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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Greg A. on February 19, 2001, at 13:18:24
I’ve been wondering the past two weeks about some of the experiences and information posted on this board relating to anhedonia or not experiencing emotions. I’ve been taking various antidepressants for a long time with limited success. I went through a really bad spell when last winter I decided to try a naturopathic course of ‘treatment’. My pdoc put me back on Prozac and Wellbutrin which I took before my five month 'natural' experiment, and then a couple of months ago, added Remeron. The anxiety which had just about crippled me for weeks disappeared almost overnight and I thought this was it – I was on my way to normal. This brings me back to the lack of emotion. While I am much improved mood wise, I feel like I am going through the motions in my daily life. Each thing is a task to be checked off my list, with not much in the way of joy or excitement to show for it. My wife has commented on my lack of interest in anything social – which used to be a sure sign of my depressive episodes. She says, for someone who feels better I sure don’t act like it. But I am not afraid of the social stuff, or unable to summon the energy to do anything. I just get nothing out of it and would rather do something on my own. I know I am far more tolerant with my kids and far more involved in their stuff latley, but I can’t seem to just enjoy it for what it is. It’s as if I am experiencing these things second hand.
Anyways – a couple of posts have mentioned a return of emotions – the good ones – and I want them back too. Any suggestions – meds. or otherwise. Thanks.
Posted by SalArmy4me on February 19, 2001, at 14:19:37
In reply to As good as it gets?, posted by Greg A. on February 19, 2001, at 13:18:24
You don't have to settle for second best. You deserve the most out of life.
Perhaps you could try that "power combination" of mirtazapine and venlafaxine, as described in the Psychopharmacology Tips by Dr. Stahl. I take all three, along with Mirapex.
http://www.dr-bob.org/tips/split/MAOIs-in-high-doses-and-wi.html
> I’ve been wondering the past two weeks about some of the experiences and information posted on this board relating to anhedonia or not experiencing emotions. I’ve been taking various antidepressants for a long time with limited success. I went through a really bad spell when last winter I decided to try a naturopathic course of ‘treatment’. My pdoc put me back on Prozac and Wellbutrin which I took before my five month 'natural' experiment, and then a couple of months ago, added Remeron. The anxiety which had just about crippled me for weeks disappeared almost overnight and I thought this was it – I was on my way to normal. This brings me back to the lack of emotion. While I am much improved mood wise, I feel like I am going through the motions in my daily life. Each thing is a task to be checked off my list, with not much in the way of joy or excitement to show for it. My wife has commented on my lack of interest in anything social – which used to be a sure sign of my depressive episodes. She says, for someone who feels better I sure don’t act like it. But I am not afraid of the social stuff, or unable to summon the energy to do anything. I just get nothing out of it and would rather do something on my own. I know I am far more tolerant with my kids and far more involved in their stuff latley, but I can’t seem to just enjoy it for what it is. It’s as if I am experiencing these things second hand.
> Anyways – a couple of posts have mentioned a return of emotions – the good ones – and I want them back too. Any suggestions – meds. or otherwise. Thanks.
Posted by ChrisK on February 19, 2001, at 14:47:37
In reply to As good as it gets?, posted by Greg A. on February 19, 2001, at 13:18:24
Greg,
This is what I had to say about anhedonia and Mirapex. It is in a thread above and dated 2/16/01.
I have got most of my emotions back.
Posted by Greg A. on February 19, 2001, at 15:35:51
In reply to Re: As good as it gets? » Greg A., posted by ChrisK on February 19, 2001, at 14:47:37
Thanks for the good advice. I printed the information you referred to in your previous post and what you've said has got me interested in mirapex as well. I'll talk to my pdoc next visit. I feel embarrassed to keep going back and saying - Yes I feel better but it's not where I want to be. The fact that others feel this way makes it easier to take that step and keep searching.
I find it ironic that I spent years trying to cover up and hide emotions because I was afraid of how I felt so I just pretended everything was normal . . . now here I am trying to re-discover those emotions.
This is the end of the thread.
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