![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 19 of 19. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Mark H. on January 3, 2002, at 15:01:00
I've taken Provigil for about four months as an alternative to generic Ritalin. The Provigil effectively keeps me awake and alert, and my personality is "nicer" and less edgy than it is when I'm taking methylphenidate. HOWEVER, I haven't been able to get anything done for four months! I'm somewhat better on methylphenidate, but not great. Has anyone else experienced problems with procrastination, focusing, and staying on task while on Provigil and/or Ritalin? I'm trying to sort out what is biochemical and what is simply neurotic!
Thanks in advance for your observations.
With kind regards,
Mark H.
Posted by IsoM on January 3, 2002, at 15:22:16
In reply to Motivation/Focusing Problems on Provigil, posted by Mark H. on January 3, 2002, at 15:01:00
Mark, I think we're all so weird & unique! I wish I could give you advice but all I can say is with adrafinil (modafinil is one of its main metabolites), I have such a natural, unforced motivation. With ritalin or Dexedrine, I have lots of energy, but no real motivation. I found that I fritter my time away on those two but with adrafinil, I just accomplish things without even trying.
It's the opposite of what happens with you! It might simply be our own biochemical make-up & how one particular drug fixes up what's wrong in our brains, while another drug fixes up what's wrong in another's brain. I wouldn't class yourself as neurotic - not at all!
***********************************************************************************************
> I've taken Provigil for about four months as an alternative to generic Ritalin. The Provigil effectively keeps me awake and alert, and my personality is "nicer" and less edgy than it is when I'm taking methylphenidate. HOWEVER, I haven't been able to get anything done for four months! I'm somewhat better on methylphenidate, but not great. Has anyone else experienced problems with procrastination, focusing, and staying on task while on Provigil and/or Ritalin? I'm trying to sort out what is biochemical and what is simply neurotic!
>
> Thanks in advance for your observations.
>
> With kind regards,
>
> Mark H.
Posted by 3 Beer Effect on January 5, 2002, at 1:27:41
In reply to Motivation/Focusing Problems on Provigil, posted by Mark H. on January 3, 2002, at 15:01:00
I used to be on Ritalin and stopped about a year ago, & I really haven't gotten anything done in the past year!
I tried Dexedrine & Adderall but they didn't help me focus like Ritalin did.
The problem with Ritalin is that it works so well that its psychologically addictive, once you know how well you can work with it, when you stop taking it you can't do anything.
But atleast you have Provigil. My doctor won't give me any stimulants anymore since I abused the Dexedrine I was prescribed. Now all I have is NoDoz + Ephedrine which doesn't work at all for focusing!
I did notice Ritalin made me kind of weird & anti-social. Dexedrine made me very outgoing, happy, & cheerful but had effects much closer to Ritalin than Adderall does. Some people say it is like Ritalin but lasts 5 hours instead of 3. Perhaps as a compromise b/t focus & outgoingness you should try Dexedrine.
Posted by Bekka H. on January 5, 2002, at 19:48:36
In reply to Motivation/Focusing Problems on Provigil, posted by Mark H. on January 3, 2002, at 15:01:00
> I've taken Provigil for about four months as an alternative to generic Ritalin. The Provigil effectively keeps me awake and alert, and my personality is "nicer" and less edgy than it is when I'm taking methylphenidate. HOWEVER, I haven't been able to get anything done for four months! I'm somewhat better on methylphenidate, but not great. Has anyone else experienced problems with procrastination, focusing, and staying on task while on Provigil and/or Ritalin? I'm trying to sort out what is biochemical and what is simply neurotic!
>
> Thanks in advance for your observations.
>
> With kind regards,
>
> Mark H.
