![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 1 to 24 of 24. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Garnet71 on March 25, 2009, at 13:29:30
Since feeling great momentarily after vit D consumption Monday, I've gone downhill. Wellbutrin is taking away my motivation, energy, now, I believe. What is going on? I just feel yucky, like not doing anything, and tired. It took everything out of me to do the dishes last night. I took a Ritalin yesterday, but decided not to take it anymore because it made me too tired afterward. It only helped with my studies for about an hour or 2. I had already quit daily use, just was taking leftover script on/off.
I'm going to PDocRN tomorrow. I was thinking of going down from 150 mg on the WB to 75 mg, only because Wellbutrin has been consistent in one respect-it's totally eliminated my cravings for carbs/chocholate/sugar. But I need focus and motivation. I was thinking of asking for Dextroamphetamine, a small dose to see if I can get back to my baseline. I thought I was close to getting back to my baseline last week, but things have regressed.
I don't think the Buspirone is causing negative side effects, though I could be wrong. I don't feel depressed. Just now unmotivated and lethargic. I want to think about everything except what I need to do for school. What is wrong with me?
Posted by Phillipa on March 25, 2009, at 13:59:33
In reply to Going downhill again - what to do?, posted by Garnet71 on March 25, 2009, at 13:29:30
Garnet not being sarcastic but same going on with me different meds but same thing. That vita D must be a prescription? Not the health food store? Reminds me of when Deplin came out. Tried That And Day three was Great. Wellbutrin And amphetamines opposite of me but seems like same sides in a way. Simply wierd to me???? Love Phillipa
Posted by Garnet71 on March 25, 2009, at 14:49:05
In reply to Re: Going downhill again - what to do? » Garnet71, posted by Phillipa on March 25, 2009, at 13:59:33
I'm getting anxiety now over feeling like this...I feel a panic attack coming on right now
Posted by Garnet71 on March 25, 2009, at 16:02:55
In reply to Going downhill again - what to do?, posted by Garnet71 on March 25, 2009, at 13:29:30
What about Provigil?
Is low blood pressure more common than not w/Provigil?
Posted by garnet71 on March 26, 2009, at 12:17:34
In reply to Going downhill again - what to do?, posted by Garnet71 on March 25, 2009, at 13:29:30
So I went to the PDocRn today, asked for dextroamphetamine--but got Adderall (10 mg). She said dextro is for weight loss, and I really couldn't say much using what I read on a message forum and wikipedia as the basis of an argument. I basically asked in 2 different ways, not willing to argue with an educated medical professional, but ended up with the same answer.
I'm a bit scared to take it. I'm going to get the Wellbutrin out of my system first. This was another serious disappointment, but after having close to zero motivation and focus for 2 days and subsequently developing severe anxiety at the thought of my inability to do anything, I'm willing to give the Adderall a try.
Posted by 10derHeart on March 26, 2009, at 14:23:59
In reply to Re: Going downhill again - what to do?, posted by garnet71 on March 26, 2009, at 12:17:34
Doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me - I mean, if you wanted to get snarky about it, the Adderall IS dextroamphetamine - at least in part, it's just in combination with other amphetamine salts - 4 I think in the XR, and I can't recall the makeup of the immediate release one. (Please correct me all you chemistry experts here - really!) When I was dx with ADD back in 2002, seems like I studied these drugs forever....
I was SO fortunate, because a combination of Prozac and IR Ritalin worked pretty well for me for 1.5 years, and then I transitioned over to Strattera alone, which I've been on for over 5 years with good to excellent control of my worst ADD symptoms. Many (most?) don't have such a "smooth" experience as I did, I know.
Anyway, not that I'm suggesting saying stuff about what certain drugs are composed of to the RN would have been productive. Just saying....they speak in vague generalities and out of hand sometimes, even if a knowledgeable patient is civil, respectful, and everything....{sigh} (Had this experience with a podiatrist this week, who turned dismissive and cool as soon as I used one simple medical term for a foot condition I've had for years....he began talking over me and condescending....whatEVER)
Sounds like that must reflect your PDoc's preference?? Dexadrine (dextroamphetamine) IS prescribed for ADD, all the time. That and narcolepsy - I don't know about off-label for weight loss. I think it's one that used to be approved just for ADD in kids, but more recently has been okay'd for adults. too. I could be wrong, as I am going from memory and didn't look it up....but docs often aren't aware, unless they specialize in treating ADD. Usually, a doc committed to working with pts really struggling to find a good drug or combo will be open to reasonable trials of any and all meds, as long as they are not contraindicated by another medical condition....
