diff medications
I am curious as to why your medications have so far been limited to SSRI's (Zoloft, Paxil, and Prozac) because CNS stimulents are generally the first-line therapy for ADD/ADHD. Neither SSRI's nor the aminoketone class (Wellbutrin) of anti-depressants are FDA-approved for the treatment of attention deficit disorders, although they frequently are prescribed for such off-label usage. 
Currently, Strattera --a selective norepinephrene reuptake inhibitor-- is the ONLY non-stimulent medication which has FDA approval for the treatment of ADD/ADHD.
CNS stimulents have been extensively documented in the successful treatment of ADD/ADHD. Contrary to popular belief, most people do not experience clinically significant adverse events with the appropriate use of these medications; however, all medications have the potential for causing side effects in some patients.
The only side effects I have experienced in my personal treatment are a decreased appetite and a dry mouth.
Good luck.
Hiya, I'm new here and I have a problem. Ive been diagnosed with ADHD when i was in 2nd grade and again when i was in 7th grade, but I still need to get another diagnosis. in 1999 when i was in 9th grade until 2001 i was on Zoloft. That didn't work too well. Then I went on Paxil, that didnt work either. Now I'm on Prozac Weekly and I am really dissatisfied with it. I don't know if its because I need a higher dosage (I'm on 90mg for Prozac now) or what. Anyone has any suggestions on which medication to try? I still need to go to my doctor. I heard that Wellbutrin works and Straterra. Anyone using those, can u tell me if you think it works for you? ThanksWell anti-depressants work better for me with another med for adhd. My son is on Straterra and Adderall. I want them to slowly increase straterra while decreasing adderall. His physician says that he would never take one off adderall with out weaning anyway. Besides he says that the combo works well with certain side effects like, insomnia and irritibility, that are caused by the stimulant medications. I am on Adderall XR 40 and Effexor XR 150mg. The effexor helps me with the insomnia. It is an anti depressant. Which I know I need. I get frustrated easy and I get stressed out about things too easy. If I get in a major bind I may have panic attacks (my version of a panic attack). The combo works best for me. and if you choose a stimulant, then I would suggest doing the combo therapy. Good Luck!Found this site for anyone worried about possible drug or food interactions with their medications.
http://www.drugdigest.org/DD/Interaction/ChooseDrugs/1%2C410 9%2C%2C00.html
It's a great site I've been able to recheck all of my meds. It lists all possible interactions and also how well documented and how severe the interaction is. I found all this very helpful especially when I need to take a cough or cold medication and am worried about the risks.
Susan, you wrote:" Don't wan't to gain weight to screw up my cholestorol which
happen before and I am borderline diabetic. and I think wellbutrin
could cause problem there "
Sorry if I wasn't clear — Wellbutrin does NOT cause weight gain,
that's a big, big plus for it. it is the SSRI's that virtually all frequently
cause weight gain. If you are concerned about weight, Wellbutrin is
the one you want. And it's for ADD. I gained weight on Celxa and
I've never been overweight — I hated it, and as soon as I went off it
and started Wellbutrin the weight started dropping off right away.
I'm glad you aren't using much of those other meds — it makes me
real nervous to see a multiplication of medications like that, and
those are dangerous in terms of addiction and overdose. It would be
awful to take one thing to get through the day, another to sleep, —
that's a viciouos cycle and I think a vicious cycle hard to get out of.
Have you tried acupuncture? Seriously. For sleep and anxiety.
Herbal remedies too.
I don't know how anyone can function taking all that crap frankly, it
has to turn a person into zombie . . .
Got any wholistic doctors around? My regular doctor is an
Osteopath, which is an M.D. but with more training for the
osteopathy, and he's also an acupuncturist and herbal medicine
expert. He sometimes makes up tinctures right there. I don't see
him for the depression or ADD, but for anything else — and what I
like is his insistence on absolutely minimizing drugs, they are a port
of last resort when there are other possibilities.
Acupuncture can do wonders . . .
