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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 9 of 9. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by js28ae on November 8, 2008, at 16:51:43
I am suffering from ADD as well as mild depression/hypermanic tendencies.
Because I have a predisposition for bipolar disorder it was not recommended for me to go on Ritalin.
My psychiatrist has just suggested that I try Effexor instead. But looking online it seems that Effexor is primarily used for major depression, which I do not have (my symptoms are there, but mild). I am having a lot of trouble finding info on ADD's relationship with Effexor-- instead I am finding a LOT about negative discontinuation symptoms. It's scaring me.
Thoughts? Does anyone else have experience with Effexor and ADD/mild depression? I do not want to become dependent on medication for the rest of my life, and while I know Effexor isn't habit-forming, I wonder if I would just stay on forever for fear of the withdrawal symptoms.
Thanks all.
Posted by azalea on November 8, 2008, at 22:16:01
In reply to Effexor for ADD?, posted by js28ae on November 8, 2008, at 16:51:43
If you have a predisposition for bipolar disorder, Effexor is not a good choice IMHO. It can induce cycling and mood destabilization. (This is independent of the discontinuation syndrome which can be quite unpleasant.)
Have you considered Wellbutrin? It improves attention and concentration, and is also useful for depression.
Are you currently taking any medications?
> I am suffering from ADD as well as mild depression/hypermanic tendencies.
>
> Because I have a predisposition for bipolar disorder it was not recommended for me to go on Ritalin.
>
> My psychiatrist has just suggested that I try Effexor instead. But looking online it seems that Effexor is primarily used for major depression, which I do not have (my symptoms are there, but mild). I am having a lot of trouble finding info on ADD's relationship with Effexor-- instead I am finding a LOT about negative discontinuation symptoms. It's scaring me.
>
> Thoughts? Does anyone else have experience with Effexor and ADD/mild depression? I do not want to become dependent on medication for the rest of my life, and while I know Effexor isn't habit-forming, I wonder if I would just stay on forever for fear of the withdrawal symptoms.
>
> Thanks all.
Posted by Phillipa on November 8, 2008, at 23:15:23
In reply to Re: Effexor for ADD? » js28ae, posted by azalea on November 8, 2008, at 22:16:01
See you're new welcome to babble. Love Phillipa
Posted by Phillipa on November 8, 2008, at 23:17:03
In reply to Re: Effexor for ADD? » azalea, posted by Phillipa on November 8, 2008, at 23:15:23
Sorry azalea meant for the new poster. Love Phillipa been a busy day tired.
Posted by js28ae on November 9, 2008, at 15:20:42
In reply to Re: Effexor for ADD?, posted by Phillipa on November 8, 2008, at 23:17:03
Hi Philippa and Azalea and anyone else out there!
Ok, I have made another appt with the psychiatrist to talk to them about their choice of Effexor.
I will investigate Wellbutrin. Is it in the same family as Ritalin?
This would be my first medication, so at least I don't have to worry about interactions with other stuff.
What I don't get is why I can't take Ritalin if it's considered dangerous of throwing me into a manic episode, OR Effexor because it might also throw me into a manic episode...It seems like any kind of med can trigger one?...
Thank you again for support. It's really good to know that there are real live people out there who know and understand my situation!
Posted by azalea on November 9, 2008, at 17:58:36
In reply to Re: Effexor for ADD?, posted by js28ae on November 9, 2008, at 15:20:42
Wellbutrin and Ritalin both work on the same neurotransmitters (NE and DA), but by different mechanisms of actions.
Bipolar symptoms can sometimes be mistaken for ADHD symptoms. If this might be the case in your situation, you might ask your psychiatrist about trying a mood stabilizer 1st.
The risk of a medication triggering a manic episode is much lower if you have a mood stabilizer on board.
Antidepressants alone (without a mood stabilizer) can cause cycling and mood destabilization.
> Hi Philippa and Azalea and anyone else out there!
>
> Ok, I have made another appt with the psychiatrist to talk to them about their choice of Effexor.
>
> I will investigate Wellbutrin. Is it in the same family as Ritalin?
>
> This would be my first medication, so at least I don't have to worry about interactions with other stuff.
>
> What I don't get is why I can't take Ritalin if it's considered dangerous of throwing me into a manic episode, OR Effexor because it might also throw me into a manic episode...It seems like any kind of med can trigger one?...
>
> Thank you again for support. It's really good to know that there are real live people out there who know and understand my situation!
Posted by B2chica on November 10, 2008, at 12:16:18
In reply to Effexor for ADD?, posted by js28ae on November 8, 2008, at 16:51:43
odd.
i have been dx bipolar with add and i've been on ritalin last several years.
i think it could induce some mania in the beginning. but it actually did wonders for my depression.
was on about 20mg Ritalin/generic.Effexor was WAY WORSE for my bipolar, i cycled like every other day...was bad for me.
i don't want to hinder your trying new med. works different with everyone. but i'm suprised he doesn't give it a try, or maybe suggest strattera instead?
since you are looking to treat ADD not depression.best wishes to you
b2c.
Posted by desolationrower on November 10, 2008, at 16:49:55
In reply to Effexor for ADD?, posted by js28ae on November 8, 2008, at 16:51:43
I don't know there is any reason to think venlafaxine is safer than a stimulant for ADD. Even though bupropion is weaker, it is unlikely to cause cycling. I think that might be a good place to start.
-D/R
Posted by utopizen on November 17, 2008, at 18:26:33
In reply to Effexor for ADD?, posted by js28ae on November 8, 2008, at 16:51:43
a doc at a Harvard research hospital swears by Provigil+ Straterra... says the two meds alone do little, but in his patients, the combo really has a huge effect. He treats people with sleep apnea + ADD.
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