Anyone Tried Effexor for Adult ADD?

[Doone]

Hi Everyone,

I am new to these boards. I am a 54 year old woman who has recently been diagnosed with ADD. I really have had it my whole life, but never really knew it until a few years ago, but I was afraid to get diagnosed and be put on Ritalin. Then I heard about Stratera, but then I was told that alot of times adult ADD is treated with antidepressants and since i was already on Effexor for anxiety that they would just double the dosage. I think the only side effect I have had so far is occasionally I get nauseous, but I really seem to sweat alot on it.

Has anyone else here tried effexor for their ADD? If so what side effects did you have and did the medication work for you? I have been on the new dose for about 12 days and have only noticed a slight change. I wonder if it will take another two weeks like it did in the beginning to notice any big difference.

Thanks for any input you might have.

[MJL54]

I have used Effexor since I was first diagnosed (wrongly, as it turns out) with manic-depression, although it turns out I really have ADD. (I'm almost sixty). However, there appears to be some connection between these different "mood disorders," so I still take Lithium as well as Effexor. I have no side effects from it, tho my wife who is on Effexor for depression seems to sweat a lot. I have also been prescribed with Dexedrine for the ADD, which has worked wonders for me. I was never able to concentrate well on anything, and now I am so incredibly focused; I wish somebody had diagnosed me earlier.

Thanks for listening.

Mike.

[ADDMD]

Hi doone, effexor (venlafaxine) is a drug that works on certain bio-molecules in your central nervous system (CNS) which in turn balance the levels of seritonin and norepinephrine in the brain.

This drug is used mostly to control GAD (generalized anxiety disorder) and GAD related problems such as depression and attention deficit problems.

This drug is either very effective or not effective at all. Since you are noticing some differences, I hope you are in the first category. However, you must remember that dosage is very important in centrally acting (CNS specific) drugs, and unlike most other systemic drugs they are not determined by the persons weight. Clinical success is the only way to find out.

Doctors usually start patients on 37.5mg for the first week and then titrate it upwards. It is possible that you may not feel a full effect until you are on 140mg. But dont worry about it. I am sure your physician will titrate the drug according to your needs.

So, be strong and dont worry, this drug definitely has the potential to help you.

P.S. did you also present with a lot of symptoms of GAD (generalized anxiety disorder?) and if so, are you willing to share some of your experiences?

thanx
addmd

[cariels]

I would try Strattera if I were you. Both Effexor and Strattera work by releasing more adrenaline into your system.