![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 55. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by SLS on October 5, 2003, at 15:26:12
This is kind of weird. Two weeks ago, I added Remeron 30mg to my regime of imipramine + Effexor. I have felt absolutely no sedation, no increase in appetite, and I haven't gained a pound. If anything, I have lost weight. I'm hoping that this is a good sign.
Current regime: "California Rocket Fuel +"
imipramine (Tofranil™) 200mg
venlafaxine (Effexor™) 300mg
mirtazapine (Remeron™) 30mg
lamotrigine (Lamictal™) 200mg
aripiprazole (Abilify™) 10mg
- Scott
Posted by DSCH on October 5, 2003, at 18:44:50
In reply to California Rocket Fuel +, posted by SLS on October 5, 2003, at 15:26:12
> This is kind of weird. Two weeks ago, I added Remeron 30mg to my regime of imipramine + Effexor. I have felt absolutely no sedation, no increase in appetite, and I haven't gained a pound. If anything, I have lost weight. I'm hoping that this is a good sign.
>
> Current regime: "California Rocket Fuel +"
>
> imipramine (Tofranil™) 200mg
> venlafaxine (Effexor™) 300mg
> mirtazapine (Remeron™) 30mg
> lamotrigine (Lamictal™) 200mg
> aripiprazole (Abilify™) 10mg
>
>
> - Scott*eyes pop* *hair blown back*
Wow, Scott! How did this scheme come about? Care to tell the tale of how it evolved?
Oh, thanks for maintaining the meds chart, I check it out several times each week.
Posted by ace on October 10, 2003, at 1:55:02
In reply to California Rocket Fuel +, posted by SLS on October 5, 2003, at 15:26:12
> This is kind of weird. Two weeks ago, I added Remeron 30mg to my regime of imipramine + Effexor. I have felt absolutely no sedation, no increase in appetite, and I haven't gained a pound. If anything, I have lost weight. I'm hoping that this is a good sign.
>
> Current regime: "California Rocket Fuel +"
>
> imipramine (Tofranil™) 200mg
> venlafaxine (Effexor™) 300mg
> mirtazapine (Remeron™) 30mg
> lamotrigine (Lamictal™) 200mg
> aripiprazole (Abilify™) 10mg
>
>
> - ScottJust wanted to say g'day Scott! I hope everythings great for you bro.
Have you ever considered Amisulpride?
Ace.
Posted by SLS on October 10, 2003, at 17:07:08
In reply to Re: California Rocket Fuel + » SLS, posted by DSCH on October 5, 2003, at 18:44:50
> > This is kind of weird. Two weeks ago, I added Remeron 30mg to my regime of imipramine + Effexor. I have felt absolutely no sedation, no increase in appetite, and I haven't gained a pound. If anything, I have lost weight. I'm hoping that this is a good sign.
> >
> > Current regime: "California Rocket Fuel +"
> >
> > imipramine (Tofranil™) 200mg
> > venlafaxine (Effexor™) 300mg
> > mirtazapine (Remeron™) 30mg
> > lamotrigine (Lamictal™) 200mg
> > aripiprazole (Abilify™) 10mg
> >
> >
> > - Scott
>
> *eyes pop* *hair blown back*
>
> Wow, Scott! How did this scheme come about? Care to tell the tale of how it evolved?Sorry to disappear on you. My hard-drive crashed and, well, you know the rest...
Effexor + Remeron is a combination considered to be safe and potent. Stephen Stahl, MD is an advocate of its use and has referred to it as California Rocket Fuel or something like that. The only things that give me relief are combinations of:
MAOI + tricyclic
Lamictal + tricyclic
Effexor + tricyclicSo far, nothing. I have been taking Remeron 30mg for about three weeks. It's a low dose I know, but I wish I felt something encouraging. If this doesn't work, I would like try duloxetine (Cymbalta).
