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  • BDD Moderators: Keif’ Richards

Feeling normal on Stims - What to do about Depression/Anxiety

T

tenshu2k

Bluelighter
Joined
Nov 10, 2009
Messages
214
Location
SF Bay Area
Little bg here: former heavy drinker, light mdma abuse, no other real drug use.

Late last year, I was having big issues with brain fog, depression, anxiety, and speaking (i.e. stuttering, blocking words).. maybe it was social anxiety as well. I was uncertain of the cause, but my doc thought it to be anxiety. I started on Lexapro and Ativan, and it's helped a bit, but really left me with a lack of energy and motivation, and the brain fog was still there to some extent. I still didn't feel that normal. I've also suffered from sleep problems for quite some time.

About a week ago, I started on a stim prescribed by a weight management doctor (phendimetrazine). It's similar in action to amphetamines, and I feel pretty good on them, almost normal really. Energy is good, focus is better. Is it possible I have ADD of some sort? I'm on a combination of the stim, lexapro, and ativan at night to sleep. I don't like the idea of daily uppers/downers, but I'm looking for a sustainable long term solution.

Taking this into consideration, what would be a better course of action medically?

Should I explore amphetamines or other types of ADs? Anyone have any anecdotal advice?

I plan to discuss with my doctor, but the way things work for me is that we'll keep trying things until something works, so I'd like to narrow down the list a bit.
 
tenshu2k said:
Little bg here: former heavy drinker, light mdma abuse, no other real drug use.

Late last year, I was having big issues with brain fog, depression, anxiety, and speaking (i.e. stuttering, blocking words).. maybe it was social anxiety as well. I was uncertain of the cause, but my doc thought it to be anxiety. I started on Lexapro and Ativan, and it's helped a bit, but really left me with a lack of energy and motivation, and the brain fog was still there to some extent. I still didn't feel that normal. I've also suffered from sleep problems for quite some time.

About a week ago, I started on a stim prescribed by a weight management doctor (phendimetrazine). It's similar in action to amphetamines, and I feel pretty good on them, almost normal really. Energy is good, focus is better. Is it possible I have ADD of some sort? I'm on a combination of the stim, lexapro, and ativan at night to sleep. I don't like the idea of daily uppers/downers, but I'm looking for a sustainable long term solution.

Taking this into consideration, what would be a better course of action medically?

Should I explore amphetamines or other types of ADs? Anyone have any anecdotal advice?

I plan to discuss with my doctor, but the way things work for me is that we'll keep trying things until something works, so I'd like to narrow down the list a bit.
Click to expand...

I was the same way once upon a time. Then thought it was add since as a kid i was diagnosed and so as an adult i got stimulants and ifelr fucking great energy and great mood focus but eventually the good feelings go away as tour body gets used to the meds then you need more and then tour aleeping pattern and insomnia get worse then you neees stronger night meds.

Now i am down to just a daily small dose if xanax (excuse my recreational use of it every oince in a while) well with this daily three times a day dose im able to be myself with out the need for stims and uppers and downers and doctor to doctor...

Just my story hope it helps :)
 
Labeling a disorder or a condition can be quite arbitrary, and useless. In fact, it can hinder proper treatment IMO. You describe depression, fogginess, anxiety, insomnia, inability to speak properly. There is also some avolition (lack of drive), and some fatigue. The best way to medicate, IMO, is to find out what is causing the symptoms (I don't much believe in "everything is a chemical imbalance"), and try to help "cure" some of these issues, and medicate for symptoms. Frankly I wouldn't be using the amphetamine-like drug you were rx'd on a daily basis due to the neurotoxicity. I would go lighter, maybe start with Nuvigil or Provigil, see how those work. I don't know how the Lexapro is effecting you. Sometimes SSRI's are worth it, sometimes not so much. They can often "blunt" emotions and can cause a sort of apathy, but can also help with anxiety and depression. The Ativan might be contributing to the "apathy", but is likely helping with the anxiety and insomnia fairly significantly. Often what feels "right" is right for you, and I don't doubt that this amp-like stim is helping you, but it will likely end up being a drug you take everyday, and crash from everyday, and you may end up with more anxiety. I don't know all of your details, and I believe psychiatry is really an art-form, not so much a science, so I can't say what would help or what would not, or what would be best, or what your technical diagnosis is.
 
Thanks, certainly agree. Just trying to find the best solution to fix myself.

I almost feel like this combo is working for me, but I'm sure its already addicting.. hence, the need for me to look for alternatives that might be safer.

Provigil seems interesting. Modafinil may give me that energy burst, albeit without that small high I get with the amphetamine derivates.
 
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