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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 53 to 77 of 84. Go back in thread:
Posted by floatingbridge on May 10, 2010, at 18:10:57
In reply to Re: Best meds for ADD/Depression/Chujoe, posted by stargazer2 on May 4, 2010, at 11:33:39
Stargazer,
I'm sorry the vyanase isn't working out. Maybe start a new thread and get input about vyanase.
If adderall worked in the past, that could be the way to go.
There are other stimulants, too. And would your doc let you try straight dexedrine?
fb
Posted by Phillipa on May 10, 2010, at 19:50:00
In reply to Re: Started Vyvanse today/HR..FB..Chu, posted by stargazer2 on May 10, 2010, at 11:53:33
Stargazer I didn't have a lapse in payment when stopped working cobra kicked right in? Phillipa
Posted by Leo33 on May 11, 2010, at 14:09:31
In reply to Re: Started Vyvanse today/HR..FB..Chu, posted by stargazer2 on May 10, 2010, at 11:53:33
> Hi...I never know whom I'm responding to either...something about this board is not making sense to me anymore and y'all (Not a southerner) have been communicating so well with eachother, it's just nice to have brought you all together (not sure I did this),...just seems you have found a common niche so that is always a plus.
>
> Not sure what is being discussed at this juncture as many of the posts I can only skim due to my inability to read and focus on what is being said...huge issue. I do not understand much of what is written as one of my big problems is reading anything that requires concentration. I have none.
>
> Unfortunately, day 3 of "V" has not improved this or other things I was hoping to get a handle on.
>
> May have to increase the dose but thought there would be signs of impropvement early on.
>
> BTW: HRguru...I'm not on Adderall now but took it several years ago (along with Celexa and Wellbutrin) and think it helped improve everything to a certain level. Perhaps I will try it again as I'm not sure that "V" will be th eone, although it is too early to tell. Impatience is one of my virtues.
>
> Do you know the cose of Adderall, as right now I'm paying for meds out of pocket (lost my job and Cobra has not kicked in yet).
>
> I too have the issue with going on and on and envy those that can make their point so clearly and succinctly.
>
> Best to all of you.
>
> StarStar, considering you say you can't focus, you put together many long posts and they make sense. So you must be able to focus some what and you have good insight to your problems. Also, you seem pretty motivated to write, which is something I have had a problem with. Only able to read but also have a problem understanding and concentrating and motivation. Best of luck with your new trial.
Leo
Posted by bearfan on May 12, 2010, at 2:53:23
In reply to Best meds for ADD/Depression, posted by stargazer2 on April 21, 2010, at 11:15:02
Probably Wellbutrin by itself or with stims. You didn't mention anything about anxiety, but SSRI + Stimulants or SNRI with them. Lexapro plays well with stimulants and eases the jitteryness. Right now I'm taking a TCA which does both S and N and use dexedrine as needed for when my ADD acts up.
Posted by stargazer2 on May 12, 2010, at 11:35:24
In reply to Re: Started Vyvanse today/HR..FB..Chu » stargazer2, posted by Phillipa on May 10, 2010, at 19:50:00
Not anymore...those days are long gone...what year was that?
There is too much money riding on Cobra costs today. My monthly costs are $900 with a 3k high deductible.
You can kiss anything that happened more than 2 years ago goodbye...health care will never be what it before, when it was for the benefit of the patient.
Phillipa...you should try to work just to see what is happening now...it would bring you up to date on reality and make your head spin.
I wish I was closer to retirement...I'm never going to make it til then.
Posted by stargazer2 on May 12, 2010, at 11:59:21
In reply to Re: Started Vyvanse today/HR..FB..Chu, posted by Leo33 on May 11, 2010, at 14:09:31
As you know if you have depression or another diagnosis tht affects your moods, it may seem one way when in actuality, it is very different. I have always been a master of deceipt and I'm sure that is why I have gotten farther than many who give up and say I'm done. As long as I'm not flat out, I will try and find answers that can help me be part of the human experience, although I have a predispositon to shun others, as I blame them for my situation, as I find interacting with people particularly stressful and antagonistic.