As paradoxical as it sounds, the only way that I experience a true antidepressant effect is upon discontinuing a TCA abruptly, especially while taking Nardil. The improvement can last as long as a week or two.
> Oh, thanks for maintaining the meds chart, I check it out several times each week.No sweat.
Take care.
- Scott
Posted by DSCH on October 10, 2003, at 22:39:09
In reply to Re: California Rocket Fuel +, posted by SLS on October 10, 2003, at 17:07:08
What are your off-med symptoms?
Do you understand what it is the 5HT receptors that Remeron antagonizes are supposed to do?
Posted by SLS on October 13, 2003, at 21:01:59
In reply to Re: California Rocket Fuel + » SLS, posted by DSCH on October 10, 2003, at 22:39:09
> What are your off-med symptoms?
>
> Do you understand what it is the 5HT receptors that Remeron antagonizes are supposed to do?
Which circuits do you feel are most relevant to depression?
- Scott
Posted by DSCH on October 13, 2003, at 22:09:29
In reply to Re: California Rocket Fuel + » DSCH, posted by SLS on October 13, 2003, at 21:01:59
> > What are your off-med symptoms?
> >
> > Do you understand what it is the 5HT receptors that Remeron antagonizes are supposed to do?
>
>
> Which circuits do you feel are most relevant to depression?
>
>
> - ScottI don't know. I thought you would be able to expound on it yourself. My problems have varied over time but attentivenss and motivation have been more of a problem for me than mood with some psychomotor retardation thrown in as well.
Posted by MARKED on January 21, 2004, at 20:41:08
In reply to Re: California Rocket Fuel + » SLS, posted by DSCH on October 13, 2003, at 22:09:29
What about a combination of Effexor + Mirtazapine + Trileptol + Moclobemide ??
Any feedback is welcome :)
Posted by Fivefires on June 25, 2008, at 10:54:43
In reply to California Rocket Fuel +, posted by SLS on October 5, 2003, at 15:26:12
Scott - Off to pdoc; been 90days. This Calif Rocket Fuel idea is the only combo he has ever brought up. Can you say whatever happened w/ this for you pls, got about 45min b4 appt.
tks, 5f
Posted by SLS on June 25, 2008, at 11:55:02
In reply to Re: California Rocket Fuel + » SLS, posted by Fivefires on June 25, 2008, at 10:54:43
> Scott - Off to pdoc; been 90days. This Calif Rocket Fuel idea is the only combo he has ever brought up. Can you say whatever happened w/ this for you pls, got about 45min b4 appt.
>
> tks, 5fUnfortunately, Remeron made my depression much worse, so I was never able to establish a combination treatment with it.
I don't know what your case profile looks like, so this may be exactly the wrong thing for you - but - my doctor is having a lot of success with Wellbutrin + Lamictal. I would also add either Zoloft or Lexapro into the mix.
- Scott
Posted by SLS on June 25, 2008, at 11:56:42
In reply to Re: California Rocket Fuel + » Fivefires, posted by SLS on June 25, 2008, at 11:55:02
Oops. I guess I didn't make it on time. I was out getting some sun... Sorry.
- Scott
> > Scott - Off to pdoc; been 90days. This Calif Rocket Fuel idea is the only combo he has ever brought up. Can you say whatever happened w/ this for you pls, got about 45min b4 appt.
> >
> > tks, 5f
>
> Unfortunately, Remeron made my depression much worse, so I was never able to establish a combination treatment with it.
>
> I don't know what your case profile looks like, so this may be exactly the wrong thing for you - but - my doctor is having a lot of success with Wellbutrin + Lamictal. I would also add either Zoloft or Lexapro into the mix.
>
>
> - Scott
Posted by Phillipa on June 25, 2008, at 12:30:35
In reply to Re: California Rocket Fuel +, posted by SLS on June 25, 2008, at 11:56:42
Never tried it but low dose remeron didn't touch insomnia and heard it's very easy to gain a lot of weight on high doses of remeron. Phillipa Heard good things about zoloft and a lot of relatives do well on it with xanax.
