![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
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 lymom3 on September 8, 2006, at 17:12:17
Sorry if this has been asked and answered but I'm new at considering alternatives to prescription meds. I take Lamictal, Topamax, Inderal and Ritalin. I guess since I started the Topamax and can't drink soda anymore I've noticed my lack of energy because I don't get my caffeine anymore. That was my pick me up throughout the day. Not over done or addicted but I feel a thousand times better on my bipolar meds than I ever did experimenting with anti depressants. I can deal with life better...all of that but I just can't ever seem fully awake or have quite enough energy to do the things that I need to get done.
I already take 60mg of Ritalin LA for ADHD. I have thought about Provigil but it is not covered under my drug plan for off label use and I for sure can't afford it otherwise. I don't want to take a bunch of crazy stuff and I hate the thought of straight caffeine pills although I guess I was doing that by drinking soda...guess it just tasted better. Anyone else have something that works for you?
Posted by Meri-Tuuli on September 12, 2006, at 5:48:19
In reply to Energy or lack thereof, posted by lymom3 on September 8, 2006, at 17:12:17
Hmm, well you're already on a bunch of meds, so I guess you can't take anything 'alternative' because of interactions with your cocktail of current meds, if you get what I mean.
I suppose you won't like this, but exercise gives you more energy (much more!) and its obviously healthy and things.
Getting good enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, these are all good ways to go. I have actually found that since giving up caffine, I have more energy, more kinda long term energy, if that makes sense. Sure a coffee will give you a quick pick me up, but it doesn't last and then you are tired again.
anyway, maybe the tiredness is a side effect of one of the meds - I was constantly tired on celexa. But you take ritalin, so I guess there's not too much to worry about.....
Kind regards
Meri
Posted by Jlx on September 14, 2006, at 18:45:53
In reply to Energy or lack thereof, posted by lymom3 on September 8, 2006, at 17:12:17
> Sorry if this has been asked and answered but I'm new at considering alternatives to prescription meds. I take Lamictal, Topamax, Inderal and Ritalin. I guess since I started the Topamax and can't drink soda anymore I've noticed my lack of energy because I don't get my caffeine anymore. That was my pick me up throughout the day. Not over done or addicted but I feel a thousand times better on my bipolar meds than I ever did experimenting with anti depressants. I can deal with life better...all of that but I just can't ever seem fully awake or have quite enough energy to do the things that I need to get done.
>
> I already take 60mg of Ritalin LA for ADHD. I have thought about Provigil but it is not covered under my drug plan for off label use and I for sure can't afford it otherwise. I don't want to take a bunch of crazy stuff and I hate the thought of straight caffeine pills although I guess I was doing that by drinking soda...guess it just tasted better. Anyone else have something that works for you?I agree that with that combo of meds, messing around with alternatives could be contraindicated.
You might try a basic multi vitamin/mineral though. Maybe a little extra vitamin C, magnesium or magnesium/calcium.
The guy who owns my local health food store sold me on this recently. He said he takes it every day. I haven't tried it yet but there's nothing there that should cause an probs to anyone, I don't think:
Now Foods, Instant Energy B12, 2000 mcg
http://www.iherb.com/store/ProductDetails.aspx?c=Herbs&pid=NOW-00497
Generally though, nothing is as strong as a stimulant drug.
JL
This is the end of the thread.
Psycho-Babble Alternative | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.