Hello Everyone.

I'm a 41 year old male that was diagnosed with ADHD at 36 years of age.  You might find it interesting, that I did not know I had this, even though both my dad and brother are prominent doctors.  Anyway, to make a long story short, I have been on the following drugs with no sucess:  Retalin, adderal, concerta, desiprimine, Wellbutrin, effexor, and Lexapro.  The good news is that I've been on Cymbalt 20mgs, for about six weeks, and finally "THIS IS THE ONE!!!!".  I am very happy!!!!.  This takes care of those derailing systoms that I've always lived with, which are: Hyperactivity, impulsivity, distractability, and focus inconsistancy.  I was a social drinker, and an occassional pot smoker, which was a way to self medicate.  I haven't touched any of that stuff since I've started.  I have even had those things put in my face, but I feel so even and right, that I have no inerest.  Cigarettes were another thing I used to do socially, especially with alcohol.  Again, I have no interest or impulse to touch those either.  The first 13 days, I had started with 30 mgs of Cymbalta.  By the 12 day or so, this dose felt to high.  I was too aware of my brain.  My head kind of felt like it was too large for my skull.  My prefrontal lobe felt as if were pressed against a window.  So I switched to 20mgs, which I take in the morning at around 8:30 am.  It kicks in around two hours later.  On this drug, I'm good all day long until I go to sleep.  I am very happy.  I wanted to share this with everyone. 

The reason why I think this drug works, is because it's dual acting like effexor.  The problem I had with Effexor, was that I needed to take at least 375mgs to even feel the alleviation of ADHD systoms.  The problem with that though, was that I was feeling too many side affects such as insomnia, dry mouth (heavy), and anxiety.  I do not have any of those side effects with this stuff.  One would most likely feel some at the very beginning, but they go away after the first week.  Most likely, people would experience insomnia and a little wierdyness, but that goes away.

I hope I've been helpful.

Mr. B

This post just feels wrong.

Ok well if this is a phony post then it's wasting space. And if others can waste space then I think I'll use this opportunity to show everyone my two sleepy pups.

LOL I got a scanner for Xmas so had to get a quick pic of my pups on my computer.

The one on the left is Gwen (English Setter) and on the right is Jackson (Pointer) 

I swear if it is at all possible for dogs to have ADHD, then Jack would be the poster dog. And why is that idea so far fetched anyway animals get every other disease and disorder we do, in fact the last time we went to the vet Jack was given the same type of penecillin I get when I'm sick.

Alright forget it it's not working right now and I wasted enough time playing with pictures maybe I'll fix it later. No promises

Okay guys, I'm new here so please tell me what I am missing in Mr. B's post.  I read it and actually felt excited for him that he has found something to help his misery!  What are you reading that I'm not getting.  Do you feel he's a drug rep trying to push cymbalt or something.  Please advise.  Thanks,

Linda

The one on the left is Gwen (English Setter) and on the right is Jackson (Pointer) 

[/QUOTE]

Where are they?

We also have 2 dogs, but no scanner.  Sasha is a 12 year old Dalmador(Dalmation & Black Lab) & Hunter is a 2 year old Bagel (Begal mixed with X) he is our ADD puppy.  I swear that dog has a shorter attention span that my ADHD son! 

I hope you get it all working so we can see your dogs.

[QUOTE=LRM216]Okay guys, I'm new here so please tell me what I am missing in Mr. B's post.  [/QUOTE]

Welcome Linda.  If you hang out here long enough you will start to notice a trend.  If someone gives a glowing "infomurcial" like testimonial in their first 5 posts, chances are there is some other agenda.

Okay guys, I'm new here so please tell me what I am missing in Mr. B's post.  I read it and actually felt excited for him that he has found something to help his misery!  What are you reading that I'm not getting.  Do you feel he's a drug rep trying to push cymbalt or something.  Please advise.  Thanks,[/QUOTE]

Don't know, the stock market comes to mind. That drug has a troubled past and was just approved. The drug is used for MAJOR depression, not normal stuff. It wouldn't be used for ADD.

I don't consider myself naive at all, but I sure missed something here.  Thanks to all for the input.  Much appreciated and a little wiser!!

Night all -

Linda

shinsetu_hito wrote:
The drug is used for MAJOR depression, not normal stuff. It wouldn't be used for ADD.

Thas correct. The medication is called Cymbalta and its an antidepressant. It doesnt address symptoms of ADHD with regard to impulsivity, hyperactivity or distractability. Also, it hasnt been tested under the age of 18.

Cymbalta Home

Actually, Cymbalta is a duel inhibitor norepinephrine and serotonin.  NE inhibitors block the uptake of both NE and dopamine in the prefrontal cortex.  Strattera is an NE inhibitor which has found to be effective for ADD, uses the same mechanism.  Dysfunction in Dopamine output in the prefrontal cortex is thought to be the cause of ADD.   Any NE inhibitor will also block dopamine in the prefrontal cortex, and therefore should have some effectiveness in treating ADD symptoms.

