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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 4 to 28 of 28. Go back in thread:
Posted by elise on April 13, 2000, at 12:48:18
In reply to Re: Provigil Euphoria(???), posted by university on April 12, 2000, at 14:47:59
> > "SSRI-EDS"
> > Hi Tia,
> > could you please explain what SSRI-EDS is?
> > Is the provigil helping you with depression, energy, motivation?
> > Please let me know how your experience goes.
> > Thank you,
> > Anthony
>
> Hi Anthony,
>
> "TIA" is an abbreviation for "thanks in advance."
>
> Anyway, what I meant to say is that I have SSRI-induced "EDS" or Excessive Daytime Sleepiness."
>
> It is working well--keeping me awake and energized.
>
> JMI took my first dose 100 mg. provigil today. I don't th ink I really feel any different then before. I am supposed to increase it to 200 tomorrow. Am I wrong in coming to the conclusion that provigil is most being prescribed for sedation symptoms???? Has anyone been prescribed it for ADD and/or depression? I can't seem to findmuch about it on the web. thanks
Posted by university on April 13, 2000, at 12:53:18
In reply to Re: Provigil Euphoria(???), posted by elise on April 13, 2000, at 12:48:18
> > > "SSRI-EDS"
> > > Hi Tia,
> > > could you please explain what SSRI-EDS is?
> > > Is the provigil helping you with depression, energy, motivation?
> > > Please let me know how your experience goes.
> > > Thank you,
> > > Anthony
> >
> > Hi Anthony,
> >
> > "TIA" is an abbreviation for "thanks in advance."
> >
> > Anyway, what I meant to say is that I have SSRI-induced "EDS" or Excessive Daytime Sleepiness."
> >
> > It is working well--keeping me awake and energized.
> >
> > JM
>
> I took my first dose 100 mg. provigil today. I don't th ink I really feel any different then before. I am supposed to increase it to 200 tomorrow. Am I wrong in coming to the conclusion that provigil is most being prescribed for sedation symptoms???? Has anyone been prescribed it for ADD and/or depression? I can't seem to findmuch about it on the web. thanks
Yes, it is only approved for excessive daytime sleepiness related to narcolepsy. But it is being used in other cases. I'm not sure how effective it can be for depression or ADD.Why are you taking it?
It's VERY strange, but I notice an effect from it immediately after swallowing the pill. It's like I can feel the pill in my throat still, but I'm getting these effects...
JM
Posted by elise on April 13, 2000, at 14:00:26
In reply to Re: Provigil Euphoria(???), posted by university on April 13, 2000, at 12:53:18
> > > > "SSRI-EDS"
> > > > Hi Tia,
> > > > could you please explain what SSRI-EDS is?
> > > > Is the provigil helping you with depression, energy, motivation?
> > > > Please let me know how your experience goes.
> > > > Thank you,
> > > > Anthony
> > >
> > > Hi Anthony,
> > >
> > > "TIA" is an abbreviation for "thanks in advance."
> > >
> > > Anyway, what I meant to say is that I have SSRI-induced "EDS" or Excessive Daytime Sleepiness."
> > >
> > > It is working well--keeping me awake and energized.
> > >
> > > JM
> >
> > I took my first dose 100 mg. provigil today. I don't th ink I really feel any different then before. I am supposed to increase it to 200 tomorrow. Am I wrong in coming to the conclusion that provigil is most being prescribed for sedation symptoms???? Has anyone been prescribed it for ADD and/or depression? I can't seem to findmuch about it on the web. thanks
>
>
> Yes, it is only approved for excessive daytime sleepiness related to narcolepsy. But it is being used in other cases. I'm not sure how effective it can be for depression or ADD.
>
> Why are you taking it?
>
> It's VERY strange, but I notice an effect from it immediately after swallowing the pill. It's like I can feel the pill in my throat still, but I'm getting these effects...
>
> JM
what kind of effect do you feel? my doc says I am ADD. I have been taking prozac for years and then started taking neurontin (a small dose) for anxiety. TUrns out I was soooo tired I couldn't move. So, i try adderall and can't stand how I feel so I stopped taking it. I feel better because I also decreased the neurontin, but when I spoke to the doc yesterday, he tells me to try provigil. I assumed for the ADD, but now I am not so sure. What does it do for you??? elise
Posted by JohnL on April 14, 2000, at 2:49:04
In reply to Provigil Euphoria, posted by university on April 11, 2000, at 18:47:22
> I just began modafinil 200/mg/day for SSRI-EDS. It is working wonderfully, but I am experiencing some euphoria on it; should I be concerned?
