Posted by bretbe on May 25, 2003, at 23:43:01
In reply to Running out of med options..., posted by lmm2003 on May 24, 2003, at 9:19:10
Whether it gives you any kind of "comfort" or not, this board has made me at least aware that the frustration you've experienced in not uncommon. I have been on the same number of meds without great success although my symptoms are different...interesting that I've had similar "labels" (not so much ADHD however). I agree with one of the other postings that if you have never tried an MAOI, Seligiline might not be your first choice. Parnate and Nardil have longer track records and can be very activating. If you have troubles with anger and irritability, I wonder if you've ever considered Tegrital or Trileptal?...although in similar family as Depakote (which I see you've tried), Tegrital is reputation for helping irritability.
I also wonder about dosage levels on the other meds you've tried. For example, with the SSRI's that "pooped out" did you get any relief? If so, did you try higher dosages? I was on Luvox (SSRI)once and the doctor pushed up to 400mg and I got different results but fewer side-effects (still didn't help with my particular symptoms which appear to me more anxiety/mental pain related)
Also, I would recommend listing out all your meds and the reactions you had, e.g., did some help a little, did some make you worse, etc. This might at least give some idea so you don't keep trying the same approach over and over just with different meds. Actually, any that made you worse may be helpful towards a better diagnosis
If Zanax works for you, you might consider trying Klonopin instead.
Have your symptoms changed over time? (for example, have you always had the anger problem is is this after all your meds?) I ask because some of the irritability/anger can be the result of coming off of your ADHD meds which, as I'm sure you're aware, are typically amphetimines.
Have you taken any meds to address dopamine levels? (might help with the lack of motivation).
Finally, there are a number of new medications in the pipe-line so don't give up hope. There's a lot of people on this web-site who've tried all kinds of combinations so it can be a great resource.
Best of luck!
poster:bretbe
thread:550
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030525/msgs/229145.html