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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by jparsell82 on June 7, 2006, at 14:39:53
Hey everyone,
I've been through multiple meds and combos with little help if any for this. I've had different diagnoses of Social anxiety, GAD, OCD, Depression, Bipolar, ADD. It's so frustrating because I grew up an all A student and then around 6-9th grade things started progressively getting worse. I now have trouble reading and even writing because I can't sit still and stay focused.
Anyways.... here's the problem area I'm trying to explain. I'm restless, very impatient, easily distracted. I have very restless legs. For instance, when I sit at the computer and try to read something.... my leg or both legs are bouncing, I click around the screen and highlight things with the mouse while I'm trying to read, I skip about the paragraphs while reading, and when reading a sentence I speed across it and have to keep re-reading it to intake it. Even then, I don't intake the information very well. It seems I'm always in a hurry though I don't know why. It doesn't matter if I'm interested in what I'm doing or not. I can't enjoy anything because I'm so impatient and in such a hurry to get it done even though I have nothing else to do. I can't read books anymore and it's so frustrating. I had to drop out of college even... part of this is social-anxiety related but a lot of it is these cognitive problems I'm having too. I often wonder what it is like to be able to calmly read something or calming have a conversation.
All this happens constantly regardless of my mood or whether I'm tired or not. Ssris make me very spacey and uncomfortable. Anti-psychotics do not help... I've tried them all. Adderall can help somewhat in "focusing" me, but it does nothing for the restlessness, impatience, etc. Plus, though Adderall can help my social anxiety with certain things it can also make it worse and give me a weird feeling.
Does anyone know for sure that this is ADHD or high-anxiety or RLS or what? Any ideas on meds that could maybe help me to calmly read and sit still? I haven't explained things the greatest... it's hard to... I'm sure you guys understand. Thanks!
Josh
Posted by jparsell82 on June 7, 2006, at 14:42:37
In reply to Can someone help me identify this??, posted by jparsell82 on June 7, 2006, at 14:39:53
I should add that benzos give minor help. Klonopin is nice for some things but it's mentally-dulling, motivation dulling and depressing for me. It's like I'm in a constant state of chronic boredom and impatience....ugghh.
Posted by Larry Hoover on June 7, 2006, at 15:20:32
In reply to Re: Can someone help me identify this??, posted by jparsell82 on June 7, 2006, at 14:42:37
> I should add that benzos give minor help. Klonopin is nice for some things but it's mentally-dulling, motivation dulling and depressing for me. It's like I'm in a constant state of chronic boredom and impatience....ugghh.
Have you tried theanine (from green tea)?
Taurine?
Magnesium?
Niacinamide?
Enada NADH?
Trimethylglycine (aka freebase betaine)?In my mind, you seem to be describing an over-arching state of being. A systemic problem, but yet one that is supra-systemic.
So, my thinking goes to adaptogenic interventions. Siberian ginseng. Korena ginseng. Ginkgo. Withania.
A host of possibilities.
Trying one of the simple initial suggestions might lead to a small sense of relief. So, you keep it, and add in another adaptogenic influence, and maybe there's a synergy between them. Build up a suite of influences, that let you settle down. The bricks in a wall are laid one at a time. Maybe you can build a better state of being, bit by bit.
Lar
Posted by jparsell82 on June 7, 2006, at 16:04:26
In reply to Re: Can someone help me identify this?? » jparsell82, posted by Larry Hoover on June 7, 2006, at 15:20:32
> > I should add that benzos give minor help. Klonopin is nice for some things but it's mentally-dulling, motivation dulling and depressing for me. It's like I'm in a constant state of chronic boredom and impatience....ugghh.
>
> Have you tried theanine (from green tea)?
> Taurine?
> Magnesium?
> Niacinamide?
> Enada NADH?
> Trimethylglycine (aka freebase betaine)?
>
> In my mind, you seem to be describing an over-arching state of being. A systemic problem, but yet one that is supra-systemic.
>
> So, my thinking goes to adaptogenic interventions. Siberian ginseng. Korena ginseng. Ginkgo. Withania.
>
> A host of possibilities.
>
> Trying one of the simple initial suggestions might lead to a small sense of relief. So, you keep it, and add in another adaptogenic influence, and maybe there's a synergy between them. Build up a suite of influences, that let you settle down. The bricks in a wall are laid one at a time. Maybe you can build a better state of being, bit by bit.
>
> LarThanks for the input. Overarching... very possible. I seem to be never satisfied to the point where I don't/can't enjoy anything. I always crave more even though I'm not intaking what's in front of me.
I've tried many herbs and supplements though it's hard for me because I'm so impatient and unsure if I'm for sure getting benefit from it. I think I have magnesium, NADH and TMG in the cupboard. I do take L-theanine occasionally and try to drink Rooibos and Green tea every day. I have to watch my caffeine intake though. I'm picky with what I eat so I thought about trying a green foods supplement. What do you think of this one? http://www.papanature.com/store/ProductDetails.aspx?c=Herbs&pid=NOW-02708 It also contains some herbs. Thanks!
