Posted by Jasmine Neroli on August 19, 2003, at 2:10:27
In reply to REALLY need advice just once more, posted by Peter on August 18, 2003, at 20:16:07
Hello there. 3 am and you're not sleeping...aagh! I remember those nights.Wake up already thinking a whole bunch of stupid thoughts, as tho' they kept on going on whilst you were asleep! So sorry that you're suffering still.
Coupla thoughts: (1)Nicotine gives you an immediate norepinephrine kick from the adrenal cortex (you said you were smoking and craving it, right?). Then it stimulates glucose release into your blood stream and you become energetic as your blood sugar rises.The stimulation suddenly ends (after cigarette ends), followed by depression and tiredness. This may be part of that cycle you are talking about, and the HR/sweating thing. Also, if you stop smoking for 24 hours (apparently)it takes longer for any emotional equilibrium to return, once disturbed. (No wonder it's SO hard to quit!). Can the smoking be part of the cycling equation you are experiencing? (2) Adderall has about a 6 hour effect and can cause lethargy on initial dosages. So maybe you're reacting like you just started it and were never on it before? In my answer to your previous post I suggested taking only the morning dose. I wonder if you can handle that amount better (i.e. adjust to it more easily).(3) I think you are EXTREMELY sensitive to any chemical that has a direct affect on neurotransmitters, including alcohol, THC, nicotine & probably caffeine. Your brain has been over-primed and probably "re-wired" by all the different drugs and life experiences you've been exposed to over the years. It's almost impossible to know how to advise you, cuz your brain is not a "blank canvas" or virgin territory.
HOWEVER, IMHO...if you feel that the Adderall effects are so noticeable and negative compared to how you've felt recently, then YES, stop it until you are in NY. Make sure, it's not the nicotine though! If you wanna take a chance on the XR having a less pronounced effect, you could try that, but it maybe best to just stop it altogether.
At the very worst, the Klonipin helps you stay calm, doesn't it? I think your goal should be as relaxed as you can. I kinda feel that Klonipin is the most important one right now.
DON'T take the Prozac yet!! Too many drugs substituting for too many other drugs.....confusion, meltdown, HEEELP! (That's your brain talking, hehe).
If your obsessional thinking/worrying is now specifically about the medications. Tell yourself something like the following, everytime the thoughts come up :"I'm on vacation and resting my brain/mind/emotions from all other drugs. On September 3 I will do informed research about available medications, evaluate my emotional state and prepare to visit my doctor. End of discussion"
And Peter, I'm gonna give you an assignment!! Next time you post, tell us which part of France you are in, and describe something you've seen in great detail. Change of focus.
Retrain your observations to "outside" of you, if you can. Your sensitivity is also a HUGE asset.
Be kind to yourself :)
Jasmine
poster:Jasmine Neroli
thread:251194
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030818/msgs/252052.html