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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by sheilac on October 29, 2012, at 12:30:37
Saw my pdoc today (this is a new one since my old one retired). This is my 2nd appt with her and to be honest, I wasn't sure I was going to stick with her because I thought she was a little odd at our first appt. But, I'm glad I went back, she's quirky, but very knowledgeable.
I told her about going back to Lithium with my Trileptal and how I feel very tired and no energy, enthusiasm or creativity.
She said she feels so far that I probably have ADD not ADHD and that could be contributing to the low grade depression I feel and keep trying to fix.
She also said the Lithium could be increasing the effect of the Trileptal. She wants me to drop down to only 150mg Lithium at night.
I told her overall Trileptal is good, but it makes me depressed, but the Lamictal I tried made me bounce off the walls.
She said that maybe in time using a low dose of Lamictal, or even Geodon as an antidepressant might be a good fit for the ADD/low grade depression. She also mentioned Strattera, but I really need something that will give me some pep. Right now I am overdoing it on the coffee. Not sure Strattera is the right me. Seems like I tried it before and it made me depressed.
I got the impression she felt that Lithium is way too strong for someone like me.
We'll see what she thinks at my next appt.
Meanwhile, I hope to stay awake now that I will be off Lithium during the day.
I have taken a nap every freakin' day that I have been on Lithium - no wonder I'm not irritable!
Posted by Phillipa on October 29, 2012, at 12:46:37
In reply to Went to pdoc - update..., posted by sheilac on October 29, 2012, at 12:30:37
So you feel the appointment went well? Lots of suggestions. Since never took lithium. I don't know how it feels other than worked with a pdoc that used it from everything from pms to bipolar. Phillipa
Posted by gadchik on October 29, 2012, at 13:33:04
In reply to Re: Went to pdoc - update... » sheilac, posted by Phillipa on October 29, 2012, at 12:46:37
Glad you went back. I think quirky pdocs are the best, they think outside the box.
Posted by sheilac on October 29, 2012, at 14:46:28
In reply to Re: Went to pdoc - update..., posted by gadchik on October 29, 2012, at 13:33:04
Yes, I think Lithium can help with a lot of issues. For me, I would be in a coma if I took a "therapeutic dose", but in smaller doses it has helped with anxiety and hypomania.
But I wouldn't be surprised if in time she takes me off Lithium altogether and keeps me on low dose Trileptal and something else for ADD.
Stimulants are out - even in small doses they bring on hyperness. Antidepressants are out for the tons of side effects I get from them.
But she mentioned a few good points about low grade depression and ADD symptoms. Thinking outside the box to possibly low dose Lamictal or Geodon to help with depression, thus helping with my inattentive issues.
Interesting. Right now I will keep my night time dose of Lithium and Trileptal and sleep like a baby!
Maybe just Trileptal during the day will keep me awake. I hope so! Or else I need to buy stock in Starbucks!
Posted by phidippus on October 30, 2012, at 11:12:53
In reply to Went to pdoc - update..., posted by sheilac on October 29, 2012, at 12:30:37
>I probably have ADD not ADHD
There are two types of ADD-hyperactive and inattentive. She must mean you might be inattentive.
I don't understand why she didn't prescribe some Vyvanse, Adderall or Dextroamphetamine.
Eric
Posted by sheilac on October 30, 2012, at 14:18:28
In reply to Re: Went to pdoc - update... » sheilac, posted by phidippus on October 30, 2012, at 11:12:53
I have tried Vyvance - it lasted too long, it felt like it never wore off and gave me insomnia, even at the lowest dose.
Adderall xr makes my moods too unpredictable.
Ritalin did nothing.
If they made a tiny dose of Vyvanse that would be great.
Not sure. I see her again in a week, we'll see what she thinks.
Vyvanse would work, if I could sleep on the stuff!
This is the end of the thread.
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