Posted by Fivefires on June 25, 2008, at 16:14:14
In reply to Re: California Rocket Fuel + » Fivefires, posted by SLS on June 25, 2008, at 11:55:02
> > Scott - Off to pdoc; been 90days. This Calif Rocket Fuel idea is the only combo he has ever brought up. Can you say whatever happened w/ this for you pls, got about 45min b4 appt.
> >
> > tks, 5f
>
> Unfortunately, Remeron made my depression much worse, so I was never able to establish a combination treatment with it.
>What if Provigil had been in there? I am on it now.
> I don't know what your case profile looks like, so this may be exactly the wrong thing for you - but - my doctor is having a lot of success with Wellbutrin + Lamictal.>
Alongside Effexor-XR???
I see some take Eff-XR w/ one or the other, Wellbutrim or Lamictal.
>I would also add either Zoloft or Lexapro into the mix.>
I'm always falling into the black hole w/ the SSRIs. I go to the place you cannot cognitively think tomorrow could be a better day, and, they increase my greatest problem, my anxiety.
My reg is as follows:
alprazolam-XR 1mg morn' a day
alprazolam 2mg 3-4x a day
Provigil 200mg or prn a dayI've become a vegie, lie in bed, no intention, no desire, interest. Something has to light a fire beneath me.
I've never been on a mix; except trazadone for sleep and Eff-XR. Was doing okay but everytime a pdoc wanted to go above 250mg on Eff-XR, I'd be scared to increase and instead stop it. o_o
He prescribed 75mg Eff-XR today. He plans to add in Remeron at a later date, so do you have time hang in here w/ me a bit on this?
Tks for getting back to me and no matter it was a little late. Kinda glad he didn't write the Rem yet.
Provigil is considered an augmentor, I believe. I've never taken it w/ Effexor-XR before, so maybe this will make a diff'?
Another idea; trazodone never really hurt me at all, slept very well, just didn't seem like a really clean drug. Would maybe this be a better augmentor alongside Eff-XR?
>Scott
tks S, 5f
Posted by SLS on June 25, 2008, at 16:36:08
In reply to Re: California Rocket Fuel +, posted by Fivefires on June 25, 2008, at 16:14:14
Hi FiveFires.
One step at a time.:-)
It probably makes sense to give your doctor's idea a try first. I'm hoping that he has a plan should that treatment not prove successful. If you demonstrate compliance with his instructions, he may be more willing to try more creative ideas in the future. If you are having problems, call your doctor first before making any changes.
It is perfectly fine to use Effexor as an adjunct to Wellbutrin and Lamictal. I had a nice little boost from mixing Effexor with nortripyline. Effexor is a very efficacious drug. It is up to you to decide if any side effects that evolve are worth continuing with treatment. For me, Effexor was clean and without any major side effects at a dosage of 300mg. Some people do well when Abilify or Geodon are added.
Is there any bipolarity in your case? What about family history?
- Scott
Posted by Fivefires on June 25, 2008, at 20:31:02
In reply to Re: California Rocket Fuel + » Fivefires, posted by SLS on June 25, 2008, at 16:36:08
Okay S ;)
I say a lot all at once huh?
It's just nice to have you here.
Pharmacy just made big mistake; but I'm not there; I'm home and it's here w/ me.
It's like a gift and at the same time it's like holding a bomb in my hands.
Wish could speak private. No?
5f
Posted by SLS on June 26, 2008, at 4:49:26
In reply to Re: California Rocket Fuel +, posted by Fivefires on June 25, 2008, at 20:31:02
Hello again, 5F
I am reticent to activate my babble-mail as I need some boundaries. I hate to be so intransigent about it.
I can't imagine what "gift" you received from your pharmacy.
What drugs are you currently taking? What do you plan to try?
Any personal or family history of bipolar disorder or ADD?
