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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 10 of 10. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by jms600 on March 13, 2004, at 16:48:22
Can anyone recommend anything to improve concentration and alertness? I'm currently on 225mg Effexor, but I don't really want to come off this, but rather augment it with something.
I suffer from anxiety, so I guess Amphetamines, Ritalin etc. are out.
Any other ideas????
Thanks!
Posted by PsychoSage on March 13, 2004, at 17:16:18
In reply to Concentration, posted by jms600 on March 13, 2004, at 16:48:22
> Can anyone recommend anything to improve concentration and alertness? I'm currently on 225mg Effexor, but I don't really want to come off this, but rather augment it with something.
>
> I suffer from anxiety, so I guess Amphetamines, Ritalin etc. are out.
>
> Any other ideas????
>
> Thanks!
The list besides the stims you mentioned is generally:Wellbutrin
Strattera
Provigil
Dopamine Agonists {anti parkinsonians - like mirapex}
Aricept {and other anti-dementia drugs that are anticholinearase}
Posted by jparsell82 on March 13, 2004, at 20:03:02
In reply to Re: Concentration, posted by PsychoSage on March 13, 2004, at 17:16:18
Rhodiola rosea helps some with concentration/alertness. It's been the most effective herbal supplement for me.
Posted by Viridis on March 13, 2004, at 22:51:58
In reply to Concentration, posted by jms600 on March 13, 2004, at 16:48:22
I take Adderall (an amphetamine) and actually find that a low dose is relaxing and helps with concentration. I use it for ADD; I also have anxiety problems so take Klonopin too (so this complicates things a bit). However, I wouldn't automatically assume that stimulants will increase your anxiety, although I would try them very cautiously at first.
BTW, much caffeine at all makes me quite anxious and Wellbutrin put me through the roof (so I certainly can't tolerate all stimulants) but I find Adderall very different.
Posted by Sad Panda on March 14, 2004, at 11:34:43
In reply to Concentration, posted by jms600 on March 13, 2004, at 16:48:22
> Can anyone recommend anything to improve concentration and alertness? I'm currently on 225mg Effexor, but I don't really want to come off this, but rather augment it with something.
>
> I suffer from anxiety, so I guess Amphetamines, Ritalin etc. are out.
>
> Any other ideas????
>
> Thanks!
>
>Maybe 300mg of Effexor? I've just gone up from 225 to 300 a few days ago & suddenly find it easier to get up, move around & do stuff.
Does Effexor help with your anxiety? I have minor anxiety that increases for awhile with an E. doseage increase, but after a few weeks I have less anxiety.
Cheers,
Panda.
Posted by JeremyNY on March 14, 2004, at 14:14:14
In reply to Re: Concentration » jms600, posted by Sad Panda on March 14, 2004, at 11:34:43
Panda, It's interesting thst increasing the Effexor helped. Let us know if this continues to be the case down the road.
> > Can anyone recommend anything to improve concentration and alertness? I'm currently on 225mg Effexor, but I don't really want to come off this, but rather augment it with something.
> >
> > I suffer from anxiety, so I guess Amphetamines, Ritalin etc. are out.
> >
> > Any other ideas????
> >
> > Thanks!
> >
> >
>
> Maybe 300mg of Effexor? I've just gone up from 225 to 300 a few days ago & suddenly find it easier to get up, move around & do stuff.
>
> Does Effexor help with your anxiety? I have minor anxiety that increases for awhile with an E. doseage increase, but after a few weeks I have less anxiety.
>
> Cheers,
> Panda.
>
>
>
Posted by jms600 on March 15, 2004, at 16:33:50
In reply to Re: Concentration » jms600, posted by Sad Panda on March 14, 2004, at 11:34:43
Hi panda,
No, I'm afraid Effexor has done little to help my anxiety. Maybe I should up the dose to 300mg?!?
Thanks
Posted by Viridis on March 17, 2004, at 4:50:19
In reply to Re: Concentration, posted by jms600 on March 15, 2004, at 16:33:50
I don't understand why so many people take these newer, largely untested meds when the old standbys often work perfectly well. Actually, I do -- it's marketing. It's time that patients take control of their medication regimens and realize that not all doctors are perfect, nor are the new (expensive) ADs "cure-alls" for every disorder under the sun.
Posted by cybercafe on March 18, 2004, at 17:55:21
In reply to Concentration, posted by jms600 on March 13, 2004, at 16:48:22
> Can anyone recommend anything to improve concentration and alertness? I'm currently on 225mg Effexor, but I don't really want to come off this, but rather augment it with something.
>
> I suffer from anxiety, so I guess Amphetamines, Ritalin etc. are out.
>
> Any other ideas????
>
> Thanks!
i hear it takes several months after your depression is resolved for your concentration to return to 100% (by my pdoc)
Posted by linkadge on March 19, 2004, at 12:02:36
In reply to Re: Concentration, posted by cybercafe on March 18, 2004, at 17:55:21
I'm having the same problem. I am on 75 mg of Effexor but just can't really concentrate on anything.
Linkadge
This is the end of the thread.
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