I've read on a couple of occasions that sometimes treatment of ADD is not successful when there are other co-existing conditions which have not been treated.

When I was initially diagnosed with ADD just under a year ago, I was also given a diagnosis of social anxiety. This is now pretty much under control, but back then it wasn't being treated at all and my psychiatrist put me on Ritalin and then Dexedrine for ADD - neither of which seemed to help with attention or focus - although the psychologist I used to see thinks they made me calmer and less jittery.

What I wondering is, now that my anxiety is under control, is there any chance one of the stimulants might work for me or would I be wasting my time? Currently I am taking Wellbutrin, which helps my ADD some, but not as much as I would like.

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Rx: Paxil (1 x 20mg), Wellbutrin SR (2 x 150mg).

They might work better but the anxiety is a concern when taking add stimulants, as stimulants can make anxiety worse.

Dexedrine helps my social anxiety to be honest. I may have more anticipatory anxiety before a social situation but the actual social situations are better than before.

Dexedrine helps my social anxiety to be honest. I may have more anticipatory anxiety before a social situation but the actual social situations are better than before.True for me as well. As Ram Dass says, "Be here now." And the increase in focus allows me to do exactly that-- I'm not worrying about X, Y, Z or thinking of myself and my insecurities, I'm focused on the other person, and much more fully present in the moment and conversation. "Flow", as psychologists call it.

I must have my Adderall in social situations or large crowds. I am ok if it's a group that I am comfortable with, however parties, work functions...it's a must. And shopping in large crowded areas are the best example. First of all if I don't take my meds, I might never make it out the door to go...ergo the initial anxiety. And once I am there..if I don't take my meds...I am a mess, I forget 1/2 of what I need to get, and even if I have a list, I often forget to even look at it in the haste of just wanting to get out! I can't enjoy long leisurely shopping execusion..it's just too much. I sometimes feel a slight panic...sometimes get lost in larger places like malls,...and then get aggitated where I have been known to leave my basket and walk out. Even medicated, there are somethings I will never do. Like the shopping the day after Thanksgiving, or the day after Christmas. I think even fully medicated, I might end up in jail.

These symptoms seem to be worse for me when my hormones are at their worse...no details for the faint of heart males...here. But I have a script for Risperdal that I use during that time, and sometimes use it in conjunction with my Adderall & Lamictal.

I don't have an official dx of social anxiety...although my doctor mentioned that the Risperdal will help wiht the anxiety not assoc with my other co-morbid, PMDD. So I guess for me the answer to your question is yes. I have ADD, BPDII ...Pmdd...and I use stims with my other meds. And it's not a waste of time.

Risperdal is like an antidote for stimulants, it blocks Dopamine receptors so the extra Dopamine/Noradrenaline provided by the stims doesn't hit the opposing receptors, this can be benificial-low doses/negative-blocking too much D2 receptor activity-depending on the individual and their state.

That might well be the case, but since my doctor is a neuro-psychiatrist, I will have to believe he knows what he's doing. I don't take the Risperdal on a daily basis, although my son does he takes it every night, and Adderall everyday.


I only take it when I am having extreme anxiety, or aggitation. Mostly 3 days prior to that time of the month. And again, when I know I am going to be in large social situations. If it interefers by turning off the stimulant as you say, then the Adderall must act like a placebo to me. Because I have done it with, and without. And I have to have them together.