[AnnaBettina]

Hi...I've posted in a few of the groups trying to find out what's wrong. The psychiatrist I've been seeing is no real help except that she is agreeable to me trying different meds and will prescribe.

Have depression and anxiety. However, a big however, every SSRI I've tried makes me INCREDIBLY sleepy, tired, and more depressed. This even happened with Effexor, a SNRI. Been on that one for a few weeks and like the others I get more depressed, very much so, and slept the day away for several days this week. I will say, though, that any anxiety is better on these (because I don't give a damn!). Have much anxiety but they do nothing for the depression except make it worse.

Have a history of thyroid problems. Was treated for an overactive thyroid when young (only 21, now 58). This treatment resulted in permanent hypothyroidism. And, yes, I have run the gamut of tests...FT4, FT3, TSH, RT3, and thyroid antibodies. Am currently on Synthroid with Cytomel (for the T3). Have also gone the natural route in the past..Armour, ERFA. Had cortisol testing. Regardless of what the thyroid meds, I also get very sleepy after taking them. Not sleepy if I don't take them or don't take the SSRIs.

This morning I took a small dose of bupropion. Only 35 mg twice a day. If I take more, anxiety is greatly enhanced but not sleepy and depressed (praying that my heart will just stop so I don't have to kill myself) as with the SSRIs.

Have tried lithium. Small dose. 300 mg. Didn't feel any less anxious or depressed on this but not nearly as sleepy. Doctor did not represcribe and because of my history of thyroid disorders doesn't want to increase.

Have also taken lamictal. Didn't feel anything in terms of anxiety or depression but wasn't sleepy.

Now wondering if my extreme reaction (I know that SSRIs can make one drowsy, sleepy but this is also comatose on a low dose) is a tip off I may have something like adult ADHD...

I do procrastinate some things, mainly procrastinate stressful things. This delay increases my anxiety.

In school when young, some years I would do exceptionally well, some years I didn't pay attention. Daydream a lot, including today.

A friend used to call me "squirrel" when I was younger. "Squirrel" because I had fast movements and would jump to thing after thing.

Can hyperfocus on something to a really heavy degree.

Been mislaying glasses, etc. because I feel so stressed and get in a panic.

Older sister was head of her class but when she would come to visit, my mother would say that after she left it looked like a hurricane had hit. Super bright, was valedictorian, but the type who has always had her house in disarray. I do keep a fairly well organized house because disarray makes me...more anxious.

Does this sound like adult ADHD that I may have had since childhood? I did have temper tantrums when little (but a lot of stress in my family to which I could have been reacting), and I remember putting off getting ready for a date, etc...possibly because I was anxious about the date (have some performance anxiety, want to be seen as perfect, etc...stopped taking piano when I was 12 because of the recitals!). Am unusually cordial today but may indeed feel irritation at someone on the inside.

Have never done bipolar things such as risky sex, heck until recently I hadn't even been in a bar. Have always, though, found the scariest rides at amusement parks exciting, would like to sky dive, and recently went on the back of friend's motorcycle...he went about 90 mph and although shaking in some ways I found it exciting.

Would really like to address this anxiety with something (like the SSRIs) that doesn't put me asleep (all day long) and going to Click Here To Enter.

Your input would be so appreciated.

[AnnaBettina]

going to, that's the hemlock society, that's how depressed (and tired) I get on these SSRIs.

Thanks

[Quarter life]

A diagnosis of Adult ADD requires that symptoms appeared in childhood, and interfered in most areas of everyday living. Hypothyroidism and Bipolar can very much mimic symptoms of ADD and vice versa. The only way to know for sure is to be referred to a psychiatrist that deals with ADHD in adults. It is a very involved process, but getting the help you need is all important to your quality of life.

Be kind to yourself AnnaBettina...and all the best of luck