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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by JJ Joey on December 30, 2004, at 15:08:53
Taking Adderall, as opposed to Adderall XL, hasn't been good for me. But my insurance doesn't cover Adderall XL (it cost me $220); therefore, I'm looking for a smoother, longer-acting stimulant. I'm considering Concerta or Provigil. Anyone taking either of these meds (or similar ones)? If so, please tell me about your experiences. I'll be glad to share with you as well.
Thanks.
Posted by mattw84 on December 30, 2004, at 15:43:58
In reply to Anyone take Concerta, Provigil, other stimulant?, posted by JJ Joey on December 30, 2004, at 15:08:53
Just curious as to why the regular adderall isn't working for you? I take it the XR did?
If your insurance didn't cover Adderall XR it is unlikely that they will cover Concerta or Provigil. At which point your psychostimulant options are quite limited. Cylert might be an option -- In this circumstance I would consider what are some effective non-stimulant treatments available for ADHD. Bupropion AKA Wellbutrin (Keto-Amphetamine) is a very stimulating antidepressant, from the phenylthylamine family such as adderall and amphetamines. Others from that class are *eek* like effexor. Best of luck in your search.
Matt
Posted by Cairo on December 30, 2004, at 17:38:16
In reply to Anyone take Concerta, Provigil, other stimulant?, posted by JJ Joey on December 30, 2004, at 15:08:53
My teen daughter started Provigil a couple of weeks ago. While it definitely makes her more pro-social, the effect on attention is hard to gauge. It seems to help attention at home in an unstructured setting, but when she returns to school next week, we'll better be able to judge.
We nixed stimulants because they cause social withdrawal in her. Adderall gave her the flattest affect. She always seemed to do better on the short acting formulations and needed them more frequently than usual, probably because she's a fast metabolizer. I preferred Ritalin over Adderall for attention. Coming off Dexedrine in the afternoons was horrible. Strattera cause depression in her.
Do you prefer Adderall XL because of a smoother withdrawal as opposed to a more continuous effect on attention?
I've read on this forum that some say Provigil keeps them alert, but has little effect on attention. I think it depends on what factors are affecting attention - depression, anxiety, ADHD, hypofunctioning HPA system?
Cairo
> Taking Adderall, as opposed to Adderall XL, hasn't been good for me. But my insurance doesn't cover Adderall XL (it cost me $220); therefore, I'm looking for a smoother, longer-acting stimulant. I'm considering Concerta or Provigil. Anyone taking either of these meds (or similar ones)? If so, please tell me about your experiences. I'll be glad to share with you as well.
> Thanks.
Posted by bimini on December 31, 2004, at 0:18:13
In reply to Anyone take Concerta, Provigil, other stimulant?, posted by JJ Joey on December 30, 2004, at 15:08:53
I take both, Concerta and Provigil. Concerta will keep me awake for 12 hours, alert for 4 -6 hours. Provigil will do the same but I fade out after 5-6 hours and then could sleep for the next 12-14 hours. With both together I manage to get 3 productive hours, 3 semi-good, and then the rest of day is automatic pilot-I-have-no-idea-what-I'm-doing...
I can take Provigil and take a 4 hour nap, not so with Concerta. Both help with alertness in different a way.
bimini
Posted by Maxime on January 2, 2005, at 0:28:21
In reply to Anyone take Concerta, Provigil, other stimulant?, posted by JJ Joey on December 30, 2004, at 15:08:53
Hi, I just want to tell you how sorry I am that you can't afford the XL. It has been a godsend for me. Ritalin and Adderall both brought me crashing down at the end of the day into darkness. The XL is smooth and wears off slowly.
I've HEARD that concerta is only meant for ADHD.
Good luck.
Maxime
> Taking Adderall, as opposed to Adderall XL, hasn't been good for me. But my insurance doesn't cover Adderall XL (it cost me $220); therefore, I'm looking for a smoother, longer-acting stimulant. I'm considering Concerta or Provigil. Anyone taking either of these meds (or similar ones)? If so, please tell me about your experiences. I'll be glad to share with you as well.
> Thanks.
Posted by blanding on January 2, 2005, at 18:54:07
In reply to Anyone take Concerta, Provigil, other stimulant?, posted by JJ Joey on December 30, 2004, at 15:08:53
I've been experimenting with modafinil (brand name Provigil) for two weeks with partial success.
My basic medication is comprised of two ADs and I'm augmenting them with modafinil at different doses with daily intervals in between because I'm sensitive to noradrenergic drugs.
I was rx'd modafinil off-label as an antidepressant augmentation and my success so far is limited, but perhaps finding the right dosage and the right timing will let me have more reliable antidepressant results.
Posted by alohashirt on January 3, 2005, at 6:58:51
In reply to Re: Anyone take Concerta, Provigil, other stimulan, posted by blanding on January 2, 2005, at 18:54:07
Concerta ==> easy to focus for 8-10 hours,
no side effects, reduces nimbleness as well as distractibility.
Adderall XR ==> sharper, clearer better judgement & worse distraction than Concerta
Ritalin/Focalin == grumpy, jagged feeling
Metadate CD ==> as Concerta for six hrs less smooth
This is the end of the thread.
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