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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 ShellBell on November 5, 2003, at 17:58:54
I'd like to have some opinions/knowledge from group members/Dr. Bob on my situation. I appreciate your responses:)
I've never been treated for depression or anxiety, am 31 yrs old. My mother (and several of her sisters) have a history of panic attacks/anxiety disorder. She is currently being treated with Wellbutrin after using Zoloft for several years which caused weight gain. Her symptoms are completely under control.I would say I've experienced very mild depressive episodes for no apparent reason in the past but nothing requiring treatmen. This year we just moved 1200 miles and I became a work at home mom leaving the work force of being a nurse for 10 yrs. Anyway, I guess this triggered the problems I started to notice.
I began to notice that I have some "mental fog" trouble concentrating, sleepy/tired alot and very snappy with my family. I realize that I'm being snappy but can't seem to help myself. I would not physically harm anyone but feel verbally in a way out of control and quite often get angry over little things that I truly realize aren't that important but can't control myself.
My PDOC prescribed some Sarafem since my symptoms seem worse around the PMS time of the month. I took that for 3 wks seemed to feel some better at first but then began to have noticeable anxiety, severe headaches and suffered from a panic attack last week (for the first time)-- I realized what was happening from my mother's experiences but it was terrifying. I read that the Sarafem/Prozac can trigger these side effects. I stopped the med myself, maybe the wrong thing to do but I was too terrified to continue taking it. Now, about a week later I've had no more panic attacks but am again feeling very tired and snappy as before. I don't think the anxiety was a fair trade off though. I would rather have the previous symptoms than the attacks again.
My question would be, would Wellbutrin have the same affect on me. I know there's no real way to tell but I'm terrified of having another attack again. I would rather deal with the symptoms I have and start exercising, taking herbs/vitamins or some other route.Any opinions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance
Posted by cupcake on November 6, 2003, at 5:10:52
In reply to Questions Sarafem vs. Wellbutrin, posted by ShellBell on November 5, 2003, at 17:58:54
I keep seeing this come up with different posts and it's also a problem I have as well...have you had your thyroid checked out? You might want to talk to your doctor about getting a blood test for your thyroid levels. I am hypothyroid and some of the symptoms you describe are similar to those produced by thyroid disorders--esp the "mental fog," tiredness, etc. irritability and hormone imbalance can be components of it as well. just a thought. i hope you're able to figure out what's going on and start feeling better soon.
denise
Posted by ShellBell on November 6, 2003, at 8:03:04
In reply to Re: Questions Sarafem vs. Wellbutrin, posted by cupcake on November 6, 2003, at 5:10:52
You know, you are probably right. I think I just need a complete physical before I assume it is anxiety/depression related. I really do feel quite upbeat and not depressed so maybe it is something else. Thanks for mentioning it!
Posted by LynneDa on November 7, 2003, at 9:40:49
In reply to Re: Questions Sarafem vs. Wellbutrin, posted by ShellBell on November 6, 2003, at 8:03:04
Hi! I've had the same symptoms for several years, including unexplained crying jags and suddenly having feelings of very low self-worth when for all of my life I've had a pretty good opinion of myself! The symptoms didn't appear til I came under a great deal of stress. Having a thorough physical will be a good first step, to rule out anything else and to have your hormone levels checked.
I was diagnosed with PMDD (Pre-menstrual Dysphoric Disorder) or very extreme PMS! I was put on Sarafem a year ago, but after just 7 weeks went off it myself too - didn't like the side effects. I tried a variety of non-prescription things, and therapy of course, to no avail. I just went on Lexapro a few weeks ago and it has lifted my fog, some side effects but tolerable and, best of all, I don't have these horrible things coming unbidden out of my mouth or the crying jags! My anxiety is about 100% gone. But, I am on my "bad" week now - the one before my period - and I can tell I will need to increase my dose just to get through this week!
You've had a huge life transition, no wonder you are feeling unsettled and anxious! Good luck to you in your quest!
~ Lynne
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