HomeAnswersInternal MedicineadhdI suffer from adult ADHD and IBS, for which I take medicines, but my physician wants to change my medications. Please help.

Will it harm me if my doctors switch my ADHD and IBS medications?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Answered by

Dr. Sugandh Garg

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At December 13, 2023
Reviewed AtDecember 13, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I suffer from adult ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). Due to IBS, I suffer from constipation, gas, bloating, pain during ejaculation, and reflux hiatal hernia. I am currently on 150 mg of Wellbutrin and 40 mg of Tianeptine daily. My physician wants to change Tianeptine for Citalopram by starting at 1 mg, increasing the dose by 5 mg to find the lowest effective amount, and adding Clonidine at a very low dose of 5 mcg. Wellbutrin is helping ADHD symptoms with waking up, motivation, and focus. But I am still scattered with difficulty planning, following through with work, organizing my day, saving money, and sticking to my diet. Also, socializing is difficult for me. While I enjoy being with people, I am easily stressed and overwhelmed, and thus tend to avoid gatherings. I have done a lot of therapy: cognitive-behavioral, acceptance, and commitment, which has helped. But I felt sociable and at ease on Moclobemide, which I had to quit because it made me too tired to engage. My physician has explained that Citalopram could help my IBS and social anxiety and that a low dose of Clonidine can reduce ADHD symptoms and increase decisiveness. I am concerned about potential interactions. I have had ADHD since childhood, which made my school life difficult. I also had a stomach problem most of my life, but symptoms became apparent when I was 18 years old. Along with these medications, I also take Modafinil, Metoclopramide, Ranitidine, Omeprazole, Lansoprazole, and Esomeprazole. Please help.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Sugandh Garg

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read the query, and I can understand your concern.

Keep yourself calm and relaxed, but do not panic. However, your treating physician, who has been familiar with your situation for some time, is beginning the medication in tiny quantities to gauge its effectiveness. Keep him informed of any adverse reactions. Try alternative methods for calming yourself, such as a good diet and lots of water, which will also benefit you if you have IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). Walk, do yoga, exercise, meditation, and listen to soft positive music gradually as health permits. Keep yourself busy and engaged in activities you like or with people you can trust and are comfortable with.

I hope this will help you.

Thank you.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Sugandh Garg
Dr. Sugandh Garg

Internal Medicine

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