Posted by Fuscia on July 3, 2002, at 11:25:17
In reply to Ooops! Bipolar or ADD? » Fuscia, posted by JonW on July 2, 2002, at 13:04:45
Hi Jon,
I appreciate you answering the questions! I'm still wondering, though, if the symptoms you mentioned occured simultaneously prior to starting any of the meds you are on? I am also curious as to how the current med combo you are taking was initiated. (Excuse me if you mentioned this before, but I didn't catch it). Were you prescribed all at the same time, or start out on one drug, then another drug added? Fact is, that these meds can cause the very symptoms you mentioned, and it's even more of a probability when one is taking a combination of drugs for who can truly say as to the combination effect on the body.
All I know is that you do have a lot of common sense, for you said that it isn't good to self-diagnose and that it's easy to find something when you are looking for it....you and I are much alike in that respect. I am always curious and always trying to figure out the "why" of everything, for I believe that there is a cause for everything. I'm driven to find out what it is. I even do this with everyday stuff - always analysing. There's nothing wrong with that. Just be careful with labels, though, for there are so many grey areas and a person can have more than one disorder that can add to the complication of diagnosing. I have been going through this myself. But, I have to be careful with labels, for I know how easy it would be to wear it like a flag and use it as an excuse for my actions, or that there is no hope for me, just the hope of finding the "right med". It can be a letdown going this route. So, as you told Scott, part science - part oneself as to getting to feeling and acting happy and content. You might consider the Adderall as a starting point since it didn't cause the depression as the dexedrine did (I assumed this depression occured when you discontinued the dexedrine?) And, you might be able to discontinue one of the other drugs you are taking if the Adderal helps.
Okay, so you are sensitive to hearing someone else chew their food. Are you sensitive to bright lights, loud music, annoyed at flashing commercials? I am. I have to turn away when I turn on a flourescent light over our kitchen counter, same for flashy commercials when mute is on. A friend sent me an article about Highly Sensitive People. In a nutshell it states that individuals with HSP are sensitive to external stimuli, caffeine, and medicines. I can take an antihistamine (dyphenhydramine,Benadryl) that only lasts four hours, but feel its effects well into the next day. I'll have to find that article and post it - it's interesting.
I too finish peoples sentences and interrupt them. It is like I am carrying on the conversation 5 seconds ahead of time in my head, and so I don't lose the thought I spew it out - otherwise I can't remember what I was going to say if I let the other person finish. This was prior to start of any meds. I felt like I had early signs of dimentia or Alzheimer's disease, or that I take after my mother who has the same problem. You should hear us on the telephone. She seems to not hear what I am saying, and I talk over her to finish my thought. I also get irritable when my husband and I are having a meal together and he starts to talk about something. I just can't concentrate on what he is saying and wish he would stop talking. Well, maybe other couples that have been married for 16 years go through this, too ; ) This has started after being on SSRI's.
I'm also left handed. I also have a difficult time reading, but more so at the start of a book, say, then once I get into the story - I just want to keep reading it through until the end. I can't read magasine articles. My mind drifts off. I am self-absorbed most of the time, thinking of how I feel, or ruminating over something I said to someone. If I am doing something physical like digging a hole to plant a tree, that is usually when I feel fine for my mind is not on myself. If it is a repetitious task, then I ruminate.
Now, getting lost is a good sign of ADD and not of Bi-polar disorder. But, I've heard this occuring to one that was taking one of the benzodiazepines for anxiety, and also an older person that was taking a beta-blocker for high blood pressure. Also, anxiety can certainly cause forgetting something that one normally wouldn't. I am taking Prozac 20mg weekly now, and I have noticed that since starting on SSRI's two years ago that my short-term and long term memory is terrible. It was bad before, but much worse now. I forget all sorts of stuff now that I used to not forget. It's frustrating.
Just be aware if you do take a test for ADD that the current drugs you are taking could effect the outcome.
Well, I hope I didn't come across too strong in my first post to you. I can lack tact.
Take care, and hope that all works well and we hope you keep us posted on how things go for you.
Fuscia
poster:Fuscia
thread:111115
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020628/msgs/111288.html