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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 11 of 11. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Simcha on June 18, 2003, at 0:37:06
Hello all,
Here is my current med mix for MDD:
AM Dose:
40mg Celexa
200mg WellbutrinSRPM Dose:
600mg NeurontinRecently, actually last November, I was diagnosed with Asthma. Currently my condition has been down-graded to Moderate Persistant Asthma. I take Azmacort (3puffs in the am) and Albuterol ihaler as needed to control tha Asthma. I use medications daily to control allergies that might trigger the Asthma: Allegra (120mg/day "60mg X 2") and Flonase (2 sprays in each nostril). Both Azmacort and Flonase are corticosteroids.
Anyway, when I had Bronchitis in February, my Doctor prescribed Promethazine with Codeine syrup to control the cough. I took it mainly at night because it made me feel drowsy. Also it made me feel really good, I mean REALLY good.
With all the darn medicine I'm taking I feel like a druggie anyway.
Well, recently I've taken to having marguerita occasionally in the evening. It relaxes me and I enjoy the flavor.
I've been off of Klonopin for five months now but I kind of miss the stuff. It really helped calm me in ways that the Neurontin is not. I've been considering Valium at night to calm myself occasionally when I have a hard time sleeping. My perception is that Valium is shorter acting and occasionally taken, it is not a bad thing?
Also, I'm wondering why the Codeine cough syrup made me feel so good when I took it at night. I kind of miss it. I'm not sure I'm really addicted. (I don't have anymore so I haven't had it since I had Bronchitis in February.) It's just that the stuff made me feel so good and calm while I was going to sleep. It felt like I was melting into a nice sweet dreamy sleep.
Am I a druggie here because I enjoy the effects of an occasional benzo, the occasional drink, or an opioid drug? Could this be that there is some anxiety I have that is unresolved?
Also, I get concerned as it is with all the medication I take. It seems like it's a lot for my liver and kidneys to handle. Yet, I want to be a normal 33 year old man and I enjoy the occasional inebriation.
Well, any comments or concerns would be welcome. I'd like a reality check.
Thanks,
Simcha
Posted by Anton on June 18, 2003, at 2:31:54
In reply to Alcohol, Valium, and Codeine -- Long, posted by Simcha on June 18, 2003, at 0:37:06
> Hello all,
>
> Here is my current med mix for MDD:
>
> AM Dose:
> 40mg Celexa
> 200mg WellbutrinSR
>
> PM Dose:
> 600mg Neurontin
>
> Recently, actually last November, I was diagnosed with Asthma. Currently my condition has been down-graded to Moderate Persistant Asthma. I take Azmacort (3puffs in the am) and Albuterol ihaler as needed to control tha Asthma. I use medications daily to control allergies that might trigger the Asthma: Allegra (120mg/day "60mg X 2") and Flonase (2 sprays in each nostril). Both Azmacort and Flonase are corticosteroids.
>
> Anyway, when I had Bronchitis in February, my Doctor prescribed Promethazine with Codeine syrup to control the cough. I took it mainly at night because it made me feel drowsy. Also it made me feel really good, I mean REALLY good.
>
> With all the darn medicine I'm taking I feel like a druggie anyway.
>
> Well, recently I've taken to having marguerita occasionally in the evening. It relaxes me and I enjoy the flavor.
>
> I've been off of Klonopin for five months now but I kind of miss the stuff. It really helped calm me in ways that the Neurontin is not. I've been considering Valium at night to calm myself occasionally when I have a hard time sleeping. My perception is that Valium is shorter acting and occasionally taken, it is not a bad thing?
>
> Also, I'm wondering why the Codeine cough syrup made me feel so good when I took it at night. I kind of miss it. I'm not sure I'm really addicted. (I don't have anymore so I haven't had it since I had Bronchitis in February.) It's just that the stuff made me feel so good and calm while I was going to sleep. It felt like I was melting into a nice sweet dreamy sleep.
>
> Am I a druggie here because I enjoy the effects of an occasional benzo, the occasional drink, or an opioid drug? Could this be that there is some anxiety I have that is unresolved?
>
> Also, I get concerned as it is with all the medication I take. It seems like it's a lot for my liver and kidneys to handle. Yet, I want to be a normal 33 year old man and I enjoy the occasional inebriation.
