DOSE:	80 mg	oral	Pharms - Atomoxetine	(daily)
	45 mg	oral	Pharms - Mirtazapine	(daily)

BODY WEIGHT:

205 lb

I’m a psychologist in training and work at a nationally recognized specialty AD/HD clinic. However, the following should not be construed as psychological and/or medical advice. I am simply reporting my personal experience with the above named substances.

I was diagnosed with AD/HD at a young age; however, I was intelligent enough that I was able to go “med-free” until ninth grade, which is when the pre-IB track began picking up. From about 15 years of age to 20, I took 40 mgs of Adderall (amphetamine salts) per day. Although it was effective, there were some down sides. With Adderall, there was an “on” and “off” feeling; that is, I knew when it was working, and when it wore off. Although mitigation of my AD/HD symptomology was a necessity, I didn’t always feel “like myself”- after all, spacing out, hyperactivity, etc. are who I am. Not all of it is bad- I’ve had great insights during some of my space outs, in this instance more appropriately labeled dissociation. I stopped taking the Adderall for six months. It was hell. I definitely have AD/HD, and I could barely function.

For the last five years, I’ve been taking 80mg Strattera (atomoxetine) each morning and 45mg Remeron (mirtazapine) each night. Together, the two work synergistically to mitigate my AD/HD symptoms, with no “on” and “off” feeling. While they may not work quite as well as amphetamines or methylphenidate, I still feel like myself; that is, I can concentrate when I have to, but still “be AD/HD” at appropriate times. Since I’m currently working on my PhD, I have to concentrate a lot. I’ve got the motivation and the cognitive-behavioral skills; the medication is the missing piece that allows me to realize my full potential.

Exp Year: 2008	ExpID: 72740
Gender: Male
Age at time of experience: Not Given
Published: Nov 6, 2009	Views: 25,657
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Pharms - Atomoxetine (316), Pharms - Mirtazapine (311) : Combinations (3), Medical Use (47), Not Applicable (38)