Posted by viridis on January 5, 2003, at 22:34:02
In reply to ADHD + Social Phobia?, posted by backofclass on January 5, 2003, at 19:00:56
Although I don't have SP, I do have serious anxiety problems and panic disorder, as well as ADD. I do well on a combination of low-dose Klonopin and low-dose Adderall. They definitely don't cancel each other out -- if you have ADD/ADHD, stimulants have a good chance of making you feel more relaxed and focused, as they do for me. However, if you suffer from severe anxiety, I'd start with a benzodiazepine (like Klonopin) first, then try the stimulants once the benzo is controlling your anxiety.
I've also tried Provigil with Klonopin, and although it was energizing (and didn't cause anxiety), it didn't give me the same abiility to focus as Adderall. However, my psychiatrist says that some people with attention disorders do seem to respond well to Provigil -- apparently it's kind of hit-or-miss. He also prefers Adderall to Ritalin for ADDers with anxiety problems, although apparently it's very individual-specific.
There's a tendency to think of benzos (like Klonopin, Xanax, Ativan etc.) as "downers", and stimulants such as Ritalin and Adderall as "uppers". But it really isn't that simple for people with complex disorders. I don't find Klonopin a downer at all, nor do I find Adderall an upper. I just find that they work well together to stabilize me, reduce anxiety, and help me think more clearly.
One other thing -- there's a promising new drug called Straterra (atomoxetine) coming out this month that is supposed to be very useful for ADD/ADHD, and isn't controlled like many of the other stimulants. My psychiatrist is quite enthusiastic about it, and I'll probably try it soon. So, that's another option that you might discuss with your pdoc.
Good luck!
poster:viridis
thread:134655
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20021230/msgs/134683.html