and want to kill myself. I felt very gloomy. It was really awful. I don't think that I felt especially agitated, but I felt like I was on some kind of weird emotional roller coaster and it was very abnormal-feeling, even for me.
Posted by yesac on May 23, 2005, at 12:10:04
In reply to Re: stimulant questions » yesac, posted by Sarah T. on May 22, 2005, at 21:58:29
> Hi yesac. My experience with Adderall was similar to yours. This has always baffled me because I did very well on Dexedrine/dextroamphetamine, and Adderall is about 69% dextroamphetamine. I don't like Adderall AT ALL. I often wondered whether my difficulty with it had to do with being on the wrong dose. Perhaps I took too much. I don't know. I think Dexedrine is the best stimulant, but for others here, Adderall is better. You just have to try them out for yourself. Start at the lowest possible dose and work up slowly. Less is more. In other words, taking too much stimulant can turn you into a total zombie or an agitated mess. I think it's best to take stimulants on an "as needed" basis rather than every day. Take as many "drug holidays" as possible in order to stave off tolerance.
Thanks for the advice.I'm actually afraid of trying Dexedrine because of my Adderall experience. I want to try it but I don't, you know? I'm seeing my shrink tomorrow and will probably bring it up (again). I think that if I found a stimulant that worked for me, I could use in on an as-needed basis when I needed to write papers or read or really get some work done.
I never did feel expecially agitated on Ritalin or Adderall, which is almost weird since I'm so prone to agitation. If anything, I felt more calm, but, like I said, emotionally I felt horrible!
Posted by Paulbwell on May 23, 2005, at 17:34:54
In reply to Re: stimulant questions » Sarah T., posted by yesac on May 23, 2005, at 12:10:04
> > Hi yesac. My experience with Adderall was similar to yours. This has always baffled me because I did very well on Dexedrine/dextroamphetamine, and Adderall is about 69% dextroamphetamine. I don't like Adderall AT ALL. I often wondered whether my difficulty with it had to do with being on the wrong dose. Perhaps I took too much. I don't know. I think Dexedrine is the best stimulant, but for others here, Adderall is better. You just have to try them out for yourself. Start at the lowest possible dose and work up slowly. Less is more. In other words, taking too much stimulant can turn you into a total zombie or an agitated mess. I think it's best to take stimulants on an "as needed" basis rather than every day. Take as many "drug holidays" as possible in order to stave off tolerance.
>
>
> Thanks for the advice.
>
> I'm actually afraid of trying Dexedrine because of my Adderall experience. I want to try it but I don't, you know? I'm seeing my shrink tomorrow and will probably bring it up (again). I think that if I found a stimulant that worked for me, I could use in on an as-needed basis when I needed to write papers or read or really get some work done.
>
> I never did feel expecially agitated on Ritalin or Adderall, which is almost weird since I'm so prone to agitation. If anything, I felt more calm, but, like I said, emotionally I felt horrible!
Dexedrine is smoother, straight D-Amphetamine with greater mental vs body stimulation, much prefered by many
Posted by Mr.Scott on May 23, 2005, at 20:15:04
In reply to Re: stimulant questions » jerrympls, posted by Paulbwell on May 22, 2005, at 2:37:20
Hey Paul,
Forgive me for interrupting, but what are you taking the Ritalin for, and is it working for what its prescribed for?
Scott
Posted by Paulbwell on May 23, 2005, at 20:37:26
In reply to Re: stimulant questions » Paulbwell, posted by Mr.Scott on May 23, 2005, at 20:15:04
> Hey Paul,
>
> Forgive me for interrupting, but what are you taking the Ritalin for, and is it working for what its prescribed for?
>
> Scott
Adult ADD
yes and no, its a good mood lift but my tolerance has gone from 60mgs up 2 needing 20mgs 6x daily. I'v beeen refered to a specialist, and will ask if there if if is cool? or ask if theres anything else (hopefully Dex) we'll see, I'M fukin sick of running out early.I have read from extensive reading that Rit was invented to replace the real thing (dex) and thats what i would like to try.
Its in his and my (carefully worded) hands.
Peace
Posted by Paulbwell on May 23, 2005, at 20:40:23
In reply to Re: stimulant questions » Paulbwell, posted by Mr.Scott on May 23, 2005, at 20:15:04
> Hey Paul,
>
> Forgive me for interrupting, but what are you taking the Ritalin for, and is it working for what its prescribed for?
>
> Scott
Adult ADD
yes and no, its a good mood lift but my tolerance has gone from 60mgs up 2 needing 20mgs 6x daily. I'v beeen refered to a specialist, and will ask if there if if is cool? or ask if theres anything else (hopefully Dex) we'll see, I'M fukin sick of running out early.I have read from extensive reading that Rit was invented to replace the real thing (dex) and thats what i would like to try.
Its in his and my (carefully worded) hands.
Peace
Posted by alohashirt on May 25, 2005, at 7:13:04
In reply to Re: stimulant questions » KayeBaby, posted by yesac on May 23, 2005, at 11:54:14
Show him the Johnratey.com paper reviewing treatment options tha mention s the "smoothness" of dexedrine and ask if he'd let you ytry it for a month to see if it is better,> > I had the same eperience with Adderall as you did. I was..a mix of things-depressed, irratable, tired, apathetic. I just felt like crap with nothing positive.
> >
> > Dexedrine works great for me.
>
>
> Really? That's good to know. Whenever I mention Dexedrine my shrink just says that Adderall is very similar blah blah blah... he doesn't seem too thrilled with the idea of me trying it. His hesitance could also have to do with the fact that my other meds are not stable either and he doesn't want to screw around too much with too many things.
>
> It's hard to explain how I felt on Adderall, but it was like I'd feel okay, and then all of a sudden feel this sense of horrible despair and despondency and want to kill myself. I felt very gloomy. It was really awful. I don't think that I felt especially agitated, but I felt like I was on some kind of weird emotional roller coaster and it was very abnormal-feeling, even for me.
>
>
This is the end of the thread.
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