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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by pumpkin on March 22, 2003, at 21:33:17
In reply to 5 WEEKS HELP PLEASE!!!!!!!!!, posted by blkvettes on March 22, 2003, at 20:38:06
Hey guys,
I haven't been on for the last couple of days.
I was "diagnosed" with major depression,
anxiety panic-over 10 years ago. Today- the
"diagnosis" seems to change- possible Bi-Polar!
(Although I get "hyper" only when I'm on anti-
depressants-very depressed when off!) So, what
am I? They don't know! It's what the world
is going with at the time! I've come to this
conclusion- I don't care! I just want to be
stable!My husband is labeled or diagnosed as atypical.
But- he shows "other" signs too! Never had a
problem with panic- now going to sleep, his legs
are "full" of adrenaline, and he's contantly
"shaking" to get this "rushing" out of him!
My one daughter called him "compulsive" today
again. What's up? I don't know! He told me
that he is now having problems with anxiety!
Oh Lord! He's gone through this for over 10
years too! But, his doctor says "atypical"!
What's the difference? Who cares again!My oldest daughter, and half sister are on meds
too. The doctors make a guess? They don't know!
My mom (she's now in the hospital for serious
problems right now) has been depressed for years.
They don't know! My husbands side....Get what I mean? If I sound like I'm coming down
on doctors- I'm not meaning too. I'm blessed that
the Lord provides them, but there are many
"symptoms", many "sicknesses", many "stressors",
etc...It's good for sites like these- you aren't
"alone", and I have found alot of support! I've
just gotten to the point that if a med works- it
works, if not-move on! I'm just talking medically! I just get tired of the "labels"
and "diagnosis" part!Have a great week! I pray for it-despite our
gloomy "circumstances"!
Posted by KrissyP on March 22, 2003, at 22:02:19
In reply to 5 WEEKS HELP PLEASE!!!!!!!!!, posted by blkvettes on March 22, 2003, at 20:38:06
Posted by blkvettes on March 22, 2003, at 22:15:29
In reply to Are you on Lexapro?? (nm) » blkvettes, posted by KrissyP on March 22, 2003, at 22:02:19
Hi there, yes I am on lexapro
Posted by lil' jimi on March 23, 2003, at 0:20:00
In reply to Re: atypical depression » lil' jimi, posted by SLS on March 22, 2003, at 19:36:48
> > > hi -
> > > i was wondering if any of you have been diagnosed with atypical depression. If so, are you taking lexapro for it? I think i may hae atypical depression and was wondering if i should be on an MAOI instaed of an SSRI?
> > >
> > > annlanka
> >
> > hi ann,
> >
> > sorry i don't know the answer to your question.
> > i do have a question for you though:
> > what makes a depression atypical?
> > how would i know if i was typical or not ?
> > Thanks, ~ jim
>
> Hi Jim.
>
> Here is a very simple answer to your question:
>
> http://www.mhc.com/Algorithms/Depression/atypical.htm
>
>
> - ScottThanks again, Scott.
in response to Anne, these web sites read to me like atypical depression would be treated with SSRIs unless they failed, then MAOIs would be indicated, then tricyclics last.... sorta.
i also found this interesting:
http://www.biopsychiatry.com/atypicaldepression.htm
(anyone ever heard of biopsychiarty.com ? "hedonistic imperative" ?)and http://www.psycom.net/depression.central.html was informative.
peace,
~ jim
Posted by Leo BoStar on March 23, 2003, at 11:41:33
In reply to Re: atypical depression, posted by SLS on March 22, 2003, at 19:28:36
Scott,
Please don't post anything that would make me feel
accused or put down. In your message you suggested
that I am ignorant.I forgive you. Dr. Bob, please don't take action
against Scott for this violation of posting rules.
Posted by annlanka on March 23, 2003, at 12:30:05
In reply to Re: atypical depression » SLS, posted by lil' jimi on March 23, 2003, at 0:20:00
> > > > hi -
> > > > i was wondering if any of you have been diagnosed with atypical depression. If so, are you taking lexapro for it? I think i may hae atypical depression and was wondering if i should be on an MAOI instaed of an SSRI?
