posted
Hey I am about to go to my therapist for the first
time in three months and I was wondering if I or
should I not tell her about my lyme? Just
diagnosed with lyme 2 months ago and she has had
me on Adderall twice a day for the last 3 years
for ADD (40mg) Could she take me off it? Or put
me on a stronger dose or add an antidepressant?
Anyone have any experience with this? Thanks!
Posts: 38 | From Chattanooga, TN | Registered: Dec 2007
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kgg
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5867
posted
If this were me, I would be telling my therapist every thing. They need to know the whole picture. There should be no problem with Lyme and Adderall. I know two people with Lyme that use it with benefit.
Best, Karen
Posts: 1854 | From Maine | Registered: Jun 2004
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posted
Yes, be upfront with your therapist, as well as any of your doctors. Everyone needs to be on the same page.
I take Adderall to help with my ADD, but I see MORE benefits with how it helps me energy wise.
It's the only thing that helps me get a little more energy. I feel a HUGE difference if I don't take it. I take the same dosage that you do.
Now, it doesn't guarantee me more energy, but it does increase the odds! Just tell all of your doctors everything.
Good luck!
terri3boys
Posts: 268 | From Texas | Registered: Aug 2007
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Tracy9
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7521
posted
Same exact story!!! Adderall is sometimes USED FOR LYME DISEASE to give people energy. I have it prescribed for ADHD but no question I use it more and get more benefit for the Lyme and fatigue.
13 years Lyme & Co.; Small Fiber Neuropathy; Myasthenia Gravis, Adrenal Insufficiency. On chemo for 2 1/2 years as experimental treatment for MG. Posts: 4480 | From Northeastern Connecticut | Registered: Jun 2005
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Cass A
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 11134
posted
Adderall is an amphetamine.
Get all the facts about it.
Don't keep medical data from your drs.
Loading up on psychiatric drugs isn't going to handle what is physically wrong.
Best,
Cass A
Posts: 1245 | From Thousand Oaks, CA | Registered: Feb 2007
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In my daughter's case, the ADD med (non-stimulant one) she already was on when developing sx was dropped to not complicate the drug interactions. This was actually prior to lyme dx. Quality of life not so that it matters now so have not asked about it. She has 13 rx now plus OTC and IV.
There can't be research on all the possible mixtures and how the drugs effect each other. I'm afraid to add anything, esp without dr knowledge. Even need to ask about OTC! Have had problem with this!
However very interested to hear remarks about stimulant drugs and energy. This may be something to consider later.
Very curious, did the stimulant give you energy before lyme?
I thought if the ADD dx was accurate that the stimulant has the opposite effect-- actually calms some people down. Maybe that's ADHD?
Anyone?
Thanks, MommaK
Posts: 242 | From Mississippi | Registered: Oct 2006
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posted
You know ADD/ADHD is a symptom of lyme disease right? WHen we take my child off ABX he all of a sudden has ADD again. When he is on ABX it goes away. Imagine that.
Of course it didn't work that way for me. I still have focusing issues while on the ABX.
I would tell your therapist. You really should be seeing a lyme literate psychogist if possible. Mine gave me adderall once and after two days on it I noticed I became very mean. Went off it and tried again. Same thing happened. Also happened on Ritalin. Something about those two drugs makes me think very very mean thoughts! Not sure if its the lyme interacting with the drug or just the drug but I will never take it again.
Posts: 547 | From Maryland | Registered: Mar 2005
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Tracy9
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7521
posted
The "MEAN" thing is a rare side effect of these drugs. For me, it is like most people drinking a few cups of coffee. Only coffee gives me anxiety and heart palps; Adderall does not.
It does calm down my son, who is very hyperactive. I'm not sure it works in that way for me, but my son said it definitely also helps him to feel alert and awake, my doctor said that is part of how it makes you focus.
Adderall IS used for fatigue; someone once posted if the decision were between being completely non functional and taking Adderall and having some quality of life and ability to take care of basic things, she'd take the Adderall. It is definitely the only way I can get out of bed many days.
I don't take it too much; if I'm really sick and herxing I don't bother. If i'm doing good I don't really need it. It's those in between days that I find it most beneficial, and can make the difference between a productive day and another day lost.
It will have side effects for some people, just like everything else we take, including caffeine. For many people, it is a miracle when they are able to focus and be successful at things. My friend said, "It's like somebody finally put a tour guide in my brain."
ADHD is highly prevalent in my family, both my kids, and myself certainly in restrospect as a kid, big time.
Everyone should make their own decision, and like everything else, does the benefit outweigh the risk? I don't get any ill effects from Adderall, but I know some others do.
13 years Lyme & Co.; Small Fiber Neuropathy; Myasthenia Gravis, Adrenal Insufficiency. On chemo for 2 1/2 years as experimental treatment for MG. Posts: 4480 | From Northeastern Connecticut | Registered: Jun 2005
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lymeHerx001
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6215
posted
quote:Originally posted by Tracy9: The "MEAN" thing is a rare side effect of these drugs. For me, it is like most people drinking a few cups of coffee. Only coffee gives me anxiety and heart palps; Adderall does not.
It does calm down my son, who is very hyperactive. I'm not sure it works in that way for me, but my son said it definitely also helps him to feel alert and awake, my doctor said that is part of how it makes you focus.
Adderall IS used for fatigue; someone once posted if the decision were between being completely non functional and taking Adderall and having some quality of life and ability to take care of basic things, she'd take the Adderall. It is definitely the only way I can get out of bed many days.
I don't take it too much; if I'm really sick and herxing I don't bother. If i'm doing good I don't really need it. It's those in between days that I find it most beneficial, and can make the difference between a productive day and another day lost.
It will have side effects for some people, just like everything else we take, including caffeine. For many people, it is a miracle when they are able to focus and be successful at things. My friend said, "It's like somebody finally put a tour guide in my brain."
ADHD is highly prevalent in my family, both my kids, and myself certainly in restrospect as a kid, big time.
Everyone should make their own decision, and like everything else, does the benefit outweigh the risk? I don't get any ill effects from Adderall, but I know some others do.
tracy, just started adderall, its amazing, no panic!!!!!!!!!
Coffee stinks! It raises cortisol too much!
Aderrall is WAY WAY better for us then caffeine.
Posts: 2905 | From New England | Registered: Sep 2004
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lymeHerx001
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Member # 6215
posted
it calms me down a little to but I focus
Posts: 2905 | From New England | Registered: Sep 2004
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massman
Unregistered
posted
Typically stimulants boost adults up and act the opposite in kids. Typically calms them down.
Our chemistries are different.
MommaK posted: "There can't be research on all the possible mixtures and how the drugs effect each other. I'm afraid to add anything, esp without dr knowledge. Even need to ask about OTC! Have had problem with this!"
Excellent points ! Here in the USA many seem to think that more is always better. ALWAYS !
But wait...our "healthcare" system is or is close to the worst in all "civilized" countries in the world. Might some of that be due to our general attitude ?
For ADD etc you may want to read: "Stop ADHD in 18 Days" by Robert DeMaria DC. Dr. Bob, as he prefers to be called, has an interesting site.
Very well written, straight to the points, BS not allowed. I have attended some of his seminars and was impressed. I feel his intent and focus is on getting RESULTS from non-drug treatment. Results that help the body heal, not just cover up symptoms.
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Marnie
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 773
posted
Tell your doctor or your therapist EVERYTHING!
Every drug you are taking, every supplement, every "bad habit" you may (or may not) have, every symptom.
Go in with a list.
Be honest. He/she needs to know these things in order to help you.
Posts: 9481 | From Sunshine State | Registered: Mar 2001
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