Many others may have given up sooner but as long as I'm alive, I feel I have find someway to improve my outlook and deficiencies.
I am my own worst critic too and this is also part of my problem. I have pretended I was OK for years before it was fashionable to see a psychiatrist, which I did only after having depression for at least 10 years (late 20's).
I still pretend alot as I'm sure many of us have to to fit in and move forward in life. I'm just trying to be able to cope with reality which right now is starting to get shakey again. I was working for 2 years and was on automatic pilot and now that I'm off that merry go round, reality is getting close again.
I guess working keeps your mind off of it more than on, so at least if you can work that is a blessing.
Now back to finding answers, although I am acutely aware there may be none for me, as so often there was not.
Thanks for writing your views of your impression of me. For so many here, we might be able to write well (some here are very bright and write incredibly well, but are unable to work due to their illnesses) so the written word does not speak to someones functional abilities...which is the standard by which we all are judged in this life...What is the first thing people ask you when you meet them for the first time?
Star
Posted by Phillipa on May 12, 2010, at 19:42:54
In reply to Re: Started Vyvanse today/Leo, posted by stargazer2 on May 12, 2010, at 11:59:21
Stargaze how are you. And as for working. Our ebay is pretty big and we work all night and day on it but it's ours and we don't have to put up with anyone we dont chose to. So that is a good thing. So many here work for banks, other businesses and their offices are home saves the company money and they love it. Anything like that for you? Love Phillipa
Posted by stargazer2 on May 18, 2010, at 15:24:42
In reply to Re: Started Vyvanse today/Leo » stargazer2, posted by Phillipa on May 12, 2010, at 19:42:54
Hope so. working from home allows me to avoid the chaos and noise in an office setting. I do not like all the socialness at work as I have to much work to do when compared with others that have time to cabitz (however that Jewish word is spelled) which I think means to chat and gossip, etc.
Still on Vyvanse but not sure how it is helping yet. Was on 30, upped to 50 but was only able to get the script filled today (ordered last week), feel out of it, not focused at all.
Starting to nosedive from being off Nardil and feeling useless from not working, my usual dilemma. Hope your surgery went well.
You are a brave woman to trust in the medical system like you do, when you are so anxious about new pills or changes in your meds. I'd take pills over surgery any day, at least you are awake and have some control over things unlike surgery. Having no way to control anything once you go under is enough to keep me out of any OR.
SG2
Posted by floatingbridge on May 18, 2010, at 19:53:55
In reply to Re: Started Vyvanse last week/Phillipa, posted by stargazer2 on May 18, 2010, at 15:24:42
Hi Stargazer,
So a higher dose of vyanase? Please let me know how you do. I take a slightly higher dose of dexadrine than some. That's what was needed.
Are you taking any other antidepressant? I apologize if I missed that somewhere along the line.
Here's for trying! Best to you.
May I ask what type of work you're able to do from home? (If that's too private, forgive my intrusion.) I don't think. I'd make it in a workplace any longer myself :(
fb
Posted by Phillipa on May 18, 2010, at 20:07:56
In reply to Re: Started Vyvanse last week/Phillipa, posted by stargazer2 on May 18, 2010, at 15:24:42
I didn't know you were doing any work from home. Socialization was the main factor other than helping others that was the love of my job. I never cared to move further up the management ladder I liked the patient contact. Surgery or nothing as it's the only way I can give up control. So for me the only way. Love Phillipa
Posted by stargazer2 on May 19, 2010, at 9:29:14
In reply to restart » stargazer2, posted by floatingbridge on May 18, 2010, at 19:53:55
Hi, I went up to 50 mg of "V" just today as the last few days I hadn't picked up the med yet. One pharmacy didn't have it and then I never got out of the house due to my depression being in full swing. Lots of thoughts in the last few days reliving past history and seeing how my thoughts are mirror images each time I go down...a spiral of negativity takes over. I guess that's why so many depressed sleep so they can try and block those thought out (or medicate them away)as that may be the only thing that can be done.