>
> I don't have any history of drug or alcohol abuse (except smoking cigarettes, and taking Tylenol #3 for a brief stint when I was a teenager for dental pain I didn't really need it for).
>
> TIA,
>
> JMI've been taking Adrafinil for a couple weeks now and am amazed at the results. Adrafinil is the earlier version of Modafinil. They're very similar, though Modafinil is much more expensive but doesn't have the periodic blood test requirements to check liver enzymes.
Though various antidepressants have had fair results with me in preventing severe depressive episodes, they have not at all treated my anhedonia. The result is that I'm not depressed, but not happy either, and totally incapable of enjoying anything in life. I just exist. Antidepressants merely prevent me from spiraling down.
I noticed a significant boost of mood and energy my first day on Adrafinil, which then faded quickly. But with continued use, it has been doing its job nicely. Though it is--like Modafinil--basically a version of a psychostimulant, it works slowly over days to weeks...nlike most stimulants, which work almost immediately.
Adrafinil has been the only thing in a couple dozen different trials to actually address my anhedonia. I'm loving this feeling of being interested in things, of actually wanting to do things and anticipating the fun. Very strange yet welcome feeling. Almost like a kid turned loose in a candy store. Though Modafinil and Adrafinil are very similar, I'm not sure if Modafinil would work as well, better, or worse. In Europe it is generally considered that Adrafinil is more of an antidepressant than is Modafinil. In any case, I'm not arguing with results. I would highly recommend anyone give either Adrafinil or Modafinil a try, especially if low energy, low motivation, and anhedonia are the core symptoms.
Posted by elise on April 14, 2000, at 10:23:59
In reply to Re: Provigil Euphoria, posted by JohnL on April 14, 2000, at 2:49:04
> > I just began modafinil 200/mg/day for SSRI-EDS. It is working wonderfully, but I am experiencing some euphoria on it; should I be concerned?
> >
> > I don't have any history of drug or alcohol abuse (except smoking cigarettes, and taking Tylenol #3 for a brief stint when I was a teenager for dental pain I didn't really need it for).
> >
> > TIA,
> >
> > JM
>
> I've been taking Adrafinil for a couple weeks now and am amazed at the results. Adrafinil is the earlier version of Modafinil. They're very similar, though Modafinil is much more expensive but doesn't have the periodic blood test requirements to check liver enzymes.
>
> Though various antidepressants have had fair results with me in preventing severe depressive episodes, they have not at all treated my anhedonia. The result is that I'm not depressed, but not happy either, and totally incapable of enjoying anything in life. I just exist. Antidepressants merely prevent me from spiraling down.
>
> I noticed a significant boost of mood and energy my first day on Adrafinil, which then faded quickly. But with continued use, it has been doing its job nicely. Though it is--like Modafinil--basically a version of a psychostimulant, it works slowly over days to weeks...nlike most stimulants, which work almost immediately.
>
> Adrafinil has been the only thing in a couple dozen different trials to actually address my anhedonia. I'm loving this feeling of being interested in things, of actually wanting to do things and anticipating the fun. Very strange yet welcome feeling. Almost like a kid turned loose in a candy store. Though Modafinil and Adrafinil are very similar, I'm not sure if Modafinil would work as well, better, or worse. In Europe it is generally considered that Adrafinil is more of an antidepressant than is Modafinil. In any case, I'm not arguing with results. I would highly recommend anyone give either Adrafinil or Modafinil a try, especially if low energy, low motivation, and anhedonia are the core symptoms.Yesterday at 100 mg. provigil I felt great....I didni't realize how great I felt until I thought about how much fun I had with my friends that i haven't seen in years last night!! Also the fact that I sat down and did some work for the first time in a long time. So, I increased my dosage as per instructions to 200 mg. today. I am taking 30 mg. prozac and 450 mg./day neurontin for anxiety. I started feeling a little anxious and spoke to a different doc that I know in the same office just now. He told me that he thought I should decrease my prozac to 20 mg. ----which i will tomorrow. He told me the 2 negative things he sees about provigil is 1) the cost and 2) after a while in some people he sees depression in the evenings. I am concerned about that. Have any of you guys taking provigil found that yet? Also, how much do you take and do you take it all at the same time? Thanks, elise
Posted by elise on April 14, 2000, at 15:01:15
In reply to Re: Provigil Euphoria(???), posted by university on April 12, 2000, at 14:47:59
> > "SSRI-EDS"
> > Hi Tia,
> > could you please explain what SSRI-EDS is?