It seems to me that you haven't tried a whole lot of treatments yet. That's a good thing. It offers the hope that comes in having many alternatives available to you.
Can you list the medications you've been on? Note which ones made you feel better, which ones made you feel worse, and which ones had no effect at all.
- Scott
> Okay S ;)
>
> I say a lot all at once huh?
>
> It's just nice to have you here.
>
> Pharmacy just made big mistake; but I'm not there; I'm home and it's here w/ me.
>
> It's like a gift and at the same time it's like holding a bomb in my hands.
>
> Wish could speak private. No?
>
> 5f
Posted by Fivefires on July 10, 2008, at 14:44:21
In reply to Re: California Rocket Fuel + » Fivefires, posted by SLS on June 26, 2008, at 4:49:26
Hey Scott ... it's okay.
I've been so very sick, I've been 'edgy', ya' know? I apologize for the way I've behaved.
Of course I respect your boundaries. I've known you a long time and should understand ever better. I'm sorry.
I began Effexor-XR, but alone, titrating up four weeks. Began first week 75mg, second 150mg, third (now) 225mg, and next Weds 300mg. This 300mg will be more than I've ever taken in the past, think due to fear of going any higher because of the long long thread about all the scary things about Effexor-XR.
No hx of anything in my fam' or origin or my fam'.
Wonder why pdoc not adding in anything as this was my concern.(?) Augmenting.
Right now, at this moment, I'm having 'way overwhelming anxiety' (I always had a decrease in anxiety with Effexor-XR in the past ? and didn't have a lot of bad side effects as many others reported. I've lost weight; 12 lbs maybe, since tried Nardil, stopped, then shortly thereafter began Effexor-XR, giving it another try, still no appetite. I can report a bit of a prob' w/ depth perception. Of course I am 'on edge' still.
I lie in bed most of the day and my mind races w/ ways to get my life back.
I wonder if I'm truly dieing of a broken heart or something. Had two bad panic attacks w/ hx of heart dz in fam', so aspirin in bedstand, but took Xanax and the crushing pain was relieved. When lieing in bed I feel 'heavy', but safe.
Right now, myy hands and arms are stiff and trembling.
Did I say Eff-XR never caused an increase in anxiety/nervousness in the past, but always a decrease? I was able to decrease benzodiazepines quite a lot. If not said, reason I'd always quit was, too scared to go above 225 because of the long, long thread and reports of its dangers.
I wish didn't have to go now; but must lie down. Shaking and breathing difficult.
I thot pdoc would augment it with something, but feel he's awaiting I to decide 'what'.(???) I lack knowledge of pharmocokinetics.
Pls understand, very sick, very alone, w/o good healthcare ...
I am on Xanax2mg 3-4x a day, Xanax-XR 1 a.m., levothyroxine .75, and Provigil 150-200mg, besides Effexor-XR.
I am also on pain management meds for an injury to my c-s-pine.
What do you think about augmenting?
With what?
Again, of course, I respect your boundaries.
I've known you for a long time and care about you and your freedom to do as you feel is best for you. Guess felt hurt, but NEVER MIND THIS. It's okay. It was an 'incorrect reaction'; having a lot of this lately. Like pouting like a child; which I feel I am sometimes. I've really lost myself here, more than ever, more than first came to PB.
Hope you, all, are well.
most sincerely, 5f
Posted by SLS on July 12, 2008, at 10:35:05
In reply to Re: California Rocket Fuel +, posted by Fivefires on July 10, 2008, at 14:44:21
For me personally, I found that Effexor 300mg was more effective than 225mg. I think it is worth establishing that dosage before augmenting with anything. I like adding either nortriptyline or Wellbutrin to Effexor.
You are not alone. Cyberspace is real. It is like having an army of pen-pals at your side. While this is an inadequate substitute for the human touch, it is still a form of socializing. I was a complete hermit for ten years before joining the world of Psycho-Babble. It helped me reconnect with people.