**************************************************Hi, Mark:
You didn't say how long you were on Ritalin before stopping it to begin Provigil. Were you on Ritalin for a year or two, or were you on it for many years? I think there are probably many factors involved, including the possibility that Ritalin might just be better for you; however, another thought is that, on Ritalin, you got so accustomed to Ritalin providing the motivation, so now you have to re-learn how to be motivated without Ritalin. I have expereinced this problem with some medicines and, over time, I rely on the drug to do the work for me, so when I'm off of the medicine, or when I start a new medicine, I have to re-learn many tasks. You said you have been on Provigil only four months. That doesn't seem like a very long time. I've read that, after amphetamine withdrawal, for example, it can take up to one year to readjust. And, to the extent that Ritalin is similar to amphetamines, perhaps that is true of Ritalin as well. Also, have you tried not taking anything, or did you go directly from Ritalin to Provigil? I'm wondering whether the problems you describe might be a function of something Provigil is doing and have nothing to do with being without Ritalin? Why don't you pick a small, completely UNdaunting task and try to do it? Perhaps you need to re-learn your own self-driven motivation, but don't try to do everything all at once. Just start with small things, and try to work your way up, little by little. If, after a few months, you are still having this difficulty, perhaps you can speak with your doctor about stopping Provigil and trying to go either med-free for a while (to see whether the problem is there in the absence of a medicine) OR try something else. For example, I heard that a new form of Ritalin is coming out in early 2002. I think it will be called Focalin, and it is made up of just the d- isomer of Ritalin and is supposed to have fewer side effects. Another medicine in the pipeline is atomoxetine, which is effective in children and adults with ADD/ADHD. I'm uncertain, but I think it is a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor.
Posted by CalvaryHill on January 6, 2002, at 1:12:43
In reply to Motivation/Focusing Problems on Provigil, posted by Mark H. on January 3, 2002, at 15:01:00
Maybe you could try buproprion, which is used in ADHD for concentration problems.
Posted by Mark H. on January 7, 2002, at 20:19:02
In reply to Re: Motivation/Focusing Problems on Provigil » Mark H. , posted by IsoM on January 3, 2002, at 15:22:16
IsoM,
Thank you for your support. May I ask how long you took Adrafinil before it worked well for you, and what your dosage is? Is the effect immediate?
With Provigil, I need to take 2 caplets to get any effect (that is, 400mg) and sometimes an additional 1 in the afternoon. However, the effect is immediate, not cumulative.
I appreciate your kindness.
Mark H.
Posted by Mark H. on January 7, 2002, at 20:26:57
In reply to re: Ritalin, posted by 3 Beer Effect on January 5, 2002, at 1:27:41
Thanks for the advice, 3 Beer.
I've often chuckled in horror and delight at your postings and your honesty. As you get older, you'll learn that presentation is more important than what you believe is reality. You may think that constitutes hypocrisy -- but it's just a matter of understanding that different people have different realities. If you think of what the person you're talking to needs to hear to meet your needs, then more of your needs will be met.
I may need to ask my doctor if he thinks it would be appropriate for me to try dexedrine as an alternative to Ritalin and/or Provigil.
Please think about what I've said.
Best wishes,
Mark H.
Posted by Mark H. on January 7, 2002, at 20:42:04
In reply to Re: Motivation/Focusing Problems on Provigil, posted by Bekka H. on January 5, 2002, at 19:48:36
Thanks, Bekka H., for the excellent information. I appreciate your suggestions and musings, because it's just that sort of multiple-factor involvement that is making this difficult. In a very honest discussion with my boss and a co-worker this afternoon, I was surprised to hear myself admitting a great deal of negativity about my work. Specifically, for the past few years, I've been punished for showing any initiative and rewarded for being perpetually available, with the result that I now tend to wait for the next "emergency" rather than planning my daily workload. Your observation that I may have forgotten how to motivate myself may be entirely valid. I'm going to start working on that at once. Wish me luck!
By the way, I've been taking Ritalin daily for more than 4 years. During my most "up" times, I sometimes spontaneously stop it for a day or two, but my usage has been up quite a bit in the six months prior to my switching to Provigil. I've gone back to Ritalin for the past several days, and although I have a little more self control, I cannot seem to change my thinking-behavior.
I'm having memory problems as well. For instance, I didn't remember until today that I had posted this question (and the answers are obviously very important to me), then it took me far too long to find my own post, making me doubt whether I actually had posted! This is pretty disturbing to someone who is used to being in control and able to hold large amounts of complex and interlocking information in mind for use on a moment's notice. I feel like I've become stupid except for short, intense bursts of time that I no longer can connect into a coherent whole.
With kind regards,
Mark H.
Posted by Mark H. on January 7, 2002, at 20:49:30
In reply to Re: Motivation/Focusing Problems on Provigil, posted by CalvaryHill on January 6, 2002, at 1:12:43
Ironically, I experienced the worst short-term memory problems on buproprion of any of the 25 or so antidepressants I tried between 1993 and 1997, when my doctor finally found a "mix" that works reasonably well for me. I must have the wrong type of body chemistry for Wellbutrin to work for me for concentration, since it has the exact opposite effect. However, I'm very much more at the bipolar-II end of the spectrum than the ADHD end.
