Question:
This kinda seems beyond counter intuitive to me, but I'm starting to
like the idea of trying a stimulant. I'm currently taking Wellbutrin
XL, 450mg, and today decided to try starting Provigil again, but that's
not a long term solution. (It's just the only thing in my cabinet
right now, so I'll take it again until I see my doctor on Friday.)
While taking Provigil, on and off for about two years, I generally
slept pretty well at night, and felt maybe a tiny bit more focussed and
calmer -- and it boosted my mood a bit, which helps everything. Since
stopping it, I'm more miserable -- BUT I stopped it because it seemed
to be increasing the depression. While taking it, too, I needed a nap
every day, at about the same time, around 4 hours after taking it. And
I felt restless, fidgety, etc. Which I don't like, but I feel that way
now, too.
Anyway, my anxiety is worse, with waves of guilt and panic sweeping
over me out of the blue, and also much more depressed. I was thinking
about asking my doctor to try a stimulant, dexadrine, ritalin,
something like that. Does anyone have any suggestions about which
might be a better first choice? Especially given the anxiety disorder?
(I'm hoping that between boosting my mood and maybe helping keep those
intrusive thoughts at bay, it might be at least a wash, if not actually
helpful for the anxiety, too?)
Answer:
The short answer is that I have no idea if a stimulant would help, or
why it should. However, the proof is in the pudding, and I don't see
any harm in trying. As for Ritalin versus Dexedrine, you might as well
go with whichever is cheaper--I can't think of any other criterion
that makes more sense!
I would suggest not taking an extended-release formulation, which is
more likely to cause insomnia, unless it develops that you need one.
Welbutrin always kept me awake, it's a stimulant. Wouldnt take it in the pm
at all. I take gabapentin 2400mg and good ole paxil every day. At night i
get zyprexa, 300mg trazadone, and 1mg xanax. That pretty much shuts the old
brain down for 8 hours
I don't understand what you are asking. It sounds like you've
concluded that you need to take Zoloft and Dexedrine, which makes
sense. Apparently your dose of Dexedrine wasn't causing you problems.
People who have problems with stimulants can have anything from
insomnia, to addiction and psychotic episodes, depending on how much
they take.
