Approaching the (possibly) Unapproachable Doctor

I am a 33 year old female diagnosed with major depression 7 years ago and ADD about 5 years ago. I’ve been on several Tricyclics, SSRIs, Cymbalta, Effexor, Wellbutrin, Tegretol, Abilify, Provigil, Klonapin, Synthoid(for slight underactive thyroid possibly contributing to depression),Yaz (for possible PMDD contributing to depression), and Concerta, plus more (many of these I’ve . . . → Read More: Approaching the (possibly) Unapproachable Doctor

Prescribing Outside The Box

Kurt writes in with a very common question:

I was prescribed 70mg Vyvanse for debilitating chronic fatigue. The 70mg was totally ineffective. At 6′2″, 220 pounds, I think the dosage was too small. My psychiatrist will not increase the dosage. I self-titrated and found that 210mg will get me through the working day but I’m . . . → Read More: Prescribing Outside The Box

Getting past the urine drug screen while taking Vyvanse

A colleague writes in . . .

I am an RN in a recovery nurse program secondary to ‘emotional condition’ . . . I had some mental health issues that were not being treated. My psychiatrist, who is an addictionologist, prescribed Vyvance for ADHD since Strattera was not effective and led to flattened affect and . . . → Read More: Getting past the urine drug screen while taking Vyvanse

It's not just about the receptors . . . Sometimes it's just about common sense

Dell writes in with an issue . . . but I think the real issue is deeper than the chemistry . . .

I’ve just been prescribed Vyvanse for refractory Clinical Depression. I was hospitalized twice decades ago then was started on a regimen of dexedrine which I never abused. It got me through . . . → Read More: It's not just about the receptors . . . Sometimes it's just about common sense

What's a little chest pain when I can at least pay attention to the ER doc when he tells me I've had my first heart attack!

This one made me a bit worried . . .

I am a 30 year old male, and I’ve been taking stimulant ADD meds for about 15 years. The last 5 years I’ve been on Metadate CD 60mg every AM. Worked pretty good, and insurance covered most of it.My doctor switched me to Focalin . . . → Read More: What's a little chest pain when I can at least pay attention to the ER doc when he tells me I've had my first heart attack!

Treat or wait? The annual ADHD question

With the start of September, all thoughts turn to . . . medicating our kids??? Well, as bad as that can sound to some, it IS time for the annual debate. A question for which there is no clear answer. Let’s examine several scenarios and I’ll give some suggestions . . .

We’ll start with . . . → Read More: Treat or wait? The annual ADHD question

Vyvanse was helping depression . . . now . . . aggravating mania?

James writes in to say . . .

I started having panic attacks and was very unsociable and kept to myself,all this started about 10 years ago. The doctors diagnosed me as bipolor,i’ve been on every med available for bipolar with no positive results. Last december my doc decided to try me on 20 mg . . . → Read More: Vyvanse was helping depression . . . now . . . aggravating mania?

Vyvanse–the medication you can't get to

Just a short entry this evening. A little bit of a rant and rave. I’ve been trying to gain more experience with Vyvanse. So far, the patients that I have taken it have given mostly favorable reviews. Not perfect, but none of these poisons I prescribe are. Problem is . . . the insurance companies . . . → Read More: Vyvanse–the medication you can't get to

Does every kid on stimulants need an EKG?

Oh boy, oh, BOY!!! When my wife showed me this issue on the internet last night I gave a big sigh and an eye roll. I knew the phone calls would start early and heavy. For those of you who have not heard, the American Heart Association issued a recommendation that all children who are . . . → Read More: Does every kid on stimulants need an EKG?

Another turning point, a fork stuck in the road . . .

I want to pass along a thank-you to all who have written in recently on the use of nutrition and life-style changes to address psychiatric issues (esp depression/anxiety/anger). I find myself a bit overwhelmed with the volume of information that is available out there. My intent is to critically look at as much of this . . . → Read More: Another turning point, a fork stuck in the road . . .