But I appreciate knowing about that use for buproprion. Thank you for writing.
Mark H.
> Maybe you could try buproprion, which is used in ADHD for concentration problems.
Posted by IsoM on January 7, 2002, at 20:56:10
In reply to Re: Motivation/Focusing Problems on Provigil » IsoM, posted by Mark H. on January 7, 2002, at 20:19:02
I'm not sure if the effects of adrafinil may be a little different than modafinil (Provigil). The reason being is adrafinil forms two main metabolites & one of metabolites is modafinil. So when taking adrafinil you get the benefit of modafinil & adrafinil's other metabolite, both which are active (meaning effective). That may make adrafinil somewhat more effective.
I didn't notice anything at all for the first week but I took a low dose only to make sure there wasn't any side-effects or interactions with other meds. Recommended dose is 400 mg-1200 mg adrafinil. I only took 200 mg that first week. After that I went to 300 mg & after a week on that noticed something for sure. I wasn't certain at first & there's no dramatic change but while the improvement was subtle, it certainly was working.
How long have you been on Provigil? And don't get insulted at this question please, but have you had placebo responses to meds before? I wondered if that may account for your immediate response. Perhaps you need to give the Provigil a longer trial period to reach the full potential.
I think I'm going to stick to 400 mg, maybe a little less in summer when I'm a bit less sleepy. The improvements continued to show even at the 5 week level, but that's when I ran out & my new shipment still hasn't come - X-mas mix-up? I've made sure I ordered lots this time to not have a delay again. In the literature on adrafinil (& I think modafinil), benefits continue to show even at the 3 month level.
It's interesting that the parts of the brain that are activated with Ritalin & Dexedrine are not the same parts that adrafinil & modafinil activate. The first two activate more specific areas but adrafinil & modafinil activate a much larger region, more diverse an area while still affecting the area that Ritalin & Dexedrine do too, but to a lesser extent. Maybe that's why adrafinil suits me well - not enough brain activation in general. :)
> IsoM,
>
> Thank you for your support. May I ask how long you took Adrafinil before it worked well for you, and what your dosage is? Is the effect immediate?
>
> With Provigil, I need to take 2 caplets to get any effect (that is, 400mg) and sometimes an additional 1 in the afternoon. However, the effect is immediate, not cumulative.
>
> I appreciate your kindness.
>
> Mark H.
Posted by IsoM on January 7, 2002, at 21:09:58
In reply to Re: Motivation/Focusing » CalvaryHill, posted by Mark H. on January 7, 2002, at 20:49:30
Mark, reading over your answers to others' suggestions, maybe if you tend to be more bipolar thn ADHD, the Provigil might have a different effect on you. I hope not for you, but it's a possiblility. I'm definitely ADHD, scored very high in testing but no BP signs. It might account for my good response to adrafinil as it's also used in Europe for ADHD.
It's funny what you say about memory. I felt like I was becoming stupid as I ususually had a good memory but the last few years, it's been seriously going downhill. I was amazed at how adrafinil made my mind & memory work again. I'm going to tackle my physics & calculus books again.
I always had problems with what I refer to as my 'working memory' (like a computer) that's so important in figuring calculations. By the time I tried to remember the fourth piece in a list of info, my brain tossed out the first to make room for the fourth. Extremely frustrating. Didn't matter how well I understood the concept, I couldn't work out problems. I want to see if the adrafinil will help me there now. Somehow I think it may as I don't walk into a room anymore & look around aimlessly not knowing why I came there in the first place. I read an ADHDictionary one time that described it as the "Hereafter" as in "what did I come here after?" :)
Why not ask your doctor if any meds for BP will improve memory?
**************************************************************************************************
> Ironically, I experienced the worst short-term memory problems on buproprion of any of the 25 or so antidepressants I tried between 1993 and 1997, when my doctor finally found a "mix" that works reasonably well for me. I must have the wrong type of body chemistry for Wellbutrin to work for me for concentration, since it has the exact opposite effect. However, I'm very much more at the bipolar-II end of the spectrum than the ADHD end.
>
> But I appreciate knowing about that use for buproprion. Thank you for writing.
>
> Mark H.
>
> > Maybe you could try buproprion, which is used in ADHD for concentration problems.
