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Posted 3/3/2023 5:00 PM (GMT 0)
All,
Since I started this journey, I have had some (for me) pretty serious cognitive issues.

Depression, I asked for something to help. They started me on Venlafixine. It helped some.
Tired, lack of focus, not a clear mind at all, couldn't follow logic at a senior programmer level.

Went on Xtandi one year ago, my depression and my cognitive problems got much, much worse over the last year.

I went to my PCP for help after being put on probation.
Yesterday, he doubled my depression med, and also put me on a fairly strong dose of an attention deficit medicine.

OH MY GOODNESS! I started taking these this morning at 6:15, and in an hour or so, I felt like I did before I started this PCa journey.

I feel like a new man!!!!!!!
Posted 3/3/2023 5:22 PM (GMT 0)
Glad to hear Alephnull! You deserve to feel better. Indeed, such medications can be life changing. Unfortunately, these medications are sometimes scheduled controlled substances and doctors may be afraid to prescribe them. The DEA seems to believe they know what's best for everybody. šŸ˜
Posted 3/3/2023 9:18 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks mattam!!
It was kind of funny, he asked me if I minded going on amphetamines.
I was like ***?
My thoughts went back to the 70s and uppers, barbs and speed.

Turns out it's an attention deficit drug.
Which means my symptoms mirror A.D.D.

BTW One of my Oncologists had been the one to prescribe the depression drug in the first place and had been renewing the script periodically.
And then a couple days I asked if he could raise the dosage or give me a different one.
He decided he wasn't going to have anything to do with it anymore, so he told me to check with my PCP.

Regardless, I am a happy man today.
Posted 3/3/2023 9:35 PM (GMT 0)
It has been known for decades that stimulants can often provide fast acting relief from refractory depression. But it is somewhat taboo for doctors to prescribe these medications because Big Brother thinks that people can't be trusted to stay within their prescriptions. I think it's shameful.

These medications have the potential to greatly improve the lives of guys who are sentenced to lifetime ADT.
Posted 3/3/2023 10:53 PM (GMT 0)
Happy for you!
Yes mattam I wish government would stay the heck out of doctor's business.
Not to get off topic but it's actually making a bad situation much worse.
I've had depression in the past and it's a terrible malady. Glad you are feeling better.

Glen
Posted 3/4/2023 3:16 AM (GMT 0)
Aleph, glad you got some relief after all youā€™ve been through
Posted 3/4/2023 4:00 AM (GMT 0)
"OH MY GOODNESS! I started taking these this morning at 6:15, and in an hour or so, I felt like I did before I started this PCa journey.

I feel like a new man!!!!!!!"

haha i love hearing that!
Posted 3/6/2023 12:43 PM (GMT 0)
So glad to hear you found a solution to your depression / cognitive issues. I too battle depression and I take a variety of medications including ADHD meds. It does make a world of difference. There is so much abuse of the ADHD meds that the rules surrounding getting a RX filled is sometimes a hassle (canā€™t refill fewer than 28 days after last refill; some prescribers insist on monitoring blood pressure). But inconveniences aside, it was a game-changer for me, too. I wish you the best.
Posted 3/7/2023 4:13 PM (GMT 0)
I love hearing about solutions to these lousy problems we are having!!! Do you mind us/me asking what medication Dr. prescribed for the ADD?
Posted 3/7/2023 4:25 PM (GMT 0)

hogo2000 said...
I love hearing about solutions to these lousy problems we are having!!! Do you mind us/me asking what medication Dr. prescribed for the ADD?

In my case, my doctor prescribes me methylphenidate (brand name Ritalin LA). I take long-acting capsules in the morning. For me, it makes all the difference in terms of attention and energy. Iā€™ve been taking it for about 30 years with no issues / side effects.
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