Please keep us updated on what's going on with you. You have friends. I know of at least one.
:-)
Please don't hesitate to ask questions and give feedback to others.
Regarding your reaction to my asking to keep my boundaries in place, I can understand it and can see myself reacting the same way. I'm sure your reaction was amplified by being alone and perhaps not having practice in knowing when to take something personally and when not to. It was nothing personal.
I hope to see you feel better soon.
- Scott
Posted by Phillipa on July 12, 2008, at 19:34:47
In reply to Re: California Rocket Fuel + » Fivefires, posted by SLS on July 12, 2008, at 10:35:05
I know another friend she has also me!!!! Love Phillipa
Posted by Fivefires on July 13, 2008, at 21:39:24
In reply to Re: California Rocket Fuel + » Fivefires, posted by SLS on July 12, 2008, at 10:35:05
> For me personally, I found that Effexor 300mg was more effective than 225mg.>
Glad you're here, and this gives me some 'HOPE', cuz suffering quite a lot. Developed a dependence upon one or more things, I believe.
>I think it is worth establishing that dosage before augmenting with anything.>
I guess then my pdoc IS doing this right
>I like adding either nortriptyline or Wellbutrin to Effexor. You are not alone. Cyberspace is real. It is like having an army of pen-pals at your side.>
I was beginning to think you were 'all' tired of me, always asking and maybe never 'giving'(?) enough in return. I see this trait in myself and don't like it; I wasn't always like this, pp who needed help/comfort used to come to me.(?)
>While this is an inadequate substitute for the human touch, it is still a form of socializing.>
Yes, it's pretty dang close.
I posted a followup to another's post on neurotransmitters. I've been feeling like I'm jonesing(sp?), but not sure for what, .. benzo, pain med, cigarette, LOVE?, all? Can't find relief.
>I was a complete hermit for ten years before joining the world of Psycho-Babble.>
Oh my goodness; how'd you get out alive?
>It helped me reconnect with people.>
I am thankful for it. It does help. And, like any communication, sometimes good, sometimes confusing, sometimes bad.
> Please keep us updated on what's going on with you. You have friends. I know of at least one.>I'll go up to 300mg E-XR next Weds.
Today, cold, hot, aching for something inside, alone, agoraphobic, heavy hard breathing, no appetite, dropping pounds. Spend day in bed w/ only Provigil to get me up. Docs won't approve inpatient med stabilization. Only admit if suic*dal or homici*l or ps*chotic. At my age though, I wonder, worry, I could suffer a more physical insult to my body, in such shape. Told nothing will help me by T. Think error to say this to me. Need empathetic T. Too sick to do the footwork, paperwork, phone calls to make the change right now tho'.
Do major depressive episodes last 8-9mos?
Like said, can't do IRL and/or Normal Activities Of Daily Living or NADLs done; so weak, withered.
I have done all but filed a complaint re: my care. I make it known to my healthcare givers how I am doing consistently via phone.
I've tried very hard to not take more benzo or oxycodone than prescribed, but am finding this more and more difficult. Have developed a dependence but not certain to which!(?) I will hyperventilate if I fear running out of cigarettes. Literally am disheveled and malnourished, very hot, then chilling cold, feel needy, fear inpatient facilities where might be treated like criminal so only one which I know of is palatable to me and usually there are no vacancies.
I've etched nortriptyline and wellbutrin in my mind. When time, will you tell me, pharmacologically, how they interact and aid Effexor-XR, and now they might rid me of some of these side effects and might tackle this agoraphobia, this lack of a feeling of well-being? I once had sufficient self-confidence and ability to orchestrate, appropriately, self-advocacy. I feel uncomfortably vulnerable.
> :-)
> Please don't hesitate to ask questions and give feedback to others.
>
> Regarding your reaction>Yeah, guess that was pretty obvious.
