Mixing Medications & Adderall Complications

[jimtim]

Hi all-

I have been reading around these forums for a while now and after all the research, I find myself very confused about some medications, their side effects, and other things that impact their effect. Here's a history of my diagnosis, medications, effects, and some general questions.

Any help is greatly appreciated!


BACKGROUND INFO
- I am 19 years old with decent health. I'm about 5'10" and 160lbs.
- I was diagnosed with ADD when I was 12; took long breaks from meds
- I "discovered" I was an alcoholic about 2 years ago, sought treatment, continue to practice and utilize recovery tools. (Note: I still take the adderall and have weighed/discussed my options carefully. I understand the potential risks.)
- I was diagnosed with OCD, depression, and anxiety about 1 year ago
- I have two doctors: neurological specialist for the ADD and an MD specializing in addiction for the OCD/depression/anxiety

Supplemental Info: Diagnosis
I have had each of my conditions confirmed by several different professionals and institutions just to be certain. OCD and ADD were recognized to be the worst (no surprise, huh?) while the anxiety was tagged most often as "mild", and depression the least problematic of the bunch.

PRESCRIBED MEDICATIONS
- Adderall XR: 30mg twice daily (60mg XR total)
- Adderall IR: 30mg for extended work or academic periods/evenings (1)
- Neurontin: 400mg three times daily (1200MG total)
- Pristiq: 50mb once daily for depression
- Seroquel XR: 50mg once daily (evening)

REACTIONS TO MEDICATIONS
I am not taking all of these medications because I have done some research and found there were some problematic effects of mixing. The only concern was the Adderall-- the other three can be used together safely. Here's what I am doing and why:
- ADDERALL: I take the adderall daily so that my performance and function are not lacking. It also really helps my depression.
- SEROQUEL: I take this maybe 3-4 times a week. It was prescribed for anxiety, however I also take it for my OCD and insomia caused by the adderall (due to "shadow people"/"voices"/paranoia")
- NEURONTIN & PRISTIQ: I do not take these because I've read about problems mixing with Adderall.

***NOTE: As you read these questions, please be aware that my doctors do not nor cannot know about one another. This is due to the fact that I would not be provided with Adderall if my other doctor (MD w/ specialization in addiction). I understand the concerns associated with this but bear in mind that I am NOT seeking addictive medications! Adderall is the only medication I will take with those effects, only because I have been taking it (on and off) for almost half my life.

MY QUESTIONS
- Are all of the listed medications safe to take together, based on their doseages?
- What are some options as far as medicines that would treat all of these and still be safe? (ADD/OCD/anxiety/depression/addiction)
- My biggest issue is the side effects of the adderall: Freezing fingers/toes, sore ankles, "boiling hot" fingers/toes, and "boiling hot" face/ears have been the biggest issue-- they become so changed that is is totally an interference due to the uncomfortability and numbness. I know that generally these symtoms are common (based on research and discussion with my pharmacist) however I can't tell if other factors are impacting the effects or if I am indeed close to a larger risk, such as heart attack or heart failure. Note that I spend about 60%+ of my day in a chair, in front of the computer since that is what my work involves.
- I was told fish oil and garlic help with circulation. I know that that is true, but I've heard that fish oil decreases the effects of Adderall. I've researched this on here, but it seems like a 50/50 with the answer.

Very sorry for the long post-- I'm sure I was redundent and unclear at some points but since I didn't take my evening meds yet... Maybe I can use that as an excuse for the rambling and justifications?

Thanks in advance for any feedback. I appreciate this community and look forward to becoming a more active member.

-Jim

[jimtim]

On a quick sidenote in regards to my final two questions: I am just starting to take 1000mg fish oil & 500mg garlic today. Was told by a pharamacist that would help... Seems like most of the information on here attests to that theory. Either way, additional feedback would be helpful. Sorry if this is in the wrong forum-- its my first day so I'm still figuring out where everything is. Thanks!

[trishcan]

I think the only solid advice you're going to get is that you need to either have your doctors collaborate or see only one physician. If you want to get the best out of your treatment, find a doctor who will continue your medication if your current one will not. No one on this forum is in a position to offer medical advice, which is what most of your questions amount to.

A history of addiction is not a dead end when it comes to stimulant medication. I was a meth addict in high school, and my psychiatrist at an in-patient rehab clinic was the one who diagnosed me and prescribed stimulants as a first-line approach. Many doctors understand that self-medication often goes with the territory for someone with ad/hd. If you don't think yours does, then find one who is willing to work with you.

You can call a pharmacy and talk to any pharmacist about medication interactions, but neither doctor is going to be able to make sound medical decisions for you unless they have the entire picture.

[jimtim]

I appreciate your feedback. I am sure subconciously I knew the answer... I really do need to do that. I'll have to work up the ability to do that; confronting doctors (and others for that matter) is another psychological issue I have.

In any case, you bring up a very good point about the stimulants being prescribed to those with addictive tendancies. I completely agree. Naturally, I recognize it as a threat, but it really is a good medication for the most part.

Thanks again!