Posted by Mark H. on January 7, 2002, at 22:29:55
In reply to for Mark about his memory, posted by IsoM on January 7, 2002, at 21:09:58
IsoM,
Thank you for your wonderful suggestions and support. I'm glad I thought to mention that I am bipolar rather than ADHD. On the self-tests at mentalhealth.com, I peg solidly as Bipolar II, even though I have some ADHD symptoms (obviously). Also, my depression is of the "atypical" variety, which means I eat like a horse and would sleep all the time if I could get away with it.
I'm not prone to placebo effect that I know of (and no honest question gives me offense, but thank you for your consideration), although during my four years of med trials things would sometimes help for a couple of weeks and then make things worse. I don't know if that counts as placebo effect or not.
If anything, I'm overly sensitive to stimulants. Originally, my doctor prescribed 10 to 40 mg a day of Ritalin, but I'd be awake all day on 2.5mg. However, as I've gotten older and sleepier, my dosage has gone up, and now I generally take 30 mg and at rare times as much as 80 mg a day, although I usually hold the line at 30 mg. For one thing, if I take too much Ritalin in one day, it reverses its effect and puts me to sleep.
That was one reason I wanted to try Provigil, to give my body a break from higher doses of Ritalin. However, after even a couple of months on Provigil, I found I needed to augment it with Ritalin just to stay awake, and I still had these procrastination, memory and motivation problems.
Did you ever read the article called "296 vs 314" that was published on the web a couple of years ago? When I went back to find it, it had been pulled, but I found a copy elsewhere and have a poorly formatted Word document of it, if you're interested. It's a subjective but telling way to clarify diagnostic distinctions between bipolar and ADHD, by looking back at childhood symptoms.
I had some doubt before (because one can certainly be both bipolar and ADHD, even though it is fairly unusual), but this article helped me realize historically that I had been a "296" kid (bipolar) and not "borderline hyperactive" as they thought at the time.
You really do understand my memory problems and articulate them very well. I stepped down from a department head position in my organization in part because I could no longer hold the big picture -- I couldn't remember what we had done last week or last month, let alone last year. To deal with the task at hand, I seem to need to "dump" my active memory. This has made it difficult to retain friends over the years as well, since most require a little more continuity in communication than I can reliably offer.
I think I'll start taking the Adrafinil tomorrow morning to supplement the methylphenidate -- perhaps just one or two tablets a day to start -- and give it a week or two to see if anything changes.
While 1 Provigil did not seem to do anything for me initially, in early August I had to stay up all night and drive 300 miles to meet a deadline. 2 Provigil kept me absolutely sharp and alert at the wheel, even at 3 A.M. I think I was expecting the *irritation* of Ritalin and was surprised by a different type of alertness. After that, I started taking 2 Provigil instead of Ritalin, and I felt good enough that it took several months to notice how little I was actually accomplishing.
Again, thank you for your encouragement and insight. I'll keep you posted.
With appreciation,
Mark H.
Posted by Mark H. on January 7, 2002, at 22:45:01
In reply to Response Time and Dosage » Mark H. , posted by IsoM on January 7, 2002, at 20:56:10
In a new thread below dated 1/7/02, I've asked if anyone knows who the author is of the article, "296 vs. 314." To refresh people's memories, I included the text of the article in the posting.
Mark H.
Posted by Bekka H. on January 8, 2002, at 1:14:07
In reply to Re: Motivation/Focusing Problems on Provigil » Bekka H., posted by Mark H. on January 7, 2002, at 20:42:04
Hello, Mark,
The memory problems you describe sound similar to what I experienced on Dexedrine and Ritalin. I don't know whether those two stimulants actually impair short term memory, or whether they cause you to focus so much that you are able to ignore everything else, including items in your memory! I was on Dexedrine for a few years, and then I was on various forms of methylphenidate for a while. I had always prided myself on my memory, and I was very upset to see my memory failing me. It was much worse, of course, if I hadn't had enough sleep, but even a good night's sleep didn't cure the problem. Now I am not on stimulants, although I might go back to them at some point, but I have noticed that my short term memory has significantly improved in just a few weeks.
You also mentioned some problems you experienced today after having resumed Ritalin. I am not a physician, and I should not presume to tell you what to do, but I do want to mention that I did a lot of "medicine hopping" this past summer, and it made me worse. Of course, I had to do some hopping to find out what was right for me, but when I switched meds from one day to the next, I felt as if I was going nuts, and I decided it wasn't good for my brain. In addition, I broke out in all kinds of rashes during that time. Again, I'm not a physician, but I often think that dermatologic problems are the visible manifestations of internal problems, and my skin seemed to reflect the upheaval that I was causing by constantly switching meds. I took the rashes as a sign that I was overdoing it. My brain felt fried during that time, my memory was impaired and I couldn't focus, even though the medicines I was hopping to and from were medicines that help focusing. Perhaps the medicines had longer half lives than I thought, and they were potentiating each other. Again, I know you have to try different medicines and different combinations to find out what's right for you, but I found there was a limit to the number of different compounds I could tolerate within a given span of time. I'll try to write more in a few days. I hope things are better for you.