NOTnot really I take clonazapane or oxazepame so rarely sometimes 2 a month or nothing for a couple of months.. just hoping what she gives me doesn't make me gain weight or affect my sugar in my body. Wellbutrin may effect my sugar in my body.. Also I go to a chiropractor about every 3 weeks. that helps sometimesGypsy Womyn:
I never hear of Carbatrol, what is it?
i don't know if Wellbutrin has any effect on Tourette's — I've never
read anything like that about it, but I have read it in everything I see
about Adderall or other stimulants.
Wellbutrin has a risk of seizures with some people, and that's the
main concern when prescribing it — someone who has had seizures
would not be prescribed Wellbutrin. I wonder if that relates to
Tourette's.
I don't know anything about all these cocktails of antidepressants
that a lot of people end up with — I am really grateful I have had
success with only needing to take one. I doubt that I will always take
the Adderall after this year — I haven't had the ADD interfere with
my life before, at all. But . . . at a particular stage in my doctoral
studies the kind of studying I have to do is far different — I can't pull
this off without doing the actual reading, all of it, and we have a
huge reading list. I failed the comprehensive exams based on it, and
I have never failed anything academic in my life. This is a second
career move too — I'm not a kid. I just could not do this, had this
wall, couldn't do the "A's without opening a book" thing, or the
research into topics I want to do and where I can jump around.
It was this failure that caused me to analyze what was going on and
take that thought that crossed my mind occasionally, that maybe I
had ADD, and see my doctor about it. I'm "over the threshold," it's
not severe but enough at this time to interfere with my life.
I am amazed at the differrence the Adderall makes — I can do this
reading, this studying, that I could not do. I'm allowed a retake, and
this diagnosis and this medication is probably going to save me in
this. Hey, I'm a member of Mensa, but failed these exams! They
asked "how much studying did you do?" (about as much as usual,
not much! COULDN'T!) They wanted to know why, what is going on,
and I was baffled too at the struggle.
I am glad we live in a time when we know about these things and can
give that explanation, and some treatment.
But, I digress. I think you're right, trying the Wellbutrin is worth it.
I don't think it can hurt, but ask about the Tourette's thing.
Susan,
LIke I said, I'm glad you seldom use those other drugs.
I"m not a fan of chiropracters, a personal prejudice. An osteopath is
a real doctor, a chiropracter is not — and the osteopath can move
your skeletal system in ways that will amaze!
Why do you think Wellbutrin would affect the sugar in your body?
Have you been told that is a side effect? I haven't ever noticed that
in the lists of side effects.
Thanks for the info. I guess I've always just blown right by some of
those cautions since they didn't relate to me.
It sure gets tricky . . .
yup it does get tricky sometimes Shoppers DrugMart is the pharmacy I deal with and any drug available in Canada is on there website. So when I see I drug I might ask my DR to give me I check there first to get more info
http://www.shoppersdrugmart.ca/english/health_wellness/healt h_information/index.html
This I got from Drug store information on internet Shopper DrugMart tell your Dr if you have Diabetes
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are already taking bupropion to stop smoking, taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), or thioridazine. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking other antidepressants or psychiatric medicines, certain high blood pressure medicines (e.g.,"beta-blockers"), certain heart medicines (e.g., propafenone, flecainide), decongestants, diabetes medicine, diet pills, levodopa, HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir), quinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin), seizure medicine, theophylline, tranquilizers, tramadol, warfarin, narcotic pain relievers (e.g., acetaminophen with codeine), or products containing nicotine (e.g., patches or gum). Also report the use of drugs which might increase seizure risk (decrease seizure threshold) when combined with bupropion such as phenothiazines (e.g., thioridazine), tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline), isoniazid (INH), or theophylline among others. Consult your pharmacist for details. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, including kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, head injury, tumors (e.g., brain or spinal cord), or history of drug or alcohol addiction, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE if you have a history or eating disorders (e.g., anorexia, bulimia). USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have suddenly stopped using alcohol or other drugs which you have become dependent on, muscle or nerve conditions, or a history of seizures. Discuss the use of alcohol with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using this medicine.
