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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 13 of 13. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by sm2010 on October 21, 2005, at 17:01:49
I realize the comparisons between Ritalin, Adderall and Dexedrine have been discussed at length many times on this board, so I apologize in advance for my redundancy, but I could not find a concrete answer on previous posts to this question:Which is more peripherally stimulating (heart rate...), Ritalin or Dexedrine?
I realize Dex is less peripherally acting than Adderall, but not sure how it compares to Ritalin.
Both Ritalin and Adderall worked wonderfully for me, but Ritalin gave me severe chest pain and Adderall made my heart race out of control and increased my blood pressure.
I thought perhaps I had an underlying heart (or thyroid) condition which made me hypersensitive to the stimulants and so had my heart checked (and rechecked). Thankfully it's A OK but I don't dare go back to Adderall or Ritalin (even with the possibility of adding a beta-blocker).
I've been off all ADHD meds for well over a year and and "getting by", but am really torn as to whether I should try another. I refuse to try a TCA and Strattera did not work. I think that about leaves me with Dex or Provigil (or Desoxyn or Aricept but I don't want to go there,).
I'm sure Dex would be gentler on my heart than Adderall, but if it is more peripherally activating than Ritalin I don't even dare try it.
Obviously if I really want to know I should stop babbling (no pun intended) and just try the Dex... I'm just very gun-shy about trying another stimulant and so would appreciate any input anyone might have.
Posted by Declan on October 21, 2005, at 17:41:41
In reply to Dexedrine, posted by sm2010 on October 21, 2005, at 17:01:49
You don't have to take much. Lower doses, like 5mg twice a day, may not be such a problem for you.
Declan
Posted by sm2010 on October 21, 2005, at 18:25:14
In reply to Re: Dexedrine, posted by Declan on October 21, 2005, at 17:41:41
Thanks Declan.I'm hoping that's the case because I couldn't even tolerate that low a dose of Adderall.
Posted by sm2010 on October 22, 2005, at 15:11:45
In reply to Re: Dexedrine, posted by sm2010 on October 21, 2005, at 18:25:14
I've also heard about people taking micro-doses of dexedrine-- like 1.25-2.5mg/day.Has anyone had any success with such low doses?
Posted by Declan on October 22, 2005, at 16:16:30
In reply to Re: Dexedrine, posted by sm2010 on October 22, 2005, at 15:11:45
I never used dex over a long time, but some of the doses I hear of would be too much for me. So no, I don't think 2.5 is a micro dose, it's just a small one. You can always take more if you want.
Declan
Posted by sm2010 on October 23, 2005, at 13:22:20
In reply to Re: Dexedrine, posted by Declan on October 22, 2005, at 16:16:30
Thanks again, Declan.If I decide to try it out I'll post my experience (probably under the subject of "very low dose dex").
I'd be interested to hear others' experiences of very low dose dexedrine also.
Posted by alohashirt on October 23, 2005, at 22:23:28
In reply to Re: Dexedrine, posted by sm2010 on October 23, 2005, at 13:22:20
>
> Thanks again, Declan.
>
> If I decide to try it out I'll post my experience (probably under the subject of "very low dose dex").
>
> I'd be interested to hear others' experiences of very low dose dexedrine also.1) Ritalin affects blood pressur eless than dexedrine which is less than Adderall.
2) For while dexedrine+beta blocker worked for me.
3) Focalin XR is an isomer or methylphenidate (ritalin) that has same effectiveness *for 50% of the dose* This means fewer side effects. May be worth trying ahead of dexedrine.
Posted by sm2010 on October 24, 2005, at 10:50:47
In reply to Re: Dexedrine, posted by alohashirt on October 23, 2005, at 22:23:28
> >
> > Thanks again, Declan.
> >
> > If I decide to try it out I'll post my experience (probably under the subject of "very low dose dex").
> >
> > I'd be interested to hear others' experiences of very low dose dexedrine also.
>
> 1) Ritalin affects blood pressur eless than dexedrine which is less than Adderall.
> 2) For while dexedrine+beta blocker worked for me.
> 3) Focalin XR is an isomer or methylphenidate (ritalin) that has same effectiveness *for 50% of the dose* This means fewer side effects. May be worth trying ahead of dexedrine.Thanks for the info and focalin suggestion--great idea.
Posted by Bill LL on October 24, 2005, at 11:58:50
In reply to Re: Dexedrine, posted by sm2010 on October 24, 2005, at 10:50:47
Why do you think that trying Ritalin or Adderal with a beta blocker would not be a good idea for you?
For a lot of people a beta blocker would work well to calm chest pain, lower pulse, and lower blood pressure.
Posted by sm2010 on October 24, 2005, at 15:59:43
In reply to Re: Dexedrine, posted by Bill LL on October 24, 2005, at 11:58:50
I know it's not uncommon, but I'm just not crazy about adding one med to counter the side effects of another.More so, however, I exercise quite regularly and beta-blockers can inhibit athletic performance and even cause depression and erectile dysfunction--and I just seem to be one of those people who frequently experiences rare side effects, so I'd just rather avoid them if at all possible.
Posted by sm2010 on October 24, 2005, at 16:04:39
In reply to Re: Dexedrine, posted by sm2010 on October 24, 2005, at 15:59:43
While the topic is up, I'm just wondering if anyone can give a rough comparison of dexedrine vs sudafed in terms of peripheral stimulation (heart).For example, how many milligrams of dexedrine might be equal to 30 mgs of sudafed in terms of revving up the heart?
I've read statements before saying that sudafed stimulates the body (not brain) more than dex. I wonder if this is so.
Posted by alohashirt on October 24, 2005, at 22:16:57
In reply to Re: Dexedrine, posted by sm2010 on October 24, 2005, at 15:59:43
The stimulants are the treatment of choice and more effective for most people. Focalin should have less effect on hypertension than other stimulants. If this isn't right another choice could be Provigil. Research results haven't been compelling but subjective reports have been very positive from many people.>
> I know it's not uncommon, but I'm just not crazy about adding one med to counter the side effects of another.
>
> More so, however, I exercise quite regularly and beta-blockers can inhibit athletic performance and even cause depression and erectile dysfunction--and I just seem to be one of those people who frequently experiences rare side effects, so I'd just rather avoid them if at all possible.
>
>
Posted by sm2010 on October 25, 2005, at 17:52:39
In reply to ANother idea (Re: Dexedrine, posted by alohashirt on October 24, 2005, at 22:16:57
Both are great ideas. I'd love it if Focalin doesn't cause me chest pain as Ritalin did, especially since it's available in both short and long-acting formulations.I'm also very interested in Provigil as you suggest. I wouldn't expect it to be as effective as the stimulants but if there's an appreciable benefit I'd definitely go with it anyway. Officially, it's contraindicated w/ mitral valve prolapse--which I have, but I wonder if that would actually be a problem in reality. Unofficially, it's touted as being akin to caffeine in terms of it's peripheral stimulation (which I tolerate well). I believe an EKG could rule out the complications reported with use of Provigil in MVP.
At least these are some more options. Thanks again for the suggestions.
This is the end of the thread.
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