Lots of meds

[snaggs77]

Hello all,

I am current;y prescribed 70 mg of Vyvanse daily as part of my cocktail, and the Vyvanse is what helps me the most now that the depression and anxiety are mostly under control. I like motivation though, which is troubling, being a college student and all. I have gotten nearly tolerant of what my dosage is, and it is the max my Psychiatrist will hand out to me. I love the medecine, as it motivates me and allows me to focus and engage in what I am doing, but the effects are really starting to diminish.
I take Magnesium glycinate 400mg daily, as well as vitamins, Choline, Inosital, L-glutamine, Acetyl L-Carnitine, CoQ10, fish oil, D3 2000 IU, Huperzine A and L-tyrosine 500-1500mg. I am looking for ways to prevent or lower tolerance in lieu of having to take too many med holdidays. I read about Mucuna Pruriens (velvelt bean) as a possible way to increase my L-Dopa levels, and am working on nixing the caffeine to calm me down a bit. Otherwise, I am just super confused as to what to do besides take Dextromethorphan(Delsym), or alka saltzer prior to dosing.
I have looked up nootropics like the racetams and things like vinpocetine and CDP Choline. I'm just kind of in the dark here, and could use all the help I could get. I take Cymbalta 120mg (SNRI), gabapentin off-label for anxiolytic effects, as well as buspar for G.A.D, and Ariprprazole for mood stabilization. The mood is fine, anxiety tolerable and depression under control, but the ADD is still quite pronounced, and I feel like I need to augment or assist what I am on for it,( if only Namenda).
I look forward to your replies, and I can answer any questions. I am a 22 year old college student, and it is becoming quite a chore as of late. I need some help figuring things out on this end. I see my Dr. as well as a counselor and have frequent social activity. I feel many of you should be knowledgeable in this area/

 

[Indole]

Jesus. For a 22 year old college student that's a lot of medication to be on... Do you really NEED all of that? I hope you're not trying to just medicate your problems away.

 

[NeighborhoodThreat]

Not Advanced Drug Discussion, moving to Other Drugs.

The best way to reduce tolerance is to take a break from taking all those drugs. However, I wouldn't stop taking your mood stabilizer or Cymbalta.

You really need to talk to your doctor about this, because there is a lot of potential interaction going on...

 

[snaggs77]

Yes I do need all of it. Without it I can barely function. I've had a very traumatic past, and only this year thing began to really get better once I quit drinking 10 months ago. I have ADD, Social phobia, Generalized anxiety disorder as well as major depressive disorder. Without my anxyolitics, I'm a nervous wreck, without my SNRI, I go on lockdown depression and want to die, and without my ADD med, I can't focus worth a crap. And the ariprazole just ties it all together. Counseling is helping, but right now the chemical imbalances in my brain are too large to just be 'overcome' by willpower. So, I will use what will power I have to gain further insight into how to deal with all this, and hopefully improve in day to day life, school, most importantly.

 

[Pegasus]

You have to understand that all medicines with perceptible cognitive effects are going to diminish in perceptible effect over time. Adding more medicines will not change this. More medicines may delay the inevitable, but only slightly, and further removing you from reality and your ability to cope in the process. I don't think this is a wise plan.

I'm gonna shift this to TDS, it seems more fitting there IMO. I edited the title for clarity.

 

[snaggs77]

Not sure why you put me in 'The Dark Side'. My life is great, I'm happy, anxiety is down, concentration is way up and moods are more stabilized. I will be going off Abilify and Buspar soon, leaving me with need ADD, Anxiety and depression/anxiety/add drugs. The plan is to rid myself, with my Dr. of some unneeded medications, continue therapy, and move on with school. The whole point of my post was to seek guidance in getting the most out of my amphetamine(Vyvanse), without having to up the dose , or take too many holidays. There is nothing wrong about that, and definitely nothing deserving of being places in a dark corner over. NMDA receptors work, it's proven. I take Magnesium in a bio-available form daily, as well as take other helpful supplements and don't use any drugs or alcohol. I'm hardly a candidate for such a grim forum, as my problem should be a simple fix, and wasn't dark to begin with. If you think people following their Psychiatrist's orders are dark, then that is your issue.

