sticksandstones
08-18-2008, 05:09 PM
Dear Friends,
My doctor recently diagnosed me with ADD and depression. What a relief! My first few days after finding out, I was elated. Finally, there is a name, a category for which I belong. I didn't feel so alienated anymore. Now what? My doctor prescribed wellbutrin to go along with the Cymbalta I was already taking. I am not depressed, and I can tell a little difference in my concentration, but not much. I still skip all over pages when reading and am still very easily distracted. The good news is the depression and anger have subsided. Any thoughts on what will be prescribed next? I'm new to medication "cocktails" and don't want to be over medicated. However, I want to function to my fullest potential and I don't feel I am yet. Any thoughts?
My doctor recently diagnosed me with ADD and depression. What a relief! My first few days after finding out, I was elated. Finally, there is a name, a category for which I belong. I didn't feel so alienated anymore. Now what? My doctor prescribed wellbutrin to go along with the Cymbalta I was already taking. I am not depressed, and I can tell a little difference in my concentration, but not much. I still skip all over pages when reading and am still very easily distracted. The good news is the depression and anger have subsided. Any thoughts on what will be prescribed next? I'm new to medication "cocktails" and don't want to be over medicated. However, I want to function to my fullest potential and I don't feel I am yet. Any thoughts?
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Thunor
08-19-2008, 05:12 AM
While it is sometimes used off label for treatment of ADHD, Wellbutrin is not approved for that purpose and I'm not familiar with any studies where it had any conclusive effects. Wellbutrin is primarily an antidepressant, though it acts on different neurotransmitters than does your Cymbalta, and there has been anecdotal evidence of it helping with ADHD.
ADHD meds generally come in one of two different types. Stimulant meds, such as Ritalin (Methylphenidate), Adderall (various amphetamine salts), Dexadrine (Dextroamphetamine) and others act by causing the underactive parts of the ADHD brain to be stimulated, and release more of the neurotransmitters that we are short on. Stimulants start to act pretty much immediately, but have a very short lived effect. Many stimulant meds are prescribed in time release formulations in an attempt to extend their effects.
Antidepressant style meds, such as Wellbutrin and Strattera attempt to make up for the understimulation of our brains by preventing the reuptake (breaking down and reabsorbing) of those neurotransmitters that we don't produce enough of. They tend to take as much as a month or six weeks to reach full effect, and the effect takes time to fade when the medication is stopped. The biggest issue with antidepressant style meds is that they don't always target the right neurotransmitters.
Ultimately, different meds affect different people in different ways, so finding the right medication or combination of medications is generally done on a trial and error basis. Take your time and do your research, in the long run, finding the right meds at the right doses will make all the difference.
ADHD meds generally come in one of two different types. Stimulant meds, such as Ritalin (Methylphenidate), Adderall (various amphetamine salts), Dexadrine (Dextroamphetamine) and others act by causing the underactive parts of the ADHD brain to be stimulated, and release more of the neurotransmitters that we are short on. Stimulants start to act pretty much immediately, but have a very short lived effect. Many stimulant meds are prescribed in time release formulations in an attempt to extend their effects.
Antidepressant style meds, such as Wellbutrin and Strattera attempt to make up for the understimulation of our brains by preventing the reuptake (breaking down and reabsorbing) of those neurotransmitters that we don't produce enough of. They tend to take as much as a month or six weeks to reach full effect, and the effect takes time to fade when the medication is stopped. The biggest issue with antidepressant style meds is that they don't always target the right neurotransmitters.
Ultimately, different meds affect different people in different ways, so finding the right medication or combination of medications is generally done on a trial and error basis. Take your time and do your research, in the long run, finding the right meds at the right doses will make all the difference.
ADDrienne
08-20-2008, 02:12 AM
I felt the same way! What a relief to know what has been happening to me!
As far as what is next, there are so many combinations of medications and doctors with different views. I have been on several medications (and through a few doctors) until finally found the right combination.
Best Wishes on your journey!
As far as what is next, there are so many combinations of medications and doctors with different views. I have been on several medications (and through a few doctors) until finally found the right combination.
Best Wishes on your journey!
sticksandstones
08-27-2008, 02:07 PM
From elation to frustration....the wellbutrin seemed to lift the fog in the beginning. I was productive, up in the morning and ready to start my day. Seemed to be on top of things and stayed on task better. Then poof! It stopped working. I can't stay in task, kep forgetting things and have very little energy....My mood seems to be stable but doesn't seem to be working for add.
ADDrienne
08-27-2008, 08:18 PM
Wellbutrin didn't help me for ADHD at all. It is an antidepressant, so it will help your mood. But as for ADHD, I have had better luck with strattera and Adderall. Not to get off topic, But I noticed your in Seattle. I lived there for seven years and I miss it A LOT.
sticksandstones
08-28-2008, 01:11 PM
I LOVE Seattle!!
heidi2008
08-28-2008, 01:20 PM
My nephew is on concerta an there is also ridilon for add an adhd. He also takes clonidine for sleeping because the other meds kept him up. I beleive there is also adoral i think thats it could be wrong but they give that for adhd. But i have recently read that taking fish oil now prevents an can turn adhd around try asking ur doctor about fish oil it helps fine motor skills also. Ask him if you can take it also an how much u should take an what brand that an cod liver oil. I heard its supposed to be amazing. goodluck Welbutrin helps to also quit smoking.
ADDrienne
08-31-2008, 01:02 PM
I LOVE Seattle!!
So do I! I actually dream about it several times a week. West Seattle was my home. Again, this isn't on topic, but Seattle is where I was diagnosed anyway!
So do I! I actually dream about it several times a week. West Seattle was my home. Again, this isn't on topic, but Seattle is where I was diagnosed anyway!

