Posted by SJMA on December 6, 2002, at 15:44:08
In reply to Stimulants for Refractory Depression?, posted by jralphc on December 6, 2002, at 12:39:59
> Over the past decade, I think I've tried almost every AD: Ludiomil, Nardil, Prozac, Paxil, Serzone, Trazodone, Wellbutrin, Celexa, Lexapro, Effexor.... Although I get partial response to SSRIs, taking them means giving up my sex life, which would make me even more depressed. The only drug that I get some response to that I can tolerate is Wellbutrin SR, and I take 300 mg. daily. The problem is that I remain apathetic, unmotivated, have hypersomnia (I could sleep 12 hrs. a day) and basically feel pretty blue. I am tired of feeling this way. My Dr. is now trying an "unconventional" approach--Adderall XR 20 mg. in the morning. If this doesn't work, the Dr. mentioned Ritalin, anticonvulsants, Buspar and Lithium as possible approaches.
>
> Has anyone out there failed to respond, or had inadequate response, to nearly all meds, but found an unconventional one that works? Or does anyone have experience with Adderall? I'm a little concerned because when I was 41 (I'm now 44) I had a (relatively mild) heart attack and am on Toprol XL for mild hypertension, and Adderall is amphetamine/dextroamphetamine. a stimulant. But I also know there's a strong relation between depression and heart attacks, and I want to feel better emotionally.
I have a friend who sounded exactly like what you're describing, who finally tried Topamax, and after YEARS of sluggishness, she is a changed woman! I have no idea what the side effects are, or whether it would be advised with your heart condition, but it is worth looking into if it's as successful treating intractable depression as she says! Good Luck!
poster:SJMA
thread:130779
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20021203/msgs/130790.html