postr/StutterMedicationDecember 16, 2024

My journey of medication for stuttering

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My journey of medication for stuttering # Experiences: I have stuttered since childhood and am now 39 years old. Over the years, I’ve tried various therapies, including traditional speech therapy with a speech therapist, as well as alternative methods such as speaking with intonation, conscious speech training, and the Michael Williams approach. These therapies taught me not to let my stutter take over but rather to manage it by speaking more slowly, using more intonation, or elongating words—techniques primarily introduced through alternative therapies. Currently, I’ve started experimenting with medication under the guidance of my doctor, who has some expertise in stuttering. Here are my experiences so far: * **First medication: Ritalin, 20 mg every morning for two weeks.** I didn’t notice any changes—neither positive nor negative. * **Second medication: Mysoline, 250 mg every night before bed for two weeks.** My doctor prescribed this because he observed that my stuttering resembled a type of epileptic seizure, where I would get stuck on a letter and force it out.*To be continued...* * **Day 1:** I experienced side effects such as dizziness, nausea, and flu-like symptoms. However, my speech seemed to improve. I’m unsure if this was due to the medication or a placebo effect. It was a Saturday, so I didn’t have to speak much, but I noticed only one minor block. * **Day 2:** I took half a tablet because the side effects on the first day were quite strong. With this lower dose, the side effects were less intense, and my speech was still relatively fluent, though I experienced about four minor blocks. I’m still unsure whether this was due to the medication or the fact that I hadn’t needed to speak much or in a group setting. * **Day 3:** I went back to a full tablet. The side effects returned—dizziness and nausea—but were not as severe as on the first day. * **Third medication (potential):** If the second medication doesn’t work, my doctor mentioned trying another drug, likely one to reduce anxiety. I’ve forgotten the name, but I’ll keep you updated.

Themes

Therapy & ProfessionalMeds & SubstancesAnticipation & Avoidance

Subthemes

Therapy ExperiencesHelpful Med OutcomesHarmful Med OutcomesSide Effects & RisksStimulants & CaffeineAnticipating Stuttering

Codes (3)

anti_epileptics_anticonvulsantsother_unclassifiedssris_snris_antidepressants