Posted by Elizabeth on November 18, 1999, at 0:58:57
In reply to Effexor and 11 year old, posted by Lee on November 16, 1999, at 11:37:56
> My son has just been put on Effexor for Depression, anxiety and ADD. We've tried adderall, ritalin, dexadrine, celexa, zoloft and luvox. Severe insomnia and weight loss w/ stimulants and NO response to the anti-depressants. Is there hope?
Effexor is a good idea - lots of people respond to that after not responding to other antidepressants such as the SSRIs (e.g., Zoloft, Luvox, Celexa). Serzone and Remeron are antidepressants that are often good for anxiety and insomnia. Remeron can cause weight gain, so it might actually work out mixed with a stimulant.
For the ADD, some ideas:
- Cylert: a mild stimulant, needs to be taken promptly on waking up because it is long-lasting. Also, I believe regular liver function tests are recommended (worst case is the test is abnormal and he has to stop the drug; not permanent if caught quickly).
- Provigil: stimulant approved for narcolepsy, also being used for ADHD. Less "jittery" than other stimulants. Long-lasting like Cylert.
- Wellbutrin: stimulating antidepressant, works differently than the SSRIs and Effexor, often used for ADHD. May cause increased anxiety, irritability.
- clonidine (brand name Catapres) or guanfacine (Tenex): antihypertensive drugs often used for ADHD. Often kids take a low dose in the AM and a higher dose at bedtime to help them sleep. Supposed to be good for frustration tolerance.
poster:Elizabeth
thread:15306
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19991108/msgs/15428.html