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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 chris87 on September 7, 2014, at 19:21:44
I was wondering if anyone could give me some insight. I am looking at taking medication again. My PDoc wants me to take Prozac, but I would like to try Strattera. I know it's like comparing apples to oranges since one is an SSRI and the other is an NRI. I have issues with OCD, ADHD, and Social Anxiety. I had taken Lexapro and Zoloft in the past, but they did not help my OCD/SA at all. I think that I had gotten the most benefit from stimulants, even though I didn't like taking them. They seemed to eradicate my OCD symptoms (rituals, repetitive actions, inability to shift thought, etc). This never made sense to me, as I would have expected stimulants to aggravate my OCD. My social anxiety was also reduced, and my mind felt much calmer.
My PDoc thinks that my problems are mostly anxiety related and that an SSRI will help. I'm afraid that my cognition will be affected, and it will make my ADHD issues worse. As much as I dislike dealing with OCD, my ADHD problems and SA are more troublesome. I can't focus at all, and it's extremely difficult to concentrate. Just writing this post is torturous for me. I have to keep stopping, and I can barely complete a thought. I'm disorganized, and I procrastinate horribly. I never follow through with a task, have difficulty making decisions, and feel like an inefficient, unreliable person. My OCD gives me an overwhelming desire for perfection, but my ADHD makes this an impossibility. It's very discouraging.
My PDoc said that he isn't crazy about Strattera, but I think he would prescribe it. He feels that the side effects of Prozac are much less pronounced. He indicated that with Strattera he sees more fatigue and nausea. For whatever reason, I'm afraid of SSRIs. I have read all kinds of articles online referencing GI bleeding, decreased bone density, premature aging/wrinkling, hair loss, and other side effects. I'm sure that Strattera also has these possibilities (I've heard about the liver damage), but I'm not as scared to take it.
Can anyone give me advice? I am totally confused about what to do. I wish I could talk more openly with my PDoc, because he's very understanding. When I have an appointment, I never adequately express my thoughts. I appreciate any input.
Posted by herpills on September 10, 2014, at 9:46:16
In reply to SSRI (Prozac) vs Strattera - ADHD, OCD, and SA, posted by chris87 on September 7, 2014, at 19:21:44
I've never taken either of those medications so I can't comment specifically about that, but I see you mentioned that you have a hard time expressing your needs to your doctor? I've felt the same way with some doctors. Could you maybe write some things down and bring it with you? Your request to try Strattera seems very reasonable and I hope your doctor will consider prescribing it for you.
Posted by rjlockhart37 on September 13, 2014, at 14:46:05
In reply to Re: SSRI (Prozac) vs Strattera - ADHD, OCD, and SA » chris87, posted by herpills on September 10, 2014, at 9:46:16
i've taken prozac and strattera together.....strattera makes you alert, and some way vigilant, not like amphetamines with the motivation euphoria.....but it will keep you on your toes, but it depends on the person
prozac is more for mood enhacement
This is the end of the thread.
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