ADD and OCD Question.

[Tomlehmann]

So I am diagnosed with ADD and OCD. I took Wellbutrin last year and it made my OCD unbearable. I took St. Johns Wort and therapy and it helped a bit, the OCD was under control but I still had bad ADD.

I recently started Vyvanse and it's a good medicine. The only problem is I feel great for about 6 hours, but my OCD is back. I know stimulants can make OCD worse, and people with OCD should not take it. Strattera is out of the question though as it destroys my libido. I'm wondering about asking my doc if I should try taking Citrolopam as it worked wonders for my mom. I figure it might be stronger than the St. Johns Wort and help my OCD symptoms. I want to keep taking the vyvance but will have to stop if the OCD doesn't go away. The OCD is under more control than when I was on Wellbutrin but I suspect that would be from the St. Johns Wort. I have bad health obsessions though, the first two weeks on vyvance I obsessed about having a heart attack, it's better now. I know if I get put on a prescription anti-depressant I will spend weeks obsessivly worrying about killing myself, or snapping. It's so hard to go through. It's illogical and absurd but I can't help myself. I feel better on vyvanse it is the right medicine for my ADD, but it makes OCD bad. It's such a catch-22.

Does anyone have info on OCD and ADD, I've found some things but not much. Any advice on what I should do?

Thanks so much

[jimtim]

Hi there,
I am in the same boat as you right now, ever since I switched back to Adderall for my ADD (which obviously intensifies the OCD). However, prior to getting back on that, I took 1200mg of Neurontin for anxiety and OCD-- and this was honestly a very helpful medication for me. (I'm actually surprised Vyvance helped your OCD; I had major adverse reactions in regards to the ADD)

I would discuss Neurontin (gabapentin) with your doctor. I struggle with literally hundreds of "rituals" and seem to worry consistently to the point where I convince myself of an outcome or have physical reactions due to the stress/anxiety of the situation.

Best of luck in your search-- be sure to share your findings with us!
Hang in there. Breathing comes first!

Edit: I should note that I was also taking 50mg Pristiq and 50mg Seroquel (before bed) at this time. I think I was aware of the impact Seroquel made too, but I'm not sure... My doctor said these can also sometimes help with OCD, though I was given them for depression and insomnia (and anxiety, as mentioned earlier)

[Lostforever]

I've been diagnosed with ADD and OCD. I took ritalin and it just made everything worse. Now I'm on Wellbutron which helps a little. My issue now is whether I can hold on to my job. Since I have focus and concentration problems it appears they're cracking down on me at work for being inefficient at the way I carry out my tasks. The presure at work is unbelievable. I'm beginning to wonder if I can hold on to my job.

[shootmeagain]

omega 3 capsules (in a higher than packet says dose type thing, over 100mg a day of combined epa / dha from fish oil) have been proven to reduce symptoms of add by helping your brain function plus a lot of other health benefits which I'm happy with considering it's not very expensice if you shop around, I definitely noticed a difference and as it's natural so interations with prescription medications are minimal n could be complementary to your ocd meds if stimulants aren't doing it for you, there's a lot of research available favouring this position because i'm not a rep for a pharmacy i swear! for example there's an omega 3 supp in aus called brain food (or similiar) and i'm confident anyone who took it in the doses i've mentioned would benefit, mood and brain function are noticable improved in a week or less

[muldoon]

Originally Posted by shootmeagain

omega 3 capsules (in a higher than packet says dose type thing, over 100mg a day of combined epa / dha from fish oil) have been proven to reduce symptoms of add by helping your brain function plus a lot of other health benefits which I'm happy with considering it's not very expensice if you shop around, I definitely noticed a difference and as it's natural so interations with prescription medications are minimal n could be complementary to your ocd meds if stimulants aren't doing it for you, there's a lot of research available favouring this position because i'm not a rep for a pharmacy i swear! for example there's an omega 3 supp in aus called brain food (or similiar) and i'm confident anyone who took it in the doses i've mentioned would benefit, mood and brain function are noticable improved in a week or less

I tried Flax Seed Oil for 3 months and noticed nothing.

If someone is going to benefit from Omega 3s, they could save alot of money and eat a can of salmon every day instead.

http://www.nutritiondata.com/foods-0...000000000.html