Posted by Emma584 on October 22, 2011, at 15:14:03
Hi everyone -
I am not sure what my question(s) are, but you all seem knowledgeable. Just looking for insight, as I have a totally offbeat body chemistry.
I have Adult ADHD, mild bipolar II and do not have a thyroid. I also had a total hysterectomy in 2008 (no hormones). Now that I am post-menopause, my body chemistry has changed. My doctors are trying to figure out the best cocktail at this point, as the mild bipolar II was only diagnosed a month and a half ago.
Levoxyl has been the consistent drug for the last 12 years. It replaces my thyroid hormone. For the last few years, I have been taking Adderall 30 mg, Lexapro and Levoxyl, with some Restoril thrown in for chronic insomnia.
When the Adderall shortage hit, I was switched to Focalin in August, which was too strong, and then Vyvanse in September. I reacted to Focalin like I have reacted to Ritalin in the past - CRAZY manic episodes. Vyvanse was too strong but did not make me feel crazy like Focalin and Ritalin. I just ran out of the Vyvanse yesterday.
Since the BP II diagnosis, I have not been taking antidepressants for the first time in 13 years, which feels great. When I stopped the ADs, my doctor put me on Lamictal, and I am now up to 100 mgs daily. I take it at night.
Because I seem to be unable to tolerate Focalin or Vyvanse, the doc put me on Strattera, which I have been taking for five days at 18 mgs. I am about to go up to 40 tomorrow.
I've weaned off the Vyvanse but took that with the Strattera this week. This combo has brought on some scary chest pains and weak/no focus. I have resorted to taking a Restoril to counteract the chest pains.
Next week, I am having my thyroid levels tested.
Does anyone know why I would have chest pains on Strattera/Focalin/Ritalin (norepinephrine-related drugs), vs. Adderall?
Thank you for reading this long post. :)
- Emma
poster:Emma584
thread:1000498
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20111016/msgs/1000498.html