 

[effie]

Hi snaggs, The Dark Side isn't a "dark corner" or a grim forum, and Pegasus wasn't implying following your psychiatrist's orders is "dark" - The Dark Side is a place in BL for people who are struggling with emotional problems, addiction, mental health issues, medication troubles and any of the general crap life can throw at us. It's a lovely, friendly space available for people who are having a hard time. You are having some issues with your meds and you are on a lot of psychiatric medication - I think Pegasus was just seeing if you needed some help and support as they are not working as well now.

People are going to be wary of giving you advice as you are on so many different medications, and we (for the most part) are not medically qualified. Even if we were, it is really up to you and your doctor who knows you better than we do. I appreciate that you are not looking to change your meds, but to augment your Vyvanse. Unfortunately, the best way to reduce amphetamine tolerance is to stop taking it. There is no magic cure. NMDA antagonism does show promise but it hasn't yet been developed into something that is readily usable, and it looks like you are doing everything else that could help.

If you feel your thread is best fitted somewhere else, I suggest you pm one of the mods in this forum we as mods always try to do our best when moving threads elsewhere, but we don't always succeed in moving it to a place that everyone agrees is the best place..

Good luck with everything, and I'm really glad to hear that you have your anxiety and mood disorders well controlled. It sounds like you have a really good relationship with your doctor too, which always helps

 

[snaggs77]

rawr

Yeah, thanks, I just read the word suicide and some other stuff that totally doesn't fit my profile. My Buspar discontinues next week in lieu of Gabapentin. My Cymbalta is max dosage and perfect, and my abilify, well, I guess it keeps things in check, I don't know.
The Vyvanse and rapid tolerance gain to amphetamines, and somedays they don't even work, well that gets frustrating. Supplementing with the best NMDA receptor antagonist I can get.(MG glyc/citr), as well as doing my best to have a very PH neutral stomach upon pill consumption. I am now looking to support myself a bit more, with Dr's consent, on taking some other things, such as Gaba, CDP Choline, Piracetam, Inositol, Acetyl L-Carnitine and maybe huperzine A, vincpocetine and phenibut. I would like to also add mucuna pruriens, but I heard it doesnt cross blood-brain barrior, so what is a guy to do? I just Started Pharma kava, Koeran Gingseng and L-Theanine as well.
Pick holes in my story, I'd be very grateful! :D

P.S. Prescription medication, as well as the greatest Mom in the world are tow outsanding reasons why I've stuck it out this far.

 

[OverDone]

I removed all off-topic posts. Lets stay on point

 

[snaggs77]

Right now, my ADD and the inherited lack of motivation that comes with the disorder is a pestilent plague afflicting my daily life, and more importantly, my future. I have a history of drug abuse,(this includes you alcohol),but have managed to stay sober since January, all the while losing 40lbs and being much happier. I know, though, am in the time in my life where it is time to move on from the childish ways that were once fun, and get going on my future in the real world. My Grandpa shot and killed himself 3 weeks ago, which has really hindered my progress, but I cannot let that deter me from becoming what I want to be-A Psychologist, one that delves into the deeper aspects of mental health, I hope to accomplish this within the next 4 years and move on to a career I love and have the intrinsic motivation to go to work everyday and use the mind I was gifted with in the field of understanding others' problems, and doing what I can to help them, just like what people have done for me a long the road. Oh, and OverDone, where can I post about supplements, and gain further insight as to what I can do/take on my end that I can get over the counter? I am interested in Racetames, herbal remedies as well as potential vitamins or amino acids I have little knowledge of?

 

[OverDone]

I'm sorry to hear of your grandfather, snaggs. Loss like that is always painful (and sometimes life changing). I respect that you are aware of how slippery that slope can get during times of emotional pain.

Pursuing your goals and keeping your eye on that prize of achieving them is going to take you a long way.

Oh, and OverDone, where can I post about supplements, and gain further insight as to what I can do/take on my end that I can get over the counter? I am interested in Racetames, herbal remedies as well as potential vitamins or amino acids I have little knowledge of?

Our Healthy Living Forum has a few threads discussing supplements. Here are a couple existing threads on the topic:

• Basic Supplement Q&A
• Current Supplement Regiment?
• Mood Enhancing Supplements
• Piracetam
• Multi-Vitamins
• Highly Recommended Supplements
• Pre/Post Workout Supplements

You'll also get lost (in a positive fashion) by checking out the Healthy Living FAQ and Essential Reading section .

