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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 3 of 3. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Emma584 on October 22, 2011, at 15:09:41
Hi everyone -
I am not sure what my question(s) are, but you all seem knowledgeable. Just looking for insight, as I have a totally offbeat body chemistry.
I have Adult ADHD, mild bipolar II and do not have a thyroid. I also had a total hysterectomy in 2008 (no hormones). Now that I am post-menopause, my body chemistry has changed. My doctors are trying to figure out the best cocktail at this point, as the mild bipolar II was only diagnosed a month and a half ago.
Levoxyl has been the consistent drug for the last 12 years. It replaces my thyroid hormone. For the last few years, I have been taking Adderall 30 mg, Lexapro and Levoxyl, with some Restoril thrown in for chronic insomnia.
When the Adderall shortage hit, I was switched to Focalin in August, which was too strong, and then Vyvanse in September. I reacted to Focalin like I have reacted to Ritalin in the past - CRAZY manic episodes. Vyvanse was too strong but did not make me feel crazy like Focalin and Ritalin. I just ran out of the Vyvanse yesterday.
Since the BP II diagnosis, I have not been taking antidepressants for the first time in 13 years, which feels great. When I stopped the ADs, my doctor put me on Lamictal, and I am now up to 100 mgs daily. I take it at night.
Because I seem to be unable to tolerate Focalin or Vyvanse, the doc put me on Strattera, which I have been taking for five days at 18 mgs. I am about to go up to 40 tomorrow.
I've weaned off the Vyvanse but took that with the Strattera this week. This combo has brought on some scary chest pains and weak/no focus. I have resorted to taking a Restoril to counteract the chest pains.
Next week, I am having my thyroid levels tested.
Does anyone know why I would have chest pains on Strattera/Focalin/Ritalin (norepinephrine-related drugs), vs. Adderall?
Thank you for reading this long post. :)
- Callie
Posted by Phillipa on October 22, 2011, at 18:24:07
In reply to ADHD, Bipolar II, No thyroid, Total Hysterectomy, posted by Emma584 on October 22, 2011, at 15:09:41
First welcome to babble. I don't have the same issues as you. But do share some of others. I'm also postmenopausal and body chemistry has changed. I also take low doses of lexpro and luvox and some low dose benzos. But I also have thyroid issues. Hypothyroidism. Hit about menopausal time. Great that off the ads heard that lamictal can take the place as a mood stabalizer. What would happen if you went back on ritalin? Seeing you also are a bit older is your heart fine? Phillipa
Posted by floatingbridge on October 22, 2011, at 19:48:45
In reply to ADHD, Bipolar II, No thyroid, Total Hysterectomy, posted by Emma584 on October 22, 2011, at 15:09:41
I didn't know there was an adderall shortage.
I did well on Dexedrine spansules (have not tried adderall) but did not do well on strattera. It was am irritant to my system and had a terrible effect on my cognition as well. It was tried as an AD augment.
I wish I could provide some insight.
This is the end of the thread.
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