Hope it works for you, and if not, your doc will be open to different dosing, trying the XR, etc. I know many find Adderall too "harsh" even though it works, it's too uncomfortable (just anecdotal from Babble and other ADD boards and people I've known...) I never tried it - never had to.
Is is 10mg once a day for now? If you're a bit worried, you could cut them in half and try just 5 mg. at first....
Posted by bleauberry on March 26, 2009, at 17:37:35
In reply to Going downhill again - what to do?, posted by Garnet71 on March 25, 2009, at 13:29:30
Here are a couple things to ponder.
Vitamin D according to most science evidence will increase the effectiveness of your immune system. If you have any kind of unknown infection...Lyme or any of a dozen weirdos involved with psychiatric/fatigue/brainfog kind of stuff, heck, even candida yeast...well, the boosted immune system is going to cause a more rapid die-off than you are accustomed to. It feels like fatigue, blah, glum, depressed, and maybe achy.
Wellbutrin felt like total poison to me. But it shrunk a longstanding boil that was resistant to treatment in about two days, almost a miracle. I couldn't help but wonder if something about Wellbutrin's mechanism is pro-immune. Something in its mysterious nitric oxide mechanisms I might guess? I mean, three different antibiotics couldn't shrink that boil, but Wellbutrin did in 2 days? Needless to say, I felt like absolute death. I could not continue.
My doctor says when it comes to the controversial debate of generics vs brand, wellbutrin generics are one of the worst. I would guess you are probably on the brand version? If not, try a quick switch to brand before ditching it.
Posted by garnet71 on March 26, 2009, at 18:57:10
In reply to Re: Going downhill again - what to do? » garnet71, posted by 10derHeart on March 26, 2009, at 14:23:59
10derheart,
You'll have to tell me about Strattera. My first impression of it (for someone who has never tried it) is that its similar to Effexor, which is one of those drugs I think is poison.lol. I know it helps people, but I have an intuitive adverse opinion of it I can't shake off. Five years of good effects from one drug is pretty amazing--good for you.
The RN told me to take the 10 mg twice a day. I told her I was going to cut it into pieces to try it; probably in fourths. I'm going to call around the pharmacies for prices, then get 1/2 the script filled tomorrow and see. I'm scared to take anything in a new 'class'. I was terrified to take Zoloft when I never took an antidepressant before. Years ago--even though I got to a point where I had non-stop crying all day and night, and even at my PCP's office for that initial viist, she still had to coerce me, really talk me into taking the AD. I don't take OTCs except aspirin-I have took Advil at work before when had to borrow. It's sort of a phobia I guess. You can see my stupid post above about a headache. I like home remedies best.
She said dextro was 'worse' than Adderall-whatever that means. Maybe addictive is what she meant. I think if the PDoc was there, she could have checked with him-I think it had to do with her comfort level in prescribing it to me-I could just sense it. She is one of those very, very nice nurturing people-I have a hard time being as assertive as I normally would with people like that. If it was the doctor, who is more of the alpha male type, I could have been more argumentive, assertive, persistent--and even intimidating to those types. I think if the nurse asked him, and if he wanted to talk to me about it to see why i felt that way, I have a feeling there wouldn't be a need to argue in the first place. He's a very good listener and an astute observor; very decisive but reasons first. He's one of those types of professionals who actually thinks/weighs decisions in a rational way rather than jump to conclusions or stereotypes, from what I can sense about him. I know what you mean by the condescending (was it plantar fascitis?lol). That type of attitude just motivates me to be more articulate/well-spoken and focused in my coversation or argument. I guess I'm used to being on the defense w/authority figures.
The problem with the org. is once you get your initial script and evaluation, there is no visit with the doctor for a year. I think a patient should be stabilized before seeing the nurse for follow ups. I just don't want to take a chance going anywere else, and I really like them. I wasted money on the last two PDocs-it costs at least $150 for initial evaluation.