My fear is that coming off Nardil may have been too much for me to risk to try stimulants, but since I'm not working the risk seemed worth it for me. I've had depression so long that you would think I would be used to it but I always say my memory is going too, so that might be a protective thing. Except it affects ones ability to work unless your job is stress free or you own your business or something where you don't have to "perform" and compete with others every day.
So much living lost to this and so much wasted energy preventing all of us from being useful to society. Maybe I expect too much from myself as I'm sure many people in life don't give a sh*t about others and are fine with that attitude and they are not depressed. I know I overanalyze stuff and lately my reactions to any negativity is off the charts. I think anyone at home watching TV is exposed to more negativity because of the news today. Every news story reminds me of how F'ed up the world is. No wonder I am depressed, who wouldn't be, right?
Lately all of my posts are not focused onthe question and I get into so many things that should not be in this post...I'm not sure of the Vyvanse being the right med, 50mg may be too much, makes me wired not focused so can't get a good sense if it will work... I'll post agian once I have a better sense of it...I think my doc said I should know quickly if it is helping...
Posted by vaisforlovers on May 20, 2010, at 20:51:04
In reply to Best meds for ADD/Depression, posted by stargazer2 on April 21, 2010, at 11:15:02
Sorry I am posting so late in this thread but I just found it.
I have been on Nardil since 2002 after trying 21 SSRI's. My doc put me on it even though I am taking meds that are supposed to be contraindicated with Nardil. I am on narcotics and have been for years because of chronic pain. I am also on Vyvanse and have been for about a year. The point here is that, depending on the patient, you can take any med in combination with Nardil providing you know what side effects to look for. And of course if your dr. will agree to it. Nardil has so many contraindications to it which is a shame because it is such a wonderful antidepressant. They have changed some of these since it has been found that they do not cause the dreaded hypertensive crisis that is associated with Nardil. For instance, it is no longer required to stop it before having general surgery. I have never had any side effects from the combination of nardil, vyvanse and narcotics nor do I watch my diet. Each patient is different but I think that it is the doctors who won't try any of these because of what they read about Nardil.
I am sorry you are having to off the Nardil in order to take the Vyvanse. I hope you find an antidepressant that works. As for the Vyvanse it is a wonder drug. I am more focused, have tons of energy and some of my interests are back. I take 70mg in the am. I am hoping you find similar results and you start feeling better.
Joanne
Posted by stargazer2 on May 21, 2010, at 0:45:17
In reply to Re: Best meds for ADD/Depression, posted by vaisforlovers on May 20, 2010, at 20:51:04
Thanks for your message..You have a good doc to allow those combos.
Are you in the States or elsewhere? Curious since your doc seems to be unconventional in some ways with allowing those meds with Nardil. I did have a hypertensive reaction once with Nardil and another stim, so my doc is wary of that occurring again.
Did you remember any change in your response to Nardil after it was reformulated? Many who were stable found the change caused them to relapse and have to increase their dosage to double or triple strength.
What dose of Nardil are you on?
When you started Vyvanse did you have side effects or does the way you feel when you start it stay the same?
I started at 30 and now I'm on 50 mg...not sure of anything yet as it makes me feel spacey and unfocused instead of the other way around. Some of what I'm feeling is probably from coming off Nardil.
Did you try other stims with any success? How long before you knew Vyvanse was doing something good?
Thanks again for reading my post and your comments.
Star
Posted by stargazer2 on May 23, 2010, at 13:26:00
In reply to Re: Best meds for ADD/Depression, posted by vaisforlovers on May 20, 2010, at 20:51:04
I'm in a bad way, do you think I should take nardil again...I stopped to try Vyvanse but now my depression has recurred and issues like ADD seem frivolous.
I'm just not sure of anything right now. I'm not even sure Nardil was doing all that much but right now I'm paralyzed with life and it's uncertanties. I'm afraid of living as it seems too difficut and uncertain, which is what life is.