> > > >
> > > > annlanka
> > >
> > > hi ann,
> > >
> > > sorry i don't know the answer to your question.
> > > i do have a question for you though:
> > > what makes a depression atypical?
> > > how would i know if i was typical or not ?
> > > Thanks, ~ jim
> >
> > Hi Jim.
> >
> > Here is a very simple answer to your question:
> >
> > http://www.mhc.com/Algorithms/Depression/atypical.htm
> >
> >
> > - Scott
>
>
>
> Thanks again, Scott.
>
> in response to Anne, these web sites read to me like atypical depression would be treated with SSRIs unless they failed, then MAOIs would be indicated, then tricyclics last.... sorta.
>
> i also found this interesting:
> http://www.biopsychiatry.com/atypicaldepression.htm
> (anyone ever heard of biopsychiarty.com ? "hedonistic imperative" ?)
>
> and http://www.psycom.net/depression.central.html was informative.
>
> peace,
> ~ jimHi Jim-
Thanks for the info- im sure i will find it interesting if not helpful. I have been on lexapro for about 4 months now and still am feeling only a little better than when i first started them. The only thing that has really changed is that i am able to get out of bed. My mood, fogged up states and crying spells are the same.. blah, blah. you know, just basically down. I guess maybe i should try an MAOI but dont really know- has anyone switched from lexapro to another SSRI and had any luck? Lexapro is the only thing i have been on.
annlanka
Posted by lil' jimi on March 23, 2003, at 15:10:34
In reply to Re: atypical depression, posted by annlanka on March 23, 2003, at 12:30:05
> > > > > hi -
> > > > > i was wondering if any of you have been diagnosed with atypical depression. If so, are you taking lexapro for it? I think i may hae atypical depression and was wondering if i should be on an MAOI instaed of an SSRI?
> > > > >
> > > > > annlanka
> > > >
> > > > hi ann,
> > > >
> > > > sorry i don't know the answer to your question.
> > > > i do have a question for you though:
> > > > what makes a depression atypical?
> > > > how would i know if i was typical or not ?
> > > > Thanks, ~ jim
> > >
> > > Hi Jim.
> > >
> > > Here is a very simple answer to your question:
> > >
> > > http://www.mhc.com/Algorithms/Depression/atypical.htm
> > >
> > >
> > > - Scott
> >
> >
> >
> > Thanks again, Scott.
> >
> > in response to Anne, these web sites read to me like atypical depression would be treated with SSRIs unless they failed, then MAOIs would be indicated, then tricyclics last.... sorta.
> >
> > i also found this interesting:
> > http://www.biopsychiatry.com/atypicaldepression.htm
> > (anyone ever heard of biopsychiarty.com ? "hedonistic imperative" ?)
> >
> > and http://www.psycom.net/depression.central.html was informative.
> >
> > peace,
> > ~ jim
>
> Hi Jim-
> Thanks for the info- im sure i will find it interesting if not helpful. I have been on lexapro for about 4 months now and still am feeling only a little better than when i first started them. The only thing that has really changed is that i am able to get out of bed. My mood, fogged up states and crying spells are the same.. blah, blah. you know, just basically down. I guess maybe i should try an MAOI but dont really know- has anyone switched from lexapro to another SSRI and had any luck? Lexapro is the only thing i have been on.
> annlanka
>
>
hi Ann(e),
what doseage are you on?
would an increase be an option?i feel for your suffering and my heart goes out to you.
i hadn't any idea how much about depression is available on the web: measure of my cluelessness; shouldn't have been a surprised.
but ever since i was prescribed lex, i found this place and it's been my primary source of data and i got obsessed with reading the posts: they are fascinating!
i have learned a lot.
but i am only in my 3rd week of 5mg, so i haven't experienced all that much.
that said, here's this amatuer's idea of a good time, as if i were you: ask pdoc to maybe double my doseage and then give that maybe 6 or 7 weeks to settle in.
