Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 2144

Shown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.

 

How can I cope with concentration problems?

Posted by Janice on January 8, 1999, at 4:19:54

Weeeeeee, I'm on a roll here.... Yes, I have trouble
concentrating, especially while trying to read. Long,
complicated sentences make my eyes roll, and I fre-
quently wonder why the author can't just get to the
point!!! I have stacks of old newspapers, books,
magazines, mail, etc., that I want to read but can't.
I want to learn more about what I can do to improve my
depression, and other problems, but I can't read a book
in order to find out. It is very difficult. I am
wondering how can I cope, what can I do to be able to
make my way through the literature? I can't read for
very long because my brain gets tired and just 'stops',
then I tune out.

Anyone else have this problem? What do you do?

I hope I'm not whining!

 

Re: How can I cope with concentration problems?

Posted by judi on January 8, 1999, at 21:47:38

In reply to How can I cope with concentration problems?, posted by Janice on January 8, 1999, at 4:19:54

Hi Janice,
I'm assuming your problems stem from drug reactions. I have similar problems but mine were a result of a head injury. I have gone through neuropsych testing, and am awaiting the results. Apparently once the problem is identified they can recommend therapy to address it. Can you ask your doc for a referrel to a neuropsychologist? Good luck.

 

Re: How can I cope with concentration problems?

Posted by Janice on January 9, 1999, at 4:14:14

In reply to Re: How can I cope with concentration problems?, posted by judi on January 8, 1999, at 21:47:38


> I'm assuming your problems stem from drug
reactions.

Judi, I'm thinking the problems stem from the
depression, and/or, maybe, the meds. I'm
changing from Luvox to Celexa, soon, and am
hoping for some improvement on the concentra-
tion front. I found some improvement with Kava
Kava, 425 mg once daily (a low dose), but it was
short-lived. I could have increased the dose of
Kava Kava, but didn't. Kava Kava is a herb that
promotes relaxation without causing drowsiness
and without being addictive. I take it because
I am a trichotillomaniac, a hair puller. Not
sure it helps the hair pulling, truthfully, but
it did make me more alert for about 1-2 weeks.

> I have similar problems but mine were a result
of a head injury. I have gone through
neuropsych testing, and am awaiting the results.
Apparently once the problem is identified they
can recommend therapy to address it.

Best of luck to you on your tests. I hope
there is an answer for you. I've had no head
injury, except for maybe frying my brain a
little with these antidepressants I take daily,
overdosing on an antidepressant cocktail
(Zoloft, Prozac, Paxil, Desyrel, Seldane) one
time, overdosing on rat poison (a product
called Sudden Death, which sounded good to me
at the time) and high blood pressure meds
(not my own) another time, and not treating my
sleep apnea, in a timely fashion. And then there
is the damage from those who are down on me for
not doing/being more, a literal (or figurative?)
slap to the head several times daily. (Ouch,
stop slapping me!!) Others hate me (at least
that is what it feels like), and I have
grown to hate myself; even though, the
depression is not my fault. Guess, I should be
able to control it, eh? Narf! Poit! Zoit!
Egads! (Pinkyisms)

> Can you ask your doc for a referrel to a
neuropsychologist? Good luck.

I could ask....but,unfortunately, I am afraid
to ask my pdoc for ANYTHING.

I'm sorry to sound so negative and cynical; I'm
not trying to mock your suggestions; I am
grateful you responded. I have and will
seriously consider what you've said.

Thank you for responding.

 

Re: Concentration Problems!!!

Posted by Jeff on January 10, 1999, at 14:20:13

In reply to How can I cope with concentration problems?, posted by Janice on January 8, 1999, at 4:19:54

>I also have problems concentrating and remembering simple things, like words I've known for years and suddenly can't recall when use is appropriate. I'm taking effexor225mg, dexadrine20mg, and pindolol5mg. Please if anybody knows how to improve this FOLLOWUP!

 

Re: Concentration Problems!!!

Posted by Janice on January 12, 1999, at 3:06:06

In reply to Re: Concentration Problems!!!, posted by Jeff on January 10, 1999, at 14:20:13

> >I also have problems concentrating and remembering simple things, like words I've known for years and suddenly can't recall when use is appropriate. I'm taking effexor225mg, dexadrine20mg, and pindolol5mg. Please if anybody knows how to improve this FOLLOWUP!

Jeff, what I'm learning to do is skim the material
I don't have the concentration to read word for
word. The problem with this is missing details
and nuances, which could be dangerous if I were
trying to learn something new like building a
bomb (ha ha ha, sometimes details are important).
Yet, it seems better to get a generalization than
to get nothing.

Also, I am learning how to organize my thoughts by
writing them down on paper first. This seems to
make problem solving easier for me because some-
times it seems easier to think on paper than in
my head. It seems like my thoughts are scattered
and I lack the inability to pull them all together
in my mind. Writing helps, especially if you use a
fountain pen :=) (It's fun to write with a foun-
tain pen.) I have to capture those thoughts
before they get away, it seems!! They are
elusive, sometimes. Writing also helps if you are
forgetful, too, which I am. I write out my plans
for each day, this reminds me what I need to do
and the order in which I might do them.

Just some thoughts. You might be functioning on a
higher level than me. I'm pretty basic, right
now. Hope things pick up for you.

 

Re: Concentration Problems!!!

Posted by Grace on May 28, 1999, at 19:10:58

In reply to Re: Concentration Problems!!!, posted by Jeff on January 10, 1999, at 14:20:13

> >I also have problems concentrating and remembering simple things, like words I've known for years and suddenly can't recall when use is appropriate. I'm taking effexor225mg, dexadrine20mg, and pindolol5mg. Please if anybody knows how to improve this FOLLOWUP!

i've had concentration problems in my life for 3 reasons:

depression
Adult Attention Deficit Disorder
Anorexia - I lost my concentration abilties at a low body weight. 110 lbs at 5'6"

 

Re: Concentration Problems!!!

Posted by Susan on April 15, 2000, at 18:25:09

In reply to Re: Concentration Problems!!!, posted by Grace on May 28, 1999, at 19:10:58


>

My Son Bernie age 21 has concentration problems due to damage to the hypothalamus during brain surgery to resect a tumor. What Helps:

1. Amphetamine Therapy (Dexedrine/Phentermine/Adderol

2. Antidepressant Medications:
Prozac/Paxcil/Zoloft/Wellbutrin

3. More Sleep
At least 14 hours

4. Increased Synthroid Hormone
350 mcg

Good Luck to All

 

concentartion problems

Posted by Cengiz Genceli on June 27, 2000, at 7:00:21

In reply to Re: Concentration Problems!!!, posted by Jeff on January 10, 1999, at 14:20:13

Hello,

Ý am chess player and blunder commonly.Ýn
mathematics and life too.Ý am very sad because
of this.Ý use some medicaments for this,if
i can't use ritalina 15mg per day,i can't under
stand my lesson. Please help me.Thanks.


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