> > Is the provigil helping you with depression, energy, motivation?
> > Please let me know how your experience goes.
> > Thank you,
> > Anthony
>
> Hi Anthony,
>
> "TIA" is an abbreviation for "thanks in advance."
>
> Anyway, what I meant to say is that I have SSRI-induced "EDS" or Excessive Daytime Sleepiness."
>
> It is working well--keeping me awake and energized.
>
> JMhere it is and i am feeling quite anxious -- different than yesterday!!!! Is it anyones experience that this will diminish if I continue at this dose and decrease prozac? HELP
Posted by michael on April 14, 2000, at 15:22:44
In reply to Re: Provigil Euphoria, posted by JohnL on April 14, 2000, at 2:49:04
> > I just began modafinil 200/mg/day for SSRI-EDS. It is working wonderfully, but I am experiencing some euphoria on it; should I be concerned?
> >
> > I don't have any history of drug or alcohol abuse (except smoking cigarettes, and taking Tylenol #3 for a brief stint when I was a teenager for dental pain I didn't really need it for).
> >
> > TIA,
> >
> > JM
>
> I've been taking Adrafinil for a couple weeks now and am amazed at the results. Adrafinil is the earlier version of Modafinil. They're very similar, though Modafinil is much more expensive but doesn't have the periodic blood test requirements to check liver enzymes.
>
> Though various antidepressants have had fair results with me in preventing severe depressive episodes, they have not at all treated my anhedonia. The result is that I'm not depressed, but not happy either, and totally incapable of enjoying anything in life. I just exist. Antidepressants merely prevent me from spiraling down.
>
> I noticed a significant boost of mood and energy my first day on Adrafinil, which then faded quickly. But with continued use, it has been doing its job nicely. Though it is--like Modafinil--basically a version of a psychostimulant, it works slowly over days to weeks...nlike most stimulants, which work almost immediately.
>
> Adrafinil has been the only thing in a couple dozen different trials to actually address my anhedonia. I'm loving this feeling of being interested in things, of actually wanting to do things and anticipating the fun. Very strange yet welcome feeling. Almost like a kid turned loose in a candy store. Though Modafinil and Adrafinil are very similar, I'm not sure if Modafinil would work as well, better, or worse. In Europe it is generally considered that Adrafinil is more of an antidepressant than is Modafinil. In any case, I'm not arguing with results. I would highly recommend anyone give either Adrafinil or Modafinil a try, especially if low energy, low motivation, and anhedonia are the core symptoms.
Hey John,I'm gonna give adrafinil a try shortly... are you going w/300mg b.i.d.? Are you taking anything else with it? Notice any side effects?
From what I understand, it shouldn't affect sleeping patterns? (meaning that it doesn't keep you from getting to sleep at night?)
Btw, as far as the liver tests go, did you just go to your reg. doc, and tell him/her what you were doing, in order to get the tests run? They knew what tests needed to be done?
I've been trying amisulpride for the last week or so, but it's major effect seems to be inducing a rip van wiknkle impression...(i.e.: sleeping a lot).
Thanks for any feedback you can offer. michael
Posted by Scott L. Schofield on April 14, 2000, at 15:51:52
In reply to Re: Provigil Euphoria, posted by michael on April 14, 2000, at 15:22:44
> I've been trying amisulpride for the last week or so, but it's major effect seems to be inducing a rip van wiknkle impression...(i.e.: sleeping a lot).
>
> Thanks for any feedback you can offer. michael
How much amisulpride are you taking?It may be possible to take too high a dosage of amisulpride when treating depression. I see that people here are taking between 50mg - 100mg. Higher dosages are used as tranquilizers to treat schizophrenia.
- Scott
Posted by JohnL on April 14, 2000, at 16:03:09
In reply to Re: Provigil Euphoria, posted by michael on April 14, 2000, at 15:22:44
> Hey John,
>
> I'm gonna give adrafinil a try shortly... are you going w/300mg b.i.d.? Are you taking anything else with it? Notice any side effects?
>
> From what I understand, it shouldn't affect sleeping patterns? (meaning that it doesn't keep you from getting to sleep at night?)