Now that I have no health insurance, I can go wherever I want but don't want to go from doc to doc, paying each one $150 (which I can't anyway) to find a good one. The one before last was absolutely rediculous. He started me on Prozac which gave me really strange nerve-based side effects, so I couldn't stay with it, no problem there, that wasn't his fault/it happens. Then Zoloft-I went back after 6 weeks and told him it was making me miserable and depressed and unmotivated. The guy said to me--what do you want me to do? I said-I don't know, that's why I came to you. He had no answer. So I said fine, prescribe me Wellbutrin. Another 6 weeks go by-I'm back in his office. I first questioned the generic WB vs. the brand, and asked about the coating and inert ingredients--and he snickered at me. I told him I could hardly get out of bed, the meds are making me more depressed, I'm on the verge of failing school and losing my job and can't tolerate these meds. He said--you are dumping all your problems on me, but offered no alternative. I said I absolutely cannot continue with these drugs, but since I did not do any legwork to learn about drugs prior to this time, I had no clue what to ask for. Finally he said if you are not happy with your treatment here, feel free to go somewhere else. Well of course I did. I never, ever saw another person in his office any time I was there, and when I would be scheduling an appt., I always go the exact time/date I asked for the first time. lol. Now I see why. So I ended up quitting them all; felt better for a couple weeks, then started getting panic attacks.
I really want, for once in my life, a decisive, assertive, authoritive, and confident doctor to tell me what I need to take, instead of the other way around. I'm sick of being in charge all the time. I really want to leave it up to someone else, someone competent and experienced. This merry-go-round is getting tiring.
Sorry about the extra rant there-it seems you have a mysterious invite-a-rant aura about you. lol.
Posted by garnet71 on March 26, 2009, at 19:07:36
In reply to Re: Going downhill again - what to do? » Garnet71, posted by bleauberry on March 26, 2009, at 17:37:35
Hi Bleauberry,
Wow-that's really interesting about WB. Yeah, in only 2 days-my evening cravings for carbs/sugar/chocoalte completely dissipated. It was strange how it did that. I wonder what's up with that? A periphial effect on hormones?
Thanks for telling me about the generic. Yes, I specfically sought out the brand after having a bad experience with the generic in the past. But in this case, it was me not the drug. lol. I only recently learned about the suspected problems with generic WB, so thanks for taking the time to mention it :)
Posted by metric on March 26, 2009, at 19:24:37
In reply to Going downhill again - what to do?, posted by Garnet71 on March 25, 2009, at 13:29:30
Are you still taking Xanax at night?
Re Adderall vs. d-amphetamine. Don't feel too disappointed that you received Adderall instead of pure d-amphetamine as you had hoped. Adderall is mostly d-amphetamine anyway, and you can always ask to switch later on (there is NO rational basis for a doctor to object to such a switch; alas, doctors are often more ignorant of pharmacology than many of their patients). 10 mg Adderall isn't much.
Posted by garnet71 on March 26, 2009, at 20:07:41
In reply to Re: Going downhill again - what to do? » Garnet71, posted by metric on March 26, 2009, at 19:24:37
Thanks Metric. I'll be back there in a month. This nurse is seriously so nice, I couldn't bear to push her out of her comfort zone. Besides, I don't even think I can pronounce the pharmaceutical terms I read about. If I feel the necessity to ask for it again, I can certainly ask for a more detailed, rational explanation as to why the drug is 'worse' than Adderall.
I asked her for a just a small dose to start, and yes, I still take .25 Xanax. I used to take it about every other evening, but today and yesterday had to take it during the day--and had to take 2 at one time. I still take Buspirone 30 mg a day.
Adderall is certainly not something I'd take long-term. If I don't have adverse effects, it might help me with all the math-based courses in grad school, along with the very boring drugery of the UG research I'm trying to finish at the moment. With no motivation, and being extremely behind with deadlines to the point where I will not get my UG degree by May and will lose my home if I don't get back to work, I do need a jump start and don't have time to experiment right now with other drugs that take 6 weeks or more to assess, with the risk they could make me much worse off. And symptoms dictate a need for this type of drug for whatever reason. No one has told me 'what is wrong with me'.
I am sort of anxious to see how I'll do with the classes I have had trouble with in grad school on ADD meds, but will have to wait until summer when my next semester there begins. When I graduate from all my schooling, I can always get a more creative-type job that benefits from ADD type thinkers.
Posted by desolationrower on March 27, 2009, at 5:36:24
In reply to Re: Going downhill again - what to do? » Garnet71, posted by bleauberry on March 26, 2009, at 17:37:35
> Here are a couple things to ponder.
