Forum topic: More Connections and a Doctor Visit

Today, I had a follow up visit to the Dr about my ADHD meds and how the chang over is working: Adderal / Wellvutrin to Vyvanse / Zoloft.

 As far as this switch, it seems to have gone pretty smoothly. I'm not experiencing the depression that I was with no apparent adverse side effects to speak of. 

 But I'm also experiencing a few new changes on the negative side.

I quickly updated him on my new diagnosis of CPTSD...and also mentioned anger ( again ) and panick attacks. I realize now, all my major episode of anger with my SO...involved both panic attacks with anger but....I think now, the panic attacks are now,  predominantly the issue ...less, the anger.

 I gave him a brief history of what I've learned and connected this all together. He did ask what caused the PTSD and I was able to tell him rather quickly.   It was the anger ( or so I thought ) that I initially came in for, in the first place.

He seems to be somewhat familiar with ADHD because he also works with a lot of kids. He confirmed that the anger is a component of ADHD...but not necessarily CPTSD or hypersensitivity ( HSP ) as a combo. Sometimes yes, but not usually ( or most often ). That was also interesting to learn.

Anyway, I talked to him about my panic attacks and how they've increased more recently...especially with any confrontations with my partner.  

When he checked my blood pressure, it was through the roof. They checked it 4 times to be sure, but it hit 169 on the high end...and remained in the 160s every time. This was without taking my meds before hand.

He prescribed my Ativan for my panic attacks and said it should help bring things down...as needed.

The thing is, I've never had hypertension in my life. And I only have panic attacks when I'm triggered by contempt. In particular, the contempt I feel from my SO. The highest my blood pressure has ever been ( high side ) was 130 after taking 40grams of Adderall in the past.

As I am, I looked up reasons for such high blood pressure and PTSD was listed at one possibility. My diet, more recently, has improve from the past as well.

The connection it seems, is the increase in panic attacks related to CPTSD....as my depression and ADHD symptoms seemed to be managed okay at my current doses of medication and working as they should.

One might argue then, that an increase in triggers, along with my increased ability to suppress them to reduce conflict ....has resulted in a higher blood pressure and more panick attacks.

Of course, this is purely anecdotal from my own perspective but....on paper it reads:

-Panic attacks increased but conflict with partner has gone down.

-Nightmares increased 

-Suppression increased, due increased triggers.

-Blood pressure spikes to an all time high

-Ativan added to reduce the severity of panic attacks ( on demand )

   I can't forget that the increased pressure at work probably has an influence but ...I'm use to working under stress at work all the time....and I still have never had 169 blood pressure even once before.

The biggest single change:...the increase in triggers and increase in nightmares and panic attacks then.

I'm going back in a month to have my BP checked again.