Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 1111554

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Re: I can't take much more! Anxiety overwhelming!

Posted by SLS on August 11, 2020, at 14:19:39

In reply to Re: I can't take much more! Anxiety overwhelming!, posted by Englishman006! on August 8, 2020, at 22:06:24

I have found that there are unacceptable differences in the clinical effects of different brands of lamotrigine. Something should be done about it. To the best of my knowledge, no other anticonvulsant is so variable in its therapeutic effects. I have to jump through some hoops, but I use the Lamictal brand. Mylan lamotrigine was the worst. Teva lamotrigine was the best until they discontinued it and then resumed supplying it. All of their versions are now XR extended release. Obviously this isn't the same product they sold previously. My guess is that the drug is manufactured by the company they acquired, who was already making it. The first XR sold by Teva sucked, from what I understand. Still, it might be worth a try.

If anyone feels that their generic lamotrigine works as well as the original Lamictal, please share your observations. Generic company and dosages would be great information.


- Scott

 

Re: I can't take much more! Anxiety overwhelming!

Posted by Englishman006! on August 11, 2020, at 22:32:36

In reply to Re: I can't take much more! Anxiety overwhelming!, posted by SLS on August 11, 2020, at 14:19:39

> I have found that there are unacceptable differences in the clinical effects of different brands of lamotrigine. Something should be done about it. To the best of my knowledge, no other anticonvulsant is so variable in its therapeutic effects. I have to jump through some hoops, but I use the Lamictal brand. Mylan lamotrigine was the worst. Teva lamotrigine was the best until they discontinued it and then resumed supplying it. All of their versions are now XR extended release. Obviously this isn't the same product they sold previously. My guess is that the drug is manufactured by the company they acquired, who was already making it. The first XR sold by Teva sucked, from what I understand. Still, it might be worth a try.
>
> If anyone feels that their generic lamotrigine works as well as the original Lamictal, please share your observations. Generic company and dosages would be great information.
>
>
> - Scott

I have been on different brands of Lamotrigine and you're right, there is an extreme difference. I too take Lamictal. I've also reacted badly to dexamphetamine when it was made into extended release, high dose, by a compounding pharmacy. I think new xr versions or brands of any med should be taken with caution...

Lamotrigine also gives me bad melasma, a side effect not mentioned in any of the literature I've read. I think I may be the odd one out on that skin pigmentation disorder. There doesn't seem to be an alternative glutamate blocker in its class, so I'm stuck with it.

 

Re: I can't take much more! Anxiety overwhelming!

Posted by SLS on August 15, 2020, at 18:21:28

In reply to Re: I can't take much more! Anxiety overwhelming!, posted by Englishman006! on August 11, 2020, at 22:32:36

> > I have found that there are unacceptable differences in the clinical effects of different brands of lamotrigine. Something should be done about it. To the best of my knowledge, no other anticonvulsant is so variable in its therapeutic effects. I have to jump through some hoops, but I use the Lamictal brand. Mylan lamotrigine was the worst. Teva lamotrigine was the best until they discontinued it and then resumed supplying it. All of their versions are now XR extended release. Obviously this isn't the same product they sold previously. My guess is that the drug is manufactured by the company they acquired, who was already making it. The first XR sold by Teva sucked, from what I understand. Still, it might be worth a try.
> >
> > If anyone feels that their generic lamotrigine works as well as the original Lamictal, please share your observations. Generic company and dosages would be great information.
> >
> >
> > - Scott
>
> I have been on different brands of Lamotrigine and you're right, there is an extreme difference. I too take Lamictal. I've also reacted badly to dexamphetamine when it was made into extended release, high dose, by a compounding pharmacy. I think new xr versions or brands of any med should be taken with caution...
>
> Lamotrigine also gives me bad melasma, a side effect not mentioned in any of the literature I've read. I think I may be the odd one out on that skin pigmentation disorder. There doesn't seem to be an alternative glutamate blocker in its class, so I'm stuck with it.

I think you're right about glutamate inhibitors and depression. Valproate is pretty good at reducing glutamate activity through the inhibition of GABA transaminase, and possibly through the blocking of sodium channels upstream.


- Scott

 

Re: I can't take much more! Anxiety overwhelming!