>
> Vitamin D according to most science evidence will increase the effectiveness of your immune system. If you have any kind of unknown infection...Lyme or any of a dozen weirdos involved with psychiatric/fatigue/brainfog kind of stuff, heck, even candida yeast...well, the boosted immune system is going to cause a more rapid die-off than you are accustomed to. It feels like fatigue, blah, glum, depressed, and maybe achy.
>
> Wellbutrin felt like total poison to me. But it shrunk a longstanding boil that was resistant to treatment in about two days, almost a miracle. I couldn't help but wonder if something about Wellbutrin's mechanism is pro-immune. Something in its mysterious nitric oxide mechanisms I might guess? I mean, three different antibiotics couldn't shrink that boil, but Wellbutrin did in 2 days? Needless to say, I felt like absolute death. I could not continue.
>
> My doctor says when it comes to the controversial debate of generics vs brand, wellbutrin generics are one of the worst. I would guess you are probably on the brand version? If not, try a quick switch to brand before ditching it.i think the physical manefestations of the boil are inflammatorily-mediated; the lowered tnf-alpha might reduce boil. not sure if that would be good in long-run.
-d/r
Posted by desolationrower on March 27, 2009, at 5:37:52
In reply to Re: Going downhill again - what to do?, posted by garnet71 on March 26, 2009, at 12:17:34
huh, well hope it works. btw, and not that it really helps you much now, but adderal woudl be the best drug for weight loss - the leve-amphetamine portion is more peripheral and adrenergic in effect: its similar to ephedrine, which is a pretty good weight loss drug (unlike 99% of other OTC products). it also is physically energizing, which can help if you're tired or lethargic, or be bad if it becomes anxiety. (i think there are more complicated things too, like those phasic-tonic effects)
I think i'd stick to stimulants if you need help with the adhd type problem right away, for some reason the NRIs supposedly take longer to 'work' for this, although that seems kind of sketchy to me. but the stims are definatly stronger. i really don't know how to get the rigth drugs from the doc/nurse, so i guess i'm as lost on that one as you are.
-d/t
Posted by SLS on March 27, 2009, at 8:10:26
In reply to Going downhill again - what to do?, posted by Garnet71 on March 25, 2009, at 13:29:30
I just wanted reiterate what I had said to you awhile back. I thought it possible that you might be suffering from bipolar disorder and ADD comorbidly. This is not so uncommon.
If this is true, to recognize this will probably improve your treatment choices.
- Scott
Posted by garnet71 on March 27, 2009, at 11:06:48
In reply to Re: Going downhill again - what to do? » Garnet71, posted by SLS on March 27, 2009, at 8:10:26
I haven't ruled out that possibility. A few things keep me from agreeing to that diagnosis though (besides that therapists and doctors never attached that diagnosis to me).
For example, I've never in my entire life felt like I didn't need about 8 hours of sleep. Sometimes I even prefer 10 hours of sleep, and if I don't set an alarm, I've had times in that past where I would sleep exactly 10 hrs (when med free). Years of not getting enough sleep, for me average 5-6 hours is not enough sleep, was brutal to me; I remember being tired all the time. My circadian clock is not compatible with regular life. My average, natural pattern is sleep at about 2; up at about 10 or 11. I've had many jobs where I had to get up at 3:00 to 4:00 am--no matter how much sleep I got, I felt like sh*t all day. It was only when I had job opportunities in the case of shift work where I could work 3-8 that I realized I felt much better all the time, most productive with that sleep/wake pattern. I did work 9-5 or 8-5, etc., for a number of years; still, I often felt tired at work, although boredom was a factor as well.
I've never had mania either. Have had some hypomania, but people w/o mental conditions get that too. It was noticable to me when I quit taking xxRIs-I'd get noticable hypomania right after quitting, but it would always dissipate when the xxRIs got out of my system; referring to 'noticeable'.
The concept of the mixed state/catch all BPII diagnosis, I'm not sure about.
Of course everything in my body could be screwed up from stress, lifestyle, and psych meds, in addition to illicit drug experimentation, though sans addiction problems, at a young age.
Can anxiety be a primary symptom of BP? That's my primary issue. I can compensate for ADD stuff outside of school, but the anxiety and ADD go hand in hand.
I don't know Scott.
Posted by garnet71 on March 27, 2009, at 11:10:57
In reply to Re: Going downhill again - what to do?, posted by desolationrower on March 27, 2009, at 5:37:52
Thanks d/r :))
Are you a vampire?
