WilmzBrewxs – Wayne C. Jones MD

Q&A

I am switching to Vyvanse from Adderall and I am also trying to lose weight. Which of these meds suppresses appetite better?

My doctor prescribed methylphenidate for weight gain from Effexor and Lexapro. It makes me sleepy/drowsy. Is there a better drug for appetite suppression?

There are occasional patients who become sluggish or sedated with methylphenidate for reasons that aren’t clear. If you are taking Effexor or Lexapro in the am then these could interfere with the activating effects of the stimulant. Lexapro and Effexor are usually taken in am when first started, but after […]

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How can I prevent recurrence of depression and what do I do if the depression does come back?

Depression runs in my family and I’ve been on the same medicine for a while with no episodes of depression. About two weeks ago I woke up feeling not myself and contributed it to getting my period on top of coming down with a respiratory infection. Still not feeling well […]

Bipolar Disorder Medication: Best Meds Q&A

My 15 year old daughter has been put on Risperdal to "glue" her thoughts. She is severely depressed and worries constantly. Her doctor added Lexapro to the Risperdal. How do we know if the Lexapro is working or just helping the side-effects of Risperdal?

I don’t use Risperdal because of the increased risk of neurological side-effects, and increased prolactin interfering with hormones, including estrogen. Lexapro is good for anxiety, obsessiveness, and depression, especially sadness, but if your daughter is manic depressed/bipolar the Lexapro can make her more emotionally unstable. Effexor XR is a broader […]

Bipolar Disorder Q&A

I need information on Geodon. Is it anti-anxiety or mostly an antidepressant? My doctor wants to put me on it but I am worried about side-effects.

Geodon is a medication with a lot of issues so that it is not one of my first choices. It is a good antimanic mood stabilizer if taken in higher doses (120-160mg). At lower doses it can destabilize mood. It is not an anti-anxiety medication. It usually requires twice daily […]

ADHD Q&A

I have Mitral Valve Prolapse and also have ADD. I have just been prescribed Vyvanse. In the afternoon I have experienced difficulty getting a deep breath and also tiredness in my left arm. I have also had pain in my lower abdomen. I take Toprol for the MVP. I have been taking Vyvanse for 2 weeks. Could the Vyvanse be causing these side-effects?

Vyvanse has less effect on the cardiovascular system than Adderall but all stimulants have possible cardiovascular side-effects. You should stop taking it and see if the symptoms go away. If not you need to see your cardiologist or internist. If the side-effects do go away you may want to discuss options […]

Addiction Q&A

Is Benadryl addictive? How can you wean off of it? Can it cause gastrointestinal problems?

Addiction means continued use in spite of negative consequences. In this sense Benadryl addiction is not known to be a common problem. Since it can cause weird reactions at high doses I guess that is possible. People who abuse downers are usually trying to be somewhat emotionally “numb” – so […]

ADHD Q&A

I am a 40 year old woman who has finally decided to do something about my ADHD. A psychiatrist has prescribed Vyvanse, but I haven't filled the prescription because of side- effect concerns.

Vyvanse is a new delivery system for a medication we have used for 70 years. Extra precaution needs to be taken with CV issues like Mitral Valve Prolapse. I’m not aware of a specific study with MVP, but a study was done at Harvard of patients with ADHD and high blood pressure. […]

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 […]

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 […]