[Angel10]

Hi everyone, I need some advise. I finally went to a specialist yesterday, and I saw her for 45 minutes. She asked me a lot of questions then said that I sound like I have ADHD and Depression. Then she told me that my insurance would only pay for one 45-minute session and ten 15-minute sessions??? Is that enough time to properly diagnose someone??? Is insurance like that for many of you in the States? She gave me a list of medications that I need to choose from:

• Effexor
• Stratera
• Wellbutrin

I have bad problems with memory, I can’t finish anything I start and I am almost always depressed. I have seen people say good things about the Stratera, but has anyone used Effexor, and if yes how did it work for you. I looked it up both, and Effexor’s side effects don’t seem as bad as Stratera. Anyway, I am also supposed to get my thyroid checked and other things checked as well, this kind of sucks. I am supposed to also see a shrink. Again this sucks…

[mortimer]

Err, I know nothing about this so I'm going to throw random things into the ring and hope they make sense, and help. XD

I think that the sessions you had may be enough to diagnose ADHD. I've never been diagnosed (parents didn't want the 'disgrace' of a screwed up kid I guess) but I know I have it. My teachers have known I've had it, everyone suspects it.

Depression I think you need more time then some punie little broken up sessions, can't you talk to a shrink and they diagnose it instead? Maybe you could try to pay a little extra out of pocket for longer doctor session for diagnoses?

I don't know! I'm sorry. I hope you can get it sorted out. I don't think the ADHD forum is frequented as much as some of the others. PM a mod and ask them to move this thread to the psychotherapy one or start another one there for better answers.

Sorry again, good luck!

[Angel10]

Thank you for the encouragement Mortimer. I am so sick of feeling like an idiot. I, just like everyone else has to work, and I can barely take time off without getting run over the coals. Anyway, thank you for responding, it means a lot to me.

[emwell]

I must be doing something wrong. Twice I tried to respond to this thread, and twice the reply never showed up. I have experience with all the meds you mentioned. I have a story to go with each. I don't have the time to rewrite the stories right now. If this attempt to reply shows up, I will write more later.

[Angel10]

Emwell I have to make a decision on which I want to use within 2 weeks. I am thinking about Stratera, I have heard good things about it. I need something to clear up my head, and help with my mood swings, confusion, lack of concentration, unable to motivate myself, stay on task of projects and depression. If this sounds somewhat like you I would greatly value your input on how these 3 medications affected you. Maybe then I can find a definite place to start.
Thank you,

[emwell]

I will try to recall what I wrote. It should be easy as I only wrote about my own experience with these meds and nothing has changed.

• Effexor I was on this for a few months I do not recall it helping at all. I think this was the med that made me gain weight that I still have not lost.

• Stratera I am on this right now. I tried Adderall, but it did nothing to help me. I have not had any major side effects from Straterra. I do experience weird dreams, but are not bothered by them. I never remembered my dreams prior to Straterra, so I consider this a bonus. The only real change I see from the Straterra is that I don't talk as much. I am able to follow conversations without constantly interrupting. I am able to finish a sentence without changing the subject in the middle of it. people can tell when I didn't take the meds. I have been on 80 mg for awhile. Per my request, my Doctor just recently increased it to 100mg I had to get special permission for my insurance to cover the increased dosage.

• Wellbutrin I was on this for a very short period 3 years ago. I don't know if it was med. related or not, but I would take the meds at night before bed. The next day I spent vomiting. This happenned evry time I took it. I stopped after 3 days. The vomitting may not have been med related, but in my head it was and therefore wouldn't take the meds anymore. The Wellbutrin was prescribed by my primary doctor and not by a psychiatrist. I don't think my Primary knew enough about me to prescribe any meds. She just went with the one that might help me quit smoking as well as maybe help me feel better.

If you have any questions about my experience, feel free to ask them. I will do my best to answer them. I am also on other meds for other things. I have been on pretty much every anti deppressant out there. I always end up back on Zoloft.