may be not feasible doseage-wise;
may be painful with the expected SEs from restabilizing the neurotransmitters levels;
worse,
maybe it won't work.acclimating to higher levels of lex should be less traumatic than acclimating to something new, but that may be small consolation.
before the advent of these medications, we were all at the mercy of our neurotransmitters;
they told us how to feel and what to do;
and we obey(ed).
with medication, now, we can tell our neurotransmitters what to do.
we are the early survivors from these first volleys fired by our side, in the war against neurotransamitter disease... up until now our side put up no defense ... neuroscience is still in its infancy.
we are blessed to live when these meds are possible.
there is hope.
hang in there.
we are with you.
post when it moves you.
we'll be here.~ jim
Posted by handmemymidol on March 23, 2003, at 17:43:36
In reply to Re: atypical depression, posted by annlanka on March 23, 2003, at 12:30:05
Hi Ann and everyone else, especially the females (sorry guys) when I think about this stuff, crying spells etc, I have to wonder how much of it might just be hormonal changes? Does anyone have any thoughts about this? Maybe it is just me in denial that there is something wrong with my BRAIN, that I would rather think that it is a haywire uterus. lol
Any input would be appreciated :)
Posted by handmemymidol on March 23, 2003, at 17:48:19
In reply to Re: atypical depression, posted by Leo BoStar on March 22, 2003, at 13:37:24
I dunno anything about "atypical" depression or how dangerous or not dangerous MAOIs are, but he IS right about all the contraindications. I make a big habit about reading over the counter labels especially when it comes to cold remedies and damn near every single one of them says they can't be mixed together.
Posted by blkvettes on March 23, 2003, at 18:04:36
In reply to Re: atypical depression, posted by handmemymidol on March 23, 2003, at 17:43:36
> Hi Ann and everyone else, especially the females (sorry guys) when I think about this stuff, crying spells etc, I have to wonder how much of it might just be hormonal changes? Does anyone have any thoughts about this? Maybe it is just me in denial that there is something wrong with my BRAIN, that I would rather think that it is a haywire uterus. lol
> Any input would be appreciated :)
>
>Hi there, please dont exclude the men. I had a crying episode the last 2 days. Feel pretty good today though!!!!!!! You might find this link interesting!!!!!!! TAKE CARE!!!!!!! I am a male 45 it could be my hormones!!!!!!!
http://aolsvc.health.webmd.aol.com/content/article/12/1685_50044
Posted by annlanka on March 23, 2003, at 18:08:00
In reply to Re: atypical depression, posted by handmemymidol on March 23, 2003, at 17:43:36
> Hi Ann and everyone else, especially the females (sorry guys) when I think about this stuff, crying spells etc, I have to wonder how much of it might just be hormonal changes? Does anyone have any thoughts about this? Maybe it is just me in denial that there is something wrong with my BRAIN, that I would rather think that it is a haywire uterus. lol
> Any input would be appreciated :)
>
Hey lol,
well, i tried to convince myself forever like 1 year (ok, maybe not forever) that it was hormonal. But after consecutive crying spells and irritability and exhaustion for weeks in a row, i dont rule out the hormonal hypothesis, however, i do believe there is more to it. Maybe thats what those guys over at forest labs are trying to figure out. does anyone know- do guys have crying spells? just curious..
anne
>
Posted by handmemymidol on March 23, 2003, at 18:11:38
In reply to RE: I hate the labels!, posted by pumpkin on March 22, 2003, at 21:33:17
This post is not just for pumpkin, but anybody who might find it useful. Pumpkin just caught my eye when she talked about her husband shaking his legs to get rid of excess adrenaline. Call me crazy if you like, it is a liitle off the wall, but try it if you will or take it with a grain of salt. I by no means suggest doing this in leui of meds or counseling but just as a supplement. Can't hurt ya.
I often practice what is called Grounding and Centering in some circles. It works like this.
