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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by SLS on August 8, 2016, at 11:16:35
In reply to bit by bit, almost there..., posted by Escapee on August 8, 2016, at 11:06:59
I hope you are wonderfully surprised!
- Scott---------------------------------------------------
> OK. Now I'm almost done with my med reductions. Bearing in mind I'm keep 100mg quetiapine + 'some' clonazepam, I've dropped dramatically.
>
> This week:
> 10mg isocarboxazid (ditching on Sunday)
> 150mg bupropion (last dose on Wednesday)
> 50mg amitriptyline (ditching on Sunday)
> 1.5mg clonazepam (down to 1mg on Sunday)
> 100mg quetiapine (keeping)
> Diphenhydramine (just started for sleep)
> Keeping all supplements + added AnthroPlex, a strong adaptogenic.
>
> Next Monday will be 11days before I see my pdoc to begin phenelzine. I think that's a long enough washout of the contraindicated meds
>
> A few things have happened. My appetite is almost completely gone so small regular snacks throughout the day. Also lost almost a stone in weight since I began reducing. Almost no depression at all. YET! Social & general anxiety sky high. I expected that.
>
> Escapee
Posted by Escapee on August 8, 2016, at 11:20:36
In reply to Re: bit by bit, almost there... » Escapee, posted by SLS on August 8, 2016, at 11:16:35
Posted by Escapee on August 8, 2016, at 14:33:50
In reply to Re: bit by bit, almost there... » Escapee, posted by SLS on August 8, 2016, at 11:16:35
>Almost no depression at all. YET!
Spoke too soon
Posted by SLS on August 8, 2016, at 15:14:28
In reply to Re: bit by bit, almost there..., posted by Escapee on August 8, 2016, at 14:33:50
> >Almost no depression at all. YET!
>
> Spoke too soon.What's happening?
- Scott
Posted by Escapee on August 9, 2016, at 3:52:10
In reply to Re: bit by bit, almost there... » Escapee, posted by SLS on August 8, 2016, at 15:14:28
> > Spoke too soon.
>
> What's happening?
>
>
> - Scottbattery died. had a bad night too....16 more days
Posted by Escapee on August 9, 2016, at 4:12:32
In reply to Re: bit by bit, almost there... » SLS, posted by Escapee on August 9, 2016, at 3:52:10
Just ordered some 5-HTP online. Hopefully here by tomorrow. Ive used it before when switching meds with good effect. Doesn't last long. 7-10 days, but it has helped to break through downward spirals.
Posted by Escapee on August 9, 2016, at 14:57:18
In reply to Re: bit by bit, almost there..., posted by Escapee on August 9, 2016, at 4:12:32
And now im drinking. Sh*t loads. I'm tense, nervous when outside and am drinking like a fish with little effect. What a mess. gotta do something. Try and get a bed in a psych ward? Will they take me? Will I have to lie and say i'm suicidal or will that hang on my conscience and pull me even lower. Should have organized this all 1st. But no chance of the f**king NHS bast*rds doing that.........................................................................................................................................................................................
Posted by Escapee on August 9, 2016, at 15:52:13
In reply to Re: bit by bit, almost there..., posted by Escapee on August 9, 2016, at 14:57:18
Heres my last post on the subject. Thanks to all the helpfull comments and sugestions! I'm so f*ckin gratefull. How f*ckin kind. Now all go do one.
Posted by shadowtom2 on August 9, 2016, at 19:11:21
In reply to Re: bit by bit, almost there..., posted by Escapee on August 9, 2016, at 14:57:18
It definitely sounds like you're in a dark place, Escapee, and I find it to be quite troubling that the last day or two have been as difficult for you as they've been. If you've yet to reach out for assistance from a mental health professional, I'd strongly encourage you to do so. I'll be keeping you in my thoughts in hopes that you'll get yourself back to being in a better state of mind. I think that you can get through this, but please, get in contact with someone with the expertise to help guide you through this difficult period.
Tom (the former Tomatheus)
Posted by Escapee on August 10, 2016, at 8:44:07
In reply to Re: bit by bit, almost there... » Escapee, posted by shadowtom2 on August 9, 2016, at 19:11:21
Yea yesterday was bad. Apologies for my outburst everyone.
Three nights in a row now, since starting it, the diphenhydramine has given me throbbing headaches at night. I guess coz i still got other ADs floating around my system. Nightmares too since i started it.
I see my GP on Friday. Ive had a congested airways now for 3-4 months. Not coughing but still blocked. Thats why im going but I intend on asking for some sleepers. Zopiclon perhaps. I cant up the amitriptyline as that would defeat the object. Same with clonazepam.
My last 150mg of bupropion today (had it). That will probably begin to help sleep. I still have other meds, ready for augmentation (instead of chucking them). I've never had suicidal idealization so am not worried about ODing. I'm about to take some pregablin. 100mg to start with (remember, right now I need help with sleep & stress/irritation). Hope it helps to chill me out.
