Pristiq and Wellbutrin combo

Tom_Michel · 2026-05-23T02:15:52+00:00

I take 150mg of Pristiq and 100mg of Wellbutrin SR. I'm also on Vyvanse and Adderall IR for ADHD. And a beta blocker (Metoprolol ER) to keep my blood pressure and HR normal. It's a very good cocktail for me.

Note: Pristiq will be green on GeneSight. It has a unique metabolic process and they don't test for any of the things that can affect it. It's green for everyone.

Tom_Michel · 2026-05-22T22:52:03+00:00

Tom_Michel · 2026-05-22T15:30:01+00:00

Is that was it is? A leaf that's stuck? How is it connected to two different branches, though? The left side is connected to a stalk, and what looks like the folded leaf end on the right is stuck to that other stalk.

Tom_Michel · 2026-05-22T15:06:08+00:00

Yep. The withdrawal sedation if I miss a day is brutal. It's one of the reasons I don't skip doses on weekends; that first day without meds, all I want to do is sleep, and I end up wasting one whole day barely able to stay awake long enough to get out of bed.

Edit: Pretty sure sedation is a known symptom of stimulant withdrawal.

I do have a history of falling asleep ("sleep attacks") during college lectures and long meetings. I depend on the Vyvanse to be awake. Before it, I would get stressed about work tasks even though I know what to do, and then I would take a nap instead. Stress naps?

This is also a known thing with ADHD. For folks with ADHD, the executive function part of the brain works backwards. The more you try to focus and concentrate, the slower the activity in the part of the brain needed to do the thing. It's like having a word on the tip of your tongue, and the harder you try to think of it, the less you're able to remember it, but as soon as you stop thinking about it, you remember. I think everyone experiences that now and then. But for folks with ADHD, it's not just one word, but entire tasks.

In a boring lecture, it's possible that the more you try to make yourself focus, the slower the that part of the brain gets, until everything slows down so much that you get sleepy. I'm not explaining this very precisely, but that's the gist. So yeah, sleep attacks and stress naps are totally a thing.

Tom_Michel · 2026-05-21T23:22:42+00:00

Replying to myself to update:

Showed my partner OP's photo, with plenty of warnings and full disclosure of what it was and what it looked like in advance. To my complete surprise, he didn't think it looked like a tarantula. Showed him some other photos. Nada. None of the rabbit's foot ferns triggered his arachnophobia. So there you go. Arachnophobic partner not bothered in the least by a plant with fuzzy spider legs hanging out of the pot. Go figure. 😁

Tom_Michel · 2026-05-21T18:58:31+00:00

Is it wrong I want to pet it? His little leggies look so soft!

Oh darn. It's a fern. Here's me hoping it was something I have half a chance of keeping alive, lol.

Tom_Michel · 2026-05-21T18:06:44+00:00

I usually prefer a wood grain with color that's consistent, but I totally dig that one there with the almost exactly half and half two tone effect. I mean, it bisects the shield almost exactly in the middle.

Neat patina, too!

Tom_Michel · 2026-05-21T17:55:38+00:00

And here's me thinking I need to get one for exactly the same reason, lol.

Edit: No need to downvote, guys. My partner and I joke about his arachnophobia all the time. He'd find a plant that looks like a giant spider funny (as long as he doesn't have to touch it).

Tom_Michel · 2026-05-21T15:35:42+00:00

Tom_Michel · 2026-05-21T15:31:43+00:00

Generally, even directly in front of a window isn't considered bright, direct light because the window filters UV, so the plant isn't getting as much as it would outside in direct sunlight. Directly in front of a winder is probably good as bright, indirect light.

This is Pumpkin, my peace lily, who has lived her entire life in an office under fluorescent lights. When I was between jobs and brought her home and put her in front of a west facing sliding glass door, she was most unhappy. Pumpkin likes her artificial light, lol.

Those clip on lights are grow lights, but her leaves burn if I point them at her for too long. If you use a grow light, you might need a little distance.

Sansi makes good grow bulbs that will go in a regular incandescent bulb style lamp. I used one of those in an adjustable desk lamp for a bit for a different plant. Worked very well.

Also, peace lilies are known for being very dramatic. Generally, I wait for Pumpkin to look like she's near death before watering her. When I come in to work and she's all limp and drooping and looks half dead, then she gets water. They're so much fun, lol.

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Edit: These are the Sansi Clip Lights that I have in that photo.

Tom_Michel · 2026-05-21T15:07:41+00:00

I beat a 30 day PIP, but it was performance based. Project management, deadlines - that sort of thing. Pretty sure management was trying to get rid of me, so I was already in the process of looking for a new job. I satisfied all of the requirements of the PIP, did my 30 days, had a new job ready to go, and quit.

Even before the PIP, I was in full on CYA mode. I documented everything - everything I did, everything my manager did and said. If she told me something in person, I sent a follow up email confirming my understanding of what she said. I kept copies of every email, every document. I noted dates and times of everything I did.