>
> Well, any comments or concerns would be welcome. I'd like a reality check.
>
> Thanks,
> SimchaDo you think you're a druggie?
People take a lot of different meds for a lot of different reasons, the body needs what the body needs, it's only when you know that you don't need it and are abusing a substance that could cause problems.I don't think you need someone to tell you what you are at all, how would they really know anyway? and what if they are wrong? it's you yourself that must decide.
From my view it sounds like you may just need help with your sleeping, which is pretty normal, maybe talk to your doc about Zopiclone or one of the other sleeping tabs, I've taken Zopiclone before and it helped put me in a deep sleep and wake up without feeling groggy or anything.
Hope this helps.
Anton.
Anton.
Posted by jay on June 18, 2003, at 7:04:07
In reply to Alcohol, Valium, and Codeine -- Long, posted by Simcha on June 18, 2003, at 0:37:06
> Hello all,
>
> Here is my current med mix for MDD:
>
> AM Dose:
> 40mg Celexa
> 200mg WellbutrinSR
>
> PM Dose:
> 600mg Neurontin
>
> Recently, actually last November, I was diagnosed with Asthma. Currently my condition has been down-graded to Moderate Persistant Asthma. I take Azmacort (3puffs in the am) and Albuterol ihaler as needed to control tha Asthma. I use medications daily to control allergies that might trigger the Asthma: Allegra (120mg/day "60mg X 2") and Flonase (2 sprays in each nostril). Both Azmacort and Flonase are corticosteroids.
>
> Anyway, when I had Bronchitis in February, my Doctor prescribed Promethazine with Codeine syrup to control the cough. I took it mainly at night because it made me feel drowsy. Also it made me feel really good, I mean REALLY good.
>
> With all the darn medicine I'm taking I feel like a druggie anyway.
>
> Well, recently I've taken to having marguerita occasionally in the evening. It relaxes me and I enjoy the flavor.
>
> I've been off of Klonopin for five months now but I kind of miss the stuff. It really helped calm me in ways that the Neurontin is not. I've been considering Valium at night to calm myself occasionally when I have a hard time sleeping. My perception is that Valium is shorter acting and occasionally taken, it is not a bad thing?
>
> Also, I'm wondering why the Codeine cough syrup made me feel so good when I took it at night. I kind of miss it. I'm not sure I'm really addicted. (I don't have anymore so I haven't had it since I had Bronchitis in February.) It's just that the stuff made me feel so good and calm while I was going to sleep. It felt like I was melting into a nice sweet dreamy sleep.
>
> Am I a druggie here because I enjoy the effects of an occasional benzo, the occasional drink, or an opioid drug? Could this be that there is some anxiety I have that is unresolved?
>
> Also, I get concerned as it is with all the medication I take. It seems like it's a lot for my liver and kidneys to handle. Yet, I want to be a normal 33 year old man and I enjoy the occasional inebriation.
>
> Well, any comments or concerns would be welcome. I'd like a reality check.
>
> Thanks,
> SimchaHi Simcha..no you are not a 'druggie' anymore than anybody who uses caffiene, aspirin or tylenol on a regular basis.
My concern, from experience, is the alcohol/benzo combo. I am wondering if you find your combo of Wellbutrin and Celexa with Neurontin working well? If it's any relief to you, I take both an opioid and and benzo on a somewhat regular basis with my Prozac and Zyprexa. (Yes that is my new combo for anyone else reading..and Prozac seems to be like a wonderdrug compared to my 5 years on Effexor. :-)
I've taken the same dose of a benzo, many brands, over 10 or so years, with no need to increase dose. But, I find afterawhile I only need to use the benzos occassionaly. It's not *on purpose*, just the help of other good drugs seems to do the trick.
I find out of all the SRI's, Prozac and Zoloft to be the ones that both helped with anxiety and depression. Maybe my 5 years of Effexor taking, which felt like being on a rollercoaster and speed, my body easily accepts Prozac, because at first I couldn't handle it. I don't know if I can handle large doses (greater than 25mg's of Zoloft), but I guess everyone is individual.
