Posted by Jay2112 on February 14, 2022, at 17:31:28
Looking at clinical studies, many people seem to respond to either Ritalin, or Dexedrine (or Vyvanse, the twin of Dexedrine except for delivery systems) but not both. I have a preference for Dexedrine (amphetamine), and it has been described as being 'smoother' then Ritalin. But, some find Ritalin much more effective. (I also have had a good response to Aderall, which is mixed amphetamine salts). Ritalin just seemed way to strong for me, even at smaller doses. Dexedrine, and then Vyvanse, has worked awesome for me, without dose escalation, for over 15 years. In fact, I have even come down on the dose. Yes, it has induced a happy hypomania (I am Bipolar II), but it subsides quickly.
I am now trying another antidepressant (I am on a small dose of Effexor) to boost the amphetamine effect, for the cognitive dulling effect of my carbamazepine and lamotragine. I tried desipramine, but it is way, way too strong, with numerous stomach, back ache, and headache side effects, even at miniscule doses. So, yet another trial of nortriptylne is in place, as it feels, once again, much 'smoother' than desipramine.
I am very, very comfortable with polypharmacy, as it has been the only solution for my bipolar. Really, bipolar is all about balance, so it is balancing each med to a mental 'harmony'. I think that is whar all of us are trying to achieve...
Humans punish themselves endlessly
for not being what they believe they should be.
-Don Miguel Ruiz-
poster:Jay2112
thread:1118605
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20220128/msgs/1118605.html