Effexor - A New Concern

[ahalo]

I've tried to chalk it up to being tired (which it still could be) but I'm starting to lose hope. When I was on Zoloft, not only was I always in a bad mood but it seemed to cancel out the effects of my ADHD medication (methylphenidate). In particular, I was more reactive and more impatient. I could still focus better, though.

It seems like the same thing is happening with the Effexor as far as me being more reactive and more impatient.  I'm not always in a bad mood but I have a "shorter fuse" again, which was something the methylphenidate had been helping with.  I don't feel as anxious or overwrought with worry.

I don't understand WHY I can't find something that can help BOTH the ADHD and Anxiety.  I can't tolerate the constant worrying and the panic attacks, but I also do not like the person I am when my ADHD isn't in control.  Is it possible I'm just tired?  In the past the methylphenidate helped even when I was tired, but maybe I'm not getting a good night's sleep on top of not getting enough sleep. 

Or maybe I'm just trying to find a bright side that isn't there. 

Is it possible there is something else wrong with me that explains why methylphenidate controls my ADHD symptoms, but the Effexor (and Zoloft) causes them and/or cancels out the methylphenidate's effect??

Maybe this thread belongs in the cocktail, if so feel free to move it.  I'm just kind of feeling down today about this.

[jafco]

I've tried to chalk it up to being tired (which it still could be) but I'm starting to lose hope. When I was on Zoloft, not only was I always in a bad mood but it seemed to cancel out the effects of my ADHD medication (methylphenidate). In particular, I was more reactive and more impatient. I could still focus better, though.

It seems like the same thing is happening with the Effexor as far as me being more reactive and more impatient.  I'm not always in a bad mood but I have a "shorter fuse" again, which was something the methylphenidate had been helping with.  I don't feel as anxious or overwrought with worry.

I don't understand WHY I can't find something that can help BOTH the ADHD and Anxiety.  I can't tolerate the constant worrying and the panic attacks, but I also do not like the person I am when my ADHD isn't in control.  Is it possible I'm just tired?  In the past the methylphenidate helped even when I was tired, but maybe I'm not getting a good night's sleep on top of not getting enough sleep. 

Or maybe I'm just trying to find a bright side that isn't there. 

Is it possible there is something else wrong with me that explains why methylphenidate controls my ADHD symptoms, but the Effexor (and Zoloft) causes them and/or cancels out the methylphenidate's effect??

Maybe this thread belongs in the cocktail, if so feel free to move it.  I'm just kind of feeling down today about this.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Ahalo,

You probably need a Benzodiazepine. Even for a short period of time while things sort themselves out.

Something minimal like .25 mg Xanax if you're having like panic attacks.

Otherwise take 2.0 mg of Valium if you have GAD. Klonopin is good as well, about .25 dose on the Klonopin. Both are probably better choices than Xanax. I'd double check my dose conversions with the doctor.

Just my opinion. Hope your feeling better soon.

John 

[jafco]

Ahalo

You're better off not starting new threads. You'll get more action and attention in the main Effexor thread devilla started. I know you were over there, come on back! There are about 6 Effexor threads just on page one! I didn't even count the other pages!

John

PS Just my opinion, you can do what you like. No pressure. Actually none of my business, just trying to do what's best for you.

John

[Greenyflower]

Maybe the combination of the methylphenidate and a stimulating SSRI is too much. Have you thought of trying a more sedating AD such as Paxil?

Greeny

[gretl]

How long have you been on the Effexor?  (Sorry if you've already gone into this in the big thread; I haven't been following that one.)  Are you due for an increase?  If I recall, you were at 37.5mg.  It seems likely that the antidepressant effects might not kick in just yet.

In the meantime, you might try talking to your doctor about taking magnesium supplements for nighttime relaxation and a better night's sleep.  It helps some people (zonks me out, but then I'm easy that way.)  Also, I take an amino acid called taurine that's known for general calming effect.  I take 1000mg on an empty stomach in the morning.  It's not a powerful mellowing agent like a benzo, but it helps "stretch my fuse".

[Dee]

Hi Ahalo,

I'm sorry you're not feeling right. 

I don't have ADHD, so I don't have any advice for you on that, but I have noticed a huge improvement in my mood stabiity.  Definitely less anxiety for me.  I do find Effexor to be stimulating though and I take it in the AM.  My only complaint is insomnia at this point.  I'm still taking valium but as of today I am going to move it to my storage locker, because I think I am only taking it because it's there.

Well, I certainly didn't say anything useful here did I?  Just rambling.

Keep us postd on how you are doing.

Dee

[ldo]

I don't think you've been taking Effexor long enough (isn't it about 12 days?) to know how it's going to work when you get used to it. A lot of these antidepressants don't get to their full effect until a month or two goes by, and before that, they can be activating and make your anxiety worse!

Also wondering how long you took those other antidepressants. For instance, I'm taking bupropion (generic Welbutrin) to see if it will reduce side effects from Prozac, and for the first few weeks of upping a dose I get cranky. I'm talking maybe 3 weeks here, or more.

On Prozac, I vaguely remember that I was a bit anxious or something for a couple of weeks before things started to get better. And had some strange side effects that gradually became weaker.

As for sleep, if you're like me, a small dose of stimulant before bedtime can really help, IF you have the self discipline to lie down and shut off the light, which I sometimes don't.  In my case, it's Adderall, but I think I've heard the same about methylphenidate. I normally take 15 or 20 mg in the morning and 10 or 15 later in the day. Last night I took about 2.5 (quarter tablet) at bedtime, but didn't get to bed until 2AM. I woke up around 7, took another 2.5, and slept until after 10! I'm as well rested as I've been in a while. The stuff just stops my mind from buzzing around.