Posted by SLS on August 23, 2003, at 7:59:44
In reply to new adventures on Strattera » SLS, posted by zeugma on August 22, 2003, at 20:42:28
Hi Z.
> Been feeling a lot better regarding ADHD symptoms. Increased motivation, attention span, received praise at work for working more efficiently.
That must feel wonderful. What a tremendous change this must be for you.
> Strattera has definitely been 'additive' with regard to the TCA. It hasn't interefered with sleep, as my my pdoc was concerned about.
I'm currently taking:
Lamictal 200mg
imipramine 300mg
Abilify 10mg
Strattera 80mgWhat benefits do you get from TCA?
> The clarity Strattera brings changes the nature of the anxiety somewhat- I become exquisitely aware of exactly WHY I'm becoming anxious as the process unfolds, and this should be a good thing, but it's an 'awareness' that resembles the pain from a throbbing nerve in an especially sensitive place.
Ouch. I guess whether it's a good thing or not depends on how much control you feel you have to change the circumstances surrounding the anxiety.
> I'm going to see if I can try Klonopin for the social anxiety. I have seen more evidence of efficacy in severe social phobia for that drug of anything short of a MAOI.That sounds like a good idea. Do you ever have panic attacks?
> Maybe you could describe your experiences with Strattera in more detail? You had said your depression was also of the 'deactivated' kind.
Yes. It is extremely anergic. When I first added Strattera to my other drugs, I gave it virtually no chance of working. Then, about three weeks into treatment, I began to respond to it in a big way. The response lasted for only a few days, with hints of improvement remaining for about a week. Now, nothing. I worked up to 120mg, but began to have problems staying awake after about two weeks. So, I have returned back to 80mg. Strattera continues to make me feel mildly "spacey", and blurs my vision, so I really don't want to be on it if it is not going to do anything positive.
> Do you also get severe anxiety? Does the Strattera worsen or improve sleep and eating patterns? or do anything to improve motivation?
During the first and second weeks, Strattera definitely reduced my appetite. I lost 5 pounds very quickly. Thereafter, it returned to normal. I don't think it has contributed at all towards weight gain. When I received an antidepressant effect from Strattera, all aspects of my depression improved, including anhedonia and motivation. It was great!
> Have you tried any psychotherapeutic or cognitive approaches?Yes, and I continue to use them whenever I feel the need. Unfortunately, my depression is so severe, that it greatly slows and impairs cognition to the point where I cannot process very much new information. Psychotherapy is not generally very productive for me. I have no real issues to deal with other than how this brain disorder has ruined my life and what I can do to minimize the damage and remain constructive.
> Are there comorbidities (e.g, social phobia, panic disorder, OCD,
etc.)?I do have some social anxiety. Depressed mood and social anxiety were prominent during the early years of my illness. As I got older, they have been replaced by anergy and cognitive dementia.
Thanks for the insightful questions and input.
- Scott
poster:SLS
thread:252734
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030823/msgs/253327.html