Posted by SLS on August 15, 2020, at 19:28:00

In reply to Re: I can't take much more! Anxiety overwhelming!, posted by SLS on August 15, 2020, at 18:21:28

> > > I have found that there are unacceptable differences in the clinical effects of different brands of lamotrigine. Something should be done about it. To the best of my knowledge, no other anticonvulsant is so variable in its therapeutic effects. I have to jump through some hoops, but I use the Lamictal brand. Mylan lamotrigine was the worst. Teva lamotrigine was the best until they discontinued it and then resumed supplying it. All of their versions are now XR extended release. Obviously this isn't the same product they sold previously. My guess is that the drug is manufactured by the company they acquired, who was already making it. The first XR sold by Teva sucked, from what I understand. Still, it might be worth a try.
> > >
> > > If anyone feels that their generic lamotrigine works as well as the original Lamictal, please share your observations. Generic company and dosages would be great information.
> > >
> > >
> > > - Scott
> >
> > I have been on different brands of Lamotrigine and you're right, there is an extreme difference. I too take Lamictal. I've also reacted badly to dexamphetamine when it was made into extended release, high dose, by a compounding pharmacy. I think new xr versions or brands of any med should be taken with caution...
> >
> > Lamotrigine also gives me bad melasma, a side effect not mentioned in any of the literature I've read. I think I may be the odd one out on that skin pigmentation disorder. There doesn't seem to be an alternative glutamate blocker in its class, so I'm stuck with it.
>
> I think you're right about glutamate inhibitors and depression. Valproate is pretty good at reducing glutamate activity through the inhibition of GABA transaminase, and possibly through the blocking of sodium channels upstream.

Calcium channels, too.


- Scott

 

Re: I can't take much more! Anxiety overwhelming! » SLS

Posted by Englishman006! on August 15, 2020, at 20:59:32

In reply to Re: I can't take much more! Anxiety overwhelming!, posted by SLS on August 15, 2020, at 19:28:00

> > > > I have found that there are unacceptable differences in the clinical effects of different brands of lamotrigine. Something should be done about it. To the best of my knowledge, no other anticonvulsant is so variable in its therapeutic effects. I have to jump through some hoops, but I use the Lamictal brand. Mylan lamotrigine was the worst. Teva lamotrigine was the best until they discontinued it and then resumed supplying it. All of their versions are now XR extended release. Obviously this isn't the same product they sold previously. My guess is that the drug is manufactured by the company they acquired, who was already making it. The first XR sold by Teva sucked, from what I understand. Still, it might be worth a try.
> > > >
> > > > If anyone feels that their generic lamotrigine works as well as the original Lamictal, please share your observations. Generic company and dosages would be great information.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > - Scott
> > >
> > > I have been on different brands of Lamotrigine and you're right, there is an extreme difference. I too take Lamictal. I've also reacted badly to dexamphetamine when it was made into extended release, high dose, by a compounding pharmacy. I think new xr versions or brands of any med should be taken with caution...
> > >
> > > Lamotrigine also gives me bad melasma, a side effect not mentioned in any of the literature I've read. I think I may be the odd one out on that skin pigmentation disorder. There doesn't seem to be an alternative glutamate blocker in its class, so I'm stuck with it.
> >
> > I think you're right about glutamate inhibitors and depression. Valproate is pretty good at reducing glutamate activity through the inhibition of GABA transaminase, and possibly through the blocking of sodium channels upstream.
>
> Calcium channels, too.
>
>
> - Scott

Valproate, what do you think of this drug overall, including side effect profile? I would be extremely interested in getting rid of my melasma. Lamotrigine has been a god send as it gave me back my 'talking tackle' after the dexamphetamine+ memantine combo kind of pooped out in that regard.

I also get extreme fatigue but put up with it in order to have a sense of wit and humour. Coffee adds to it but stimulates me mentally. It's such a rough and juggle thing with meds don't you think?

 

Re: I can't take much more! Anxiety overwhelming! » Englishman006!

Posted by Englishman006! on August 15, 2020, at 21:09:54

In reply to Re: I can't take much more! Anxiety overwhelming! » SLS, posted by Englishman006! on August 15, 2020, at 20:59:32

Numbness is another side effect I struggle with. I dropped the low dose amisulpride due to it's lack of effect.

How are you doing lately Scott?

