The Gamut of Stimulants

[isthastuff]

To get to the point: since age 6, I've tried/been prescribed virtually (to my knowledge) every prescribable stimulant/ADD drug there is. I've been through methylphenidate in every form (Ritalin IR, Ritalin SR, Concerta, Daytrana, Focalin), amphetamines in nearly every form (Adderall, Dexedrine, Vyvanse), the NRIs (Strattera), and even the alpha blockers (Clonidine, Tenex and Intuniv). I've used caffeine too, but to no significant avail. I've never been prescribed or used any form of methamphetamine (Desoxyn; frankly, I'm afraid to ask). Plus, I smoke cigarettes and do garner minor stimulus by the Nicotine. I have tachycardia and high blood pressure for which I'm on a beta blocker (Bystolic), plus the Intuniv helps as well. Currently I've completed what I consider to be the circle and I'm now back on 60mg of Ritalin IR daily, with 3mg Intuniv at night. What I'm here to ask for is any suggestions to either ask my doctor or to try myself in terms of other stimulant options. I've had success with everything I've been prescribed, but usually for about a year at most before my tolerances get to the point where the peripherally stimulating side effects outweigh the centrally stimulating effects that I desire. What I'm looking for is a balance that can serve me in the long run. Any suggestions? Please ask any questions if you have them. I'm much more versed in the realm of "palliatives" than the realm of uppers, so my apologies for my naïveté.

 

[sarahsweets]

Well I'm am prescribed dexedrine spansule which is pretty good however when I run out I take my husbands provigil. Now this isn't for recreation. Its not a speedy or amp'd high but it does elevate my mood and focus. Its expensive so you would need a prescription plan and some compannies won't pay for it unless prescribed by a sleep doctor. But if all else failed its worth considering, JMO though.

 

[K'd-OUT-in-AZ]

Ask your doctor about Desoxyn. There is no reason to be afraid of asking. Doctors don't prescribe it because they don't know what it is, not because its methamphetamine. He's not going to think your a drug seeker if you ask, just tell him that you read about it on an ADD forum and you heard good things about it. I'm on it and it by far has the least side effects of any the other medications. In other words, it feels clean and the effects are much smoother. It doesn't have that up, down, up down feeling. Once I got to my right dose I had no need to increase it anymore than what it was. I've been on it for years and like you, I've been on EVERYTHING and it is by far the best stimulant medication.

 

[StaySedated]

either Desoxyn, Dexedrine, or Vyvanse.

 

[isthastuff]

I'll ask about Desoxyn next time, and cost really isn't an(y) issue; I'm on a federal plan through my father. Does it really not carry the intense peripheral stimulation of the other amphetamines? Because when I'm on those I feel like I'm on coke (which I've avoided ever doing more than a bump of, with my heart problems in mind). Like I'm talking constant sweats, hard to catch a breath, shakes, etc. Especially with vyvanse; I've never felt more uncomfortable.

 

[K'd-OUT-in-AZ]

I'll ask about Desoxyn next time, and cost really isn't an(y) issue; I'm on a federal plan through my father. Does it really not carry the intense peripheral stimulation of the other amphetamines? Because when I'm on those I feel like I'm on coke (which I've avoided ever doing more than a bump of, with my heart problems in mind). Like I'm talking constant sweats, hard to catch a breath, shakes, etc. Especially with vyvanse; I've never felt more uncomfortable.

Like I said it feels smoother and less side effects.