Posted by IsoM on January 8, 2002, at 1:28:56
In reply to Re: 314 vs 296 » IsoM, posted by Mark H. on January 7, 2002, at 22:45:01
Posted by Mark H. on January 8, 2002, at 11:04:49
In reply to Re: Motivation/Focusing Problems on Provigil, posted by Bekka H. on January 8, 2002, at 1:14:07
Dear Bekka H.,
You've given me lots to think about. I need a few days to digest it all. Except for the recent trial with Provigil, I've been on the same mix of meds since June 21, 1997. I remember the exact day, because when they took effect, it was as though a heavy, dark curtain lifted and I could begin my recovery from four years of severe depression. I still experience two intense "troughs" a year that last a couple of months each, but nothing like before. If I'm "on schedule," I'll be heading "down" again within another week or two.
However, I'm committed to keeping a positive outlook and to re-shaping my behavioral habits, starting today. I haven't been able to get to work before noon or later since sometime last July, but starting today I'm going to set 10 AM as my daily goal (starting later has meant I've had to work into the night, of course -- I'm extremely fortunate to have co-workers who allow me a great deal of accommodation for my illness).
Something you mentioned in your earlier post woke me up in the middle of the night -- it would have never occured to me to ask my doctor if there was something he could give me that might help with motivation. Since procrastination is a long-term depression symptom for me, he may have already given it some throught, but I really should ask. It's time I made an appointment and checked in with him.
Thank you for your concern and support.
With warm regards,
Mark H.
Posted by Temoigneur on August 18, 2002, at 2:33:19
In reply to Re: Motivation/Focusing Problems on Provigil, posted by Bekka H. on January 8, 2002, at 1:14:07
> Hello, Mark,
>
> The memory problems you describe sound similar to what I experienced on Dexedrine and Ritalin. I don't know whether those two stimulants actually impair short term memory, or whether they cause you to focus so much that you are able to ignore everything else, including items in your memory! I was on Dexedrine for a few years, and then I was on various forms of methylphenidate for a while. I had always prided myself on my memory, and I was very upset to see my memory failing me. It was much worse, of course, if I hadn't had enough sleep, but even a good night's sleep didn't cure the problem. Now I am not on stimulants, although I might go back to them at some point, but I have noticed that my short term memory has significantly improved in just a few weeks.
>
> You also mentioned some problems you experienced today after having resumed Ritalin. I am not a physician, and I should not presume to tell you what to do, but I do want to mention that I did a lot of "medicine hopping" this past summer, and it made me worse. Of course, I had to do some hopping to find out what was right for me, but when I switched meds from one day to the next, I felt as if I was going nuts, and I decided it wasn't good for my brain. In addition, I broke out in all kinds of rashes during that time. Again, I'm not a physician, but I often think that dermatologic problems are the visible manifestations of internal problems, and my skin seemed to reflect the upheaval that I was causing by constantly switching meds. I took the rashes as a sign that I was overdoing it. My brain felt fried during that time, my memory was impaired and I couldn't focus, even though the medicines I was hopping to and from were medicines that help focusing. Perhaps the medicines had longer half lives than I thought, and they were potentiating each other. Again, I know you have to try different medicines and different combinations to find out what's right for you, but I found there was a limit to the number of different compounds I could tolerate within a given span of time. I'll try to write more in a few days. I hope things are better for you.
