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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 15 of 15. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by qbsbrown on May 4, 2008, at 17:07:18
Provigil didn't have enough umph for me. Ritalin got me out of bed, off the couch, allowed me to focus and concentrate at my job. But it still feels like it's too much. Rapid thoughts, a little paranoind.
My dose isn't too high, the feeing only lasts for an hour or so. I've tried Concerta and Adderall XR.
Strattera?
Brian
Posted by SteelyDan on May 4, 2008, at 18:46:23
In reply to Whats stronger than Provigil but less than Ritalin, posted by qbsbrown on May 4, 2008, at 17:07:18
Posted by Phillipa on May 4, 2008, at 19:28:07
In reply to Whats stronger than Provigil but less than Ritalin, posted by qbsbrown on May 4, 2008, at 17:07:18
Vyvanase? Phillipa
Posted by ncrainbow on May 4, 2008, at 21:00:38
In reply to Re: Whats stronger than Provigil but less than Ritalin » qbsbrown, posted by Phillipa on May 4, 2008, at 19:28:07
Have you tried Dextraamphetamine (Dexedrine)..The spansule loads slowly and has a little "happy" feeling added into the normal stimulant effect.
It is generic, cheap, and has been use widely throughout America for over 50 years.
Some docs are wary to try it because it does have MAJOR addiction potential.
I loved it and only went off it recently because I am zippy enough on 300 mg of Wellbutrin.
Posted by qbsbrown on May 4, 2008, at 21:10:48
In reply to Re: Whats stronger than Provigil but less than Ritalin, posted by ncrainbow on May 4, 2008, at 21:00:38
What is the half life of the sustained release of the dexedrine? How many times taken daily, and what is max dose?
Brian
Posted by ncrainbow on May 7, 2008, at 22:59:56
In reply to Re: Whats stronger than Provigil but less than Rit, posted by qbsbrown on May 4, 2008, at 21:10:48
Good question...
the half life depends on whether you chose the spansule (made to be timed release) or just the straight detramphetamine. For me, the spansule's effect lasted about 12 hours. When I took just straight 10 mg dextraamphetamine in the morning, it got me through about 8 hours.
Posted by qbsbrown on May 14, 2008, at 17:57:38
In reply to Re: Whats stronger than Provigil but less than Rit » qbsbrown, posted by ncrainbow on May 7, 2008, at 22:59:56
I see the doctor tomorrow. Although Ritalin has helped me, I find that it barely lasts 2 hours, and it seems a little rough edged, although helps focus,concentration,motivation, makes me have racing thoughts with a little paranoia.
Looks like I'm going to Dexedrine, and I wondered if the timed release was better (adderall xr did nothing for me).
Regards,
Brian
Posted by ncrainbow on May 14, 2008, at 22:24:00
In reply to Is Dexidrine smoother than Ritalin??, posted by qbsbrown on May 14, 2008, at 17:57:38
I am not sure if this message will get to you in time for your doctor's appointment...here are my thoughts
Spansule
Pros-smoother coming on and off, good if you are not likely to remeber to take a second dose of the regular stuff in a timely manner.
Cons-you don't have as much control about when you schedule your peaks, if you sleep late or forget to take it, you are faced with taking it midday and being unable to sleep.Straight dextramphetamine 5 or 10 mgs
Pros-more control over when you get the bursts of energy and focus, can adjust the dosage to correspond to what you need to do that day. Can take it in lower dose in the midday if you miss taking it in the mrning.
Cons-taking it in an erratic fashion can make some people kind of anxious, sad, or disorganized in their thinking. This was an issue for me becasue I cn't seem to do anything on a regular schedule. The drop off when its effects are gone is pretty rapid. I definitely had some overly cranky moments and then would realize it was late enough in the day that my "happy pill" had worn off.Best scenario in my opinion is to take the spansule every day (at the same time approximately) and then get some 5mg tabs for those days when yo need to be focused and producing in the later afternoon or evening.
Lastly, be prepared to be much more sensitive to caffeine.
One other drawback is that if you have the tendency to tunnel in on something (like searching the net or playing video games) expect that dex may make that tendency a little more intense.
Posted by qbsbrown on May 14, 2008, at 23:11:18
In reply to Re: Is Dexidrine smoother than Ritalin??, posted by ncrainbow on May 14, 2008, at 22:24:00
> I am not sure if this message will get to you in time for your doctor's appointment...here are my thoughts
Yes, appt not til tomorrow. Thanks for the response.
> Spansule
> Pros-smoother coming on and off, good if you are not likely to remeber to take a second dose of the regular stuff in a timely manner.remembering when to take isn't a problem. I have to take my morning dose of Ritalin and wait around for it to kick in.
> Cons-you don't have as much control about when you schedule your peaks, if you sleep late or forget to take it, you are faced with taking it midday and being unable to sleep.
I don't sleep in late, and I'm not worried about the insomnia.
> Straight dextramphetamine 5 or 10 mgs
> Pros-more control over when you get the bursts of energy and focus, can adjust the dosage to correspond to what you need to do that day. Can take it in lower dose in the midday if you miss taking it in the mrning.