Josh
Posted by Phillipa on June 7, 2006, at 22:03:19
In reply to Re: Can someone help me identify this?? » Larry Hoover, posted by jparsell82 on June 7, 2006, at 16:04:26
Boy your symtoms sound like mine. I can't read anymore and that was one of my passions. My eyes race over the page and get tired very quickly. And I forget most of what I read. Taking new lamictal, luvox and valium. But added taurine, magnesium citrate, Now I guess I better add niacinamide. Love Phillipa ps I wanna read so much
Posted by the kindling effect on June 8, 2006, at 17:35:41
In reply to Can someone help me identify this??, posted by jparsell82 on June 7, 2006, at 14:39:53
Hey Josh,
i can relate somewhat,everyone's different though.I've had the same diagnosis plus many more.....all to no avail.
Have you ever had your serum ferritin checked isto see if it's low(sometimes common with RLS or possibly worsened EPS/akathisia on many psychotropic meds.)
What anti-psychotics did you take/how much /how long ? Did any of the atypicals help somewhat/ reactions?
Have you tried propranolol(Inderal)?
How are you with eating; still rushed zero satisfaction? Do you eat a lot but don't gain weight?
How's your sleep? Do your legs feel more restless short while after an afternoon nap?What other non-med things can make it worse.
Do you keep your legs crossed a lot?
What type of OCD stuff? Any tics?Can you explain a little how SSRIs make you uncomfortable?
When did the restlessness begin/ before after meds, other drugs etc....
Sorry if I've asked questions you've already answered in your post, I'm drowsy but rushed/speedy if that makes sense, and jump around a lot(not physically).
My dream a this point is to basically be able to sit calmy and become absorbed in a good book again(or anything for that matter).
What benzos and at what doses have you been on??
DAVE> Hey everyone,
>
> I've been through multiple meds and combos with little help if any for this. I've had different diagnoses of Social anxiety, GAD, OCD, Depression, Bipolar, ADD. It's so frustrating because I grew up an all A student and then around 6-9th grade things started progressively getting worse. I now have trouble reading and even writing because I can't sit still and stay focused.
>
> Anyways.... here's the problem area I'm trying to explain. I'm restless, very impatient, easily distracted. I have very restless legs. For instance, when I sit at the computer and try to read something.... my leg or both legs are bouncing, I click around the screen and highlight things with the mouse while I'm trying to read, I skip about the paragraphs while reading, and when reading a sentence I speed across it and have to keep re-reading it to intake it. Even then, I don't intake the information very well. It seems I'm always in a hurry though I don't know why. It doesn't matter if I'm interested in what I'm doing or not. I can't enjoy anything because I'm so impatient and in such a hurry to get it done even though I have nothing else to do. I can't read books anymore and it's so frustrating. I had to drop out of college even... part of this is social-anxiety related but a lot of it is these cognitive problems I'm having too. I often wonder what it is like to be able to calmly read something or calming have a conversation.
>
> All this happens constantly regardless of my mood or whether I'm tired or not. Ssris make me very spacey and uncomfortable. Anti-psychotics do not help... I've tried them all. Adderall can help somewhat in "focusing" me, but it does nothing for the restlessness, impatience, etc. Plus, though Adderall can help my social anxiety with certain things it can also make it worse and give me a weird feeling.
>
> Does anyone know for sure that this is ADHD or high-anxiety or RLS or what? Any ideas on meds that could maybe help me to calmly read and sit still? I haven't explained things the greatest... it's hard to... I'm sure you guys understand. Thanks!
>
> Josh
Posted by jparsell82 on June 9, 2006, at 13:32:40
In reply to Re: Can someone help me identify this??, posted by the kindling effect on June 8, 2006, at 17:35:41
> Hey Josh,
>
> i can relate somewhat,everyone's different though.I've had the same diagnosis plus many more.....all to no avail.
> Have you ever had your serum ferritin checked isto see if it's low(sometimes common with RLS or possibly worsened EPS/akathisia on many psychotropic meds.)
*Nope.
> What anti-psychotics did you take/how much /how long ?
*All of the atypicals. With Abilify(varying doses) I got akathisia even at low doses. I was extremely restless, impatient, frustrated, etc. I also got extreme drowsiness but restlessness from Seroquel at I think 50-75mg. With the Seroquel, I laid in bed so tired but at the same time so restless I couldn't stop moving(tossing and turning)... it felt horrible and I won't touch Seroquel again. Abilify had some antidepressant effect and I tried to "tough" the akathisia out with a low dose to no avail. Zyprexa zombified me, made it hard to focus, even listening and talking to people were hard to do. Clozapine... similar to Zyprexa. Risperdal... I took years ago and can't remember exactly but I didn't like it.Did any of the atypicals help somewhat/ reactions?