 

Re: I can't take much more! Anxiety overwhelming! » Englishman006!

Posted by SLS on August 16, 2020, at 13:20:36

In reply to Re: I can't take much more! Anxiety overwhelming! » Englishman006!, posted by Englishman006! on August 15, 2020, at 21:09:54

> Numbness is another side effect I struggle with. I dropped the low dose amisulpride due to it's lack of effect.
>
> How are you doing lately Scott?

That's kind of you to ask. I am still responding to the introduction of Nardil, but I still need to finesse the dosage to find a balance between side effects and therapeutic effect.

Where is the numbness located, and what do you think is causing it?


- Scott

 

Re: I can't take much more! Anxiety overwhelming!

Posted by creepy on August 18, 2020, at 2:57:22

In reply to I can't take much more! Anxiety overwhelming!, posted by Englishman006! on August 6, 2020, at 7:39:04

pdocs like to throw SSRIs at you and claim they help with anxiety in my experience they never have in fact for me they create irritability, add anxiety and the apathy is horrible.
the SSRI that I found that was the best for anxiety out of them all was escitalipram at max dose. YMMV.
Personally I would ditch prozac for something less activating, and / or look into another antipsychotic. aside from the more addictive and sedating drugs those are really the only potent ones that come to mind.

 

Re: I can't take much more! Anxiety overwhelming!

Posted by alchemy on August 23, 2020, at 19:47:30

In reply to I can't take much more! Anxiety overwhelming!, posted by Englishman006! on August 6, 2020, at 7:39:04

Offering some possibilities that may or may not be related.

If you were on beta blockers, I think they have been known to help with anxiety. Late withdrawals?

The other thing that changed is that you started Amisulpride, but it doesn't sound like that med would contribute.

--> I started getting it really bad on Sunday when I suddenly felt fatigued, weak and nauseous.

Interesting, there seems to be an immune system component with the fatigue and nausea, possibly with the gut which of course relates to anxiety. I don't have an answer, but
it's another angle. One random, although unlikely, thing to try is an antihistamine. I have found that this helps a little with my anxiety.

 

Re: I can't take much more! Anxiety overwhelming! » SLS

Posted by Englishman006! on August 24, 2020, at 4:03:28

In reply to Re: I can't take much more! Anxiety overwhelming! » Englishman006!, posted by SLS on August 16, 2020, at 13:20:36

> > Numbness is another side effect I struggle with. I dropped the low dose amisulpride due to it's lack of effect.
> >
> > How are you doing lately Scott?
>
> That's kind of you to ask. I am still responding to the introduction of Nardil, but I still need to finesse the dosage to find a balance between side effects and therapeutic effect.
>
> Where is the numbness located, and what do you think is causing it?
>
>
> - Scott
>
>
>
>
Good luck with that. Let us know how you go.

I get emotionally numb. You could also call it apathy. I think it's a result of being on Prozac. Any of the ssri's can cause it, apparently.

 

Re: I can't take much more! Anxiety overwhelming! » undopaminergic

Posted by Englishman006! on August 24, 2020, at 4:16:49

In reply to Re: I can't take much more! Anxiety overwhelming!, posted by undopaminergic on August 7, 2020, at 0:31:57

> > 20mg Memantine (to offset the anxiety caused by Dex)
>
> Memantine can also be a powerful antidepressant. However, tolerance can develop, and so you may need to increase the dose.
>
> -undopaminergic
>

How much memantine did you end up taking? I've increased to 30mg now.

 

Re: I can't take much more! Anxiety overwhelming! » linkadge

Posted by Englishman006! on August 24, 2020, at 4:20:47

In reply to Re: I can't take much more! Anxiety overwhelming!, posted by linkadge on August 6, 2020, at 16:05:08

> Just to add. You may need to reduce the Dexedrine for a few days while you are trying to get the anxiety under control. Then perhaps slowly re-introduce it.
>
> How is your sleep?
>
> Linkadge

Never had a problem except chronic nightmares before the stroke..

 

Re: I can't take much more! Anxiety overwhelming!