You only come out at night.lol
Posted by metric on March 27, 2009, at 16:16:32
In reply to Re: Going downhill again - what to do? » metric, posted by garnet71 on March 26, 2009, at 20:07:41
> Thanks Metric. I'll be back there in a month. This nurse is seriously so nice, I couldn't bear to push her out of her comfort zone. Besides, I don't even think I can pronounce the pharmaceutical terms I read about. If I feel the necessity to ask for it again, I can certainly ask for a more detailed, rational explanation as to why the drug is 'worse' than Adderall.
>
> I asked her for a just a small dose to start, and yes, I still take .25 Xanax. I used to take it about every other evening, but today and yesterday had to take it during the day--and had to take 2 at one time. I still take Buspirone 30 mg a day.
>The reason I asked is that some people have difficulty with rebound anxiety when taking Xanax on a regular basis. In that case, switching to clonazepam (Klonopin) is often successful. Clonazepam is the longest acting benzodiazepine available in the U.S., owing largely to its distribution characteristics.* Be aware that even if you only take Xanax once a day, you can still experience withdrawal. That's of course no reason to avoid benzos; it's just something that tends to catch a lot of people off guard: because the perceived subjective effects have disappeared, it's assumed that the drug is no longer active when in fact it is.
Anyway, I wish 0.25 mg of Xanax worked on me! I can barely notice 10 times that much unless I have no anxiety to begin with.
> Adderall is certainly not something I'd take long-term. If I don't have adverse effects, it might help me with all the math-based courses in grad school, along with the very boring drugery of the UG research I'm trying to finish at the moment.
I'm sorry to hear that you're not enjoying your research. Stimulants do tend to make otherwise boring things interesting. FWIW, many people have taken amphetamines long-term (decades) with no _apparent_ harm. In terms of stimulation, d-amphetamine is generally perceived as about twice as potent as Ritalin and lasts a bit longer. My guess would be that 10 mg of Adderall won't feel any "stronger" than 10 mg of Ritalin, partly because the various salts dissociate at different rates, which should reduce the peak effect (and slightly prolong its duration). I'd be interested to hear whether my guess comes close.
> With no motivation, and being extremely behind with deadlines to the point where I will not get my UG degree by May and will lose my home if I don't get back to work, I do need a jump start and don't have time to experiment right now with other drugs that take 6 weeks or more to assess, with the risk they could make me much worse off.
I hear you. 6 weeks is a long time to wait for something *not* to work!
> And symptoms dictate a need for this type of drug for whatever reason. No one has told me 'what is wrong with me'.
>What makes you think something is wrong with you? Life is hard. Drugs can help. That doesn't mean there's anything wrong with you, nor is there any reason to feel guilty for using them to help you cope.
> I am sort of anxious to see how I'll do with the classes I have had trouble with in grad school on ADD meds, but will have to wait until summer when my next semester there begins. When I graduate from all my schooling, I can always get a more creative-type job that benefits from ADD type thinkers.
Do what you enjoy. The concentration will follow.
Posted by metric on March 27, 2009, at 16:30:39
In reply to Re: Going downhill again - what to do? » Garnet71, posted by SLS on March 27, 2009, at 8:10:26
> I just wanted reiterate what I had said to you awhile back. I thought it possible that you might be suffering from bipolar disorder and ADD comorbidly. This is not so uncommon.
>
> If this is true, to recognize this will probably improve your treatment choices.
>
>
> - ScottHow could someone have asymptomatic "bipolar disorder"? The disease -- like all mental diseases -- is *defined* by its symptoms. There is no laboratory test to diagnose it.
Posted by Phillipa on March 27, 2009, at 21:04:16
In reply to Re: Going downhill again - what to do? » SLS, posted by garnet71 on March 27, 2009, at 11:06:48
Garnet whatever you have I have it also as we're twins in sleeping times and styles. Love Phillipa
Posted by SLS on March 28, 2009, at 7:31:40
In reply to Re: Going downhill again - what to do? » SLS, posted by garnet71 on March 27, 2009, at 11:06:48
I have become manic a few times without a reduced need for sleep. However, it is not common to present this way. Yes, I have heard that some doctors look at anxiety as a symptom of bipolar disorder. I am not so sure about this. Perhaps it helps diagnose one's condition if other bipolar symptoms are present. I don't believe that hypomania is a phenomenon of health, though. If you do experience hypomania, that would be a clue to your illness having a bipolar diathesis. Perhaps what you describe as hypomania is simply a healthy high energy state.