If you can get and take codiene on and off, epsecially in smaller doses, I don't see much problem with it, as I said I take it often (with my docs knowledge) for chronic pain associated with horrific sinus infections, which lead to throat infections, etc. (And yes we've tested for all other problems...it just happens to be the way my sinus cavities where built..and even surgery would do little if anything but be very risky.)
Oh..and also...please, the *occassional* drink sure as heck is no problem! According to some latest research, it may even be good for you. Just keep an eye on it...
My question for you is, do you feel any benefit, or *good* benefit, from your current meds? It's amazing at how many of us will stick to a particular med for years, even if it isn't helping. "Treatment Resistance" is often not just to do with the patient, but with a doctor who may prescribe from a very conservative viewpoint. I think that is *dangerous*.
Anyhow..please let me know what you think. I know this doesn't sound true right now, but a good pdoc on the internet once told me to "hang in and keep trying...because it seems it can take up to a decade sometimes for treatment resistent depression to break away atleast a bit in a person." We are talking about so much complexity, and we still know so little. I also find that as the years go on, when I change meds and such, it's like my body has to go through a complete transformation.
Let me know what you think...and btw..what other meds have you tried, and your reactions?
Best....
Jay
Posted by stjames on June 18, 2003, at 9:22:33
In reply to Alcohol, Valium, and Codeine -- Long, posted by Simcha on June 18, 2003, at 0:37:06
>
> Also, I get concerned as it is with all the medication I take. It seems like it's a lot for my liver and kidneys to handle. Yet, I want to be a normal 33 year old man and I enjoy the occasional inebriation.
>
> Well, any comments or concerns would be welcome. I'd like a reality check.
I only see a point of being conserned if the meds do not work. Seems like they do. It is actually not to much for your liver. Get a liver function test if you are conserned.
Posted by Simcha on June 18, 2003, at 15:07:21
In reply to Re: Alcohol, Valium, and Codeine -- Long » Simcha, posted by jay on June 18, 2003, at 7:04:07
Jay,
Thanks for your reply it's been very helpful.
> Hi Simcha..no you are not a 'druggie' anymore than anybody who uses caffiene, aspirin or tylenol on a regular basis.Thanks, I needed to be reminded of this. Our "War on Drugs" in this country (USA) seems to stigmatize those of us who need certain remedies for mental illness.
> My concern, from experience, is the alcohol/benzo combo. I am wondering if you find your combo of Wellbutrin and Celexa with Neurontin working well? If it's any relief to you, I take both an opioid and and benzo on a somewhat regular basis with my Prozac and Zyprexa. (Yes that is my new combo for anyone else reading..and Prozac seems to be like a wonderdrug compared to my 5 years on Effexor. :-)Yes, I find that this combination has been working very well. It's just that at night sometimes I have a hard time calming down and going to bed. It's then that I seek some more medication. I used to be a terrible insomniac. I only have the occasional difficulty now.
> If you can get and take codiene on and off, epsecially in smaller doses, I don't see much problem with it, as I said I take it often (with my docs knowledge) for chronic pain associated with horrific sinus infections, which lead to throat infections, etc. (And yes we've tested for all other problems...it just happens to be the way my sinus cavities where built..and even surgery would do little if anything but be very risky.)
Yes, I have terrible rhinitis myself. My sinuses are my nemesis. I use Flonase for that and it seems to work beautifully. I also have access to codeine and I can't mention the source here *wink*. Occasionally it just seems to do the trick for my asthma coughing and it takes aches and pains away well.
> Oh..and also...please, the *occassional* drink sure as heck is no problem! According to some latest research, it may even be good for you. Just keep an eye on it...
Yeah, thanks for the reminder. I do keep an eye on it. Mainly I have the occasional marguerita when I don't have to work the next day. That's about twice a week. Then again, I'm on vacation this week, so....
> Let me know what you think...and btw..what other meds have you tried, and your reactions?
The only other meds I've been on, besides my current mix, include EffexorXR and Klonopin. The Klonopin was added when I got off of the EffexorXR and the Celexa made my bruxism and restless legs worse. It did the trick for about a year. This current pdoc had me switch to Neurontin which has it's advantages at times.
I got off of the EffexorXR because it made me incapable of acheiving orgasm. This side effect became an issue when I started to date someone special. Anyway, I don't have experience with any more meds than that.