Posted by undopaminergic on August 24, 2020, at 4:48:23

In reply to Re: I can't take much more! Anxiety overwhelming! » undopaminergic, posted by Englishman006! on August 24, 2020, at 4:16:49

> > > 20mg Memantine (to offset the anxiety caused by Dex)
> >
> > Memantine can also be a powerful antidepressant. However, tolerance can develop, and so you may need to increase the dose.
> >
> > -undopaminergic
> >
>
> How much memantine did you end up taking? I've increased to 30mg now.

I tried to use it to "self-destruct", so to speak (eg. to die or induce brain-damage) and took a massive dose of several grams. I'm probably the only being that has taken such a dose.

Otherwise, for therapeutic effect, I used up to maybe 60 mg.

-undopaminergic

 

Re: I can't take much more! Anxiety overwhelming! » undopaminergic

Posted by Englishman006! on August 24, 2020, at 6:24:46

In reply to Re: I can't take much more! Anxiety overwhelming!, posted by undopaminergic on August 24, 2020, at 4:48:23

> > > > 20mg Memantine (to offset the anxiety caused by Dex)
> > >
> > > Memantine can also be a powerful antidepressant. However, tolerance can develop, and so you may need to increase the dose.
> > >
> > > -undopaminergic
> > >
> >
> > How much memantine did you end up taking? I've increased to 30mg now.
>
> I tried to use it to "self-destruct", so to speak (eg. to die or induce brain-damage) and took a massive dose of several grams. I'm probably the only being that has taken such a dose.
>
> Otherwise, for therapeutic effect, I used up to maybe 60 mg.
>
> -undopaminergic
>

Ouch!

Along with what? Adderall, Dex? What do you suffer with?

 

Re: I can't take much more! Anxiety overwhelming!

Posted by undopaminergic on August 25, 2020, at 0:37:26

In reply to Re: I can't take much more! Anxiety overwhelming! » undopaminergic, posted by Englishman006! on August 24, 2020, at 6:24:46

> > > > > 20mg Memantine (to offset the anxiety caused by Dex)
> > > >
> > > > Memantine can also be a powerful antidepressant. However, tolerance can develop, and so you may need to increase the dose.
> > > >
> > > > -undopaminergic
> > > >
> > >
> > > How much memantine did you end up taking? I've increased to 30mg now.
> >
> > I tried to use it to "self-destruct", so to speak (eg. to die or induce brain-damage) and took a massive dose of several grams. I'm probably the only being that has taken such a dose.
> >
> > Otherwise, for therapeutic effect, I used up to maybe 60 mg.
> >
> > -undopaminergic
> >
>
> Ouch!
>
> Along with what? Adderall, Dex? What do you suffer with?

At least occasionally, I also took a stimulant called desoxypipradrol, which is somewhat like a long-acting analogue of methylphenidate (Ritalin).

I used it for depression.

-undopaminergic

 

Re: I can't take much more! Anxiety overwhelming! » undopaminergic

Posted by Englishman006! on August 25, 2020, at 3:28:41

In reply to Re: I can't take much more! Anxiety overwhelming!, posted by undopaminergic on August 25, 2020, at 0:37:26

> > > > > > 20mg Memantine (to offset the anxiety caused by Dex)
> > > > >
> > > > > Memantine can also be a powerful antidepressant. However, tolerance can develop, and so you may need to increase the dose.
> > > > >
> > > > > -undopaminergic
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > > How much memantine did you end up taking? I've increased to 30mg now.
> > >
> > > I tried to use it to "self-destruct", so to speak (eg. to die or induce brain-damage) and took a massive dose of several grams. I'm probably the only being that has taken such a dose.
> > >
> > > Otherwise, for therapeutic effect, I used up to maybe 60 mg.
> > >
> > > -undopaminergic
> > >
> >
> > Ouch!
> >
> > Along with what? Adderall, Dex? What do you suffer with?
>
> At least occasionally, I also took a stimulant called desoxypipradrol, which is somewhat like a long-acting analogue of methylphenidate (Ritalin).
>
> I used it for depression.
>
> -undopaminergic
>

With me, the dex and memantine were great. Dex alone would give me rebound anxiety and depression. I also used fluoxetine and low dose amisulpride. Together that regimen brought me out of my shell. It gave me the best couple of years of my life before it started to poop out. I had less and less to say, but then I found Lamotrigine! That gave me back my 'talking tackle'. I'm not bipolar but it worked on my unipolar depression. That combination worked for 12-13 years until my stroke at the ripe old age of 45.