>
> Btw, as far as the liver tests go, did you just go to your reg. doc, and tell him/her what you were doing, in order to get the tests run? They knew what tests needed to be done?
>
> I've been trying amisulpride for the last week or so, but it's major effect seems to be inducing a rip van wiknkle impression...(i.e.: sleeping a lot).
>
> Thanks for any feedback you can offer. michaelMichael,
I'm currently taking 600mg Adrafinil (300mg A.m., 300mg lunchtime). Also 100mg Amisulpride A.m. St.Johnwort (Movana brand) two to three times a day. And I still like Remeron 7.5mg at bedtime. I think I could drop the Amisulpride and do just fine. I really think the Adrafinil is the powerhorse in my cocktail, but SJW works great with it. They compliment each other nicely. I used 7.5Remeron for sleep for a long time and like it that way.During my first week Adrafinil gave me terrible sleep. Even the Remeron couldn't overcome it. But after a week, and ESPECIALLy obvious immediately after adding the SJW, I sleep very well. Deep sleep, wake feeling rested.
I requested a blood test to check all liver related stuff. I didn't specify why or what medications I was taking. (He thinks I'm still on Prozac). But hey, it's my money, so I can buy what I want. They know I've been on many drugs over the years, so a liver check is a good idea twice a year anyway. The tests came back fine. I also take the herbal supplement Milk Thistle. It is very beneficial for liver function. It even prevents liver toxicity in poisonous mushroom ingestion. Its active ingredient is the base of many prescription medications for liver problems. Milk Thistle is cheap easy liver insurance.
Anyway, for someone with core symptoms of anhedonia, lack of energy, lack motivation, lack of pleasure, Adrafinil can work very well. It definitely restores vigilance, interest, and activity, and relieves depression simultaneously. The package label classifies it as a psychostimulant. But it is more like an antidepressant I think, especially in the fact that it takes days to months for it to work fully. I find it far superior to any antidepressant I've ever tried, and it has no side effects now that my initial insomnia stage is behind me.
Hope this helps. JohnL
Posted by michael on April 14, 2000, at 16:14:49
In reply to Re: Provigil Euphoria - michael, posted by Scott L. Schofield on April 14, 2000, at 15:51:52
> > I've been trying amisulpride for the last week or so, but it's major effect seems to be inducing a rip van wiknkle impression...(i.e.: sleeping a lot).
> >
> > Thanks for any feedback you can offer. michael
>
>
> How much amisulpride are you taking?
>
> It may be possible to take too high a dosage of amisulpride when treating depression. I see that people here are taking between 50mg - 100mg. Higher dosages are used as tranquilizers to treat schizophrenia.
>
>
> - ScottHey Scott,
I started taking 50mg/day for a few days, then tried 100mg, and just got sleepier... went back to 50mg(tried splittng it - 25mg bid). Still sleeping too much.
It's only been about a week, but I'm thinking of moving on, and trying smthng else. I'm expecting to receive adrafinil next week - think I'll try that for a few weeks...
I had high hopes for amisulpride, and I know it's only been a week, but I was hoping to sleep less (if anything), rather than more... michael
Posted by Leighwit on April 14, 2000, at 16:36:30
In reply to Provigil Euphoria, posted by university on April 11, 2000, at 18:47:22
Is Provigil (which I know is FDA approved for narcolepsy) the US version of Modafinil, or are they chemically different drugs?
Is Adrafinil available by prescription in the US?
Thanks.
Posted by elise on April 16, 2000, at 18:23:46
In reply to Provigil Euphoria, posted by university on April 11, 2000, at 18:47:22
> I just began modafinil 200/mg/day for SSRI-EDS. It is working wonderfully, but I am experiencing some euphoria on it; should I be concerned?
>
> I don't have any history of drug or alcohol abuse (except smoking cigarettes, and taking Tylenol #3 for a brief stint when I was a teenager for dental pain I didn't really need it for).
>
> TIA,
>
> JMI QUIT! I took 200 mg. of provigil today and no prozac and i feel like I am jumping out of my skin. I had the same reaction with wellbutrin, buspar, adderall, and now this. I guess I'll have to go through life with ADD and being somewhat lazy and unmotivated ( I think caused by the prozac). Oh well. These stimulating drugs really make me feel like crap. Any other ideas?????