Has anyone gotten to this point where the desire to live is gone? I know I have but have come back from it, but the recurrency of the situation has worn me down after 30 years. I see no way out and no real improvement despite the efforts I have made up until this point.
I still have no idea what happiness is, that is sad. Even with Nardil and other treatments, I did not get to a place where I was at peace with things. That is hard to realize.
SG2
Posted by floatingbridge on May 23, 2010, at 13:47:42
In reply to Re: Best meds for ADD/Depression/Vais, posted by stargazer2 on May 23, 2010, at 13:26:00
Hi Stargazer,
Do you have a therapist? I think seeing one is important right now (my opinion) when you are so down.
And a pdoc? Yes, reconsider meds right away. My experience w/ depression is it drifts from bad to worse and seems the entirety of life. Please don't let this happen--you're a good person.
Do you have people to call today or Monday?
You can add an ad and still work on the add piece.
Post back.
fb
Posted by chujoe on May 23, 2010, at 14:02:00
In reply to Re: Best meds for ADD/Depression/Vais » stargazer2, posted by floatingbridge on May 23, 2010, at 13:47:42
SG2, when I was new here at PB you chimed in on one of my posts in a helpful and welcoming way. I'm sorry to hear you're in a bad way. I agree with Floatingbridge -- if you have a therapist, call him. And it sounds as if you might seriously consider going back on medication for your depression. Once you get stabilized you can start looking around for happiness.
I'm going out for a while this evening, but I'll check back when I get home, so post back. You can also babblemail me if you want. I don't have any particular expertise, except that I've been where you're sitting. Keep talking to people and go back to the doctor tomorrow.
Posted by floatingbridge on May 23, 2010, at 14:54:31
In reply to Re: Best meds for ADD/Depression/Vais, posted by chujoe on May 23, 2010, at 14:02:00
Yes, Stargazer, as Chujoe said, you can always babblemail me too
Hugs!
Posted by vaisforlovers on May 23, 2010, at 18:10:25
In reply to Re: Best meds for ADD/Depression/Vais » chujoe, posted by floatingbridge on May 23, 2010, at 14:54:31
To SG2 - I am so sorry your depression is back in full swing. I had to go off Nardil for 2 weeks due to surgery. They were the worse weeks of my life since being on the one drug that had helped me. In hindsight, I never should have gone off it and since I am a nurse, I know there wouldn't have been any repercussions such as hypertension during the surgery. Hindsight is always enlightening.
Does your dr. know that you are feeling the way you do? In my humble opinion you need to call him as soon as possible. Did you go off the Nardil gradually? What dose were you on and how long did it take you to finally go off it - 2 weeks? (I have tried to read everything in this thread to make sure I could write you with at least some insight to what was going on but when I read how you were feeling, all of that seemed unimportant at this moment) What dose of Vyvanse are you up to now? I am on 70mg every am. It took at least 8 days to feel the full effect. I do not experience any side effects, but as you noticed, I am not the average patient that has to be careful of interactions. Vyvanse gives me energy to last the whole day and I have begun to do some of the things I used to do ie gardening, reading. Being a nurse helps because I know what to look for but I also know that a patient without a medical background can learn what to look for in the side effects and tell when they are in trouble. I agree that I am lucky that the drs. have allowed me to try all these drugs while being Nardil. But my metabolism may be so different and/or screwed up! that I will not experience most of these side effects. Be that as it may, my heart tells me to let you know that you have the support of the members of this forum and that we will try to help you in any way we can. I also feel that you shouldn't wait any longer before calling your dr. concerning the way you are feeling since going off the nardil. As you can see the symptoms of depression come back with a roar and you feel helpless. Please don't give up. You can find something for ADD once your depression is under control. I know there is a stimulant out there that will work for you. I was on Ritalin LA for 4 years and it worked wonderfully but it quit working for whatever reason. I have a history of drugs not working and it really makes me angry that I have to go through the searching for the right drug all over again. But what else could I do?