Thanks,
Simcha
Posted by Simcha on June 18, 2003, at 15:08:41
In reply to Re: Alcohol, Valium, and Codeine -- Long, posted by stjames on June 18, 2003, at 9:22:33
St. James,
Thanks for the reality check. I feel I'd know if there was a problem with my liver. I go to a doctor regularly for my asthma and he is aware of all the medications I take. He has never mentioned the need for a liver check.
Thanks,
Simcha
>
> >
> > Also, I get concerned as it is with all the medication I take. It seems like it's a lot for my liver and kidneys to handle. Yet, I want to be a normal 33 year old man and I enjoy the occasional inebriation.
> >
> > Well, any comments or concerns would be welcome. I'd like a reality check.
>
>
> I only see a point of being conserned if the meds do not work. Seems like they do. It is actually not to much for your liver. Get a liver function test if you are conserned.
>
Posted by Jack Smith on June 18, 2003, at 16:39:00
In reply to Alcohol, Valium, and Codeine -- Long, posted by Simcha on June 18, 2003, at 0:37:06
> Am I a druggie here because I enjoy the effects of an occasional benzo, the occasional drink, or an opioid drug? Could this be that there is some anxiety I have that is unresolved?
>The key word is "occasional." Assuming that is true then of course you are not a "druggie." There is nothing wrong with "occasional" use of any of these drugs and, at least in the case of benzos and opiates, in the RIGHT situation, there is nothing wrong with daily use.
JACK
Posted by zenhussy on June 19, 2003, at 1:51:10
In reply to Alcohol, Valium, and Codeine -- Long, posted by Simcha on June 18, 2003, at 0:37:06
Simcha,
I have had a couple of liver panels done in the past few months due to concern about the years I've been on Wellbutrin. Everything turned up peachy with the liver.
It's not an expensive blood test to have done and if you are concerned just ask doc to send you to lab and get that taken care of. I know I felt huge relief to find out my liver was chuggin' along just fine after about a decade of psychotropic medications.
Best wishes,
zenhussy
Posted by KimberlyDi on June 19, 2003, at 16:54:14
In reply to Alcohol, Valium, and Codeine -- Long, posted by Simcha on June 18, 2003, at 0:37:06
re: cough medicine. Oh yeah, i know what you mean. I would go to sleep with a smile on my face and float into dreamland. Since I continued to take the cough medicine, even when i wasn't coughing anymore, I suppose I was abusing it.
I haven't raided a pharmacy to get refills though!
If you are taking the med's just for the reason prescribed, don't feel guilty if you experience a *nice* side effect for once.
Kim
> Hello all,
>
> Here is my current med mix for MDD:
>
> AM Dose:
> 40mg Celexa
> 200mg WellbutrinSR
>
> PM Dose:
> 600mg Neurontin
>
> Recently, actually last November, I was diagnosed with Asthma. Currently my condition has been down-graded to Moderate Persistant Asthma. I take Azmacort (3puffs in the am) and Albuterol ihaler as needed to control tha Asthma. I use medications daily to control allergies that might trigger the Asthma: Allegra (120mg/day "60mg X 2") and Flonase (2 sprays in each nostril). Both Azmacort and Flonase are corticosteroids.
>
> Anyway, when I had Bronchitis in February, my Doctor prescribed Promethazine with Codeine syrup to control the cough. I took it mainly at night because it made me feel drowsy. Also it made me feel really good, I mean REALLY good.
>
> With all the darn medicine I'm taking I feel like a druggie anyway.
>
> Well, recently I've taken to having marguerita occasionally in the evening. It relaxes me and I enjoy the flavor.
>
> I've been off of Klonopin for five months now but I kind of miss the stuff. It really helped calm me in ways that the Neurontin is not. I've been considering Valium at night to calm myself occasionally when I have a hard time sleeping. My perception is that Valium is shorter acting and occasionally taken, it is not a bad thing?
>
> Also, I'm wondering why the Codeine cough syrup made me feel so good when I took it at night. I kind of miss it. I'm not sure I'm really addicted. (I don't have anymore so I haven't had it since I had Bronchitis in February.) It's just that the stuff made me feel so good and calm while I was going to sleep. It felt like I was melting into a nice sweet dreamy sleep.
