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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by MissyMissy on September 19, 2001, at 10:57:33
I have been treated for ADHD since March '01. My 20mg x 3 dosing schedule has been very successful in terms of attention, concentration (grades in my master's program are PROOF!). I still experience frustration tolerance and explosiveness issues during "vulnerable" times during the day. I've combated some of it with exercise, nutrition, etc. My Pdoc just recently recommended a low dose (10mg) of Prozac. I was really surprised by this. From what I've read, SSRIs are the last option with ADHD issues. He seems to think that in COMBO with the Adderall, it could "smooth out the moods" very well. He knows I'm skeptical and he also knows I'm against any med that would make me tired (at which point I used to have panic attacks) or cause me to gain weight. I haven't lost any with Adderall - not surprised though, I have a HUGE appetite. (I'm a 130lb, 30yr old Mom of twins who skydives for fun...) Anyway, I'm very anxious for anyone's opinion - the expert advice on this site has been a HUGE asset for me. Thanks in advance!
Posted by Mitch on September 19, 2001, at 12:12:05
In reply to Adderall WITH Prozac- experiences/input??, posted by MissyMissy on September 19, 2001, at 10:57:33
> I have been treated for ADHD since March '01. My 20mg x 3 dosing schedule has been very successful in terms of attention, concentration (grades in my master's program are PROOF!). I still experience frustration tolerance and explosiveness issues during "vulnerable" times during the day. I've combated some of it with exercise, nutrition, etc. My Pdoc just recently recommended a low dose (10mg) of Prozac. I was really surprised by this. From what I've read, SSRIs are the last option with ADHD issues. He seems to think that in COMBO with the Adderall, it could "smooth out the moods" very well. He knows I'm skeptical and he also knows I'm against any med that would make me tired (at which point I used to have panic attacks) or cause me to gain weight. I haven't lost any with Adderall - not surprised though, I have a HUGE appetite. (I'm a 130lb, 30yr old Mom of twins who skydives for fun...) Anyway, I'm very anxious for anyone's opinion - the expert advice on this site has been a HUGE asset for me. Thanks in advance!
One good thing (maybe)is that Prozac probably will not "fog up" your attention as much as the other SSri meds (Zoloft, Paxil, etc.) it was the only one of the bunch that *improved* my attention. Another thing-you might ask him if you could start at just 5mg/day first and see what happens.
Posted by phillybob on September 19, 2001, at 15:35:19
In reply to Re: Adderall WITH Prozac- experiences/input?? » MissyMissy, posted by Mitch on September 19, 2001, at 12:12:05
I am still in the tinkering stages, but am starting to get a real comfort level with 20mg of Prozac and 25 mg of Adderall both in the a.m. In the late afternoon, I've been using an additional 20 mg of Adderall (for a total of 45 mg/day).
I will say that, in other attempts without an anti-depressant, I had not been able to deal too well with the stimulants for more than an initial honeymoon period (Adderall, Ritalin and Dexedrine). I'd have either rebound depression (Ritalin) or rebound "irritable bastard syndrome" (Adderall and Ritalin). I definitely, though, benefit from a stimulant and am just mildly frustrated that it has taken so long for me, as well as my pdoc, to have fortitude in this approach.
So, I'm using my least benign side effect AD, which is Prozac, and am starting to feel pretty darn good.
Beginning with 5 mg might not be a bad idea cause that's all you might end up needing, but 10 mg really should be fine. Just remember that there may be some initial side effects (tiredness) or you may feel absolutely nothing for some time (a few weeks to more).
In the long haul, the Prozac may have some sexual side effects (does not negatively effect this male, just slightly more delayed ejaculation, but did effect poorly my fiance when she was taking it). But, quite frankly (aren't I?), the Adderall might counteract that. There is anecdotal evidence of stimulants being prescribed to counter-act AD's sexual side effects. (peanut gallery?)
Finally, I notice some increased carbohydrate cravings from Prozac (the translation for me is weight gain), most specifically late at night after the Adderall effects are bye-bye. If you have better control than I do, make it a rule not to eat after a certain time at night and stick to it, and you should have no problem. (With that said, my fiance had no weight gain or carb cravings on 20mg/day, but others, women?, seem to gain weight more often on it ... but, again, at your dosage and with the Adderall, I think you are in the clear).
Good luck.
P.S. If the Prozac doesn't work for you, do your research here (and elsewhere) before you decide on a next step (another AD or not). There's some on here that I wouldn't necessarily recommend in your situation (assuming depression is not a primary factor) due to possible withdrawal (or as the pharmaceuticals like to say: "discontinuation syndrome").
Posted by Darby on September 26, 2001, at 20:31:16
In reply to Adderall WITH Prozac- experiences/input??, posted by MissyMissy on September 19, 2001, at 10:57:33
An SSRRI with Adderall sounds like it might help. I would only suggest a newer SSRRI like Celexa, with fewer side effects, perhaps 10mg daily to start. It seems to work faster than Prozac, too. I think it would be worth a try.
Good luck,
Darby
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