My only two complaints were emotional numbness and when the dex ran out I would have nothing to say. I got 3 hours out of 15mg of dex and I'd repeat it 4 times a day. The last few hours before bed sucked big time and I would take another 15mg more often than not. Now I take 2 dex (10mg) five times a day. So I've managed to drop from 75mg (most days) to 50mg since my stroke.

What's your diagnosis? If I may ask.

 

Re: I can't take much more! Anxiety overwhelming!

Posted by undopaminergic on August 25, 2020, at 3:55:24

In reply to Re: I can't take much more! Anxiety overwhelming! » undopaminergic, posted by Englishman006! on August 25, 2020, at 3:28:41

>
> What's your diagnosis? If I may ask.

Officially or for real?

The doctors are thinking schizophrenia is my big problem. But I don't have psychosis (hallucinations or delusions). I just have "negative" symptoms (eg. apathy) that I attribute to the depression. It is the apathy that is my main complaint, followed by cognitive impairment. I have other things like depersonalisation, dissociative identity disorder, and residual schizoid personality and social anxiety. I also have pretty serious ADHD (predominatly inattentive type). I'm a smorgasbord(*) of different disorders.

* did you know this word is from Swedish (I'm Swedish) and means "sandwich table"?

-undopaminergic

 

Re: I can't take much more! Anxiety overwhelming! » undopaminergic

Posted by Englishman006! on August 25, 2020, at 7:57:40

In reply to Re: I can't take much more! Anxiety overwhelming!, posted by undopaminergic on August 25, 2020, at 3:55:24

> >
> > What's your diagnosis? If I may ask.
>
> Officially or for real?
>
> The doctors are thinking schizophrenia is my big problem. But I don't have psychosis (hallucinations or delusions). I just have "negative" symptoms (eg. apathy) that I attribute to the depression. It is the apathy that is my main complaint, followed by cognitive impairment. I have other things like depersonalisation, dissociative identity disorder, and residual schizoid personality and social anxiety. I also have pretty serious ADHD (predominatly inattentive type). I'm a smorgasbord(*) of different disorders.
>
> * did you know this word is from Swedish (I'm Swedish) and means "sandwich table"?
>
> -undopaminergic
>

Yes I did understand. That must be hard for you. We have some things in common. I have ADHD inattentive type, social anxiety (which has gotten so bad it felt like I had no personality), emotional blunting (numbness or apathy), depression and I've only suffered 'derealisation' when I was young, like I was living in a dream, watching everything on tv, distant, receded, miles away - kind of feeling.

Anyway, have you tried Lamotrigine (Lamictal)?

 

Re: I can't take much more! Anxiety overwhelming!

Posted by undopaminergic on August 26, 2020, at 12:58:21

In reply to Re: I can't take much more! Anxiety overwhelming! » undopaminergic, posted by Englishman006! on August 25, 2020, at 7:57:40

>
> Yes I did understand. That must be hard for you. We have some things in common. I have ADHD inattentive type, social anxiety (which has gotten so bad it felt like I had no personality), emotional blunting (numbness or apathy), depression and I've only suffered 'derealisation' when I was young, like I was living in a dream, watching everything on tv, distant, receded, miles away - kind of feeling.
>

Yes, much like that.

>
> Anyway, have you tried Lamotrigine (Lamictal)?

I'm on it, 200 mg.

-undopaminergic

 

Re: I can't take much more! Anxiety overwhelming! » SLS

Posted by Englishman006! on August 26, 2020, at 20:49:01

In reply to Re: I can't take much more! Anxiety overwhelming! » Englishman006!, posted by SLS on August 16, 2020, at 13:20:36

> > Numbness is another side effect I struggle with. I dropped the low dose amisulpride due to it's lack of effect.
> >
> > How are you doing lately Scott?
>
> That's kind of you to ask. I am still responding to the introduction of Nardil, but I still need to finesse the dosage to find a balance between side effects and therapeutic effect.
>
> Where is the numbness located, and what do you think is causing it?
>
>
> - Scott
>
>
>
>

It's emotional numbness and with it comes with apathy. I'm working on finding the cause. I think it's an ongoing search though.