*See above. I honestly think an antipsychotic may help some day... it's just right now they aren't selective enough. There are receptors that probably need blocked and that don't or even the opposite. Plus you add in that maybe you only need a certain type of receptor blocked... but only in part of the brain... medication is getting better, but it's a slow process.
> Have you tried propranolol(Inderal)?
*Yep... it's been awhile though. I'm not sure what effect if had on the restlessness... I was trying it for social phobia at the time.
> How are you with eating; still rushed zero satisfaction? Do you eat a lot but don't gain weight?
*I'm usually in a hurry to get done eating too. I usually eat a decent breakfast and dinner but inadequate lunch.
> How's your sleep? Do your legs feel more restless short while after an afternoon nap?
*Sleep's so-so. I usually have trouble getting to sleep and trouble getting out of bed. I don't take naps for fear I won't be able to sleep well at night.
>
> What other non-med things can make it worse.
> Do you keep your legs crossed a lot?
*Nope, I can't stand crossing my legs... they're too fidgety.
>
> What type of OCD stuff? Any tics?
*Obsessive worrying about the future/past, predicting social anxiety, etc. I get occassional muscle jerks but not repetitive tics.
>
> Can you explain a little how SSRIs make you uncomfortable?
*Hard to explain... they can make restlessness worse. As soon as I start to take them and they kick in I get really "spacey" and can't focus on things because my mind constantly drifts. They make me daydream constantly. They make me tired during the day and strangely awake before going to bed(almost nocturnal-like). They make me more anti-social... I have poor social skills on them... no desire to talk to people. I don't have much desire to do anything on them. They do nothing for my social phobia... sometimes they may make it even worse because of having poor social skills and communication troubles.
They make ADD problems worse for me, etc.
>
> When did the restlessness begin/ before after meds, other drugs etc....
*It's progressively gotten worse since junior high before meds although meds probably have made it worse. (I'm 23 almost 24 by the way)
>
> Sorry if I've asked questions you've already answered in your post, I'm drowsy but rushed/speedy if that makes sense, and jump around a lot(not physically).
*That's ok.
>
>
> My dream a this point is to basically be able to sit calmy and become absorbed in a good book again(or anything for that matter).
*Me too.... it's frustrating. I have an introverted personality so most of the jobs I want to get into I'm prevented from now because I can't go to school. I had to drop out of my classes this spring because I can't focus and "intake" anything I'm reading. I used to be really smart and loved reading.
>
> What benzos and at what doses have you been on??
*Klonopin(.5-3mg)-helpful for social anxiety but it's mentally dulling, socially dulling and depressing... it's helpful for restlessness at higher doses for me but the mentally dulling part ruins it. Xanax(.25-2mg) & Xanax XR(1.5mg)- It's OK for situations but it's too sedating to me. Valium(5-10mg)- I didn't try this one long because Klonopin was better for me.
Wow...that was long.Josh
>
>
> DAVE
>
> > Hey everyone,
> >
> > I've been through multiple meds and combos with little help if any for this. I've had different diagnoses of Social anxiety, GAD, OCD, Depression, Bipolar, ADD. It's so frustrating because I grew up an all A student and then around 6-9th grade things started progressively getting worse. I now have trouble reading and even writing because I can't sit still and stay focused.
> >
> > Anyways.... here's the problem area I'm trying to explain. I'm restless, very impatient, easily distracted. I have very restless legs. For instance, when I sit at the computer and try to read something.... my leg or both legs are bouncing, I click around the screen and highlight things with the mouse while I'm trying to read, I skip about the paragraphs while reading, and when reading a sentence I speed across it and have to keep re-reading it to intake it. Even then, I don't intake the information very well. It seems I'm always in a hurry though I don't know why. It doesn't matter if I'm interested in what I'm doing or not. I can't enjoy anything because I'm so impatient and in such a hurry to get it done even though I have nothing else to do. I can't read books anymore and it's so frustrating. I had to drop out of college even... part of this is social-anxiety related but a lot of it is these cognitive problems I'm having too. I often wonder what it is like to be able to calmly read something or calming have a conversation.
> >
> > All this happens constantly regardless of my mood or whether I'm tired or not. Ssris make me very spacey and uncomfortable. Anti-psychotics do not help... I've tried them all. Adderall can help somewhat in "focusing" me, but it does nothing for the restlessness, impatience, etc. Plus, though Adderall can help my social anxiety with certain things it can also make it worse and give me a weird feeling.
> >
> > Does anyone know for sure that this is ADHD or high-anxiety or RLS or what? Any ideas on meds that could maybe help me to calmly read and sit still? I haven't explained things the greatest... it's hard to... I'm sure you guys understand. Thanks!
> >
> > Josh
>
>
This is the end of the thread.
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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