Finally, (don't be misled by the name) Steroid Discussion discusses supplements such as amino acids, creatine, protein and the like.

When I first joined BL, I was amazed at the variety of topics that are intelligently covered. Enjoy!

 

[snaggs77]

Thank you soooo much OverDone, as all this stuff really appeals to me. When life shits on you, you want to wipe it off and make sure you're better prepared next time.

 

[aveoturbo]

Snaggs, what part of WI you in. I am from Sawyer county myself, not there anymore tho.

Sorry about your grandpa. Were you guys close?
It can be hard to get yourself together sometimes. Just try and power through. A nice exercise program helps. After a few weeks you will have more energy and able to concentrate more. Keep this updated.

 

[snaggs77]

Heya, I'm from Menomonie and go to Stout. The whole suicide thing was only half of it, see my parents divorced inn 2007 and I saw the near each other for the first time in years. It confused me, made me sad, as well as angry. I can be snappy at times, gaining myself a couple infractions already. I plan to join a gym soon to work out some negative emotions, and bring upon positive ones instead. I am close to ordering piracetam, phenibut, cdp choline+others mix, as well as some nucuna pruriens. I'd like to see if my Psychiatrist would put me on stattera or wellbutron to aid in controlling my symptoms, if not namenda *crosses fingers*. I like my life alright, but I know if I continue this way, I won't like it at all. And me and my Grandfather were very close, making this loss just that much tougher. Oh, and my Dad is a Narcissist to make matters even better

 

[aveoturbo]

Sorry about your grandpa. I lost mine in April of 2010 and we were close too. It sucks. I can relate minus the suicide aspect.
You have just had a rough time these last few years. -Understatement.

Be careful man. Your putting alot of stuff into your body. ALOT.
Check with your doctor before you start all those "supplements." There is such a thing as "too much of a good thing."

Originally I came from Hayward. We weren't that far apart.

If you ever need someone to unload on, don't be afraid to send me a PM. I may not have answers or answers you would want to hear, but, I'll be a set of "digital ears" that will listen.

Peace.

 

[snaggs77]

Thanks dude, I appreciate that. As far as too much of a good thing goes, well I'm trying to see what works then pick the best and nix the rest, since there is no sense taking 20 different things.

 

[Kipo]

Honestly? Stop everything for a week or two. You are stuffing your body full of meds and eventually, it will return the 'favor'. The only other advice i could give you is... buy it illegally (not reccomended, can be unsafe and risky. Much better to buy from a pharmacy) or get a diffrent perscription. As far as i remember vyvanese is one of the weaker adhd meds. Or perhaps you could find a 'pill mill'? Maybe even buy online? Either way, you wpould only prolong the problem

 

[snaggs77]

Already have bought illegally(Adderall), and lots of it. It breaks the bank, is detrimental to your health, is risky law enforcement-wise, as well as being the worst withdrawals you can imagine,(I was taking damn near 300mg a day). I'm not about to go down that route again, I've been away from alcohol for 10 months about, and fyi- stopping everything for awhile is the really bad advice. I don't know if you have major depressive disorder or generalized anxiety disorder with social phobia, on top of severe ADD like I do, but getting off everything would land me in the psych ward in no time at all, not to mention the brain shivers from coming off anti-depressants have one writhing in pain. It really is agony going off medications one your brain chemistry is similar to that of mine, and I wouldn't dream of discontinuing my vitamins, D3 vita, chelated magnesium glycinate, and mostly my Omega 3. Everything I a taking plays it's part, and my liver tests, heart rate, blood glucose level and respiratory functions are all normal, or above average. All I am having trouble with, is increasing tolerance in the face of having to catch up in school since I missed awhile in light of my Grandfather's demise. Once I am caught back up, and stable in school and life in general, I plan on taking a week at least of time off of Vyvanse. Quitting everything now, would be tragic.

 

[adder]

I have ADD, Social phobia, Generalized anxiety disorder as well as major depressive disorder. Without my anxyolitics, I'm a nervous wreck, without my SNRI, I go on lockdown depression and want to die, and without my ADD med, I can't focus worth a crap. And the ariprazole just ties it all together. Counseling is helping, but right now the chemical imbalances in my brain are too large to just be 'overcome' by willpower.