>Hi Bekka, I'm having problems with Ritalin and Dexedrine, the Ritalin exacerbates my OCD badly, and I just don't seem to have any motivation when on Dexedrine. I haven't heard many good things about provigil, I'd be interested in discussing adafrinil with you, if you feel comfortable it would be wonderful if you could email me at Bentley79@hotmail.com Thank you
Posted by BekkaH on August 18, 2002, at 22:13:37
In reply to Re: Motivation/Focusing Problems on Provigil, posted by Temoigneur on August 18, 2002, at 2:33:19
> Hi Bekka, I'm having problems with Ritalin and Dexedrine, the Ritalin exacerbates my OCD badly, and I just don't seem to have any motivation when on Dexedrine. I haven't heard many good things about provigil, I'd be interested in discussing adafrinil with you, if you feel comfortable it would be wonderful if you could email me at Bentley79@hotmail.com Thank you
************************************************
Hi. Unfortunately, I have never taken Provigil/Modafinil or Adrafinil; however, there are some regular Psychobabblers who have taken these medicines. One poster who has been very enthusiastic about Adrafinil is someone whose screen name is IsoM. Perhaps you could search her posts. I haven't seen her around here much lately, but maybe if she's lurking, she'll see your post. Another woman, whose screen name is Zo has done very well on Provigil, but she was on quite a few other meds, too. Unfortunately, I haven't seen her much lately either. Why don't you do a PB search for her posts? I'm sorry I can't be of more help. I'm interested in trying Modafinal and Adrafinil at some point, and when I do, I'll let you know.Bekka
Posted by awake at last on August 20, 2002, at 9:06:44
In reply to Re: Motivation/Focusing Problems on Provigil, posted by Temoigneur on August 18, 2002, at 2:33:19
Forgive me if I'm butting in here, but I've been on provigil for 6 months now and thought you might want some input. I'm a totally different person. I spent almost 4 years trying to figure out what was wrong with me, my largest complaints were that I was tired (had no motivation to do anything - even things I use to enjoy), I couldn't concentrate, and I was constantly forgetting things. (People at my office laughed because I was always writting important things on the palm of my hand, it was the only way I could remember them - If I wrote it on a piece of paper - I'd forget the paper). The doctors thought it was depression and I tried many AD's to no avail. Finally I was sent to a neurologist to discover that I was suffering from Narcolepsy [A shock to me because I didn't realize you could have this without the main symptom - Cataplexy - where you can fall asleep instantly while talking, laughing, driving etc. -which I don't have]
I'm a true believer in finding the root cause of a problem and curing that first, but if no cure exist - as is with Narcolepsy - Provigil has given me my life back. I now can remember things, I can stay awake, I am actually motivated to get out and go do things. I actually find myself now having to tell myself to stop whatever I'm doing and go to bed when I'm supposed to. With my new found energy, I find that I just want to keep doing the things I was always too tired to do before.(Note that over the 4 years I was diagnosed with hypoglycemia and low testosterone as well, which I have to manage along with the Narcolepsy - but managing them alone wasn't the trick - I have to have the provigil).
**************************************************
> > Hello, Mark,
> >
> > The memory problems you describe sound similar to what I experienced on Dexedrine and Ritalin. I don't know whether those two stimulants actually impair short term memory, or whether they cause you to focus so much that you are able to ignore everything else, including items in your memory! I was on Dexedrine for a few years, and then I was on various forms of methylphenidate for a while. I had always prided myself on my memory, and I was very upset to see my memory failing me. It was much worse, of course, if I hadn't had enough sleep, but even a good night's sleep didn't cure the problem. Now I am not on stimulants, although I might go back to them at some point, but I have noticed that my short term memory has significantly improved in just a few weeks.
> >
> > You also mentioned some problems you experienced today after having resumed Ritalin. I am not a physician, and I should not presume to tell you what to do, but I do want to mention that I did a lot of "medicine hopping" this past summer, and it made me worse. Of course, I had to do some hopping to find out what was right for me, but when I switched meds from one day to the next, I felt as if I was going nuts, and I decided it wasn't good for my brain. In addition, I broke out in all kinds of rashes during that time. Again, I'm not a physician, but I often think that dermatologic problems are the visible manifestations of internal problems, and my skin seemed to reflect the upheaval that I was causing by constantly switching meds. I took the rashes as a sign that I was overdoing it. My brain felt fried during that time, my memory was impaired and I couldn't focus, even though the medicines I was hopping to and from were medicines that help focusing. Perhaps the medicines had longer half lives than I thought, and they were potentiating each other. Again, I know you have to try different medicines and different combinations to find out what's right for you, but I found there was a limit to the number of different compounds I could tolerate within a given span of time. I'll try to write more in a few days. I hope things are better for you.
> >
>
> Hi Bekka, I'm having problems with Ritalin and Dexedrine, the Ritalin exacerbates my OCD badly, and I just don't seem to have any motivation when on Dexedrine. I haven't heard many good things about provigil, I'd be interested in discussing adafrinil with you, if you feel comfortable it would be wonderful if you could email me at Bentley79@hotmail.com Thank you
>
This is the end of the thread.
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