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Diagnosed at Last: But Questions on Medications...
I finally saw a great doctor (ADHD specialist) in Dallas. I had to drive 200 miles, but it was well worth it !
He talked to me like an adult, and didn't act as though I were "trying to get speed"; he has a world of experience, and he prescribed Vyvanse. I seem to be much better, noticing little things that are changing, and don't have any of that "speedy" feeling.
Thing is, I've been taking Wellbutrin (300mg) and Valium(20mg) for years (I'm 60, and have been through almost every antidepressant available for the last 30+ years) ! I've cut the Wellbutrin to 150/day and the Valium to 10mg/day. I was always diagnosed with "chronic depression", although I think that's wrong. (I actually score within "normal" bounds on the MMPI, FWIW !!).
I was also prescribed Clonidine, which I try to sub for the Valium as much as possible; problem is, I have a huge tolerance for drugs for some reason. The clonodine helps me sleep if I take 3 (.1mg), but at times, it seems I'm laying there half awake, and I have to get up and take 5mg of Valium; I really don't know why Valium seems to work so well, but over the years, I've gone through every minor tranquilizer made, and nothing has had the same, or even close to the same effect. Still, I'd like to gradually get away from it, especially since it affects REM sleep.
But, another question I have is this: Does one have to try several different ADHD meds before the RIGHT one is hit upon ? The Vyvanse seems to be working well, but I'm just taking 70mg/day. 'Not sure if I need more is needed, another med might work better, or if I'm fine where I'm at. As stated, I've had many minor breakthroughs which are great, but no earth-shattering experience like "so this is what I've been missing out on all my life !!". 'Not sure everyone does, or that's the way it always works, but that was the general perception I had.
So, possibly, I'll have to try other meds, I'm not sure, I'll discuss this with the doctor when I see him in a couple of weeks.
One thing I can state, and this seems to definitely verify the doctors' prognosis: A long, long time ago, when I was much younger and irresponsible, we used to be able to get Preludin (phenmetrazine I believe). Others took it for the speedy effect and feeling of well being it gave; I took it because it was the only thing I'd ever taken that made me feel almost normal. And now it's not even available, not even manufactured in the US, after the debacle in Sweden and so much abuse here I guess.
Possibly one of the present day drugs used in ADHD therapy is close in effects; I'll just have to wait and see.
Any comments appreciated !!
Thanks.
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Last edited by falcontracker : 12 Mar 2008 @ 11:50 AM.
Reason: additional info
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