Sit in a chair with your bare feet flat on the floor. Doing this outside if possible is even better. Feels great having naked toes wiggling in the grass :) Anyway, imagine "roots" coming out of the bottoms of your feet, reaching down through the earth. Really imagine it, every step, going thru the grass, then the soft earth, then the harder core, etc. Then imagine a golden warmth/light coming from the earth and traveling back up through your roots. Feel it coming up your legs, through your torso, along your arms and to your head. Then imagine it traveling back the way it come, back into the earth. This is a good mediation way for me to get rid of excessive or even negative energy (when I am mad or just grumpy) and getting focused and centered again.
I have other things like this that deal with chakras and energy if anyone is interested. Just holler and I will post them. It is just a nice way to get under control again and olnly takes a few minutes with practice. Something about connecting with the earth feels very healing, at least for me anyway.
Hope it helps someone :)
Posted by Dr. Bob on March 23, 2003, at 18:17:53
In reply to Re: atypical depression » SLS, posted by Leo BoStar on March 23, 2003, at 11:41:33
> I forgive you.
Thanks for the civil reply.
Bob
Posted by BarbaraS on March 23, 2003, at 19:17:35
In reply to Re: atypical depression » Leo BoStar, posted by Dr. Bob on March 23, 2003, at 18:17:53
Hi everyone,
I've been on Lexapro for about 4 weeks and am so tired that it's sometimes hard to get motivated. Has anyone else had this side effect and then it went away? I want to stay on the med longer but am concerned about my productiveness.
Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks!
Posted by blkvettes on March 23, 2003, at 19:25:41
In reply to Lexapro and tired, posted by BarbaraS on March 23, 2003, at 19:17:35
Hi there, I think everyone has been tired on the med. Have you tried taking at different times, it worked for me. Are you taking 10mg. This side effect will probably lessen as time goes on. TAKE CARE!!!!!!!!
Posted by pumpkin on March 23, 2003, at 19:30:07
In reply to Re: atypical depression » Leo BoStar, posted by handmemymidol on March 23, 2003, at 17:48:19
Hey guys,
I was on Nardil (MAOI) for a few months before
Lexapro.I can only tell alittle about my experience
because of my possible diagnosis (Bi-Polar).
As I stated in an earlier post- I have a major
problem with depression/panic attacks. If I
take an anti-depressant- I get hyper. Off an
anti-depressant, I get major depression.
I told my doctor that I was alittle hyper when
I started taking the MAOI. He uped my depakote
because my moods were weird, and my family kept
me "in check". He uped my dosage of Nardil
again. Again, I got hyper! My depakote was uped
too. This kept up until I couldn't sleep at all!
I decided that I wanted off. I had enough! My
depakote level was seriously high (I came down
on this too). I was told that Nardil couldn't
make you hyper- but check the "side effects".
Yes, it can. Yes, it did! I didn't have alot
of problems with the diet part. I didn't have
much choice at the time. I did at times want
pizza, and cheese, but my doctor told me to "try"
just alittle of some other certain foods. Alittle
was the key. If I was to get a headache- he told
me to stop. For the large part, I did stick to
the diet. I didn't want to "test", and have to
pay at a local hospital! I can honestly say that
Nardil did help me to "feel" better, but I was
always going- never getting sleep or rest! I
think more or less- it's my condition or diagnosis! So, I'm learning what works with
what, and what else may have to be used to calm
me. If nothing else has helped- you may want to
try an MAOI. The only thing you have to loose
is time. I really don't remember any great
"side effects" that I went through either except
hunger, and thirstyness?, and my hyper problems.
Maybe there is a site which would help, like this
one for Lex. Good luck!Meanwhile, has, or is anyone having problems with
headaches on Lex? Let me know. Tomarrow will
mark my two full weeks. I have a doctors appointment, and I'm sure he will up it alittle.
Will I feel more side effects, or has the med
worked in my system long enough? I'm on 5 mg.
at this time.
Posted by handmemymidol on March 23, 2003, at 19:47:55
In reply to MAOI's, posted by pumpkin on March 23, 2003, at 19:30:07
Yep, I had headaches too. They subsided after about 2 weeks or so. I believe several others on here had them as well.