CAUTIONS:
DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. SEVERAL WEEKS MAY PASS before your condition improves. Continue to use this medicine for the full time recommended by your doctor. Do not stop taking this medicine without talking to your doctor. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are taking this medicine. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR CONDITION is recommended at the start of treatment with this medicine and whenever a change to your dose is made. If you experience anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, difficulty sleeping, irritability, hostility, impulsive feelings, severe restlessness, or worsening of depression contact your doctor as soon as possible. These may be signs that your condition is worsening or that your treatment with this medicine should be evaluated. If you are a parent or caregiver of a patient that is taking this medicine, it is important for you to watch for these symptoms. Contact the doctor as soon as possible if any of these symptoms occur. Contact your doctor for more information. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE DIZZINESS. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE of bupropion; doing so will increase your risk of having a seizure. Limit or avoid consumption of alcoholic beverages; alcohol can increase your risk of seizures. Chronic alcohol users who suddenly stop the intake of alcohol while taking this medicine may increase the risk of having seizures. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN USING THIS MEDICINE IN CHILDREN because they may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine. FOR WOMEN: THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.
sunray...carbatrol is a mood stabilizer. seems to work for me. GypsyWoman I have some but they are not as good as my oxazepam I never abused the med I took just sometimes Advil when my headaches and shoulder problem gets bad. Just waiting for approval to get breast reduction. That should solve half the problem the other half is stress.To Old Man:
How does Strattera not stimulate?
The same way SSRI's are not stimulants. Wellbutrin does have a
stimulating effect, which is why it has some success with ADD.
The SSRI's though, inhibit reuptake of a chemical, which is exactly
what Strattera does — allowing the chemical to stay.
To Toria: It really makes no sense that you have been prescribed
SSRI's for ADD. Get another doctor. Are you seeing a psychiatrist or
a GP? If the latter, make sure you drop that tack and see an expert
— a psychiatrists who knows what he is doing.
LauraMadaleline, I love your name. You sound like a well indoctrinated AMA type. I have tried many different medications at different doses for treatment of depression, and ADD, Strattera was one of them. I do not care if Stattera is the "only" non-stimulent drug FDA approved for treatment of ADD/ADHD, it has some very serious negative side effects with poor efficacy. I felt totally victumized by the LIE that it is non-stimulating.
I felt very stimulated and exibited all the nasty and irritating behavior associated with abuse of "stimulants". How does Strattera not stimulate? It has the same effect as stimulants. How is increasing the available level of norepinephrine any different than increasing the level or seretonin or dopamine?
In my humble opinion as an end user, I get much better relief from ADD with minimal side effects from, Ritalin LA 40mg and 450 mg Wellbutrin XL once in the am. People who do not have ADD and have not experienced the enlightening affects of "stimulant" medications, should not be citing FDA approval of ADD/ADHD medications as if this was the only acceptable solution.
Wasn't there something in the news lately about FDA approval of medication for pain that is now determined to have serious detrimental effects to peoples health. I was one of the trusting souls who was taking NSAI drugs for joint pain.
I am very confident that soon we will all be hearing about the admitted detrimental effects of Strattera, the wonder drug that is going to save the world from people getting addicted to stimulants. Where is the actual proof that stimulants are so much more detrimental then Stattera? I think it is a very slick advertizing and promotional program by EliLilly in collusion with the FDA to cast doubt on the inexpensive, "gold standard" -methalphenadate and promote the much more profitable Stattera. (insert drum roll hear, along with $ChaChing for Lilly. Maybe there is enough profit to provide kickbacks to anyone who colludes with Lilly reps and promotes Strattera.
OldMan57
SSRI's have been clinically proven NOT to be effective in treating ADD.I everybody I got my DR to give Wellbutrin SR 150MG 1 a day for now and in a few weeks 2 pills a day. She is afraid to try me on ADHD pills. Told her Welbutrin works for ADHD but she told me it's not true but she gave them to me anyway.. Anybody try Wellbutrin? How well did it work thanks everyone for your time My mom takes that I don't feel works well for her. She complains about all the meds she takes for many different things.hi sue, i have to agree with everyone when they say that everyone is different. i had some words earlier this week with a fellow poster b/c i've been pretty negative about welbutrin. personally, it treated my add pretty well. the problem was it caused agitation which made me anxious and a little depressed. i just couldn't stand the guilt of getting angry all the time. i think i may have been overmedicated. i was on the xl. at 150 i didn't get any add relief, but i did at 300. my mood started changing for the worse at 300. many people have luck with it and my doctor wanted me to try it because it is less hassle than the stimulants. it may very well be the medicine for you.
btw, love my adderall (day 3). notcrazy really isn't crazy anymore. i'm still scattered, but i have to give the meds a little bit of a chance. my mood is great and my energy level is actually level. go figure.
