Posted by jujube on December 29, 2004, at 18:27:45
In reply to Re: Kara - Have you come to a decision? » jujube, posted by KaraS on December 29, 2004, at 14:08:57
Hi Kara,
> So sorry you're experiencing the same thing but glad to hear I'm not alone. I didn't realize that the Anafranil response has been so incomplete for you. I just thought that you needed the dopaminergic activity added on to your antidepressant effect. Hopefully the Vitex will help with hormonal issues soon and you can figure out how much of the problem that contributed to and how much the antidepressant is actually doing. It's hard enough to try to deal with one problem but the other issues make it so much more complicated.
>
-- The Anafranil seemed to help somewhat at 50 mg, and I was quite enthusiastic because I felt better than I had in a while. But the response has been moderate, and I remain fatigued and melancholic. At least the NADH gave me the energy I needed to get things ready for Christmas and enjoy the day with my family when they came to my house. I actually had felt somewhat like my old self again, which tends to be hyper. The PMS is a big issue. My mood and energy levels take a real nosedive 10 to 14 days before it comes. The Vitex is helping some, but it can take up to 3 months for full effect. I might also try some Pregnenolone, which is supposed to be effective for PMS as well, and am thinking of adding some soy isoflavins. >> Hmmm. I have taken chromium during the day but not at night.
-- I find the chromium helps me. It is supposed to be good for anxiety and regulating blood sugar levels. Maybe that's why it helps.
Sometimes it seems like 1 step forward and 2 steps back...
-- I know what you mean. At the end of July, my iron had come up to almost the normal range, and I was starting to feel a bit more energetic and motivated. Then I got the Depo shot, and it was like a big old kick in the pants. I was worse than I had been before. The shot has worn off, which is good, but the worsening of depression it caused has not lifted. Tonight I will try 75 mg of Anafranil to see if I can tolerate it. Regardless, I remain hopeful that I will respond to something soon.
It's so unusual to hear of people trying to raise their blood pressure. Is yours low to begin with or is this a side effect from the Anafranil itself?
-- My blood pressure has always been on the low side, but not so low that it needs to be medically treated. Even when I am not on medication, I get really dizzy when I stand up and when I am standing for long periods (like when I take a hot or warm shower, standing in a line at the grocery store or waiting at a bus stop). Being on the Anafranil has made the dizziness even worse. I think the salt tablets are helping. I don't seem to be as dizzy when I stand up. So, time will tell.
> I know exactly what you're talking about regarding irrational fears especially when going out. It sounds like you might have GAD (General Anxiety Disorder) as I think I have right now. Sometimes even reading can elicit that fear in me. I tend to get like this when unmedicated though both the SSRIs and the TCAs seem to work well to counteract this in me. Unfortunately, the DMAE might be exacerbating the situation. (Better ask Lar-- I haven't found that the DMAE has increased my anxiety, but I will continue to monitor that. Thanks for the suggestion.
> I guess it's good that we have our "children" who need us. It give us more incentive to get well.-- It's nice to feel needed. My dog is such good company, and she keeps me active even when I am at my worst. Because of her, I have to get up and go for a couple of walks a day, which is good. When I am well, I will get back into the long, therapeutic walks along the river. It's so soothing to go for an hour or hour and a half walk to clear your head.
> Wow! I'm always fascinated by those kinds of stories. I can't wait to hear about your meeting with him. Wish I could get an appointment!
-- Maybe we could pass ourselves as Siamese twins and both go to see him! I hope I don't have to wait too long to see him. I'm kind of excited about it.
> Same to you. Talk to you later.
-- Bye for now.
Tamara
poster:jujube
thread:434103
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20041228/msgs/435453.html