Posted by Scott L. Schofield on April 17, 2000, at 8:07:06
In reply to Re: Provigil Euphoria, posted by elise on April 16, 2000, at 18:23:46
> I QUIT! I took 200 mg. of provigil today and no prozac and i feel like I am jumping out of my skin. I had the same reaction with wellbutrin, buspar, adderall, and now this. I guess I'll have to go through life with ADD and being somewhat lazy and unmotivated ( I think caused by the prozac). Oh well. These stimulating drugs really make me feel like crap. Any other ideas?????
I hope it is not time to quit just yet. Have you tried a tricyclic antidepressant? I know that imipramine (Tofranil) has long been used to treat adult ADD. I doubt it would cause the same negative reactions you have experienced with the drugs you listed above. Of course, imipramine does not have the loveliest of side-effect profiles, but it still may be worth the trade-off if it were to work. These may not be much of a factor if the effective dosage is low enough. I don't know what dosage range is used for ADD. Perhaps other tricyclics are now recognized as being effective as well. Some of these, particularly desipramine (Norpramin) and nortriptyline (Pamelor), are more forgiving as far as anticholinergic side effects are concerned. These side effects include dry-mouth, constipation, disturbances of vision, sweating, increased heart rate, and memory difficulties. Of course, not everyone experiences all of these or to significant degrees. If you have not tried this approach, I would definitely suggest you look into it.Good luck.
- Scott
Posted by DC on April 17, 2000, at 15:09:36
In reply to Re: Provigil Euphoria - elise, posted by Scott L. Schofield on April 17, 2000, at 8:07:06
Elise,You wrote: > > I QUIT! I took 200 mg. of provigil today and no prozac and i feel like I am jumping out of my skin. I had the same reaction with wellbutrin, buspar, adderall, and now this. I guess I'll have to go through life with ADD and being somewhat lazy and unmotivated ( I think caused by the prozac). Oh well. These stimulating drugs really make me feel like crap. Any other ideas?????
First of all please read my post "New med Combo for Social Phobia" In it I talk about my bad reaction to Adderall alone, but how when I combined these with Neurontin and klonopin I was able to get a really good effect. If you combine the stimulant with an benzodiazipine or anticonvulsant you might be able to get the energy, motivation, concentration etc, without feeling like your "crawling out of your skin." For me the weird feeling was I think mostly anxiety. Even though it felt more like derealization.
Posted by elise on April 17, 2000, at 19:46:47
In reply to Re: Elise and stimulants, posted by DC on April 17, 2000, at 15:09:36
>
> Elise,
>
> You wrote: > > I QUIT! I took 200 mg. of provigil today and no prozac and i feel like I am jumping out of my skin. I had the same reaction with wellbutrin, buspar, adderall, and now this. I guess I'll have to go through life with ADD and being somewhat lazy and unmotivated ( I think caused by the prozac). Oh well. These stimulating drugs really make me feel like crap. Any other ideas?????
>
> First of all please read my post "New med Combo for Social Phobia" In it I talk about my bad reaction to Adderall alone, but how when I combined these with Neurontin and klonopin I was able to get a really good effect. If you combine the stimulant with an benzodiazipine or anticonvulsant you might be able to get the energy, motivation, concentration etc, without feeling like your "crawling out of your skin." For me the weird feeling was I think mostly anxiety. Even though it felt more like derealization.Hey guys -
I took a klonopin last night cuz i was so aggitated. Woke up this morning very depressed. SO....took my 20 mg. prozac (this is a decrease from last weeks 30) and neurontin and still felt crappy. So...I thought, why not 100 mg. of provigil. I did and I actually was feeling not too bad. So, now what to do???My doc has not called me back yet, and probably won't till wed. So I'm trying to figure out what to do. I actually felt not bad on 30 mg. prozac and 450 mg/ day neurontin last week so what would YOU do if you were going to add in the 100 mg. provigil? Go higher on neurontin???? I am only taking 450 a day, down from 900 a day, which caused me much brain fog. Any ideas???? This is so hard to figure out! elise
Posted by DC on April 18, 2000, at 16:54:28
In reply to Re: me and stimulants , posted by elise on April 17, 2000, at 19:46:47
Elise,
You wrote: > I took a klonopin last night cuz i was so aggitated. Woke up this morning very depressed. SO....took my 20 mg. prozac (this is a decrease from last weeks 30) and neurontin and still felt crappy. So...I thought, why not 100 mg. of provigil. I did and I actually was feeling not too bad. So, now what to do???My doc has not called me back yet, and probably won't till wed. So I'm trying to figure out what to do. I actually felt not bad on 30 mg. prozac and 450 mg/ day neurontin last week so what would YOU do if you were going to add in the 100 mg. provigil? Go higher on neurontin???? I am only taking 450 a day, down from 900 a day, which caused me much brain fog. Any ideas???? This is so hard to figure out! eliseI can relate Elise. It is really hard to figure out what works when you are dealing with med combinations. Really the only thing to do is keep experimenting. One thing I would definitely try, though, is a full therapeutic dose of neurontin (maybe 300mg 3/day) plus a full dose of provigil and a little klonopin (1mg twice a day). This would be very similar to the combo that is working for me--except I'm taking Adderall instead of Provigil. I don't know about the prozac. Good luck.