I could kill for a 'smoke' right now. Gotta stop drinking in the evening too. I cant even drink more than 2-3 beers. Then I bloat and that's that. Gives me wretched heartburn too. I think a 30day course of thiamine 100mg is in order. I'm just so board with my days right now. Ive never felt time lag so bad. I've already ordered some 'activated' B6, B12 & Folate (P-5-P, Methyl B12 & Methyl Folate) . Mainly for the B6 to keep any Nardil B6 interference at bay.
Eating less by the day. Not healthy I know, but hey! I'm loosing weight fast (still overweight). I have all the micro-nutrients I need. I gotta stay out of hospital. I can't go in, not with Social anxiety this bad! Lets see what this pregablin does - GULP!
Posted by Escapee on August 10, 2016, at 9:16:31
In reply to Re: bit by bit, almost there... » shadowtom2, posted by Escapee on August 10, 2016, at 8:44:07
Ah my 5-HTP has arrived. Need to get off the ADs 1st. Start it sat or sun.
Posted by Escapee on August 10, 2016, at 9:23:41
In reply to Re: bit by bit, almost there..., posted by Escapee on August 10, 2016, at 9:16:31
Posted by shadowtom2 on August 10, 2016, at 11:20:48
In reply to Re: bit by bit, almost there... » shadowtom2, posted by Escapee on August 10, 2016, at 8:44:07
Thank you for the update, Escapee. I think it's good that you seem to be doing at least somewhat better today than how you were doing yesterday, and it's also good to see that you have an appointment with your GP scheduled for Friday. As far as the changes that you've been making to your regimen of medications and supplements are concerned, I do hope that things will go at least reasonably smoothly for you. I am, however, not in a position to give advice on how to proceed with the changes that you're making to your regimen other than to say that contacting your GP at any time when you think that you might need professional guidance is something that I'd recommend considering. It is, of course, my hope that everything will go at least reasonably well for you over the next few days and that the discussions that you'll have with your GP and any other members of your GP's medical staff on Friday will serve you well.
Take care,
Tom
Posted by Escapee on August 10, 2016, at 11:33:11
In reply to Re: bit by bit, almost there... » Escapee, posted by shadowtom2 on August 10, 2016, at 11:20:48
Thanks shadowtom2.
Dont worry about lack of advice. I haven't asked for any. Ive simply welcomed peoples comments. Anyone may jump in any time if they think they can help, whatever it is. I just wanna write this stuff down. And though I'm not looking for answers (as you can see I'm making the decisions here) I feel more 'safe' & comfortable writing it down where others can see. Makes me feel less alone.
Posted by Escapee on August 10, 2016, at 17:08:38
In reply to Re: bit by bit, almost there... » shadowtom2, posted by Escapee on August 10, 2016, at 11:33:11
The 5-HTP & Pregablin make such a difference. Phew
Posted by shadowtom2 on August 10, 2016, at 17:24:44
In reply to Re: bit by bit, almost there..., posted by Escapee on August 10, 2016, at 17:08:38
> The 5-HTP & Pregablin make such a difference. Phew
I'm glad to hear that these things are helping you, Escapee. I wish you the best of luck as you continue to make your way through the treatment-related transitions that you're going through.
Tom
Posted by Escapee on August 10, 2016, at 17:33:10
In reply to Re: bit by bit, almost there... » Escapee, posted by shadowtom2 on August 10, 2016, at 17:24:44
Can't sleep. Gonna take another 150mg pregablin.
This is my last post on this thread. The threads a total mess. Looks awful on the board. If Dr. Bob or any Administrator could please delete the whole thread Id much appreciate that. I feel greatly embarrassed.
Probably update after I've started Nardil. Though I'm also thinking Parnate, possibly....
Posted by shadowtom2 on August 12, 2016, at 9:49:54
In reply to Re: bit by bit, almost there..., posted by Escapee on August 10, 2016, at 17:33:10
Escapee,
I know that you wrote that you won't be making any more posts to this thread, but I wanted to say that if you'd like to check in with us at any point to let us know how you're doing, you could most certainly feel free to do so. I hope that you've been finding yourself doing at least reasonably well over the last few days, and I also hope that you'll find resuming Nardil (or possibly going with Parnate) to be beneficial.
Tom
Posted by SLS on August 13, 2016, at 7:19:12
In reply to Re: bit by bit, almost there..., posted by Escapee on August 10, 2016, at 17:33:10
> This is my last post on this thread. The threads a total mess. Looks awful on the board.
What is it about this thread that you find a total mess? I guess you would have to post again here in order to answer my question. Oh, well.
Take care of yourself and don't beat yourself up, if that's what you are doing. Be merciful on yourself.
- Scott
Posted by Escapee on August 13, 2016, at 8:39:51
In reply to Re: bit by bit, almost there... » Escapee, posted by SLS on August 13, 2016, at 7:19:12
> > This is my last post on this thread. The threads a total mess. Looks awful on the board.
>
> What is it about this thread that you find a total mess? I guess you would have to post again here in order to answer my question. Oh, well.
