Posted by DiscoPuppy on May 13, 2002, at 17:23:53
In reply to Antidepressant or Stimulant?!?! Need your advice!, posted by DiscoPuppy on May 13, 2002, at 15:22:09
> About a year ago, I have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder and panic attacks, at which point, my doctor prescribed me Effexor. I took it for a few months to no avail. Not only did it not help, but it caused additional problems like weight gain and sexual side effects.
>
> I am an otherwise healthy 28yo male in an intimate relationship, so naturally the sexual side effects are completely unacceptable - so I decided to quit the Effexor cold turkey. I never saw that doctor again.
>
> I have, since then, been living with the fact that I'm going to have to live with the anxiety/panic/depression until I couldn't handle it anymore. This is when I changed doctors and talked to her about my situation. She felt that Zoloft was a better drug for me. I reluctantly tried it. While it did help my anxitey to a certain extent, those side effects I experienced on Effexor a year ago came back (weight gain/sexual side effects). She then augmented my treatment with Wellbutrin. This made matters worse - I am now *INCREDIBLY* unattentive and unable to concentrate. Didn't do anything to help the sexual side effects or my constant hungriness (my appetite has become enormous).
>
> Reading through the post on the babble thing here, I became quite interested in Adderall. I understand that it is a stimulant used for ADD. It poses no threat to someone who is concerned about sexual side effects and has been shown to curb one's appetite.
>
> Before I march into my doctor's office to discuss getting rid of my Zoloft/Wellbutrin combo, I'd like to know what you all think of Adderall (perhaps used in conjunction with some other medication). Also, why does depression always have to be treated by an antidepressant and not a stimulant?
>
> Regardless, the following are my concerns for medication to treat my anxiety/panic/depression:
>
> 1. Does not inhibit sexual functioning
> 2. Does not promote weight gain
> 3. Does not inhibit concentration/unattentiveness
> 4. Is not sedating
>
> Am I asking for too much? I think Adderall satisfies all the above conditions.
>
> If anyone has input, I will be forever grateful for any advice I can get.
>
> Thanks!
>
> ~Puppy~
poster:DiscoPuppy
thread:106213
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020510/msgs/106234.html