Also, I've taken Nardil. It gave me my otherwise illusive sense of humour and light hearted chat; something I'd been lacking all my life. Only after a pint or two did that part of my character show.

I managed to come off Nardil and stayed well for six months! Good luck!

 

Re: I can't take much more! Anxiety overwhelming!

Posted by SLS on August 26, 2020, at 23:45:33

In reply to Re: I can't take much more! Anxiety overwhelming! » SLS, posted by Englishman006! on August 26, 2020, at 20:49:01

I forgot about lumateperone. It is a new antipsychotic that is a low affinity antagonist for D2 receptors and a high affinity antagonist for D1 receptors. Blocking D1 receptors produces an increase in glutamate activity. It is also an antagonist of 5-HT2A receptors. Lumateperone is currently being studied as a treatment for bipolar depression.


- Scott

 

Re: I can't take much more! Anxiety overwhelming!

Posted by phidippus on October 6, 2020, at 4:50:29

In reply to I can't take much more! Anxiety overwhelming!, posted by Englishman006! on August 6, 2020, at 7:39:04

I wouldn't be so scared of the Valium. In my experience, benzos do the best job of squelching free floating anxiety.

I don't understand the logic of offsetting the anxiety caused by dexamphetamine with memantine. They both agonize dopamine receptors. Have you thought of using something else instead of the dex?

Amisulpride can cause anxiety.

 

Re: I can't take much more! Anxiety overwhelming!

Posted by undopaminergic on October 6, 2020, at 5:18:54

In reply to Re: I can't take much more! Anxiety overwhelming!, posted by phidippus on October 6, 2020, at 4:50:29

> I wouldn't be so scared of the Valium. In my experience, benzos do the best job of squelching free floating anxiety.
>

Opioids are markedly (and more than that) more effective in my experience.

> I don't understand the logic of offsetting the anxiety caused by dexamphetamine with memantine. They both agonize dopamine receptors. Have you thought of using something else instead of the dex?
>

Memantine can be used to combat tolerance to amphetamines, at least in some cases. I don't think it is anxiolytic directly, but it can improve self-confidence, mood, and motivation so that you can handle the anxiety better.

> Amisulpride can cause anxiety.
>

Maybe, but I think it is more likely to do the opposite. Personally, I noticed no effect either way.

-undopamnergic

 

Re: I can't take much more! Anxiety overwhelming! » Englishman006!

Posted by Psy-Naught on December 6, 2020, at 8:28:44

In reply to I can't take much more! Anxiety overwhelming!, posted by Englishman006! on August 6, 2020, at 7:39:04

> I've had it with my personality since I had a stroke 5 years ago. I thought I'd found the answer. I came off my blood pressure tablets and I have felt good for the last month. My sense of humour returned after it's long 5 year absence and other essential aspects of my character. Now I'm getting breakthrough anxiety and I can't tell where it's coming from.
>
> I have been toying around with the idea of taking the occasional diazepam to offset SSRI numbness. I have't abused them, I read on here somewhere that it works. I don't how easy it is to get addicted but I haven't had a script filled since the 4th of March this year. That was for 50 x 5mg. Does that sound like a lot to you? I've had breaks of say 4 or 5 days without.
>
> I take..
>
> 50mg (5x10) Dexamphetamine
> 20mg Memantine (to offset the anxiety caused by Dex)
> 300mg Lamotrigine
> 20mg Fluoxetine
> 30mg Mirtazapine
> 50mg Amisulpride (started recently)
>
> The anxiety just creeps up on me while I'm watching a movie or whenever, like free floating anxiety. It started about a week ago. I started getting it really bad on Sunday when I suddenly felt fatigued, weak and nauseous. I thought I had covid, so I called the doc who sent me for a test. Straight after I was struggling to breath. Then I realised I was hyperventilating. I went home to bed but while I was laying there I wondered, was it all just anxiety. The test came negative btw. Since then I've struggled with it on and off.
>
> I broke down in front the doc today not knowing what to do. I am on all the meds that used prevent anxiety. I'm alright at night and I sleep well but come tomorrow who knows..?
>
> Should I try to hold out and leave the valium well alone?
>
> Thanks for any help or suggestions.
>

Sorry for being a little late on this. Btw, been a long time member but recently changed my username. Just so people know.
I've been taking dexamfetamine for around 18 months. I've tried all sorts with it while dealing with social phobia, agoraphobia, depression & ADD.
Personally, I rarely experience anxiety from the dex. I used to think I did but have since found it not to be the cause, or at least not a direct or single cause of any exacerbated anxiety.