Posted by lil' jimi on March 23, 2003, at 22:20:13
In reply to Re: atypical depression, posted by handmemymidol on March 23, 2003, at 17:43:36
> Hi Ann and everyone else, especially the females (sorry guys) when I think about this stuff, crying spells etc, I have to wonder how much of it might just be hormonal changes? Does anyone have any thoughts about this? Maybe it is just me in denial that there is something wrong with my BRAIN, that I would rather think that it is a haywire uterus. lol
> Any input would be appreciated :)
>
>
Hello to Handme, Ann, everyone and especially the women folk
(with a nod to our blkvette, as well:
good to hear from you blk.):
this abstract from this study seems germane to your question, Handme:
http://www.biopsychiatry.com/sersadcarb.htmwhat do you think?
love,
~ jimp.s. to blk:
you sir, are a hero.
to confess your sufferings to our benefit takes more masculine strenght than 20 tons of testosterone-driven "macho" mutants.
way to go.
hang in there.
peace be with us everyone.
Posted by ayuda on March 23, 2003, at 22:46:18
In reply to Re: atypical depression, posted by lil' jimi on March 23, 2003, at 22:20:13
> > Hi Ann and everyone else, especially the females (sorry guys) when I think about this stuff, crying spells etc, I have to wonder how much of it might just be hormonal changes? Does anyone have any thoughts about this? Maybe it is just me in denial that there is something wrong with my BRAIN, that I would rather think that it is a haywire uterus. lol
> > Any input would be appreciated :)
> >
> >
> Hello to Handme, Ann, everyone and especially the women folk
> (with a nod to our blkvette, as well:
> good to hear from you blk.):
> this abstract from this study seems germane to your question, Handme:
> http://www.biopsychiatry.com/sersadcarb.htm
>
> what do you think?
>
> love,
> ~ jim
>
> p.s. to blk:
> you sir, are a hero.
> to confess your sufferings to our benefit takes more masculine strenght than 20 tons of testosterone-driven "macho" mutants.
> way to go.
> hang in there.
> peace be with us everyone.
A couple of months ago, I saw an article on CNN.com concerning depression and early menopause. Here is the link to my post concerning it:http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030113/msgs/135814.html
I don't know if (1) that is what you were talking about, or (2) the article is still there, but it may be some information you find helpful.
Posted by Donia on March 23, 2003, at 23:35:52
In reply to Re: atypical depression, posted by handmemymidol on March 23, 2003, at 17:43:36
I have to agree some of this is hormonal. Look at what happens to girls when we start puberty. We go from daddys little girls to raging maniacs. Then in our twenties we are usually on a roller coaster of having kids. In my case close to 30 I started having endometriosis and awful PMS. then we get to menopause. It seems something hormonal is always going on with us. No wonder we are crazy!!
Posted by Donia on March 23, 2003, at 23:37:35
In reply to Re: atypical depression, posted by Donia on March 23, 2003, at 23:35:52
hey maybe this is what is wrong with the men too. We are making them crazy with us!! lol Or maybe they just help make us crazy! no offense.
> I have to agree some of this is hormonal. Look at what happens to girls when we start puberty. We go from daddys little girls to raging maniacs. Then in our twenties we are usually on a roller coaster of having kids. In my case close to 30 I started having endometriosis and awful PMS. then we get to menopause. It seems something hormonal is always going on with us. No wonder we are crazy!!
Posted by lil' jimi on March 23, 2003, at 23:43:31
In reply to Re: atypical depression, posted by annlanka on March 23, 2003, at 18:08:00
> > Hi Ann and everyone else, especially the females (sorry guys) when I think about this stuff, crying spells etc, I have to wonder how much of it might just be hormonal changes? Does anyone have any thoughts about this? Maybe it is just me in denial that there is something wrong with my BRAIN, that I would rather think that it is a haywire uterus. lol
> > Any input would be appreciated :)
> >
> Hey lol,
> well, i tried to convince myself forever like 1 year (ok, maybe not forever) that it was hormonal. But after consecutive crying spells and irritability and exhaustion for weeks in a row, i dont rule out the hormonal hypothesis, however, i do believe there is more to it. Maybe thats what those guys over at forest labs are trying to figure out. does anyone know- do guys have crying spells? just curious..
