[Eva1nder]

I changed from ritalin to focalin about a month and a half ago.

Ritalin worked in the beginning, but then I felt like I began to go backwards on it and it wasn't too effective for me.

My doctor then put me on focalin, which I'm not really sure it's working as far as my energy level (which I am sometimes incapacitated with fatigue), but I'm afraid to go off and really be hit with this problem.

The other reasons I am trying this class of meds was for adhd as well as depersonalization. Because of the depersonalization I had heard this might be of help "to put you in the moment".

I'm not really sure it's working for either of these issues at all. In fact the depersonalization has gotten worse, but I'm pretty sure that's cuz of the stress load.

I noticed now that I'm on the focalin that I'm having much more hallucinations.

I didn't think I really had too much of a problem with hallucinations other then I feel like water drips on my legs when I'm driving or seeing something such as maybe a police car driving on a side street that I'd have to stop for and the visual are very rare.

Since I started the focalin the water dripping has gotten really worse. I hear things..noises that other's don't

I felt like someone kicked or bumped my bed..hard enough that it startled me. I have seen an ottomon falling towards me. Things that are not frightening compared to what I know can be severe, but still it's very unnerving.

I didn't think this could be a side effect. I was more worried of all of a sudden getting bad and thought it might have been stress although I've gone through very stressful times throughout and had no issues with this.

I also was concerned that anti-psychotics and the meds that help hallucinations are something I will not go on..from past experience having bad side effects.

Now ... is this something that can happen with this medication and if so...what would be a medicine in this area to help.

Example: Would it be adderol or another kind you can suggest?

Ty for taking the time to read this and giving me any input ...I'd really appreciate it.

~E

[Meta]

Hi Eva1der,

I take Focalin XR for ADD. I have been not feeling as good very recently and I have sort of been wondering if it's the focalin or Lamictal which is the last medication I added a couple of months ago. I had been feeling quite good with no depression or hypomania for awhile once I got up to a therapeutic dose of lamictal.

Very recently I was having a sort of cottony feeling in my head which I thought might be a sinus infection or something due to either the focalin or the Lamictal. Now that feeling seems to have gone away, although I plan to bring it up at the next psych appt to see if they have any input.

The thing I wonder with all the drugs-- and I take about 5 prescriptions --is if I can ever expect med combinations to continue to work effectively for me. It seems like every drug combination I have ever been on, eventually quits working for me.

I guess if I were you, I would let the pdoc know about the changes you have experienced. I think increased depersonalization and more hallucinations are of major concern. I wouldn't assume these issues aren't undesirable side effects of the Focalin. Some people get more depressed on antidepressants. If Focalin is supposed to work on depersonalization symptoms, maybe you are one of the unlucky few for which Focalin WORSENS depersonalization.

Take care,

Meta

[jenniferever]

I am on Lamictal, Adderall, and Xanax. I would suggest Adderall. I tried Ritalin and it was horrible, up and down like a rollar coaster! Adderall is smooth and very very effective, I have beeb on it for years (about 4). I have had to increase my dose from 40 mg to 60 mg then to 80 mg (40 mg in the am and 40 mg around 2 pm). Adderall chemically is about the simplest drug there is for ADD, I like simple. The "Full Prescribing Information" for Adderall is ONE PAGE. Focalin's "Full Prescribing Information" is about 25 pages long. Think about that.....

[Eva1nder]

Ty Meta for your helpful response.

I'm on lamictal myself actually for about 3 years (i think..memory isn't too good either..lol)

You bring up a lot of good points about having different reactions with the drug combinations.

I'm glad you are feeling better and got over that "cottony" feeling.

It's so annoying to go on something to help you and then to only feel these side effects, but the good part is if you come out feeling better.

I'm going to see my pdoc on thursday ..and I'm going to talk to her about it.

The only thing with her is ...I actually come in w/info on what I think I need and she'll take that into account. In fact, that's how I ended up treating my adhd for the first time.

So I'll just talk to her and come in there informed.

Again ..ty

~E

[Eva1nder]

Thnx jennifer for responding.

I didn't realize what you had said about Adderall being a more simple drug for add. I didn't know the comparison, but yes definately something to think about.

I feel like for some reason my pdoc stayed away from adderall ...so now I'm not too sure what I want to say to her to be able to try it.

I'll have to think on that.

Anyways, thanks again for you helpful response.. I appreciate it.

~E

[jenniferever]

Tell her you don't want to take Focalin because its not working. Bring up my point about the "Full Prescribing Information". If Focalin is not working, its not working. You need to try something else. If she won't prescribe Adderall then I would find a new doctor. Good luck!