I sense some self-justifying reasoning here. You take a lot of supplements you don't really need.

I understand you need Vyvanse for your ADD, you need Cymbalta because you probably suffer from bipolar affective disorder (if not, then why you use aripiprazole, I don't understand why you take a neuroleptic, is it to dull yourself?). You take dextromethorphan because it probably helps you with your anxiety and social phobia for a short manner of time, dissociatives can do that but you put yourself at risk mixing an SNRI drug with something that acts on serotonin levels. And I'm not talking about serotonin syndrome happening possibly but it may contribute to your mood shifts, it may easily cause a manic episode, SSRIs and SNRIs can do that on their own so adding DXM to it even increases the risk.

The rest is actually your imagination that you need it. Magnesium supplementation is probably to help your anxiety (add to the effects of Cymbalta, DXM, and aripiprazole) but what you will get at most is diarrhea from taking too much... Really, there's no need for manipulating so much with your diet if there's no real medical need behind it. I bet you don't have any magnesium deficiency. Choline must be consumed with some med containing vitamins B. Again, what are the signs of deficiency of choline or any of vitamins from this group? Inositol - again a drug to help with serotonin so Cymbalta supposedly works better (it modulates 5-HT activity, that's true but do you really need it taking already an SNRI?). Are you a weightlifter or do you work out hard in the gym? If not, why do you supplement yourself with glutamine? Acetylcarnitine have some other positive effects as an antioxidant, sure, but again this is supplementing yourself without any proper reason. And so on...

It looks like you think all these drugs either counteract some negative effects of Cymbalta, Vyvanse, aripiprazole, and maybe dextromethorphan or you want to boost the effects of some these drugs. Does your doctor know about all the supplements you take? Because it's clear that most of what you take are dietary supplements everyone can buy either at any drugstore or at some center for bodybuilders. I know you may feel you can't think because of Vyvanse and Cymbalta (and aripiprazole - I still can't get why you take it) so you want to make your brain function better (you look into racetams now, well you're clearly overdoing it). But it's really enough to take some whale oil and a regular dose of B Complex. I have no idea what D3 2000 IU or Huperzine A are.

Have your doctor checked if there is some hypochondriasis? It looks like some kind of or it might be pill-popping problem, you may just like taking pills. You don't really need all these supplements, you don't need to mess up with caffeine (it mainly causes peripheral stimulation). And you definitely don't need to mess up with DXM. This drug wears off eventually and leaves your neurotransmitters at non-regular levels, this isn't good when you already take an SNRI and an amphetamine derivative.

And before you ask me if I suffer from some phobia or disorder, I'm going to let you know first that I suffer from borderline personality disorder and I understand what the swing between the manic and depressive episodes is and I really hate that when I enter a deep depressive episode or when I start feeling I'm behaving manic and I do a lot of stupid things I later think about in another depressive episode and sometimes feel so ashamed inside of myself... I'm also an addict. Currently I take methadone as a maintenance drug and I'm tapering down but I've also been taking various benzodiazepines for years so I ended up on 5-10mg clonazepam (depends on the day). I should take some antidepressant and some mood stabilizer but I've been there and the amount of chemistry psychiatrists "tested" on me left me sick and tired of it. I now just take the script for an antidepressant from my psychiatrist but I never fill it. The only reason I go to a psychiatrist is getting scripts for clonazepam legally. I know what anxiety is, I sometimes can't cope with it when I'm not on a high dose enough of clonazepam and methadone, and I can't do simple things like calling some office to take care of everyday things. Lately, I've booked a ticket for a flight but some error appeared. I couldn't call the call center for a few days, it turned out that my bank refused the transaction from a debt card. Then I had to call my bank just to find out that this won't work with this card and I have to use my credit card. Know what happened? The price of the ticket is higher now... I guess I'm going to drop insurance not to lose more money.

 

[hydrochron]

I would get rid of the vyanese first. It's not helping your anxiety. Stimulants give you more anxiety-they dont help it. I would recommend lowering the dose gradually and getting off that shit. Once your off it your anxiety should decrease a little bit. You just gotta remember all these different drugs have side effects. Get rid of what you dont need or try something else so that your not on so many different things. If your depressed, anxious, and cant focus. The best thing for you would be opiates. At least then you would only be on 1 thing.