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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Outremont on May 1, 2001, at 7:17:11
I've tried various anti-Ds in the last few years without much impact. My main concern has been an incredible lack of energy and drive. I have recently started taking Ritalin, a stimulant, and feel better than I have in ages, able to function. As I understand it, this is far less addictive than any amphetamine-based compound. I would be interested in anyone else's thoughts or experiences with this. I can't see going back to my previous state unless I hear something truly horrific about this stimulant.
Posted by mtm on May 1, 2001, at 7:35:05
In reply to Ritalin, posted by Outremont on May 1, 2001, at 7:17:11
Outremont-
Glad you posted this because I was wondering about Ritalin too. I've tried a myriad of ad's with no real improvement and lousy side-effects. Recently took an ADHD test on line and seemed to
fit the profile which led me to wonder if Ritalin
might not be the way to go. I'll be curious to see what responses you get.
Posted by Outremont on May 1, 2001, at 9:39:38
In reply to Re: Ritalin, posted by mtm on May 1, 2001, at 7:35:05
> Outremont-
> Glad you posted this because I was wondering about Ritalin too. I've tried a myriad of ad's with no real improvement and lousy side-effects. Recently took an ADHD test on line and seemed to
> fit the profile which led me to wonder if Ritalin
> might not be the way to go. I'll be curious to see what responses you get.
I can tell you that after 4 days the changes are dramatic. After over a solid year of incredible lethargy and a lack of drive I feel like a new person. So far, as I see it, it isn't a panacea for the causes of depression (psychological and/or biochemical), but it at least gives you the energy to do something about it.
I've been taking 10mg a day and just tried 20. I haven't noticed any adverse side-effects--I am able to sleep normally. Appetite is perhaps slightly depressed. I just notice the dramatically increased energy levels. My bottom line is I need to function and do things at least.
Posted by Mr.Scott on May 1, 2001, at 11:07:35
In reply to Re: Ritalin, posted by Outremont on May 1, 2001, at 9:39:38
I only have questions and no answers on this one.. I too experience at least profound initial relief from taking Ritalin.. I have to take it with a benzo because of my anxiety. Usually this combo begins to frighten me and I stop taking it. I get worried about addiction and poop out and dependence. and stop.
mr.scott
Posted by Outremont on May 1, 2001, at 11:59:36
In reply to Re: Ritalin, posted by Mr.Scott on May 1, 2001, at 11:07:35
> I only have questions and no answers on this one.. I too experience at least profound initial relief from taking Ritalin.. I have to take it with a benzo because of my anxiety. Usually this combo begins to frighten me and I stop taking it. I get worried about addiction and poop out and dependence. and stop.
>
> mr.scott
I guess I have reached the point where I am willing to deal with possible addiction and withdrawal down the road if that happens, in order to get some sort of energy and functionality back into my life right now. I avoided this sort of solution for 2 years now, dragging my ass around, and I don't really care if I have to use controlled amounts of speed to get going. Amphetimines like Aderall are not available in Canada, and so Ritalin has become an alternative, and one that is far less likely to cause addiction dependency as I understand it. I am going to give it at least a month to see how things go. So far the difference is incredible. I have come to believe that some sort of stimulant for depressions like mine is mandatory to create the energy and drive in a person to start really working at the causes of the depression along alot of avenues. Anyone who has paid attention to this board for awhile, and done some reading on the subject, must realise what a complex multi-faceted issue depression is, how under-recognised it is by society, and the lack of effective support services for those of us that arent extremely well off. It is trial and error, reading, and feedback as on an effective site like this. Ultimately it is an individual solution one has to find, tailored specifically to your physiology and psyche. One man's cure is another man's poison and so forth.
Vigilance to one's reactions to various treatments is the key; however, I found I was so dragged out and lethargic I could not begin to attempt even that.
Posted by Mr.Scott on May 2, 2001, at 11:15:02
In reply to Re: Ritalin, posted by Outremont on May 1, 2001, at 11:59:36
Unfortunately you are correct.. This is as much an art as science. What works for one may not for another..
mr.scott
Posted by betternow on May 2, 2001, at 20:58:21
In reply to Re: Ritalin, posted by Mr.Scott on May 1, 2001, at 11:07:35
> I only have questions and no answers on this one.. I too experience at least profound initial relief from taking Ritalin.. I have to take it with a benzo because of my anxiety. Usually this combo begins to frighten me and I stop taking it. I get worried about addiction and poop out and dependence. and stop.
>
> mr.scottTry Concerta it is a new slow release form of methylphenidate(Ritalin). You will avoid the peaks in plasma level and hopefully some of the anxiety.
I take 18mg in am and feel motivated all day. I am also taking Prozac 20mg, Depakote 750mg and St Johns Wort 900mg before bed.betternow
Posted by SalArmy4me on May 3, 2001, at 2:37:40
In reply to Re: Ritalin, posted by Mr.Scott on May 2, 2001, at 11:15:02
The newer Provigil should provide the benefits of Ritalin with minimal addiction. {It is a DEA Schedule IV Stimulant rather than a Schedule II (Ritalin)}.
> Unfortunately you are correct.. This is as much an art as science. What works for one may not for another..
>
> mr.scott
This is the end of the thread.
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