However, SSRIs have always worsened my anxiety, and the fogginess from Mirtazapine isn't good for anxiety either.
But I often get 'sketchy' from the dex. I'm on 20-25mg am and 15mg noon. I also have a habit of not sleeping, so inevitably a few more are taken. In this case, I can get extremely 'sketchy' and it's not surprising! But I get it in the day too.
The best medication antidote to this has been Quetiapine. So effective, not completely but it really does put a 'softener' on things. Mainly, it helps slow down mind chatter.

Just want to point out quickly, the reason I like to stay up/not sleep is that it has a reliable stabilizing effect on my mood when my sleep gets out of sync and I'm waking up past noon and going to sleep around 1st light, which is currently 7-8 am here. Melatonin helps a little at 300mcg - the dose shown in more recent studies to be more effective than mg doses. But skipping a night's sleep helps to reset my circadian rythm with a lasting effect of sleep and mood improvement.

Anyway, I find that initially just 100-200mg Quetiapine it a good starter initially, depending on how 'far' my minds gone. I then settle on just 50mg at night with my amitriptyline.
May seem strange, but taking bupropion (Wellbutrin/Zyban) 300mg/day does not worsen my anxiety, and may even help it.
At least for myself, it's not so much too many stimuli or inside tension which triggers much of my anxiety, rather it's the inability to focus and think straight which I find most uncomfortable, whether its social or more general anxiety I'm experiencing.
I recently gave Lamotrigine another go but that didn't last. I also take clonazepam 4mg daily which still helps quite a bit. I've been on 4mg for a very long time with no 'need' to increase it. I've taken it maybe 16 years and once I found 4mg to be my optimal dose I've been at 4mg for at least 12 years. I'm not recommending it, just saying that it has helped. Instead of taking extra clonazepam, when I feel a need of an extra GABA hit I prefer to use valerian root extract, or rather a blend (created myself on a site that allows you to customize your own supplements - babblemail me for info). It is a particular mix of valerian, lemon balm, oat straw, L-theanine with 150mg magnesium. Taking more magnesium at one time can be a waste as it does not increase levels like you might think so it's better to spread the dose. That's what I've read. So I take it am and late pm, away from food on an empty stomach. I use magnesium citrate but bis-glycinate sounds better if you are willing to pay for it.

One last thought. Have you considered Vyvanse? I didn't like it. L-lysine bound to the dex sounds ideal and sounds quite clever in its mode of action in creating a slow-release form of dex, but my experience is of a different effect than simply an extended-release dex. Others prefer it and as you feel that dex increases anxiety, it could be worth a shot. Maybe discuss it with your doc.

Hope all is well ;~)

 

Re: I can't take much more! Anxiety overwhelming! » Psy-Naught

Posted by Englishman006! on December 7, 2020, at 4:59:24

In reply to Re: I can't take much more! Anxiety overwhelming! » Englishman006!, posted by Psy-Naught on December 6, 2020, at 8:28:44

