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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by zonked on July 29, 2016, at 9:17:48
Whoa.
I had a "blip" of improvement on adding 5mg Focalin XR, followed by LOTS of anxiety.
(Started yesterday). It was so bad, I won't take the 5mg today. I'm going to see the doc today, so we'll see what he says, if this isn't too late - is this because it's too SMALL a dose? I was taking I think 15mg twice a day before. No titration.
Z
Posted by SLS on July 29, 2016, at 9:56:43
In reply to Focalin XR 5mg too low, INCREASED anxiety, sls?, posted by zonked on July 29, 2016, at 9:17:48
> Whoa.
>
> I had a "blip" of improvement on adding 5mg Focalin XR, followed by LOTS of anxiety.
>
> (Started yesterday). It was so bad, I won't take the 5mg today. I'm going to see the doc today, so we'll see what he says, if this isn't too late - is this because it's too SMALL a dose? I was taking I think 15mg twice a day before. No titration.
>
> ZI can't answer your question. I think Linkadge is better suited to address it.
You may need to discover the answer for yourself by experimenting. My inclination is to think that Focalin is not what you need in order to seek a stable remission from depression. I could be wrong, though. I see Focalin as being more of a PRN, although a small number of people report a stable remission when added it to antidepressants. Perhaps these folks have ADHD/ADD instead of, or as a comorbid condition to depression. Desipramine might be a good choice for you if ADHD/ADD is present comorbid with depression.
- Scott
Posted by zonked on July 31, 2016, at 12:10:04
In reply to Re: Focalin XR 5mg too low, INCREASED anxiety, sls? » zonked, posted by SLS on July 29, 2016, at 9:56:43
I'm scared to try TCAs because of a bad experience I had with nortriptyline as monotherapy some years ago.
It made me very, very quick to anger, snapping at people, which isn't me. Reminded me sort of, of being on Wellbutrin which did something similar.
So the Focalin XR 5mg caps sit around. I am scared to take them. And what is this! The doctor is being so cautious because I'm also on Nardil he wants me to stay on 5mg till...October?! WTF.
I suppose what I could do is take my Klonopin at the VERY MOMENT things start getting out-of-control, if they do, with anxiety. I know that I need a higher dose but I can't push him. Blegh.
Apparently my insurance covers ketamine infusion therapy AND rtms in another region. I'm going to ask to see if it's covered where I live.
z
Posted by SLS on July 31, 2016, at 16:09:59
In reply to Re: Focalin XR 5mg too low, INCREASED anxiety, sls? » SLS, posted by zonked on July 31, 2016, at 12:10:04
> Apparently my insurance covers ketamine infusion therapy AND rtms in another region. I'm going to ask to see if it's covered where I live.
You would be better off trying intranasal ketamine first. It is dirt-cheap, but you need to find a compounding pharmacy to prepare it.
http://bipolarnews.org/index.php?s=intranasal+ketamine
http://ecompoundingpharmacy.com/
- Scott
Posted by zonked on August 1, 2016, at 17:48:00
In reply to Re: Focalin XR 5mg too low, INCREASED anxiety, sls?, posted by SLS on July 31, 2016, at 16:09:59
> > Apparently my insurance covers ketamine infusion therapy AND rtms in another region. I'm going to ask to see if it's covered where I live.
>
> You would be better off trying intranasal ketamine first. It is dirt-cheap, but you need to find a compounding pharmacy to prepare it.
>
> http://bipolarnews.org/index.php?s=intranasal+ketamine
>
> http://ecompoundingpharmacy.com/
>
>
> - Scott
Have you tried this? My insurance includes compounding but just try selling that to my doctor!Anyway, I've continued the Focalin XR. I only get about 4 hours of partial symptom relief at 5mg and really, really am probably going to push my prescriber to do a more rapid titration.
Waiting is frustrating, especially when I already know my ideal dose! But I have to do it, so.
-z
Posted by SLS on August 1, 2016, at 19:29:14
In reply to Re: Focalin XR 5mg too low..but better » SLS, posted by zonked on August 1, 2016, at 17:48:00
Hi Zonked.
> > You would be better off trying intranasal ketamine first. It is dirt-cheap, but you need to find a compounding pharmacy to prepare it.
> Have you tried this?
Yes, but I didn't feel a darn thing. It is likely that I am in a small minority of people in this regard (probably met66met genotype for BDNF). A good friend of mine was able to give up 4 drugs in favor of intranasal ketamine taken twice a week. She is in full remission. Magic.
Patience is a virtue. I wish I had more of it. I did at first.
What dosage does your doctor have in mind?
- Scott
Posted by Lamdage22 on August 6, 2016, at 10:56:07
In reply to Re: Focalin XR 5mg too low..but better » zonked, posted by SLS on August 1, 2016, at 19:29:14
Yes patience waiting for Rapastinel. I am thrilled to know who will benefit from it here. I hope it will be a reason to celebrate. Imagine half of the people or more here in remission.
This is the end of the thread.
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