>
> Take care of yourself and don't beat yourself up, if that's what you are doing. Be merciful on yourself.
>
>
> - Scott
>
>
>
>Embarrassment. Hardly any replies. Anyway im doing much better already. I'm using 1.5mg clonazepam + 300mg pregablin per day. Also 300mg L-5-HTP + nootropics. At least none of those will upset the 2 week washout. Also managed to squeeze 7 days of zopiclone outa my doc. That was difficult i tell ya! I'm going out soon, in the sun. 1st time out the house in a few weeks. Thanks for your post. You are most kind :)
Escapee
Posted by Escapee on August 16, 2016, at 16:50:41
In reply to Re: bit by bit, almost there... » Escapee, posted by shadowtom2 on August 12, 2016, at 9:49:54
Depression worsening. Called my Psych docs Secretary this afternoon. Explained my situation. Asked for call back. No such luck.
The pathetic 3.75mg zopiclone pills do diddly sh*t so I add 100mg diphenhydramine in the morning, which helps me sleep the day away. Then 150mg diphenhydramine at night. Bed by 12, waking at or before 6am. Whole empty day ahead so I repeat. Try to have a few drinks in the eve to help me get online and write something on FB for a while, but its all self destructive posts and mean, unforgivably hateful posts. Makes me feel good tho. Go to bed, ready for the whole cycle to repeat itself the next day.
Still taking Quetiapine 100mg at night. Also 150mg clonazepam + 150 pregablin + 200mg 5-HTP AM and 150mg pregablin + 300mg 5-HTP late PM.
Far from suicidal I'm getting more irritated and angrier by the day. Good job I'm isolating and there is nobody around me. I wouldn't trust myself otherwise. Might stop the 5-HTP tomorrow as this may be worsening the anger. That stuff has 2 guises. Works great at 1st but can give the opposite effect if taken over 5-7 days.
Posted by Escapee on August 16, 2016, at 16:55:31
In reply to Re: bit by bit, almost there... » Escapee, posted by shadowtom2 on August 12, 2016, at 9:49:54
Cant eat solids either. On a liquid diet, and can just about eat yogurt.
Posted by Escapee on August 20, 2016, at 12:06:34
In reply to Re: bit by bit, almost there..., posted by Escapee on August 16, 2016, at 16:55:31
OD'd last night. Obviously im still here. Did it all wrong
Posted by Escapee on August 27, 2016, at 5:58:45
In reply to ..........., posted by Escapee on August 20, 2016, at 12:06:34
To start with I had an awful time 2 weeks prior to Thursdays appointment.
When I decided to switch from Marplan (isocarboxazid) to Nardil (phenelzine) I called my doc's secretary and I emailed her a detailed (but not complicated) plan to reduce all my med dosages and which ones I was stopping & keeping. She said she would forward the email to my doc. With no reply via mobile or landline, Email or post that was enough for me to carry on titrating everything downwards.
When I finally started washout, the start of the 2nd week went bad. I admitted myself to A&E (suggested by NHS Direct 111) for 1 night asking if they could give me a bed in the psychiatric in-patient ward. There declined my request. They gave me a bed for the night (actually it was a lovely soft reclining leather chair) and I went home the next day. Next night I went in again doped to the eye balls on Quetiapine & Zopiclone. It was technically an OD compared to my prescribed dosage of 150mg. 700mg to 800mg maybe more quetiapine plus 7.5mg Zopiclone but I never intentionally meant to end my life. No way! But I did want a long deep sleep. Never thought much of it until my legs went like jelly And my head spun. So I called for ambulance and again they kept me in for the night.
I was seen by several 'liaison' psychiatrists. They were all very helpful, except when the last Psych came to discharge me and dropped the bomb. She said she had spoken to my Pdoc and said he was shocked and said he never told me to come off anything and for me to get back on everything ASAP! His plan was to simply cross-titrate the MAOIs! I could not believe it. So the secretary never forwarded my email? And if he never read the email how did he know I wanted to switch the phenelzine?? Did I mention it and forgot? Dam
So I went back on everything except for Marplan. Couple dose changes. Amitriptyline up to 100mg instead of 150 & Clonazepam from 4 to 2.5mg.
Since 12+yrs ago they are still the same 15mg pills. They need refrigeration, smell LUSH & are deep orange colour. Can't remember them being that strong a colour, plus I actually had the Nardil brand pills. I thought I used to get generic phenelzine. Memory loss perhaps.
I'm just glad I'm back on Nardil. I wonder what will happen.....
Escapee
Posted by SLS on August 27, 2016, at 9:22:24
In reply to Started Nardil, posted by Escapee on August 27, 2016, at 5:58:45
> I'm just glad I'm back on Nardil. I wonder what will happen.....
I am sure you know that Nardil often becomes less effective once it is discontinued and restarted. If this is the case with you, I wouldn't become too demoralized. This is what happened to me. There are multiple augmentation strategies that are available to treat this circumstance. First things first. I don't think it makes sense to add anything to phenelzine until you reach a dosage of 1.0 mg/kg body weight.
- Scott
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