My body is sensitive to meds so when I was put on Prozac 20mg for PMDD it made me sick as heck so they changed it to 10mg same thing so I just stopped the meds and said forget it. I can ask others I know who can take meds to see what they feel is best. Thanks scattered&fun I guess everyone has a different experience with pills.. Well DR don't want me on ADHD pills because of abnornal cerebellum. So when I go see Neurologist in March will ask him for his input if ADHD drugs can harm me. He should have the report of my MRI scan.Hi My Dr put me on Alertec (provigil) 300mg a day worked a bit some days now it doesn't work. She would rather that I go on SSRI's but I tried one of them before 3years ago for a year and I gained 15lbs and my cholesterol levels weren't good since I have been off of it my cholesterol is fine lost the weight gained within 3 months. I did gain 10lbs back but that took about 3 years not because of meds. Was just diagnosed with ADHD about 4 months ago. I go see her in a few weeks not sure what to say to her.
Sue, I suggest asking your doc for ritalinLA 20mg to start. I have tried regular 10s, LA 20s, and LA 40s. 40mgLA work best for me. I really like the steady even release of the LA microcapsules throughout the day. No ups and downs, no side effects for me. They last about 7 to 8 hours, then I start to notice ADD simptoms again. Sometimes I work for up to 12 hours a day to finish a project( General Contactor). My doc gives me 30 regular 10mgs per month to use as needed to make it through a longer day.
Good luck - oldman56
Sue, I suggest your take the various things you read here and keepthem in mind as feedback to discuss with your doctor.
I then suggest you let the doctor do the prescribing, not a lay
person, not another ADD person, not someone you don't know.
That's just common sense. Just as we are always told, with good
reason, not to share our meds or take another person's medication,
no matter what we are talking about, you should not be allowing
someone in web log online to prescribe for you medicine and even
dosage! Frankly I think for anyone here to do that is seriously
overstepping boundaries — beyond their competency. No one here
knows your medical history. You need to be proactive, yes, but
not accepting of anything someone says here or anywhere else.
Think critically - doctors spend a lot of years becoming doctors so
they can treat you with expertise and hopefully, compassion.
I think the earlier post callingn Laura Madeleine "well indoctrinated
AMA" type was insulting and arrogant — it's that presumption some
folks develop that it fashionable to degrade anything from the AMA
and to hop on the bandwagon with anything that's not — as if that
made it better or unthinkingly good. Going in to your doctor and
saying, Hey, give me 20mg of thus and such is the height of
arrogance. And potentially dangerous.
I don't know why your doctor wants to put you on an SSRI
antidepressant for ADHD unless he/she thinks it's actually
depression that is your problem, not ADHD. But the thing to do is
ASK — Ask, "why do you want me to take an SSRI instead of the
medications that are normally prescribed for ADHD?" That's not
hard. And the age-old advice. Get a second opinion if you are in
any doubt. And get it from a doctor, not online. Make sure the
doctor you see is experienced in treating ADHD. Question, are you
seeing a psychiatrist for this? If not, you should. General
practitioners can prescribe it, but they are not specialists and aren't
skilled in medication management for conditions like this and
depression.
The only antidepressant that has been shown effective with ADHD is
Wellbutrin, and it is not an SSRI. I was only recently diagnosed with
ADD, but I've been on Wellbutrin for quite a while for depression,
and it has worked beautifully for that. It did not, however, do a
thing for what it turns out is ADD, though it's not severe. Enough to
interfere with a type of work I have to do this year though. Otherwise
I've been very successful without it, compensating, but wondering
about some odd things I faced.
So my doctor put me on Adderall 30mg, and that togetehr with the
Wellbutrin is working marvelously, from the get go.