> > I've had it with my personality since I had a stroke 5 years ago. I thought I'd found the answer. I came off my blood pressure tablets and I have felt good for the last month. My sense of humour returned after it's long 5 year absence and other essential aspects of my character. Now I'm getting breakthrough anxiety and I can't tell where it's coming from.
> >
> > I have been toying around with the idea of taking the occasional diazepam to offset SSRI numbness. I have't abused them, I read on here somewhere that it works. I don't how easy it is to get addicted but I haven't had a script filled since the 4th of March this year. That was for 50 x 5mg. Does that sound like a lot to you? I've had breaks of say 4 or 5 days without.
> >
> > I take..
> >
> > 50mg (5x10) Dexamphetamine
> > 20mg Memantine (to offset the anxiety caused by Dex)
> > 300mg Lamotrigine
> > 20mg Fluoxetine
> > 30mg Mirtazapine
> > 50mg Amisulpride (started recently)
> >
> > The anxiety just creeps up on me while I'm watching a movie or whenever, like free floating anxiety. It started about a week ago. I started getting it really bad on Sunday when I suddenly felt fatigued, weak and nauseous. I thought I had covid, so I called the doc who sent me for a test. Straight after I was struggling to breath. Then I realised I was hyperventilating. I went home to bed but while I was laying there I wondered, was it all just anxiety. The test came negative btw. Since then I've struggled with it on and off.
> >
> > I broke down in front the doc today not knowing what to do. I am on all the meds that used prevent anxiety. I'm alright at night and I sleep well but come tomorrow who knows..?
> >
> > Should I try to hold out and leave the valium well alone?
> >
> > Thanks for any help or suggestions.
> >
>
> Sorry for being a little late on this. Btw, been a long time member but recently changed my username. Just so people know.
> I've been taking dexamfetamine for around 18 months. I've tried all sorts with it while dealing with social phobia, agoraphobia, depression & ADD.
> Personally, I rarely experience anxiety from the dex. I used to think I did but have since found it not to be the cause, or at least not a direct or single cause of any exacerbated anxiety.
>
> However, SSRIs have always worsened my anxiety, and the fogginess from Mirtazapine isn't good for anxiety either.
> But I often get 'sketchy' from the dex. I'm on 20-25mg am and 15mg noon. I also have a habit of not sleeping, so inevitably a few more are taken. In this case, I can get extremely 'sketchy' and it's not surprising! But I get it in the day too.
> The best medication antidote to this has been Quetiapine. So effective, not completely but it really does put a 'softener' on things. Mainly, it helps slow down mind chatter.
>
> Just want to point out quickly, the reason I like to stay up/not sleep is that it has a reliable stabilizing effect on my mood when my sleep gets out of sync and I'm waking up past noon and going to sleep around 1st light, which is currently 7-8 am here. Melatonin helps a little at 300mcg - the dose shown in more recent studies to be more effective than mg doses. But skipping a night's sleep helps to reset my circadian rythm with a lasting effect of sleep and mood improvement.
>
> Anyway, I find that initially just 100-200mg Quetiapine it a good starter initially, depending on how 'far' my minds gone. I then settle on just 50mg at night with my amitriptyline.
> May seem strange, but taking bupropion (Wellbutrin/Zyban) 300mg/day does not worsen my anxiety, and may even help it.
> At least for myself, it's not so much too many stimuli or inside tension which triggers much of my anxiety, rather it's the inability to focus and think straight which I find most uncomfortable, whether its social or more general anxiety I'm experiencing.
> I recently gave Lamotrigine another go but that didn't last. I also take clonazepam 4mg daily which still helps quite a bit. I've been on 4mg for a very long time with no 'need' to increase it. I've taken it maybe 16 years and once I found 4mg to be my optimal dose I've been at 4mg for at least 12 years. I'm not recommending it, just saying that it has helped. Instead of taking extra clonazepam, when I feel a need of an extra GABA hit I prefer to use valerian root extract, or rather a blend (created myself on a site that allows you to customize your own supplements - babblemail me for info). It is a particular mix of valerian, lemon balm, oat straw, L-theanine with 150mg magnesium. Taking more magnesium at one time can be a waste as it does not increase levels like you might think so it's better to spread the dose. That's what I've read. So I take it am and late pm, away from food on an empty stomach. I use magnesium citrate but bis-glycinate sounds better if you are willing to pay for it.
>
> One last thought. Have you considered Vyvanse? I didn't like it. L-lysine bound to the dex sounds ideal and sounds quite clever in its mode of action in creating a slow-release form of dex, but my experience is of a different effect than simply an extended-release dex. Others prefer it and as you feel that dex increases anxiety, it could be worth a shot. Maybe discuss it with your doc.
>
> Hope all is well ;~)

Hi, you'll be pleased to know I'm quite well now. However I tried cutting down on my low dose amisulpride but failed after about 2 weeks of 50mg (normal dose) to 25mg and back to 50mg alternating every day. So I'm back on 50mg every day. I'm also on mirtazipine 30mg which I take before bed. It certainly makes me sleepy, uncoordinated and increases my appetite. I used to take seroquel 25mg but stopped a while ago. I may reinstate it to replace the mirtazipine. It won't make dizzy at any rate.

Thank you for your concern, I hope you too are feeling well.

Regards

Shaun


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