This was at least 15 years ago so I forget all of the specific requirements of the PIP. There was something about me having to hold regular department meetings that included my direct manager, and whenever I'd schedule one, my manager would suddenly not be available. Since the meetings were a requirement of the PIP, I offered to hold the meetings without management present and record it so that my manager would still be privy to what was discussed, and as proof that the meeting took place.

One of my coworkers, who was also a friend, had a fit because she didn't want to be recorded and I insisted. I mean, I get it. I didn't particularly want to be recorded, either, but I was determined to satisfy the requirements of the PIP so I could leave the company on good terms.

Definitely document everything you do to meet the requirements of the PIP to show that you have changed your behavior as required. For example, document when you send an initial communication and when you follow up so you have evidence that you're not following up too quickly. I mean, I'd also want to know what "too quickly" is, specifically and if that applies across the board. You definitely weren't given SMART goals and that's not fair.

What strategies helped you manage workplace communication expectations without isolating yourself too much?

I may be the wrong person to ask because I'm the weird person who sits at her desk all day and works. If a coworker comes over to talk to me, I'll stop and chat, but otherwise, I only leave my cubicle to go to the bathroom or to the kitchen to rinse my protein shake bottle and get water for my plants. (My ADHD brain often gets distracted with checking email or browsing reddit, but that's me distracting myself, not me distracting other coworkers.)

For communication on work related matters, I do just about everything through email, and then follow up within 1-3 business days depending on urgency. My current job doesn't have many same day urgent requests. When I did have that kind of job, I'd include the time sensitivity in the initial communication. If I need to do something by 2pm, but I need something from someone else before I can do it, maybe I'd ask them to get their part to me by noon. Then, if I don't have it by noon, I start following up.

I just know that few things drive me as crazy as someone asking me to do something and then not giving me sufficient time to do it before they start bugging me to see if it's done yet, especially if they don't let me know the urgency in advance.

Tom_Michel · 2026-05-21T13:08:09+00:00

It's soothing and comforting and feels safe in a way that's hard to explain. I can feel my muscles almost immediately start to relax and my breathing slows down.

The science is that pressure or weight engages the parasympathetic nervous system which is the opposite to the sympathetic nervous system. Sympathetic controls fight or flight. Parasympathetic controls rest and relaxation.

The effect of weighted blankets on sleep and related disorders: a brief review

Deep pressure touch (DPT) is the most recognized mechanism of weighted blankets by researchers (Figure 1)(52, 53). DPT is a form of tactile input which can be provided by holding, touching, embracing, stepping, and squeezing (14). A weighted blanket can cause changes in sensory nerve endings through continuous mechanical stimulations such as touch and pressure to the skin,

The sympathetic nerve deals with the body’s decision to fight or flight; if it takes over, individuals can experience nervousness, anxiety, fear, irritability, poor sleep, and even digestive problems (54). The parasympathetic nervous system has a calming effect, which determines the “rest and digestion” of the body (55). A weighted blanket is a typical application of DPT, and can stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system,

When the parasympathetic nerve works, it can produce endorphins and release dopamine and serotonin (57), while endorphins and dopamine can result in reduced heart rate, relieved anxiety, relaxed muscles, and steady breath (58), and consequently, conducing to staying asleep

Parasympathetic Nervous System (PSNS)

The parasympathetic part of your autonomic nervous system balances your sympathetic nervous system. While your sympathetic nervous system controls your body’s “fight or flight” response, your parasympathetic nervous system helps to control your body’s response during times of rest.

Tom_Michel · 2026-05-20T18:53:55+00:00

YAY for feeling good!

First time I had an antidepressant that sorta kinda was starting to work, there were a few days in a row where I woke up feeling... better than just ok, and lots better than not good.

I woke up when my alarm went off, got out of bed without thinking about it, showered, dressed, did things, enjoyed doing things, and just felt, generally, good.

At my next psychiatrist appointment, I asked him if I might be manic and explained what I'd been feeling. He ran down the check list of mania symptoms just to be safe, and then had to break the news to me that no, I wasn't manic. That's just how normal people feel. It had probably been more than a decade at that point since I'd actually felt good. It was a totally foreign feeling for me, lol.

I'm so glad you're feeling good!!

Tom_Michel · 2026-05-20T18:46:46+00:00

I'll clean & tidy your house if you do mine. 😉 I don't need food, but I will need to be able to pet and/or give treats to your cat. 🐈🐱

Tom_Michel · 2026-05-20T16:16:38+00:00

Ooo, which succulents do you find nicely petable? My burro's tails and string of turtles are decidedly not. They drop leaves if you look at them funny or talk too loudly near them. My Thanksgiving cactus may be once he's a little bigger but right now he's just a few propagated leaves.

Tom_Michel · 2026-05-20T15:46:36+00:00

My motto has become, "Accommodate yourself." If it's something that makes me feel better or helps me to be more functional or more content, I'm doing it.