Posted by leslye on April 19, 2000, at 11:38:47
In reply to Re: me and stimulants , posted by DC on April 18, 2000, at 16:54:28
> Elise - has your doctor educated you on the time course it may take to see an effect of reducing your prozac? Prozac has a humongously long half life in the body, and any dose reduction may take up to 2 weeks to show an effect, especially just from 30 to 20. This may be why you still have such bad problems with jumpiness. Prozac also may interfer with the liver's ability to clean other medications out of your system, and may be increasing blood levels of some of these drugs - I'm not familiar enough with the metabolism pathways of provigil to be sure, but this is somethng else to ask your pdoc to look into. Good luck -sometime it takes more time than ADD folks feel they can give to a problem!
Posted by KarenB on April 19, 2000, at 11:58:08
In reply to Re: me and stimulants , posted by leslye on April 19, 2000, at 11:38:47
Elise,
I can understand the frustration you are going through, believe me, BUT... you can't just stop Prozac suddenly after taking it for a long period of time and NOT expect to be jumping out of your skin. And then to take it again a few days later to try and feel better - well, Prozac just doesn't work that way.
You need to come clean to your doctor about the experimenting you have been doing and develop a plan TOGETHER. Some drugs can be taken "as needed" and others cannot. It's no wonder you feel like you're out of control - anyone would!
Hang in there until you see your doctor!
Wishing you the best...
Karen
Posted by DC on April 20, 2000, at 5:06:53
In reply to Re: Elise, posted by KarenB on April 19, 2000, at 11:58:08
> Elise,
>
> I can understand the frustration you are going through, believe me, BUT... you can't just stop Prozac suddenly after taking it for a long period of time and NOT expect to be jumping out of your skin. And then to take it again a few days later to try and feel better - well, Prozac just doesn't work that way.
>Actually, Karen, Prozac rarely causes withdrawal effects. It has an extremely long half life. Stims, benzos, you can't just stop. But prozac you can skip for a day or two and it won't make much difference. And even when you quit for good you won't notice anything suddenly.
Posted by KarenB on April 20, 2000, at 10:24:21
In reply to Re: Elise, posted by DC on April 20, 2000, at 5:06:53
> Actually, Karen, Prozac rarely causes withdrawal effects. It has an extremely long half life. Stims, benzos, you can't just stop. But prozac you can skip for a day or two and it won't make much difference. And even when you quit for good you won't notice anything suddenly.Thanks DC,
I am surprised - even after 6 years of taking Prozac, she would not feel any withdrawal symptoms stopping it altogether? I'll take your word for it but I still wouldn't risk doing it that way myself. Taking a dive scares the hell out of me. I have always followed the method of adding OR subtracting one drug at a time, slowly, so I can tell what is causing what, be it side effects or withdrawals. Like, adding an additional 100 mg of Provigil AND ditching the Prozac on the same day would not seem wise to me. How would you know which med - or lack of - is making you feel out of control?
By the way, Elise, I was previously diagnosed Bipolar with mixed states/rapid cycling (by three different doctors) but have found just recently that I am actually ADD inattentive type with HYPOactivity and have been since childhood. I am on Ritalin alone now and having NO depression (a miracle), I have sufficient energy and can get out of bed in the morning minus the resentment and loathing at having to be alive. I have noticed I also go to bed at night lately, not dreading life the next day. I am amazed.
It would be worth your while to do some research and take some of the tests available on some of the ADD and ADHD websites, just to see.
Hope you are feeling better.