>to my asking to keep my boundaries in place, I can understand it and can see myself reacting the same way. I'm sure your reaction was amplified by being alone and perhaps not having practice in knowing when to take something personally and when not to. It was nothing personal.>
I tried to see it and feel it socially properly. I know this is a thing we need to do for ourselves to take care of ourselves sometimes, but, being so alone and having felt I'd known you quite a long time, couldn't get it right there for a while and hesitated and didn't know how to respond. I am sorry.
> I hope to see you feel better soon.>
I know, and am very glad to have heard from you this day. This is helpful. It's been pretty dang bad/horrible.
> - Scott>
Tks Scott
5f
Posted by SLS on July 14, 2008, at 4:47:30
In reply to Re: California Rocket Fuel +, posted by Fivefires on July 13, 2008, at 21:39:24
Hi 5F.
I feel honored that you should think so much of me to have shared so much.
When I hear of agoraphobia, my first thought is of a tricyclic. Imipramine has shown efficacy in treating it. However, nortriptyline is closely related enough that I think it is worth a try before Wellbutrin.
Which SSRIs have you tried? Which of them felt best?
It is imperative that you reduce your anxiety load. This can happen automatically when a treatment for the depression works. You might, on the other hand, need an anxiolytic indefinitely. Most people use Klonopin for this. Ativan would make a good alternative. A third way to reduce your stress is to investigate any psychological issues that might be promoting it.
If Effexor + antidepressant#2 does not work, you can simply add antidepressant#3. It would not hurt to add Wellbutrin to Effexor + nortriptyline. I would also consider adding Lamictal to these three if you sustain any positive effect at all.
Still thinking...
Any panic attacks? How often?
- Scott
Posted by Fivefires on July 14, 2008, at 14:42:18
In reply to Re: California Rocket Fuel + » Fivefires, posted by SLS on July 14, 2008, at 4:47:30
> Hi 5F.
>
> I feel honored that you should think so much of me to have shared so much.>Well .. you're welcome.
> When I hear of agoraphobia, my first thought is of a tricyclic.
Hmmm.
>Imipramine has shown efficacy in treating it. However, nortriptyline is closely related enough that I think it is worth a try before Wellbutrin.
>I was on a tricyclic by itself a couple years(?) back maybe. Cannot remember why d.c. I was also on Wellbutrin by itself in the past and recall more discomfort w/ it and d.c.'d. But, these were all mono (one - correct?) monotherapy. I've never been on a combination. (Think I keep repeating this.)
> Which SSRIs have you tried? Which of them felt best?>
All cause more anxiety than already have, and 'black holes', these were times I did what wasn't cognitively well enough to know what I was doing. Funny w/ Zoloft; for about 3-4hrs, I felt very good, nearly elated, and then, the feeling was gone, vanished, never returned. I became very depressed.
> It is imperative that you reduce your anxiety load. This can happen automatically when a treatment for the depression works. You might, on the other hand, need an anxiolytic indefinitely. Most people use Klonopin for this.>
My pdoc has me on X-XR in a.m. and Xanax 2mg 3-4x a day. He WON'T put me on two DIFFERENT BENZOS. I would prefer Klonopin as the underlying support and Xanax as necessary, but he won't budge here.
>Ativan would make a good alternative.>
Have tried and instead of lessening anxiety so am functional, makes me 'sleepy' and unable to function.
>A third way to reduce your stress is to investigate any psychological issues that might be promoting it.>
I definitely would like to find a therapist who still believes in psycho-dynamic therapy. All this DBT, CBT, ways of ignoring it, pushing it away, don't seem to work for me. I was hurt by another person who was supposed to love me in sickness and in health. I rec'd no justice. So, yes, I need to talk, and I would relish some empathy, not 50ways to forget what your mind is thinking about! Is anyone else like me I wonder. I wonder if others are dissatisfied with this form of handling their emotions.
> If Effexor + antidepressant#2 does not work, you can simply add antidepressant#3. >
You mean three(3) meds?