- Scott
Posted by desolationrower on March 28, 2009, at 20:04:48
In reply to Re: Going downhill again - what to do? » garnet71, posted by SLS on March 28, 2009, at 7:31:40
i forget if you had thought about an maoi in teh past, but hypersomnia and some other signs that show both for soft bipolar and atypical depression are a good indicator.
parnate helps with my hypersomnolece as long as i don't sit around at night being tired but procrastinating too much to actually go to bed. (btw yes, i am a vampire. - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSodgfSahdE)
-d/r
Posted by garnet71 on March 28, 2009, at 21:03:47
In reply to Re: Going downhill again - what to do?, posted by desolationrower on March 28, 2009, at 20:04:48
LMFAO...that had to be the stupidest song I've ever heard!! lol
This one's better: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_n4LY4EgUI&feature=related
I knew the garlic story was a cover....the claims to not have dreams because of MAOI....only come out at night...the warning of the effects of sunlight while taking St. Johns Wort..hmmm.
http://www.ehow.com/how_2113593_cast-out-demonsevil-spirits.html
Posted by garnet71 on March 28, 2009, at 21:23:09
In reply to Going downhill again - what to do?, posted by Garnet71 on March 25, 2009, at 13:29:30
You guys,
I don't have bipolar disorder. Scott, I know you know more about it than me...but..Everyone I know has hypomania at times--just observe people laughing and talking and smiling with one another. lol i just like to think I've grown from a shy little girl to a carefree, laid back, fun-loving, but more confident person. My childhood was miserable. I was trapped. I'm free now--liberated. I like to enjoy life and explore and be adventurous. That's not bpd. The older I get, the less I care about things that are not important-things that I once thought were. Especially what others think of me-well, I'm still working on that, but I'm almost there.
I think the xxRIs zapped the dopamine out of my brain. I have hypothyroid and low cortisol. If that got treated, maybe I'd be ok w/just ADD, and maybe some anxiety here and there. Or maybe the Adderall will correct the hypothyroid, since it can cause hyPERthyroid..My therapists have said I'm not even mentally ill...not that I believe that, but hey.
I was scared yesterday because the Adderall didn't work; it was better today. For some reason, when I take a small dose of Ritalin or Adderall--it feels like Benydryl or Hydroxyzine. Today, I took 3/4 of one twice. Made some progress on my work and don't feel as overwhelmed.
Now I might worry the Adderall will be disappointing like the Ritalin in a few weeks, but I'll just wait till then to cry about it :))
Posted by garnet71 on March 28, 2009, at 21:39:01
In reply to Re: Going downhill again - what to do? » garnet71, posted by metric on March 27, 2009, at 16:16:32
Thanks Metric. I only took Adderall 3 times, but 3/4 dose didn't seem stronger than Ritalin, I think you're right, but it's too soon to tell. It helped me focus more than the Ritalin. It DID last a lot longer. When the first does wore off, I didn't feel as tired or hungover like from the Ritalin, but was still a bit tired, but not that hungover feeling. It seems a bit 'cleaner' is the only way I can describe it. I heard that Dextro is smoother, though, and still would like to give that a try. Maybe I can get to see the doctor and talk to him about it.
My son is so diffent on Adderall-he gets spacy and quiet, and his personality kind of disappears, though once I saw him with a bit of hypomania and real talkative-I think he took extra that time. Of course I warned him. I didn't see that effect on me yet. The only problem-I can't drive while I take it; I start to get anxiety. Same with the Ritalin. I've always got the panic attacks in my car for some reason, though I'm not claustrophobic. When I came kind of close to a breakdown a few months ago, the panic appeared while driving amost every time. Last time, the panic attacks brought racing thoughts while I was driving, which was a new symptom for me. It was scary.
Sorry you've built the anxiety tolerance. Anxiety sux. Are you going to taper off, or stay on benzos? I couldn't read that from the Merck manual--I saw stuff about blood vessels..lol. Only in the past couple of years, I got real weird about blood and stuff. I got a panic attack when donating blood a few years ago (hi d/r) and have been uncomfortable about blood ever since.
I'm not going to feel too guilty; I hate pills though. If I can keep this up for another year 'til I finish grad school, I'll taper off then. Oh, the clerk at the pharmacy was real snarky though. If I didn't hold my tongue, I would have said to her--you're 20 years old-what do you know? lol.
This is the end of the thread.
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