I have been where you are right now and for me it lasted years 'til I found the right med. I also felt that life was uncertain and wondered what was the use?? But somehow and from somewhere deep in you, you start to see things differently albeit it still doesn't look too damn good. I know you have done this over the years and that you think you don't have that "one more time" left in you but I feel, after reading your posts, that you do. The help is out there, please reach for it.
Joanne
Posted by Phillipa on May 23, 2010, at 19:32:30
In reply to Re: Best meds for ADD/Depression/Vais, posted by vaisforlovers on May 23, 2010, at 18:10:25
Stargazer please get back on the nardil now. I'm writing you. Love Phillipa
Posted by stargazer2 on May 24, 2010, at 8:14:40
In reply to Re: Best meds for ADD/Depression/Vais » stargazer2, posted by floatingbridge on May 23, 2010, at 13:47:42
Thanks for all support you have tried to give me. I know what you are all saying but it si so difficult to feel any chance of recovery ever when you are in the middle of a mess.
I haven't had a therapist in years...found it didn't really help with my depression but I was thinking it would be helpful at times like this. I just do not like the idea of talking to a stranger lately and finding a T is not a walk in the park.
I just called my pdoc so I'll wait to hear what I should about meds.
All I can focus on lately is the catastrophy in the GUlf. I cannot even fathom how the world will survive that...it just proves how inept humans are with planning and preventing things they say will be safe and well monitored. IT is all BS. My immediate reaction was "We will all die" and I know my reactions are so extreme but that is how I feel.
My thoughts are for the animals not the humans, as they are so innocent and so many will perish...humans will live and go on to make more messes, it's not fair. I cherish animals so much more than people for their innocence. Humans can be so devious and self centered.
I just don't want to be part of this world anymore...it has too much danger and we do not take every precaution with these things. So much in life is done haphazardly and to cut corners and save money and without really strict regulations, as if people would follow regs.
I try not to watch the news but feel like I should help somehow.
Is anyone doing anything about that sitution in their own way that can make them feel like they can help...all our personal problems are so insignificant in life when the world as we know it will no longer exist...I don't think that is being overly dramatic.
I think this situation has really brought me to a depth lower than usual.
Posted by chujoe on May 24, 2010, at 15:10:51
In reply to Re: Best meds for ADD/Depression/FB,etc., posted by stargazer2 on May 24, 2010, at 8:14:40
SG2, as I said, I've been where you're sitting. You're using the logic of depression, which is very powerful, but flawed. The world is awful & we depressives, some argue, have a more realistic view of things than our "healthy" fellow-citizens. The flaw is that you can't do anything to help those innocent animals if you give in to despair.
I'm glad you've made contact with your pdoc. Deal with your immediate state of mind & then you might find it helps you to heal to actively involve yourself in trying to set right something in the world you care about. But despair is paralyzing and you can't do anything paralyzed.
Posted by stargazer2 on May 24, 2010, at 18:48:14
In reply to Re: Best meds for ADD/Depression/FB,etc. » stargazer2, posted by chujoe on May 24, 2010, at 15:10:51
I know everything is distorted by the depression but I don't care about it not being logical. I am so angry that the dumb *ss*s who created this mess have no solutions to a project that they designed yet had no forethought as to how a possible disaster would be managed. Maybe those in charge have depression and denied anything like this could ever happen. NO if they had depression, they would know this was a possibility, as I always think, what is the worse case scenerio that can happen here.
Depression has its benefits despite its real limitations.