> Cons-taking it in an erratic fashion can make some people kind of anxious, sad, or disorganized in their thinking. This was an issue for me becasue I cn't seem to do anything on a regular schedule. The drop off when its effects are gone is pretty rapid. I definitely had some overly cranky moments and then would realize it was late enough in the day that my "happy pill" had worn off.With Ritalin, i have many moments of erratic thoughts, disorganized, and am anxious.
>
> Best scenario in my opinion is to take the spansule every day (at the same time approximately) and then get some 5mg tabs for those days when yo need to be focused and producing in the later afternoon or evening.
>
> Lastly, be prepared to be much more sensitive to caffeine.
>
> One other drawback is that if you have the tendency to tunnel in on something (like searching the net or playing video games) expect that dex may make that tendency a little more intense.I'm worried about the searching the net and video games, as those are already severe.
Will the spansule last all day? I found with Adderall that it wasn't strong enough, well, i just didn't know it. Isn't Dexedrine part of the Adderall?
What is the max dose? Is it 45mg of the spansule?
Regards,
Brian
Posted by ncrainbow on May 15, 2008, at 6:23:21
In reply to Re: Is Dexidrine smoother than Ritalin??, posted by qbsbrown on May 14, 2008, at 23:11:18
From your description, it sounds like the spansule is definitely the way to go. I think you will find it lasts long enough. The doc will probably taper you up depending on your stimulant history.
FYI--Adderall is a blend between metaamphetamine (ritalin-like) and Dextramphetamine.
I suspect you will find the dexedrine spansule taken on a regular schedule to decrease the disorganized thoughts. My ability to think orderly and do projects start to finish was drastically increased on the spansule. I was also just generally happier and more confident.
As far as the tunnelling in, I guess you will have to wait and see. A best cse scenario would be that you would be able to tunnel in on all the "have-to's" in your life and then be able to limit the tunnelling in on discretionary activities as needed.
One added bonus us that dex starts working from day one...it does get better over time but you will feel the effects right away..More so if you take w/o food.
Good Luck
Posted by michael on May 15, 2008, at 15:55:51
In reply to Re: Is Dexidrine smoother than Ritalin??, posted by qbsbrown on May 14, 2008, at 23:11:18
> Will the spansule last all day? I found with Adderall that it wasn't strong enough, well, i just didn't know it. Isn't Dexedrine part of the Adderall?
>For me it lasts something like 6 1/2 hours +/- 1/2 hour... approximately.
> What is the max dose? Is it 45mg of the spansule?
>I take 60 mg. Max is a somewhat relative term... there's no law. I think 60 may be the recommended max, but that's really just a guideline.
Michael
Posted by undopaminergic on May 15, 2008, at 16:44:47
In reply to Re: Is Dexidrine smoother than Ritalin??, posted by ncrainbow on May 15, 2008, at 6:23:21
>
> FYI--Adderall is a blend between metaamphetamine (ritalin-like) and Dextramphetamine.
>Adderall contains no methamphetamine ("metaamphetamine"), and methamphetamine is not particularly "Ritalin-like". Rather, Adderall is a mixture of the two stereoisomers of amphetamine - dextro- and levo-amphetamine - which are furthermore formulated as three different salts - namely sulfate, aspartate and saccharate.
> One added bonus us that dex starts working from day one...it does get better over time but you will feel the effects right away.
>You are fortunate not to experience the development of tolerance to this drug. Unfortunately, many people find that amphetamines - and most other stimulants - tend to lose, rather than gain, efficacy over time.
Posted by undopaminergic on May 15, 2008, at 16:55:13
In reply to Re: Is Dexidrine smoother than Ritalin?? » qbsbrown, posted by michael on May 15, 2008, at 15:55:51
> > What is the max dose? Is it 45mg of the spansule?
> >
>
> I take 60 mg. Max is a somewhat relative term... there's no law. I think 60 may be the recommended max, but that's really just a guideline.
>Although that is true, it is highly advisable to avoid the use of high doses of amphetamines, especially in the long term, due to the potential for deleterious neurophysiological adaptions affecting the dopaminergic system in particular; such adaptions - regarded by some as signs of neurotoxicity - have been demonstrated in human recreational amphetamine [ab]users, in rodents, and in primates exposed to doses as low as those considered to be in the high therapeutic range.
Posted by rina on May 19, 2008, at 23:24:15
In reply to Whats stronger than Provigil but less than Ritalin, posted by qbsbrown on May 4, 2008, at 17:07:18
The best overall combination that has worked for me hands down, is concerta 18mg and brand name ritalin 3xday at 20mg. Wonderful combination!!!! No peaks or valleys, straight focus, concentration, organization and thankfully no paranoia outbursts. It works wonderfully towards my mood stability.
Posted by rina on May 19, 2008, at 23:24:23
In reply to Whats stronger than Provigil but less than Ritalin, posted by qbsbrown on May 4, 2008, at 17:07:18
The best overall combination that has worked for me hands down, is concerta 18mg and brand name ritalin 3xday at 20mg. Wonderful combination!!!! No peaks or valleys, straight focus, concentration, organization and thankfully no paranoia outbursts. It works wonderfully towards my mood stability.
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