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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by ummagumma on May 16, 2006, at 20:20:39
I've been diagnosed with ADD and depression. Fortunately my doctor has been very willing to work with me to try various meds.
Originally I was on Ritalin SR, 20mg x 2/day. However I was getting a little concerned because I was liking it *too* much, plus visiting him every month for a new prescription was annoying.
I read about Wellbutrin and found that its effect is somewhat like that of Ritalin, only milder and longer lasting. I asked my doctor to switch me to it, and he gave me a prescription for 150mg SR, 2x/day.
It is, indeed, pretty much what I expected. And as an additional bonus, I quit smoking shortly after starting it. I wasn't even planning on that; I just no longer had any urge to smoke!
Unfortunately, it doesn't help my ADD like the Ritalin did. It also makes me sweaty and jittery at times. However it does help greatly with my depression, and I like how it gives a mild energy boost that lasts all day without any ups and downs. Plus I'm afraid that if I stop taking it, I might start smoking again. Especially if I go back to Ritalin-- I smoke about twice as much when I'm taking it!
I'm thinking of asking my doctor for both Wellbutrin and Ritalin, each in smaller dosages. Has anyone else tried this combination? I'm worried that it might be *too* stimulating. However if they work well together, it would be ideal for me. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Posted by Racer on May 17, 2006, at 1:16:35
In reply to Ritalin and Wellbutrin combo?, posted by ummagumma on May 16, 2006, at 20:20:39
I took both together, for a short time, and it worked fine for me. (Except for a side effect that dropped me off Ritalin almost immediately.)
Have you considered Strattera, though? It worked to minimize my depression when I was on it, although I wasn't diagnosed ADD at that time, and wasn't really aware of any symptoms related to it.
Good luck.
Posted by B2chica on May 17, 2006, at 8:41:10
In reply to Ritalin and Wellbutrin combo?, posted by ummagumma on May 16, 2006, at 20:20:39
hi
was on combo for quite some time. no bad effects. worked great.
b2c.
Posted by ummagumma on May 17, 2006, at 13:01:22
In reply to Ritalin and Wellbutrin combo?, posted by ummagumma on May 16, 2006, at 20:20:39
Thanks for the input! My doctor also said that they work together very nicely, and he wrote a prescription for both today. Unfortunately the pharmacy is out of Ritalin SR, so I'll have to wait a few days to begin the combo.
From what I've read about Wellbutrin, it might help to modulate the sharp ups and downs of the Ritalin, which would make the two an excellent combo indeed.
Posted by med_empowered on May 18, 2006, at 12:22:34
In reply to Ritalin and Wellbutrin combo?, posted by ummagumma on May 16, 2006, at 20:20:39
Oddly enough, Wellbutrin might actually help reduce Ritalin's appeal--it helps amphetamine addicts by a) offering some stimulation and anti-depressant effects and b) modulating the reponse to any stimulants they do consume, making them somehwat less "rewarding".
As for the anxiety issue...Wellbutrin can be pretty rough. Sometimes its good to try a benzo, if only for a week or two to get adjusted; if its still a problem after that, you might want to re-work your meds.
Good luck!
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