Cymbalta should be as effective as Strattera, and would probably be better for those who have co-morbid depression or ocd.

That said, I would probably choose Milnacipran over Cymbalta as a duel NE DA inhibitor.  I'm using Zoloft and Reboxetine, which is a another norepinephrine inhibitor.

Here's a good newsletter which mentions Cymbalta as a potential treatment for ADD.

http://www.psychiatrist.com/brainstorms/br6402.pdf

Ok well if this is a phony post then it's wasting space. And if others can waste space then I think I'll use this opportunity to show everyone my two sleepy pups.

LOL I got a scanner for Xmas so had to get a quick pic of my pups on my computer.

The one on the left is Gwen (English Setter) and on the right is Jackson (Pointer) 

I swear if it is at all possible for dogs to have ADHD, then Jack would be the poster dog. And why is that idea so far fetched anyway animals get every other disease and disorder we do, in fact the last time we went to the vet Jack was given the same type of penecillin I get when I'm sick.

Alright forget it it's not working right now and I wasted enough time playing with pictures maybe I'll fix it later. No promises

Wow, I really didn't anticipate such synicism.  For the record, I'm not a drug rep.  I have my own company in the finance area.  Also, being the son of a doctor, and having a brother as one, I have always had access to information, or at least answers to some questions that I may have, out of my own curiousity.  I have absolutely "no" interest in having anyone profit financially from my comments on Cymbalta.  "I couldn't care less!".  Secondly, the comment about the drug being indicated for Depression and therefore not making sense for ADHD, obviously does not come from a person that is a Pharmacologist.  There are a host of Antidepressents that are perscribed to those individuals for which stimulants "do not work".  These are called the second line of drug therapy for ADD or ADHD.  For example, Wellbutrin is one.  Diseprimine, a tri-cyclic antidepressent is another.  There are many cases, where stimulants make people's ADHD symtoms worse.  Unfortunately, there isn't a magic test that one can take to determine if one will work compared to another.  It was mentioned that one individual was pleased for me that I was taken out of my missery.  Well, I wouldn't say I was miserable, but the symtoms of ADHD can be a hinderence to a person's capacity to reach a higher quality of life in different facets of life's challenges, such as work and relationships.  So obviously, if one can have these symtoms delt with, one can automatically get a boost, which in turn can make it easier to get to a more coherent and more meaningful existance. 

Now, since I had been through trial and error with several medications, I was just so pleased with the results, that I felt compelled to let others in on it.  I must confess, that I have never been a proponent of spending a lot of time with these forums, putting up posts, because I'm in the process of building a business, and do not have the time to participate in these things.  However, I thought that my story and result was important enough to share with others who may have thought there may not be anything out there for them.  On the contrary to the belief of others, that I posted my thoughts to waste other people's time, my motivation is quite the opposite.  It is because I have something positive to report that I have taken the time to compose my post.  Furthermore, I have a girl friend who lives in Florida, who has what I have and demonstrates the same personality traits as I do, who I helped discover her ADHD as well.  She has been on the same path as I, with respect to trying out different drug options.  She would basically wait to see how I do before she takes the plunge.  Interestingly enough, she went on the same drug, after waiting to see how I did after 4 weeks or so.  It has been two weeks for her, and she is also feeling the same relief as I am.  In conclusion, I'm not saying that this drug would work for everyone who has ADHD.  I do know for example, that what works for children does not always work in adults.  Why, because we know that retalin works for many children, what percentage I do not know, but I do know that it did not work for me.  Needless to say, that drug is indicated for ADD and ADHD, but it did not work for me.  But according to a couple of comments to my previous post, that should be what I should take perhaps, because that drug is indicated for that.  The bottom line is, is that we are all "not" built the same Neurochemically.  But, from by experience, I have learned a couple of things, which has helped me finally find the right drug for me.  I wish all of you well in your pursuit to better mental health.

Mr. B

I'm sorry if I insulted you (since I started the ball rolling) but you know there is a battlezone mindset in this forums because we are constantly being hounded and harassed.

Open your eyes,

It's refreshing to see someone come to the table, who has actually read about the science of why ADHD occurs in the first place.  I would concur with you that there are neurotransmitter circulation issues which are responsible for the disorder.  I was first introduced to those issues, when I read Dr. Amen's, "Healing The Six Types Of ADHD".  From his ground breaking Spect Scans, Dr. Amen has been able to determine the common thread that exists among people who have ADHD, by looking at the brain activities amongst thousands of scans that he has taken and analyzed over the years.