SSRI's are notorious for weight gain. Wellbutrin is weight nuetral,
and also has no sexual side effects, which is why so many people
like it too. I gained weight on Celexa and finally told my doctor I
couldn't stand it, the weight gain was such a negative. He had, in
fact, mentioned Wellbutrin along the way as an alternative, and so I
asked if we could go ahead and try that. As soon as I went off the
Celexa the weigh started coming off quite naturally. A stimulant
drug for ADHD will also probably suppress your appetite, so that can
actualy be a good thing for a while, but you have to eat right and
take care of yourself that way too.
Why not make an appointment with another doctor before you have
your next one with the current doctor, and get that second opinion.
ASK QUESTIONS. You don't have to just sit mutely and take a
prescription you don't understand and isn't the usual course for
ADHD. But you also should not treat what you read here as gospel.
Everyone has their own story, people react differently to different
drugs. Some have a hard time finding the right medication and
dosage, others hit it first time around, which I did, and I'm grateful
for that. But I have an excellent doctor.
Wishing you the best, and remember, the AMA is not your enemy!
SunRay thanks for your response.. My dr I see is psychiatrist she told me that SSRI works on ADHD.. I see for anxiety and stress but realized lot of the stress is do to the problem my ADHD causes in my life. She is the one that gave me the referral to be tested for ADHD. I did the testing through my provincial insurance plan so it wouldn't cost me a thing (O.H.I.P). But she feels the SSRI's would do the job just as good as Ritalin or the other drugs. I see her next week. Just she so bent on trying SSRI's when I tell that Alertec is not working anymore well I will have to have information backing me up on what I thinks could help me and ask her opinion of that. So are you saying that wellbutrin works for ADHD or is it just for depression? I know Wellbutrin is also in Ziaban=for people who want to stop smoking. I don't drink or smoke I found this website with all the medication for ADD or ADHD. and Wellubutrin is there http://addwarehouse.comshopesite_sc/store/html/articl e3.htm ignore the space in word article
Thanks again everybody for your help I appreciate it
I had a doctor that was hell bent on giving me depression meds (I wasn't depressed) instead of treating me for ADHD. Tried just about every SSRI and other depression med out there before I said enough and decided to find a new doctor. Not only were my ADHD symptoms out of control because they weren't being treated but the depression meds made me really really sick. I had a really bad experience with that doctor but stuck with her for 2 years because I figured she knew what she was talking about. While it usually takes doctors a few trys to find the right ADHD med for you some won't ever find it because they stick with a narrow veiw and don't listen to the feedback they get from there patients. I was told that the new med would help my ADHD everytime by my doctor and also was brushed off when I complained of side effects and my declining health. AWhat I'm getting at with this wondering post is definately give your doctor a chance but if they are not willing to listen then move on don't go through two miserable years before taking action like I did.
Oh and a question for Toria - Why do you have to be diagnosed again. Usually people go for a second opinion if they either aren't sure about the accuracy of the first diagnosis or the diagnosis itself was flawed in some way. To have to be diagnosed again after you already have twice in the past seems very odd. That combined with the fact that the doctor is only prescribing depression meds makes me question the doctor. Are you see a specialist or just a GP. Sounds like you are getting bad advice or treatment from somewhere.
The only antidepressant that has been shown effective with ADHD is
Wellbutrin, and it is not an SSRI. I was only recently diagnosed with
ADD, but I've been on Wellbutrin for quite a while for depression,
and it has worked beautifully for that. It did not, however, do a
thing for what it turns out is ADD, though it's not severe. Enough to
interfere with a type of work I have to do this year though. Otherwise
I've been very successful without it, compensating, but wondering
about some odd things I faced.
So my doctor put me on Adderall 30mg, and that togetehr with the
Wellbutrin is working marvelously, from the get go.
I would second sunray, on this matter. My earlier comments about AMA thinking, is related to difficulties getting treatment for depression and ADD from my primary care. Because Wellbutin was not indicated as a medication for treating ADD he would not prescribe it and refered me to a psych. Turned out to be the best thing that has ever happened to me. I found a psych who really listened to me, and was willing to give me Wellbutrin for depression and Ritalin for ADD.
