Posted by rxnurse on November 11, 2003, at 3:08:24
In reply to Antidepressants - What worked for me, posted by Clayton on October 29, 2003, at 18:11:22
I currently take Lexapro for depression with Provigil (modafinil). My shrink augments the Lexapro with the Provigil to give me a "boost" so I can get out of bed and live my life. I was taking Ritalin for the same purpose up until being switched to Provigil. I have found that Ritalin works better for me as far as energy and focusing on tasks. The downside is that it's effects only last about four hours at the most. Sometimes after the Ritalin wears off, I would feel low. I have read that this is a common side effect even in people that are not depressed to begin with. This is where I can see it becoming a vicious cycle, leading to dependence. Together with my shrink, we decided that I try to do without it for a while and give Provigil a shot. It is not as potent as Ritalin or amphetamines, and does not have such serious side effects (on the circulatory system). It also has a low degree for abuse because it does not produce a "false sense of well being". The action of Provigil may last up to 15 hours, depending on the dose. I have not found this to be true for me. A couple of times it has made me feel anxious and very depressed. I don't particularly like the Provigil, and because of these side effects I have stopped taking it. Sometimes I think it is making my depressive mood more intense, whereas the Ritalin helped. I have been going through a really rough time since this summer with job related issues, and am hoping that I won't need to take Ritalin when I am back in my old work routine as a registered nurse.
Also, Provigil is very expensive. About $200 for thirty pills!!!!!
poster:rxnurse
thread:274772
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/subs/20031014/msgs/278449.html