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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Dee on September 5, 1999, at 22:05:06
I'm feeling that I am starting to cope with depression, but now I seem to be getting these fits of anxiety no matter what I try.
I just started with trazodone (I am also taking Serzone) and I am having this not-able-to-breathe kind of attacks. In fact, I missed a day in my new job because I couldn't leave the house this morning. I cannot say if this is my weekly cycle, or the new medicine.
This feel different from the anxiety I am used to, this is more physical... Something that I sort of observe, and hope to get over with, but I haven't panicked on this one. But I get so confused - since I've started on medicins everything I feel is kind of changing, like I would need to learn a whole new set of feelings, none of which I am familiar with. So most of the time I don't know what it is I am feeling, just that I am feeling something.
Today my mind's been on high gear, almost a little manic, getting all kinds of ideas that I think are just exquisite. My body's been on low, I feel like I walk in slow motion, and I feel exhausted although I haven't really done anything.
Then when there was a dog barking in the back yard and I went to the window, a thought flashed through my mind, a dream almost, that I could jump... (Not to worry.. I am not the jumping kind, and if I ever find myself in that spot I'll get the help) The strange thing about that was that I wasn't in pain... just sort of tempted to get it over with, sort of like stopping by the woods... I am wondering about that, I haven't felt like that before - I'll see my therapist Tuesday, I'll bring it to her.
I am just going on and on... Guess that's the manic gear that I mentioned. All I really wanted to know if there is a link with trazodone and these things going on, in which case I'd stop taking it.
Thanx
Dee
Posted by saintjames on September 6, 1999, at 2:30:39
In reply to Now Trazodone making me anxious?, posted by Dee on September 5, 1999, at 22:05:06
>
> I just started with trazodone (I am also taking Serzone) and I am having this not-able-to-breathe kind of attacks. In fact, I missed a day in my new job because I couldn't leave the house this morning. I cannot say if this is my weekly cycle, or the new medicine.
>James here....
Trazodone for most people is very very sedating. I was for me, in fact it worked well as an AD for me, but only at a high dose, so I was sleepy most of the time.My guess is that this is a temp issue, but the only way to tell is wait till the full AD effect starts, like in 4 weeks. For me , when changing meds, I always go thru a week or so of the exact things you mentioned. I go hypomanic and major bitch...I have snapped off at several people b4. I usually take Atavin (1/2 mg 2X a day) along with the new med for a week or so, which really helps. After 4 weeks the med shold kick in (if it is going to work) and at that point I can tell if the problems you describe are there to stay or just part of the transition. I find going from one med to the other
more agitating , but for a shorter period of time (sometimes just days) than letting the older med wash out. As long as I take some Atavin short term
I am fine. Call your doc and let him/her know what is going on, and see if he/she can give you something short term so you can feel more at ease.james
Posted by Yardena on September 6, 1999, at 8:37:34
In reply to Re: Now Trazodone making me anxious?, posted by saintjames on September 6, 1999, at 2:30:39
Dee,
You just started a new job, didn't you? Or am I mixing you up with someone else?
I also started a new job recently, and as happy as I am to be there, it makes me anxious.
Also, I have experienced feelings of anxiety and dread after emerging from the worst of a depression. Facing all the reality I had been unable to face before. Very anxiety producing.
Definitely keep in close contact with your therapist. Sometimes people who are in early recovery from a severe depression are at very high risk of hurting themselves. Also, if you feel a little "manic", you and your therapist and p-doc want to keep an eye on that.
Good luck, and keep writing to us. I always enjoy your posts!
Posted by James Justice on September 6, 1999, at 14:36:45
In reply to Now Trazodone making me anxious?, posted by Dee on September 5, 1999, at 22:05:06
> I just started with trazodone (I am also taking Serzone) and I am having this not-able-to-breathe kind of attacks. In fact, I missed a day in my new job because I couldn't leave the house this morning. I cannot say if this is my weekly cycle, or the new medicine.
>
> Today my mind's been on high gear, almost a little manic, getting all kinds of ideas that I think are just exquisite. My body's been on low, I feel like I walk in slow motion, and I feel exhausted although I haven't really done anything.All I really want to know is if there is a link with trazodone and these things going on, in which case I'd stop taking it.
>
> Thanx
> DeeDee,
Trazodone and Nefazodone (Serzone) are very close in chemical structure to one-another. The Serzone seems to work like the trazodone with out the usual sleepy side-effects. I have taken both medications. I find the Serzone to be a better med with fewer side effects.
If you are experiencing anxiety and panic symptoms of the type you described here, you may be entering a manic phase that was activated by the antidepressant (it can happen). You also may just have a high sensitivity to these antidepressants and you may want to lower the doses or just consider taking only one of the two. In the meantime, an anxiolytic like Ativan, Klonopin, Librium might help you cope. You dont want to add Xanax or Halcion to the Serzone because there is a negative drug interaction between these drugs.Most importantly, talk to your doctor ASAP! He/She should know how and what you are feeling.
Take care and good luck!
James
Posted by Dee on September 6, 1999, at 20:48:41
In reply to Now Trazodone making me anxious?, posted by Dee on September 5, 1999, at 22:05:06
Thanx y'all
I have good day today, figure it out! The way I am swinging I think I should start keeping an eye on that manic-depressed pendulum like you suggested.
Dee
This is the end of the thread.
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