Karen
Posted by michael on April 20, 2000, at 14:24:20
In reply to Re: DC/Elise, posted by KarenB on April 20, 2000, at 10:24:21
>
> > Actually, Karen, Prozac rarely causes withdrawal effects. It has an extremely long half life. Stims, benzos, you can't just stop. But prozac you can skip for a day or two and it won't make much difference. And even when you quit for good you won't notice anything suddenly.
>
> Thanks DC,
>
> I am surprised - even after 6 years of taking Prozac, she would not feel any withdrawal symptoms stopping it altogether? I'll take your word for it but I still wouldn't risk doing it that way myself. Taking a dive scares the hell out of me. I have always followed the method of adding OR subtracting one drug at a time, slowly, so I can tell what is causing what, be it side effects or withdrawals. Like, adding an additional 100 mg of Provigil AND ditching the Prozac on the same day would not seem wise to me. How would you know which med - or lack of - is making you feel out of control?
>
> By the way, Elise, I was previously diagnosed Bipolar with mixed states/rapid cycling (by three different doctors) but have found just recently that I am actually ADD inattentive type with HYPOactivity and have been since childhood. I am on Ritalin alone now and having NO depression (a miracle), I have sufficient energy and can get out of bed in the morning minus the resentment and loathing at having to be alive. I have noticed I also go to bed at night lately, not dreading life the next day. I am amazed.
>
> It would be worth your while to do some research and take some of the tests available on some of the ADD and ADHD websites, just to see.
>
> Hope you are feeling better.
>
> Karen
Hey Karen -The reason it's not dangerous with prozac is it's extremely long half-life, which I believe is something like 9 days.
For example, if you stop taking prozac abruptly - 9 days after your last dose, you still have 1/2 of the amount of prozac in your system, as you did on the day you stopped taking it. It's kind of like built-in tapering...
However, generally speaking, I think you're correct - caution & patientce are a good rule to live by. From my limited knowledge, prozac is the Exception, and you need to be much more cautious in most cases... (keep in mind, I'm NOT a professional/no professional training - but I am fairly certain that this is an accurate description...) michael
(btw, any idea if the amineptine we were talking about is just what's left of existing stock, or if they have access to ongoing mfg? just wondering...)
Posted by elise on April 20, 2000, at 15:53:57
In reply to KAREN..., posted by michael on April 20, 2000, at 14:24:20
> >
> > > Actually, Karen, Prozac rarely causes withdrawal effects. It has an extremely long half life. Stims, benzos, you can't just stop. But prozac you can skip for a day or two and it won't make much difference. And even when you quit for good you won't notice anything suddenly.
> >
> > Thanks DC,
> >
> > I am surprised - even after 6 years of taking Prozac, she would not feel any withdrawal symptoms stopping it altogether? I'll take your word for it but I still wouldn't risk doing it that way myself. Taking a dive scares the hell out of me. I have always followed the method of adding OR subtracting one drug at a time, slowly, so I can tell what is causing what, be it side effects or withdrawals. Like, adding an additional 100 mg of Provigil AND ditching the Prozac on the same day would not seem wise to me. How would you know which med - or lack of - is making you feel out of control?
> >
> > By the way, Elise, I was previously diagnosed Bipolar with mixed states/rapid cycling (by three different doctors) but have found just recently that I am actually ADD inattentive type with HYPOactivity and have been since childhood. I am on Ritalin alone now and having NO depression (a miracle), I have sufficient energy and can get out of bed in the morning minus the resentment and loathing at having to be alive. I have noticed I also go to bed at night lately, not dreading life the next day. I am amazed.
> >
> > It would be worth your while to do some research and take some of the tests available on some of the ADD and ADHD websites, just to see.
> >
> > Hope you are feeling better.
> >
> > Karen
>
>
> Hey Karen -
>
> The reason it's not dangerous with prozac is it's extremely long half-life, which I believe is something like 9 days.
>
> For example, if you stop taking prozac abruptly - 9 days after your last dose, you still have 1/2 of the amount of prozac in your system, as you did on the day you stopped taking it. It's kind of like built-in tapering...