Posted by Phillipa on May 24, 2010, at 18:55:47
In reply to Re: Best meds for ADD/Depression/Chujoe, posted by stargazer2 on May 24, 2010, at 18:48:14
Hey you are back hoping you got message from me let me know. Since the whole financial situation hit me last fall I've been a mess also. Feeling like it's bad to get older and that the sick and older will be eliminated by lack of docs that take medicaire. Also new physical problems tend to realize how fragile human life is also. Nothing can turn back the clock and that is sobering. And not able to physically do what you did before. I'm glad you called the pdoc. So are you back on the nardil? Love Phillipa
Posted by vaisforlovers on May 24, 2010, at 22:35:45
In reply to Re: Best meds for ADD/Depression/Vais, posted by vaisforlovers on May 23, 2010, at 18:10:25
SG2 I can understand how the Shell Oil disaster has affected you. It is a horrible thing to have happened and Shell needs to take responsibility for it and fix it. Even tho' I am in the medical profession, I, too, care so much more for animals. I have sent a letter to Obama and Secretary Ken Salazar that I received from the World Wildlife Fund. It is asking those two to make a ruling that will stop Shell Oil from drilling again in the Arctic. It made me a little better. I can send it to somehow if you want. If Shell would at least cap the oil spill, it would stop the thousands of barrels that are spilling every day. I found out the reason they haven't is because if they cap this rig, they will never be able to use this area again. It always comes down to money.
Unfortunately there is not a lot we can do about stuff that happens in our precious world. Yes, we are really screwing it up but I also believe there are a few lawmakers that care as we do. We just don't hear about them. Even though a letter sounds trivial if enough people write to them sooner or later we will make ourselves heard. Such is the case with Shell. We have until 6/25 to write letters and after that I am afraid they will allow Shell to drill again. You can't go against a company with so much clout and money. It's these companies that "rule" our legislators.
I am so sorry you have gotten so deep into your depression. I am glad you called your dr. I do believe you should go back on the Nardil. Once you are at a therapeutic level I think you will start feeling better. I know everything seems bleak and you don't want to go on but please give the nardil a chance. As you said, the ADD can wait.
Please let us know what is happening. As I said before you have our support. I will be here if you need me.
Joanne
Posted by detroitpistons on May 25, 2010, at 0:31:49
In reply to Re: Best meds for ADD/Depression/Chujoe, posted by stargazer2 on May 24, 2010, at 18:48:14
I didn't intend on reading this whole thread, but I've ended up reading most of it. I've read some incredibly insightful comments by everyone, notably by Stargazer and Chujoe. A few things about ADHD stimulant meds: Vyvanse is just dextroamphetamine, aka Dexedrine. It is formulated in such a way as to only function when metabolized by the liver. This prevents people from crushing and snorting it....that's it. There's really no other therapeutic benefit to it. I bring this up only because you mentioned the cost. In short, it's more or less a scam. D-amphetamine has been around since the late 1800's. There is nothing novel about Adderall (mostly D-amphetamine) or Vyvanse (all D-amphetamine). Vyvanse, particularly, is a patent extender. I tried Vyvanse on a free trial and for some reason, it just made me feel horrible after a few hours. FYI, Concerta and...can't remember the name, are offshoots of Ritalin. Basically for ADHD, you have Ritalin and Dexedrine/ Adderall. Everything else besides Strattera is just an offshoot of Ritalin or Dexedrine.
Reading some of your comments and observations actually inspired me in a way. I won't try to give you a pep talk. You are already aware that some of your thinking is illogical and a product of depression, yet that doesn't change the fact that it is sometimes intolerable. I understand. I have been there. There's no easy solution. There's not much that anyone can say to make you feel better when it gets really bad.
I just want to tell you that, based on what I've read, I believe that you are unique and that you have much to offer to the world. Even if you spend 95% of your time depressed, you might still be able to use that 5% to help someone else, or to make some kind of difference, in some kind of way. You have good things to say and your mind is still sharp. Somehow, I think you will find a way to use your mind and your talents in such a way as to shrink this monster down to just a mere nuisance.
> I know everything is distorted by the depression but I don't care about it not being logical. I am so angry that the dumb *ss*s who created this mess have no solutions to a project that they designed yet had no forethought as to how a possible disaster would be managed. Maybe those in charge have depression and denied anything like this could ever happen. NO if they had depression, they would know this was a possibility, as I always think, what is the worse case scenerio that can happen here.
>
> Depression has its benefits despite its real limitations.
>
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