>
> Am I a druggie here because I enjoy the effects of an occasional benzo, the occasional drink, or an opioid drug? Could this be that there is some anxiety I have that is unresolved?
>
> Also, I get concerned as it is with all the medication I take. It seems like it's a lot for my liver and kidneys to handle. Yet, I want to be a normal 33 year old man and I enjoy the occasional inebriation.
>
> Well, any comments or concerns would be welcome. I'd like a reality check.
>
> Thanks,
> Simcha
Posted by Simcha on June 20, 2003, at 2:02:20
In reply to Re: Alcohol, Valium, and Codeine -- Long » Simcha, posted by KimberlyDi on June 19, 2003, at 16:54:14
> re: cough medicine. Oh yeah, i know what you mean. I would go to sleep with a smile on my face and float into dreamland. Since I continued to take the cough medicine, even when i wasn't coughing anymore, I suppose I was abusing it.
> I haven't raided a pharmacy to get refills though!
> If you are taking the med's just for the reason prescribed, don't feel guilty if you experience a *nice* side effect for once.
> KimThanks Kim!
> > Hello all,
> >
> > Here is my current med mix for MDD:
> >
> > AM Dose:
> > 40mg Celexa
> > 200mg WellbutrinSR
> >
> > PM Dose:
> > 600mg Neurontin
> >
> > Recently, actually last November, I was diagnosed with Asthma. Currently my condition has been down-graded to Moderate Persistant Asthma. I take Azmacort (3puffs in the am) and Albuterol ihaler as needed to control tha Asthma. I use medications daily to control allergies that might trigger the Asthma: Allegra (120mg/day "60mg X 2") and Flonase (2 sprays in each nostril). Both Azmacort and Flonase are corticosteroids.
> >
> > Anyway, when I had Bronchitis in February, my Doctor prescribed Promethazine with Codeine syrup to control the cough. I took it mainly at night because it made me feel drowsy. Also it made me feel really good, I mean REALLY good.
> >
> > With all the darn medicine I'm taking I feel like a druggie anyway.
> >
> > Well, recently I've taken to having marguerita occasionally in the evening. It relaxes me and I enjoy the flavor.
> >
> > I've been off of Klonopin for five months now but I kind of miss the stuff. It really helped calm me in ways that the Neurontin is not. I've been considering Valium at night to calm myself occasionally when I have a hard time sleeping. My perception is that Valium is shorter acting and occasionally taken, it is not a bad thing?
> >
> > Also, I'm wondering why the Codeine cough syrup made me feel so good when I took it at night. I kind of miss it. I'm not sure I'm really addicted. (I don't have anymore so I haven't had it since I had Bronchitis in February.) It's just that the stuff made me feel so good and calm while I was going to sleep. It felt like I was melting into a nice sweet dreamy sleep.
> >
> > Am I a druggie here because I enjoy the effects of an occasional benzo, the occasional drink, or an opioid drug? Could this be that there is some anxiety I have that is unresolved?
> >
> > Also, I get concerned as it is with all the medication I take. It seems like it's a lot for my liver and kidneys to handle. Yet, I want to be a normal 33 year old man and I enjoy the occasional inebriation.
> >
> > Well, any comments or concerns would be welcome. I'd like a reality check.
> >
> > Thanks,
> > Simcha
>
>
Posted by Simcha on June 20, 2003, at 2:03:51
In reply to Re: Alcohol, Valium, and Codeine » Simcha, posted by zenhussy on June 19, 2003, at 1:51:10
Zenhussy, (I just love that name!) ;-)
Anyway, thanks for the post. I might consider the test. Right now I'm not going to worry about it. I'm just going to keep taking my medicine and I'm going to enjoy some of the nice side effects for a change.
> Simcha,
>
> I have had a couple of liver panels done in the past few months due to concern about the years I've been on Wellbutrin. Everything turned up peachy with the liver.
>
> It's not an expensive blood test to have done and if you are concerned just ask doc to send you to lab and get that taken care of. I know I felt huge relief to find out my liver was chuggin' along just fine after about a decade of psychotropic medications.
>
> Best wishes,
>
> zenhussy
This is the end of the thread.
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