It's interesting that you have found a drug combination that addresses the reuptake inhibition of serotonin, dopamine, and Norepinphrine.  I think that's how you spell it.  Anyway, the reason why I was holding out till now from taking a drug combination was exactly that.  It's a combination.  I just felt psychologically, that less is more, or less is less harmful to the body in the long run.  For that reason my preference is to take one thing that can solve everything.  It seems thus far that I am able to do that with this one drug.  I do have one concern.  I just got my blood results back.  My over all cholestrol was 2.12.  My triglycerides were 290.  My brother, a hemotologist (blood specialist), and Internist (board certified in both fields), suggests that my triglycerides should be below 250.  I do remember a few years back, when I had not went on this drug journey, that my Cholesterol was as low as 139 even, with my triglycerides being at 145 or so.  In addition, I don't eat junk food, processed food, high fats, or food groups that would be responsible for such a reading.  So, I do not know if it's the advancement in age, lack of cardio, or the antidepressents that are responsible for these levels.  That is my only "new" concern here.  I think I will become a bit more stringent with my diet although I don't see where I can cut back, since I'm in great shape with no bad eaty habits.  The second thing, is that my brother suggested that I come back in a month, and make sure that I have done a water fast before the test.  I did not do that this time, but I had in the previous tests of two years ago, which indicated then as well, that the levels were above the recommended levels.

Hopefully the results next time will be better after the fast.

If you have any knowledge with respect to how lipids are effected by antidepressents, I'd like to know about it.

Mr. B

No sorries necessary.  I hope from my response, you can determine that I have a genuine interest to communicate my positive results.  Anyway, a further validation of my experience can be seen in the interesting article that was provided to us by "open your eyes".  The article speaks to the neurotransmittors, which in my case, seem to have normalized with Cymbalta.  Thanks for the article called, http://www.psychiatrist.com/brainstorms/br6402.pdf, which seems to explain why I am experiencing the positive results.

Good day!

Mr. B

I would like to add one last thing about my drug therapy.  I think I settled on taking Cymbalta and not Strattera, because the Strattera does not affect serotonin reuptake.  The last time I went on a drug that affected Dopamine and Norepinephrine, was when I was on Wellbutrin.  The stimulating prefrontal results were too severe, and caused significant difiance and aggression.  My frontal cortex was so activated, that it created a high level of axiety and upididyness, which was unsettling for me as well as the people around me, not to mention the terrible insomnia that it gave me.  For this reason, I think that indivuals like myself, stand to gain a better balanced affect from a drug that handles the serotonine, as well as the norepinephrine.

Mr. B

Mr. B:

I apologize that your initial post was met with much disdain.  Being a newbie here myself,  after reading some further posts in response to your initial post, I was intimidated to do so.  I regret that.  At this time I want to tell you that I thought it was great that you have finally hit upon something that you feel real potential in, and  wish you much continued success.  It was a very informative post and I appreciate your sharing it.  Thank you.

All the best to you -

Hello LRM216,

Thanks for the kind words and support.  Have a good day!

Mr. B

Wow, I really didn't anticipate such synicism

Mr. B......I really apoligize if you think we were being synical but in truth, those of us who are experienced with ADHD and ADHD treatments are very protective because we have so many spammers coming here with misleading, inaccurate information that we feel responsible in the sense that we try to teach parents new to all of this to learn how to distinquish between accurate information as opposed to junk science. I thank you for addressing this in an artiulate, respectable manner and Im glad yolu found a treatment that works for you.

Luvmykids02,

Again, no appologies necessary.  I have not the experience as most of you do with this forum, but I can understand your protectiveness, if indeed there are people that are insensitive enough to take advantage.  That is truly unfortunate that people can spend their time like that.  Luckily ADHD does not = bad ethics.  That is an entirely a different matter all together.

Have a good evening,

Mr. B

Mr. B, while you are very generous with your exceptance of our protectiveness, I too want to add my apologies.  As other have stated, we have had a rash of self promoters & peoples with other agendas here that had us immediately on the defensive.  You have really reminded us that sometimes what you see is indeed what you get.

I also am happy you have found something that works for you.  I hope it continues, & that your experience can help others here.

What type of business are you opening?  It is great to see a fellow ADDer that loves finanace.  Before children I was a banker, & have been able to use that to take on clients that need help with bookkeeping & the like & still be able to pick my children up from school.

Again no appologies necessary.  Anyway, to answer your question, I have a credit card processing company.  The market of businesses out there, that accept credit cards as a form of payment, use organizations like mine through a bank to processes Visa/ master card.  In my case, I represent the Bank of America, and have rates in most cases, that are even lower than what merchants can get going to the bank directly.  As a matter of fact, I have relationships with various accountants and bookkeepers like yourself, that refer business to me.  Simply put, I am able to improve the merchant's bottom line by giving them lower rates and fees, which get debited every month from their accout for accepting credit cards from their customers.  In return for these referals, I of course reward my referal partners monetary, which results in everyone being happy full circle.

Mr. B