>It would not hurt to add Wellbutrin to Effexor + nortriptyline.>
Oh my goodness.
>I would also consider adding Lamictal to these three if you sustain any positive effect at all.>
Wow...
> Still thinking...>
Did I ask you why you ruled our Remeron or what you fould dissatifactory with it?
> Any panic attacks? How often?>
Yes ... about one every two days. Fear I've taken extra Xanax and fear if call pdoc to tell, he'll tell me to stop med. Pdoc and therapist both, I think, think I cannot be helped by meds.
>
> - ScottTks, 5f
Posted by SLS on July 14, 2008, at 17:32:06
In reply to Re: California Rocket Fuel +, posted by Fivefires on July 14, 2008, at 14:42:18
Sorry, I thought you had made up your mind to not try Remeron. Why not give it a try?
What do you suppose would happen if you switched over from Xanax to Klonopin?
Have you ever talked about using Buspar?
I wouldn't want to shove it down your throat just yet, but you might be a responder to Nardil. Nardil is a broad spectrum psychotropic that treats depression, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder and OCD to name a few. You might have GAD. This would explain the panic attacks.
- Scott
Posted by Fivefires on July 15, 2008, at 13:02:51
In reply to Re: California Rocket Fuel +, posted by SLS on July 14, 2008, at 17:32:06
> Sorry, I thought you had made up your mind to not try Remeron. Why not give it a try?>
I haven't made up my mind 'which' to try. I learned that Remeron, if not at high enough dose, causes fatigue, and this is a big problem for me.
> What do you suppose would happen if you switched over from Xanax to Klonopin?>
Did you happen to read my description of a 'nervous breakdown in 2005'? I know the two words are not a diagnosis, but my nervous system shut down, couldn't walk w/o holding onto something, hyperventilating all the time awake, BP drops to near pass out, hospitalized, put on Valium and brought back to life. Just prior to this I'd been on Klonopin. Unfamiliar w/ 'really how strong it is' because I couldn't 'feel it' like I can Xanax or Valium, when the pdoc cold-turkeyed 4wks before this happened, I didn't disagree. Sometimes while inpatient pdoc would forget to sign off on my meds so until they reached him the nurses couldn't give me Valium at scheduled times. At these times, I'd feel pressure on the top of my head, and, one time, just once, I became paranoid, thought everyone looking at me, talking about me. Having some medical background I talked my way through it constantly repeating to myself 'no you're just imagining it' until the doc called and they gave me the Valium. Then, when I saw the floor going out from under me, screamed for help, the staff began to pay attention to why I was there.(?) I'd prefer to be on Klonopin and Xanax prn, but pdoc refuses to prescribe two(2) benzos. Tho', I'm on Xanax-XR 1mg a.m. and Xanax 2mg 3-4x a day.(?)
After the above experience, I'm way adamate my nervous system is well-covered. Is Klonopin stronger than Xanax? This would be the only way I'd agree. I know of a woman who takes Klonopin and then Xanax prn, and does very well on this.
> Have you ever talked about using Buspar?>Tried in past and didn't alleviate anxiety.