He indicated that depression often accompanies ADD and both are related to deficiencies in chemicals, that affect mood, attention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. I do not have a big problem with hyperavtivity on a physical level; however, I occasionally have a hyperactive mind and difficulty getting to sleep even though I am tired.
Perhaps, the combination works so well for me is because I used to get frustrated and depressed by the difficulties I had with being able to maintain a coherant line of focus. Work is soooo much easier for me on medication, and I feel more productive, and successful, which helps me to feel good about myself, and not prone to depression.
I do not feel any side effects from either the Wellbutrin or Ritalin and that is why I "recommend" this combo to someone who has been "diagnosed" with ADD/HD
oldman56
[QUOTE=sue watters1] SunRay thanks for your response.. My dr I see is psychiatrist she told me that SSRI works on ADHD.. I see for anxiety and stress but realized lot of the stress is do to the problem my ADHD causes in my life. She is the one that gave me the referral to be tested for ADHD. I did the testing through my provincial insurance plan so it wouldn't cost me a thing (O.H.I.P). But she feels the SSRI's would do the job just as good as Ritalin or the other drugs. I see her next week. Just she so bent on trying SSRI's when I tell that Alertec is not working anymore well I will have to have information backing me up on what I thinks could help me and ask her opinion of that. So are you saying that wellbutrin works for ADHD or is it just for depression? I know Wellbutrin is also in Ziaban=for people who want to stop smoking. I don't drink or smoke I found this website with all the medication for ADD or ADHD. and Wellubutrin is there http://addwarehouse.comshopesite_sc/store/html/articl e3.htm ignore the space in word articleThanks again everybody for your help I appreciate it
[/QUOTE].
Take a bow SUE, Welcome to the forum. Your reponse to your situation reveals to me that you are starting down the road of, "What will Work for Me".
You have got different responses from "Individuals". It is practice to trial different
meds and tweak doseage based on individual picture formed by the Consultant.
The use of any particular med must be based on your need not the view of anyone
of us here. As Sunray has said, Professionals Diagnose and Perscribe, But, if you
are in doubt, 2nd Opinion is there. You are not isolated on this road you have started down. So Girl, go for it, read, ask questions, unload, laugh, cry, its all
part of the journey of discovery of what works for your ADHD.
Sue, thanks for your reply and more info.
Wellbutrin has been shown to be effective for ADHD — for some
people. That is probably because unlike the SSRI's, Wellbutrin has a
stimulant effect, though it's not classed as a stimulant like the
regular ADD meds.
I was on Wellbutrin for depression, and have been for a a couple of
years. I was only recently diagnosed with ADD after something that
really made me look at that. So obviously, Wellbutrin did not work
for my ADD, I needed more. It's certainly worth trying.
Yes, Ziaban and Wellbutrin are the same thing — a different name is
used to prescribe for the stop smoking use, but it is exactly the
same drug. Which is why they always caution that if someone is on
Ziaban they cannot take Wellbutrin for depression — it would be a
major overdose. The dosages to stop smoking are generally lower
than what is prescribed for depression.
Wellbutrin has also been effective in obsessive/compulsive disorder,
which is probably why it works for smoking — because it helps stop
compulsions, and addictions are compulsions. A pretty multi-
faceted drug, it seems!
So yes, Wellbutrin is also for ADD, and it is the ONLY anti-
depressant that has proven effective for ADD. Which is why your
doctor insisting on giving you SSRI's is puzzling. And why I think a
second opinion is probably all the more a good idea.
It is possible that there's something in it for her in pushing the
SSRI's, again — second opinion worthwhile here.
And good gosh, the side effects of antidepressants are far more
problematic for some people than the stimulant side effects. The
only side effect I've had from Adderall is suppressed appetite and
some dry mouth. While antidepressant side-effects do subside in
most cases, it can take a while. I had a doozy of one on Celexa —
which can cause tremors. I had a voice tremor! It was awful, my voice
was weakened and trembling and only got partially better in time.
I make my living with my voice — so this was a real problem. I
sounded like I was going to cry. My psych. sent me to ENT
specialists to check out my vocal cords and make sure nothing else
was going on. Turned out I did have some weakening to one side
that they think was caused by a virus. They didn't think the Celexa
caused the problem, and I had voice therapy to deal with this.