>
> However, generally speaking, I think you're correct - caution & patientce are a good rule to live by. From my limited knowledge, prozac is the Exception, and you need to be much more cautious in most cases... (keep in mind, I'm NOT a professional/no professional training - but I am fairly certain that this is an accurate description...) michael
>
>
>
> (btw, any idea if the amineptine we were talking about is just what's left of existing stock, or if they have access to ongoing mfg? just wondering...)Hey guys-
I didn't just stop taking prozac all together!! I just thought I would skip one day ---the LAst thing I would do is go off prozac right now. But I did speak to the doc and he said I should take at least 30 mg.prozac still and cut back on the neurontin and use the provigil "as needed" -----so I didn't use it for 2 days and today I am falling asleep again!!! I just don't know what to do. elise
Posted by BinaryWoman on April 20, 2000, at 18:49:14
In reply to Re: me and stimulants , posted by leslye on April 19, 2000, at 11:38:47
Prozac has a humongously long half life in the body, and any dose reduction may take up to 2 weeks to show an effect, especially just from 30 to 20.
--------------------------------
Elise, I've been on prozac for years. I had to start out on 5mg because I felt so jumpy. I take valium with it and have for years. That helps. Now I'm bouncing from 40 to 60mg of Prozac a day. Sometimes I don't get as hyper if I take it in the late morning/early afternoon. Mornings are stressful for me. When I want to go down on my dose, I take my regular dose every other day till I feel normal, then I can go down to the next level. It does have a long half life. I've found that some people do real well on SSRI's and can't tolerate trycyclics and vice versa. It's so hard to find the right balance. BTW, I tried buspar for ADD and GAD and I thought I was having a heart attack. My heart was racing and I thought I could jump out of my skin. My friend had a similar experience with Wellbutrin (zyban) for smoking. She said she felt like she was chewing glass... and yes everyone at work noticed too.:) Hope this helps. Be well.
Posted by elise on April 20, 2000, at 21:09:14
In reply to Re: Elise and Prozac, posted by BinaryWoman on April 20, 2000, at 18:49:14
> Prozac has a humongously long half life in the body, and any dose reduction may take up to 2 weeks to show an effect, especially just from 30 to 20.
> --------------------------------
> Elise, I've been on prozac for years. I had to start out on 5mg because I felt so jumpy. I take valium with it and have for years. That helps. Now I'm bouncing from 40 to 60mg of Prozac a day. Sometimes I don't get as hyper if I take it in the late morning/early afternoon. Mornings are stressful for me. When I want to go down on my dose, I take my regular dose every other day till I feel normal, then I can go down to the next level. It does have a long half life. I've found that some people do real well on SSRI's and can't tolerate trycyclics and vice versa. It's so hard to find the right balance. BTW, I tried buspar for ADD and GAD and I thought I was having a heart attack. My heart was racing and I thought I could jump out of my skin. My friend had a similar experience with Wellbutrin (zyban) for smoking. She said she felt like she was chewing glass... and yes everyone at work noticed too.:) Hope this helps. Be well.My doc (old doc) said she never heard of anyone reacting to buspar like that before --except me of course--I don't know. this prozac has me sleeping all day again. Do I go back to provigil 1oo mg.?????????
Posted by elise on April 21, 2000, at 12:21:18
In reply to Re: its me again, posted by elise on April 20, 2000, at 21:09:14
> > Prozac has a humongously long half life in the body, and any dose reduction may take up to 2 weeks to show an effect, especially just from 30 to 20.
> > --------------------------------
> > Elise, I've been on prozac for years. I had to start out on 5mg because I felt so jumpy. I take valium with it and have for years. That helps. Now I'm bouncing from 40 to 60mg of Prozac a day. Sometimes I don't get as hyper if I take it in the late morning/early afternoon. Mornings are stressful for me. When I want to go down on my dose, I take my regular dose every other day till I feel normal, then I can go down to the next level. It does have a long half life. I've found that some people do real well on SSRI's and can't tolerate trycyclics and vice versa. It's so hard to find the right balance. BTW, I tried buspar for ADD and GAD and I thought I was having a heart attack. My heart was racing and I thought I could jump out of my skin. My friend had a similar experience with Wellbutrin (zyban) for smoking. She said she felt like she was chewing glass... and yes everyone at work noticed too.:) Hope this helps. Be well.
>
> My doc (old doc) said she never heard of anyone reacting to buspar like that before --except me of course--I don't know. this prozac has me sleeping all day again. Do I go back to provigil 1oo mg.?????????So, now I take 100 mg. provigil today because the last two days I couldn't keep my eyes open. I do feel more wide awake and motivated. Is it ok to take this med every day?????? I feel a little bit wired but at least I am not sleeping!!!! To you guys that take provigil, does this kind of hyper ness decrease with time???Why can't I find somoething in the middle??????????elise
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