[nataliepatricia6183]

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Hi,
I've had ADD since I was young. I've never been officially diagnosed but I've done numerous tests and even took Abnormal Pysch and I fit the bill to a T. (I even had to stop a couple times typing this to pick at myself which is a part of the ADD). Anyway, I believe I also may have some un-diagnosed bi-polar or mood issues because when I try stimulants like wellbutrin, I can become manic. This has led me not to speak about this ADD to a doctor, which I know is a mistake.
I have been on antidepressants and Prozac worked great for my additional anxiety and paranoia- however doesn't help much with ADD. I also really benefitted from abilify for my mood issues but the blood sugar problem and weight gain is not something I can tolerate, as I gain weight easily and have tried really hard to lose 30 pounds in the last year.

My question is, is anyone in the forum currently ADD and Bi-polar or ADD with anxiety and if so which treatments have worked best for you. Medicines or otherwise. I need non-stimulating treatments that may be combined with SSRI and I can't handle benzos as they throw me into a deep depression. As does antihistamines.
I'm currently trying vitamins and such but I believe it takes a long time to notice results this way. I just want to be normal and not keep risking losing my job or my mind!

Thanks

[Miswimmy1]

I'm ADD (combined type) with anxiety as well as mood disorder NOS. I was on Abilify which seemed too strong for me- it made me numb and void of emotion. Abilify is also an antipsychotic usually used for long term use in conjunction with an antidepressant. It's not really usually used as a long term mood stabilizer. I tried Strattera (Non stimulant) for ADD and it was only somewhat beneficial. I was on the max legal dose and didn't feel like my ADD symptoms were being managed that well.

I'm now on Lamictal for the moods and Focalin XR for the ADD. Focalin is a stimulant but I haven't had the increase in anxiety or anything that I had when I was on Ritalin or Concerta. How many ADD meds have you tried? Just because a certain stimulant didn't work well for you doesn't mean that another won't.

[nataliepatricia6183]

I've tried Ritalin and Adderall and both threw me through the roof with insomnia and anxiety. Wellbutrin gave me insomnia and mania. I may ask my PDoc about the Focalin or just start on Prozac again. That helped me along time ago but I was a drinker so didn't stay on it. Now it may help, I've read that it's been studied in people with add.

thanks