Gleevec - CML & ADD -

December 29, 2005

Hi ,

> Date: Tue, 20 Dec 2005 17:38:56 -0500

> From: " ez " <lmartinez@...>

> Subject: Gleevec - CML & ADD

>

> Does anyone on this list have ADD and take meds for it with Gleevec?

I take psychostimulants for ADD. It was diagnosed long before I had CML,

but IM, by making me sleepy, makes the attention worse. I use a very low

dose of Adderal, only 5mg once in the morning and not even every day, but

gets me going sufficiently.

If you had no ADD prior to CML and IM, then it's unlikely it's really what

you have now, but a trial of psychostimulants could still be worthwhile to

deal with Gleevec-brain; the difficulty might be in getting someone to

prescribe for you. I wouldn't try it if you have any propensities toward

addiction, nor if you have high blood pressure.

There is no definitive test for ADD, I'm afraid, though some of the tests

available can be helpful. You're best of consulting a doctor (usually a

psychiatrist) who is well versed in the condition. There are also are a

number of books that can be helpful in helping you sort out whether it's ADD

or not. One that I used to recommend a lot was " Driven to Distraction, " by

Hallowell, but there are other, newer (and better? I'm not sure) ones

as well.

This is a topic I posted on a couple of years ago on Rob's list; I'll see if

I can find the post.

Cheers,

R

December 29, 2005

, Thank God you have answered! I wasn't sure that anyone even saw my

post. Obviously as you can tell from my post I am absolutely confused as to

whether I am ADD or not. But it makes so much sense as to why I have always

had the problems that I do.

However, they have progressed over the years. I am now 40 years old and I

don't recall having problems as a child. Yet I do recall having some when I

was a an adolescent.

I am scared to take 1 more medication, but if I do have ADD then I would

like to get rid of it by taking something that would help me focus as I

should be able to. Its not always fun walking around with this wondering

mind:)

I have had previous problems in the past with addiction. Its been a long 20

years but for the last 5 I have also taken xanax and yes I am addicted to

them but I do not abuse them. I am supposed to take .5MG TID but have never

taken more than 2.

After research I wonder if my previous addictions were related to being ADD

as they have found in many addicts. I also wonder if xanax would still be

necessary. I don't at all worry about abusing any drug like an addict would.

Even with my past, my theory is very simple. People have choices and I

choose NO. I am all grown up now.

Unfortunately, I have hardly any compassion in this area which to me is

amazing since most expect me to understand. But I don't... I just can't no

matter how hard I try. It just makes me angry.

I have had many traumatic events take place in my life and I just can't

imagine going through it stoned. An addict would think that's the answer.

But even though I have had addiction problems in the past, I know now that

the problem will still be there when I wake up and I don't need to add to

it. I guess I am one of the lucky ones. Once I stopped I stopped and never

looked back with the exception of all the bad it brought in my life. That

was always enough to make me think of drugs like a child would a boogey man.

Thank you for answering. I think a psychiatrist would be best at diagnosing

me since there are so many facts to consider in my case.

Now I just have to focus and stay focused on getting an appointment.

Wishing you and yours a Happy & Healthy New year!

Message: 3

Date: Thu, 29 Dec 2005 12:00:48 -0500

From: R <rrockef1@...>

Subject: Gleevec - CML & ADD -