firelight Posted December 20, 2011 Share Posted December 20, 2011 So, my moods are stable, but I'm still sluggish, mentally clouded, and having difficulty concentrating and focusing at work and in general. So doc wants to add FocalinXR 20mg twice a day, but I'm inherently scared of any stims because of the BP. Doc assures me all will be fine, it's very mild, not like a traditional stim, perfect for a bipolar patient's cocktail if needed. So what's the lowdown? Any BP folks with Focalin experience? (Also: slightly concerned because back in my silly youth I chased mania with coke and speed, so anything "speedy" makes me nervous.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abitcrazy Posted December 20, 2011 Share Posted December 20, 2011 Well, I'm on the same extended release Focalin and am BPII and have had absolutely no problems after months of taking it. My son who is BPI (guess where he probably got that from) was also on it for a few months, but had adverse side effects so he had to stop. However, while he was on it, he had no problem with it triggering BP episodes or worsening symptoms. That said, I don't find that it really perks me up a whole lot, but that may just be me or perhaps unrealistic expectations on my part. It gives me a boost roughly equivalent to a strong cup of coffee, so I'm not really sure how useful it is. I hope it will help you more. Based on my sample size of two, I would worry less about it triggering mania or contributing to addicting behavior (something I am VERY prone to as well), than if it really helps you. Good luck. abitcrazy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
firelight Posted December 20, 2011 Author Share Posted December 20, 2011 Thanks for replying! I'll probably give it a try, and go into it with low expectations. I already drink coffee, so if it doesn't help anymore than that I will forget about it. Good to know doc was right about the no mania thing- a vote of confidence for sure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
firelight Posted December 21, 2011 Author Share Posted December 21, 2011 You're to take it Focalin XR twice a day? I haven't heard of that much. I thought it was dosed once a day, hence the XR. Regular Focalin is usually dosed several times a day. Anyway, do whatever your doc says to do but I personally wouldn't start with twice a day. He said the XR will last 4-7 hrs each. Maybe it's cause I'm a pretty big guy (6'2, 200lbs)? Or maybe he was speaking of the regular formulation and misspeaking. But thanks for the tip, I'll see how it goes after the first dose. I go back to see him next week and will get the script then. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
muriel Posted December 21, 2011 Share Posted December 21, 2011 . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
firelight Posted December 21, 2011 Author Share Posted December 21, 2011 Yeah, he said the crash could be unpleasant so I would take 20 when I get up and 20 around 1 or 2. Then he suggested I take 25mg Seroquel every night instead of when I need to so the crash will be smoothed out in the evening. I'm gonna see how it goes first. I don't know if I like the idea of speeding myself up and bringing myself down, basically, pharmaceutically. But hell, I need something to help me do my job. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
firelight Posted December 28, 2011 Author Share Posted December 28, 2011 Update: I've taken it for a few days now, and I'm really happy with it so far. I don't feel a stimulant "rush" which is good, and it also seems to keep me noticeably more alert at work and home. I can feel the 20mg fade after a few hours, but I don't have a crash from it really. So overall a positive experience on day 3! Also, no mood symptoms of any kind, so all my trigger worries seem to have been for nothing thankfully. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abitcrazy Posted December 30, 2011 Share Posted December 30, 2011 firelight, Glad to hear it's going well for you. Yeah, it seems to have a gradual ramp up, leveling off, and ramp down, with a mild (not stimulant-like) effect. Overall, not bad, considering some of the other crap we're on, huh? abitcrazy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.