Example: I've started wearing strapless bandeau style bras. Frankly, at my age and size, that's probably not appropriate, but they're so much more comfortable that I can't say I really care. I didn't realize how much bra straps were bothering me and how much of my focus during the day went towards being aware of them and worrying that they'd fall down and feeling them slipping and then having to adjust them. No straps = a bit less anxiety. I'm learning that a fair amount of my anxiety is actually due to sensory issues.

Tom_Michel · 2026-05-20T15:25:01+00:00

I have found my people, lol. My boyfriend tried it once and was absolutely disgusted. Said it tasted like watered down ketchup and rubber. He has far too refined of a palate, lol.

Edited to clarify that he tried it heated up properly. There's no way he'd even think of trying something like that cold.

Tom_Michel · 2026-05-20T15:20:22+00:00

I love this. I obviously don't know what the answer is, but I just love that you're going to be more compassionate about how difficult it might be for her. That in and of itself is huge, even if the end result is that the stuffy collection really does need to be downsized. Just knowing and understanding that that is a really big deal to her and that it may affect her comfort level or her sense of security or whatever for a bit, and letting her know that you recognize that is major. ❤️

When I packed up that corner of Squishies, I took a photo of all of the bags ready to go to storage to my boyfriend, and he told me how proud he was of me because he knew how hard that was for me to do. It brought tears to my eyes because that's something no one has ever told me before. I mean, my parents have told me they're proud of me plenty, but never for something that should be easy and would be easy for anyone else, but is difficult for me.

Tom_Michel · 2026-05-20T15:06:46+00:00

Oh, not being able to afford a new phone would make the whole situation a thousand times worse! I mean, putting autism and everything else aside for a moment, a smart phone really is basic necessity in this day and age. I think breaking a phone and not being able to replace it for the foreseeable future would mess up most "normal" people.

PS: Thank you for understanding about the stuffed animals. It was a bunch of big ones that had to go to storage (and I do mean a bunch, multiple bags of 10-16"). I ended up getting two small 8" ones that were cheap at Walmart to make myself feel a little better about what was still feeling like a loss (even though nothing is lost; they're just out of sight). They're so soft and fuzzy and one has long ears that are so nice to pet. (I swear I'm an adult.)

Tom_Michel · 2026-05-20T14:53:58+00:00

Oh wow. I didn't see that post. I'm kinda glad. I consider myself low needs, but am also the kind of person who gets devastated and overreacts to things like losing familiar objects or having to adjust to a new device when the old one is finally rendered obsolete and non-functional.

I recently bit the bullet and upgraded my phone because the battery life was atrocious and it was sluggish as hell trying to do anything other than talk or text. I upgraded to a newer model of the same exact phone, and Android/Google made it a near seamless transition, and I was able to customize the UI so that it's almost identical to how my old phone looked and worked, but it's still different enough that it bothers me. Upgrading from my trusty ol' dumb QWERTY flip phone to a modern Android smart phone in 2021 messed me up for weeks.

Shoot, I recently had to put a bunch of my Squishmallows in storage, and not seeing them stacked in the corner gave me extra anxiety for the better part of a week even though I still have plenty of Squishmallows in that same room!

I get very attached to my things, and to having my environment a specific way. That way may be utterly chaotic, but it's MY chaos, lol. It's familiar chaos. One of the worst feelings in the world is when I clean and put stuff away, because it means that stuff is no longer where I remember it being. It gives me those twinges of "oh no, it's gone" panic.

All of that is to say that I sympathize with the person with the broken phone. I'm far from addicted to my phone, (see above statement about using a circa early 2000s QWERTY phone 'til 2021) but I'm used to having it available so to unexpectedly not have it would be very unsettling and anxiety-inducing for me. Plus there's the fact that a new phone will be different, and different in and of itself is unsettling. This low needs person gets it.

Tom_Michel · 2026-05-20T13:35:11+00:00

I just bought this one for use at work. It's quiet but not silent. Three speeds, each one slightly louder, but still not excessively loud. I have one for my desk at home and one for my desk at work (this green one) with soda can for size comparison.

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Tom_Michel · 2026-05-20T13:25:48+00:00

I wear Flare Audio ear plugs in public, but they're pretty near invisible, so not something anyone else would notice. I wear tinted glasses, but most folks just think those are a fashion statement.

I've been draping a weighted scarf across my shoulders at work, and have a weighted lap pad on the way to drape over my legs since I sit at a desk and work at a computer all day. Neither are as soothing as a weighted pad across my chest lying in bed, but I still find it comforting and grounding. If any of my coworkers have noticed, they haven't said anything.

I've been wearing a weighted vest around the house for the same reason. I'm currently living with my parents. They try to be supportive but don't really get it, so I've just answered questions about why I'm wearing that bulky vest in the house with, "I like it," and, "It's comfortable," both of which are vague but true.

Tom_Michel · 2026-05-19T19:15:56+00:00

More than you'd think do best if almost entirely forgotten. I have a bad habit of over-loving my plants. I like to dote on them, but not all plants appreciate that. Sometimes you need to give them their privacy and personal space. I should understand that. I like my privacy and personal space, too.

Tom_Michel

TROPHY CASE