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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by rainbowlight on July 7, 2002, at 23:56:20
Adderall gave me the mental help but messed with my heart (shortness of breath, heavy chest thing) with the Ritalin (5 mgs./2x day)I get no mental benefit yet get that horrible jitter feeling like too much caffeine). Do I raise the Ritalin? Do the jitters go away in time? Or should I move on to another trial like Dexedrine or something? Any advice?
Posted by fachad on July 8, 2002, at 8:38:22
In reply to Adderall-sick, Ritalin-jitters, now what to try?, posted by rainbowlight on July 7, 2002, at 23:56:20
Suggested ADD Med Trial Sequence for Rainbowlight:
Adderall
Ritalin
Dexadrine
Focalin
Provigil
Pemoline
Wellbutrin
DesipramineYou could try Dex, but it may have the same types of side effects as Adderall, although they will be less severe.
Another alternative would be Focalin, which is dex-ritalin. It is supposed to cause less side effects than ritalin.
If both dex and Focalin are too averse, you could try Provigil if you have good health insurance. It is far too expensive if you have to self pay.
There is a seldom used pstim called Pemoline (brand name Cylert). It is long acting stimulant that is not as likely to be abused as the regular pstims. It fell out of favor becasue it was linked to liver problems in some children. I don't know if those were isolated rare cases or if it was really a problem with the med.
Finally, you could try the more stimulating ADs. Wellbutrin is active at dopamine just like the pstims. Desipramine is very potent at norephenephrine.
So there are still plenty of options.
> Adderall gave me the mental help but messed with my heart (shortness of breath, heavy chest thing) with the Ritalin (5 mgs./2x day)I get no mental benefit yet get that horrible jitter feeling like too much caffeine). Do I raise the Ritalin? Do the jitters go away in time? Or should I move on to another trial like Dexedrine or something? Any advice?
Posted by Ritch on July 8, 2002, at 8:59:21
In reply to Adderall-sick, Ritalin-jitters, now what to try?, posted by rainbowlight on July 7, 2002, at 23:56:20
> Adderall gave me the mental help but messed with my heart (shortness of breath, heavy chest thing) with the Ritalin (5 mgs./2x day)I get no mental benefit yet get that horrible jitter feeling like too much caffeine). Do I raise the Ritalin? Do the jitters go away in time? Or should I move on to another trial like Dexedrine or something? Any advice?
Hi RBL,
I got boosted blood pressure (including bad headaches) on Adderall. I *didn't* get that effect from dexedrine, however. The trouble with dexedrine is the dosing. You could try the spansules. I would forget about Focalin or raising the methylphenidate dose. I tried Focalin and it had a complete zero effect on my mood-except to make me more and more jittery if I upped it.
Mitch
Posted by katekite on July 8, 2002, at 10:18:44
In reply to Re: Adderall-sick, Ritalin-jitters, now what to try? » rainbowlight, posted by Ritch on July 8, 2002, at 8:59:21
I agree about dexedrine. With the spansule you can open the cap and pour out as many of the spansules as you like. I started at 2.5 mg (half a capsule) and that was too energizing for me.
If it turns out you don't tolerate any of these stimulants at such low doses definitely make an appointment with an endocrinologist to make sure there isn't a reason....like there is with me.
Kate
Posted by Rainbowlight on July 8, 2002, at 16:55:50
In reply to Re: Adderall-sick, Ritalin-jitters, now what to try?, posted by katekite on July 8, 2002, at 10:18:44
I think I will give the Dexedrine a try next I think. Asking for all these different stims, my pdoc is going to think I am an addict! LOL! Ahhh, aren't med trials fun???!!LOL! Thank you for all the support. The good thing about trying the stims is that if you feel awful they wear off in a few hours. The Adderall REALLY messed with my moods BAD, I had severe depression for a week after stopping it. Finally leveled out now. The Ritalin didn't seem to do much of anything, dissapointing. Seriously, you guys have been wonderful and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for being there!
This is the end of the thread.
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