But guess what? When I finally came off Celexa because the weight
gain was intolerable, my voice returned to normal, with only the
occasional weakness from the viral thing, and I have the exercises to
work on that. So they were all wrong . . . Celexa causes tremors but
they had never heard of a vocal tremor from it. Now they have!
I had a very hard time getting used to Wellbutrin, I was sick,
nauseaus and dizzy for way beyond the usual period of time. I stuck
with it though, because it has so many good features (like no weight
gain and no sexual side effects) and because if I gave up I'd have to
start all over on something else, and deal with those side effects!
It was worth it. They side effects eventually passed and I have no
ongoing side effects at all, I'm totally comfortable with it. I know a
lot of people on Wellbutrin and none of them had as hard a time as I
did in the intitial phase. So, you may find it a breeze.
The stimulants for ADD have one major hassle — they are controlled
substances, which means you have to have a written prescription
every month. No call ins. No refills. So you have to pick up that
script, or give the doctor self addressed, stamped envelopes and call
him/her each month when it's time and it can be sent to you. You
also have to fill it within five days of the date on it, and it cannot be
post-dated (felony!). But, if it works, you put up with that stuff.
This is all U.S. law, I forgot to ask — are you in the U.S.? You
mention a provincial insurance plan and I don't know what that is,
but it sounds like Canada? In which case, I have no idea whether you
have the same restrictions on the stimulants.
So I have been on a an SSRI, up to the maximum dosage, and it did
nothing for ADD. If she thinks SSRI's will do the job just as well, a
good thing would be to ask why she thinks that — what evidence,
what studies back that up? She should be able to tell you they did
this or that study and determined it. If not, sorry to say, she seems
to be way off. Maybe it has worked in her practice, or maybe the
people didn't actually have ADD, because depression can do many of
the same things — can't concentrate, focus, antsy, etc. And for
people with dysthymia, a chronic, low-grade depression, they have
always lived with it, even from childhood, so it may be mistakenly
diagnosed as ADD.
It would be a shame to waste your time on a drug with no evidence
of effect for ADD, so do what you can to have information and
ask questions. You don't have to go along with her, you can tell her
you have questions about this and want to get more information.
Some doctors will not prescribe stimulants to people with a history
of addiction/substance abuse, but you say you do not drink or
smoke. Is there any reason for her to think there's any high risk
here?
Well, you've got plenty of food for thought. Please let us know how
this works out, what you find out, what you end up taking, and how
it works! It will help with information for other folks too.
Good luck!I'm not Toria, but when I say second opinion I'm talking less about
the diagnosis than the treatment. Get a second opinion on whether
taking SSRI's makes any sense for it.
But it is also entirely possible that the diagnosis is off, or even that
she suspects it's not ADD and goes along it anyway, bit treats you
for depression and anxiety which she thinks is really the problem.
Some doctors tell patients what they want to hear, and then
cleverly get around it.
Or she may not understand ADD. So, second opinon.Sunray...you mentioned that Wellbutrin is good for OCD. I have ADHD, and my dr wants to try Wellbutrin; however, I have Tourettes (physical, not vocal), and I understand that Wellbutrin, as well as the other ADD meds like Adderal and other stimulants, etc., can make "tics" worse, and Tourettes is a form of OCD. So what's a girl to do?
I'm already on Paxil for depression and anxiety, and it helps somewhat with tics, but of course not with focusing, insomnia, etc. And she also wants me to take Wellbutrin along with the Paxil. I'm also on Carbatrol for mood disorder (began before recent dx for ADHD, which I've had since age 6...in the 50s they didn't know about such things or meds for it). I wish I didn't have TS, because I would love to be able to take a med that would help with my focusing and motivation, (and I don't mean hyperfocusing, I already do that!)
I suppose I could try the Wellbutrin and see how it goes.
w/and w/o Carbatrol, w/ and w/o Paxil. 'round and 'round we go! 
Thanks everyone Its nice to see how people react to different medications. so it gives me an idea how it could possibly react to me
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