> anne
> >
>
>anne, i have.
and i think 'vette's url encourages your hypothesis.there's got to be a tug of war between the neurotransmitters' levels and hormones' levels to see which is going to dominate which ...
we get to be their battle field.i could stand to cry more. it's been a while.
~ jim
Posted by lil' jimi on March 24, 2003, at 0:12:24
In reply to MAOI's, posted by pumpkin on March 23, 2003, at 19:30:07
> Meanwhile, has, or is anyone having problems with
> headaches on Lex? Let me know. Tomarrow will
> mark my two full weeks. I have a doctors appointment, and I'm sure he will up it alittle.
> Will I feel more side effects, or has the med
> worked in my system long enough? I'm on 5 mg.
> at this time.pumpkin, i've had headaches too, but i Think they have only been when i needed to eat or hadn't drank enough water.
i have been on 5mg for 2 1/2 weeks.
my theory is we get SEs whenever we upset our seratonin levels and make them have to re-stabilize.
the consensus is this can take 4 to 8 weeks.i'd like to hear from the longest-term users:
Has anyone been on lex since it came out 9/2002? How you doing?
Has anyone with more than 8 months of use had any other SEs develop?
Any later-developing SEs at all, anyone?Thanks and Take Care,
~ jim
Posted by sjb on March 24, 2003, at 10:17:09
In reply to Re: atypical depression, posted by handmemymidol on March 23, 2003, at 17:43:36
Definately worse in the winter, before my period and since I've become older. Never used to have any PMS problems other than excessive oil/breakouts on face. I'm sure the hormones are all over the place. I, too, sometimes just can't stop crying and I feel so pathetic and wimpy. It's like a part of me is looking down at me and just saying, "Stop it", but I can't.
However, I'm not sure about the solution - hormone therapy can be dicey.
Posted by ANXIETY ANN on March 24, 2003, at 10:42:52
In reply to Carb cravings, posted by Donia on March 21, 2003, at 20:05:06
> Hi all, I think the carb craving thing is a side effect. I had that on zoloft, after being on it for about 4 months, I started craving Lucky Charms cereal. My hubby would stop on the way home from work and get me a box. A box would last me about 21/2 days. It was crazy, I would carry the stupid box around in the living room! He told his work buddy about it and he didnt believe him until he walked in our house and there were the lucky charms beside of me. I went from 102lbs to 125lbs in 5 to 6 months on zoloft. I saw a little booklet in the grocery store by the counter about SSRI's and carb craving but didnt pick it up as I was already off the zoloft when I saw it. I also believe I read these meds can affect our sugar levels and it seems I read they may even cause a temporary type of diabetes. I didnt pay much attention to the info because I thought I would never take these meds again. I guess the craving and eating too much sugar might alter our sugar levels. I am hoping the cravings dont hit with lexapro. I have been on a little over two months and so far, so good. I am sleeping too much but am not anxious or as depressed.
hi Donia,
Its been a while since I posted on this site. I have been on Lexapro for about 6 months. I am taking Lexapro for Anxiety and panic as well as some depression. Before Lexapro i took effexor for about 1 year. while I was on effexor I went from 125 to 140lbs which made me more depressed because no matter how much I exercised or how little i ate i couldn't lose weight. Now its starting again with Lexapro. I got back down to 123lbs but since Ive been on Lexapro i've gained about 5 lbs in 6 months not only that but I have terrible cravings for sugar (my favorite is mentos; I eat them packs at a time!)I can't take any of the weight loss meds(anything over the counter with caffiene) because it makes my anxiety much worse. I guess what I'm complaning about is this: Its too bad that it seems as though we have to trade being less anxious or depressed for being chubby or fat. It doesn't seem a very good trade off does it?
ANXIETY ANN
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
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