October 2, 2007 – Wayne C. Jones MD

ADHD Q&A

I don't know why I am still on Adderall. I am so tired and depressed, unexcited, and don't even feel like reading the Bible, much less have the energy or passion to make the world a better place. I have been on Adderall for 14 years and I feel a little frazzled. Does long term use of amphetamines cause brain damage?

I have many patients who do great on 60-90 mg of Adderall per day and have for up to 13 years. Anybody like yourself who is not doing well needs to make changes. You need to start with a re-evaluation with a physician. One simple option may be to […]

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Panic Disorder Q&A Stress Management

Will I always need Lexapro and Klonopin if I successfully go through cognitive behavioral therapy?

It partly depends on what you’re taking the medications for. Uncomplicated panic disorder without agoraphobia has the highest rate of complete remission. Severe obsessive compulsive disorder, agoraphobia, or social anxiety disorder may require some long term medication to maintain remission. Generalized anxiety without serious depression may respond fully to CBT. […]

Bipolar Disorder Medication: Side Effects Q&A

I am bipolar two and when I started taking Lamictal it worked great. But it may have caused vasculitis of my skin. I had acne bumps all over my legs and also encountered a "break out" on my face.

Serious adverse rashes can occur with Lamictil but it is rare. Most reactions are mild – they go away when the Lamictal is stopped and many people tolerate Lamictal okay when it is restarted. If a week or more goes by before skin clears you have to start back at 25mg […]

ADHD Q&A

Is it safe for a 5 year old to wear the patch (Daytrana) and is it safe to cut the patch in half to reduce the dose?

I have just posted an article on preschoolers and ADHD: test.askdrjones.com/2007/09/06/behavioral-treatment-for-adhd-in-preschoolers/ Most research in preschoolers is with methylphenidate even though it is only FDA approved down to the age of 6. The patch works fine if cut in half. Be aware that after six weeks of daily use blood levels […]

Bipolar Disorder Q&A

My daughter is taking Depakene and now is going to shift to Lamictal. I am so worried because of the side effects. She is 22 years old.

Depakene even in the best form, Depakote ER, can have adverse effects on hormones – it would be one of my last choices. Lamictal is the best tolerated mood stabilizer if it doesn’t cause a serious rash (very uncommon). The main problem with Lamictal is that it has to be […]

Depression Q&A Weight Management

When my mother died my doctor prescribed Meridia and I like it very much but recently it has not worked. Is there anything similar to Meridia?

Meridia (sibutramine) is FDA approved for weight loss. It combines the effects of antidepressants like Effexor (at doses of 225mg or higher) or Cymbalta with dopamine effects like stimulants. One possible side effect is increased blood pressure. Years ago I tried Meridia for several patients and most of them didn’t like it […]