> I wouldn't want to shove it down your throat just yet, but you might be a responder to Nardil. Nardil is a broad spectrum psychotropic that treats depression, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder and OCD to name a few. You might have GAD. This would explain the panic attacks.>
I just finished a try of it. Because the initial side effects were hard; and I'm alone, and even phone calls are often not returned from pdoc office, I asked to go inpatient so could adjust to it w/ some assistance, but pdoc said no. I was disappointed because I think I began to feel a bit 'like my old self', 'reacting properly to situations, social or emotional or cognitive, ya' know? But, physically I needed some assistance. I hated to stop it, but had no choice as the initial side effects were too harsh w/o some support. I'm 5'5" and now down to 108lbs, but, because don't have a lot of fat and am a fast metabolizer, seem to require MORE, not LESS medication. Anyway, while here and taking it, I felt my heart rate going all over the place. I even called 911 and 8 big guys stood around me and said, 'you know if you go to the ER, they'll just send you home'. The last prob' 5x I've been to an ER here this 'has' happened. I was and am angered at this feeling 'I'm not worthy of professional care'. Almost filed a complaint, but had done once in another county and was just shunned by all in clinic. I've done my fair share of trying to right wrongs in my life. One daughter says it's time for me to think about myself. Pdoc said only suicidal, homicidal, or psychotic patients qualify for inpatient. It would be very hard for me to switch from the 'supposedly best pdoc here' to another right now. I'm not going to see my T here anymore, as our relationship is uncomfortable. Last saw she sat with arms crossed in a defensive manner. The initial empathy I felt from her went away when I said 'no doc has ever dx'd me borderline and to tell me I am and nothing will ever help me is wayyy wrong'. I'm afraid my pdoc is of the same opinion but doesn't speak of it. I think this is wrong. The first time I'd ever even heard of it, was from a case manager who said, 'have you ever been dx'd borderline (I think I've already told you this! Sorry!) Financially, I'm just above the poverty level so I'm NOT entitled to the free health care to those who receive $30 less than I a month and can see practically one. I'm in the grey area - too much for help, too little to pay out of pocket for help. And, unfortunately, my support is limited to my children. After father passed away now 4yrs, the rest of my fam' of origin sorta' went w/ him; currently calling me 'exhausting'. Siblings have security/partners and mother financially well-to-do. I, with my Dad, were very kindred, and wonder this is why I've sort of been ostracized now. Ya' know, you had the most of him while he was here; now you get nothing. Our home there was sold. My home here was sold so another could build another home, and I was sort of moved .. to a very isolated area which is way not good for me. All I knew, all of my life, but my children, *gone*.
A year later I had the not-a-real-dx 'nervous breakdown'. I'd been dc'd w/o titration from Klonopin (Thought I'd said something here, but don't see it on quick look-over. Anyway, because I'd been used to Xanax, Valium, even Librium, Klonopin didn't 'feel strong' to me, so this is why I didn't object to the cold turkey.) and at the same time I'd been asked to remove my things from a storage bldg back home, another state; which hit me hard. I'd been told this storage bldg was being kept to 'keep the family together'.
Another unfunny; I find myself wondering if people truly can die from a broken heart. Unplug the love and what is left - I dunno - always bounced back from losses in past - not this time. I cannot keep food in my body. Spirit (I'd always been high-spirited and had a strong personality.) nil to none now. Even children, who used to enjoy being w/ me, don't come over unless I specifically ask or there is a holiday. Dunno. Googled it once and just got confusing silly stories; nothng serious.
But, no Scott, Remeron, nortriptyline, and Wellbutrin, all three balls in the air, not sure which one might help Eff-XR flip my switch back to 'on'. Surprised I'm tolerating the 300mg okay this nearly midday. Can't complain much about the hot, then freezing, feels. Hope will abate. Eff-XR, is the only psych med which has ever been effective. (Well, didn't get a chance w/ Nardil really.) Why didn't I stay on it before? Becaue I got scared when it was time to go to 300mg! Afraid of brain damage. o_o I began to disdain that long long thread about it.
My fam has told me they'll not help me $ wise, just in case you are wondering.
Just went to Eff-XR 300mg this a.m. (repeating self huh?), but waited until AFTER losing every bit of nourishment I'd put into my body yesterday, upon awakening. Could be from Provigil.(?)
> - Scott>
Appreciate you keeping in touch and sharing your education and/or experiences.
5f
Posted by Phillipa on July 15, 2008, at 20:18:16
In reply to Re: California Rocket Fuel +, posted by Fivefires on July 15, 2008, at 13:02:51
ON a positive note you say the effexor at the higher dose is helping right? Maybe don't take providgil two days a week to get the effect back. Others know much more. Phillipa
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