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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 SPhobia on February 14, 2004, at 14:39:46
Could this be a side effect of SSRI's?
I have been on Paxil CR for about 3 weeks now, and no matter how hard I try just cannot sit down and concentrate on my work, which was never a problem before. This is a HUGE problem for me because my education is paid for by an academic scholarship, and I can't afford school if I lose it!Perhaps it is my OCD that is causing the problem, and the Paxil just hasn't started kicking in yet.
In any case, what meds might you suggest to help with this problem. I've heard people on this board talk about the following:
Adderall
Straterra
ProvigilI also have SAD, so I would like to avoid one that would increase my anxiety.
Any thoughts??
Posted by Stryker88 on February 14, 2004, at 15:38:57
In reply to I can't concentrate!! It's sooo frustrating!, posted by SPhobia on February 14, 2004, at 14:39:46
i have the same problem, i turned to caffeine as a cure but that is bad idea, i think I have ADD all my life but never got treatment for it. I understand exactly what you mean it is hard for me to do the simplest things sometimes, one of the reasons is because of the constant drowsiness caused by my Effexor which is sometimes unbearable
Posted by Sebastian on February 14, 2004, at 19:15:51
In reply to I can't concentrate!! It's sooo frustrating!, posted by SPhobia on February 14, 2004, at 14:39:46
I think it's the nature of Paxil. Because it is socialy inhibiting. I have never taken it but that is my guess after taking abilify which is also socialy inhibiting.
I took celexa when I was in school, that worked well. Which is also a SSRI. I was also taking zyprexa which helped my grades emensly.
Posted by JonW on February 14, 2004, at 20:11:03
In reply to I can't concentrate!! It's sooo frustrating!, posted by SPhobia on February 14, 2004, at 14:39:46
> In any case, what meds might you suggest to help with this problem. I've heard people on this board talk about the following:
>
> Adderall
> Straterra
> Provigil
>
> I also have SAD, so I would like to avoid one that would increase my anxiety.
>
> Any thoughts??In terms of anxiety I would recommend Provigil. In terms of being able to focus, I would recommend Adderall. I have no experience with Straterra, but perhaps it would be a compromise between the two. Adderall, having abuse potential, is probably the most effective, though. You could also try the racetams (piracetam, aniracetam, etc.) They are sometimes helpful and are more gentle. I believe piracetam is now available OTC. Piracetam is slightly anxiogenic, but in my opinion, not enough to matter. Make sure you work with your doctor, though.
Jon :)
Posted by Mid-Life Crisis on February 16, 2004, at 14:57:56
In reply to I can't concentrate!! It's sooo frustrating!, posted by SPhobia on February 14, 2004, at 14:39:46
I have both of your disorders and have experience with both Adderall and Strattera. DO NOT take Adderall, it will increase your anxiety problem to the point where it becomes extreme; it is known for doing that for people with anxiety. On the other hand, Strattera (for most people) usually does not increase anxiety, and actually may lessen it. It mainly helped me with ADHD symptoms of focusing, changing gears faster, etc.
Good luck!
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