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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 2 of 2. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by parasolips on May 17, 2004, at 10:14:57
Hi,
I've been on Lexapro (20 mg), Abilify (20 mg), and Lamictal (100 mg) for about a month (though I've been on the Lexapro with other things for about 9 months), and I'm having a heck of a time with concentration. I can't read books, even though that used to be what I'd do with my spare time. I can't focus on anything for more than a few seconds. I feel like I'm just waiting for each moment to pass so I can get on to the next one. I feel chronically bored and antsy.
Could this be a side effect of the medication, or is it more likely some breakthough anxiety? My pdoc can't seem to decide.
Would I benefit from adding something like Ritalin or Adderal to my mix for concentration? I have to go back to school soon and my present state just won't do.Thanks for your help!
Posted by seanwrx on May 18, 2004, at 20:50:57
In reply to Lexapro +others...can't concentrate?, posted by parasolips on May 17, 2004, at 10:14:57
My doc gave me some Ritalin several months ago to take in the morning to augment the Remeron I was taking at the time. I think they are 10mg pills and I started out tentively and took 5 mg one Saturday. I sat around on the couch for about an hour, waiting to spaz out or something, but nothing really happened. The next day I took 10 and didn't notice anything either. On the third day I took 20mg...and for about two hours I was off to the races, making calls back to people at work that I had been putting off for months, flying through emails, etc...then it all crashed and I felt terrible, headachy, depressed, etc. I think it works if you are AHDD/ADD, and depending on your age, you probably know if you are or not, but its more or less just speed for those of us that aren't AHDD/ADD.
A co-worker is one of the lucky ones, after my prodding him for several months he went and got some help and they started him on Lexapro, and then a month later Wellbutrin to help with concentration and motivation. Its been several months and he seems to be doing well. You might want to add Welbutrin to the mix and see if that helps. It can cause increased anxiety I heard, and that might be problem. But I hear that it goes away after a bit (it seemed to with my friend) though anxiety doesn't seem to bother him that much anyway, his problem was abnormal mood swings and depression.
best of luck
s
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