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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 3 of 3. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Mr. Scott on April 18, 2004, at 22:08:08
See the list below taken from About.com's panic/anxiety page. So...If I get several of these in response to SSRI's & Effexor, would you say maybe it's a good idea not to take them? And if so...What on God's earth would you do for depression? Take mood stabilizers only?
Anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, insomnia, irritability, hostility, impulsivity, akathisia (severe restlessness), hypomania, and mania have been reported in adult and pediatric patients being treated with antidepressants for major depressive disorder as well as for other indications, both psychiatric and nonpsychiatric. Although FDA has not concluded that these symptoms are a precursor to either worsening of depression or the emergence of suicidal impulses, there is concern that patients who experience one or more of these symptoms may be at increased risk for worsening depression or suicidality. Therefore, therapy should be evaluated, and medications may need to be discontinued, when symptoms are severe, abrupt in onset, or were not part of the patient’s presenting symptoms.
Posted by katalina on April 18, 2004, at 22:48:41
In reply to Help, posted by Mr. Scott on April 18, 2004, at 22:08:08
I believe a mood stabilizer may be in order. I have read more than once that reacting negatively to an SSRI (the symptoms you described) can be indicative of BP II. I see a hint of this in my sister with SSRI's and I myself was acting a bit "crazy" when I took Effexor and Adderall. I have since 86'd the Effexor and now take an Adderall/Klonopin combination and feel pretty good - more normal than I did when I combined it with the Effexor.
I have been thinking about asking my doc about a mood stabilizer at my next appt. in June but am leary of him taking me off the Adderall if he thinks I am bipolar II at all. I'm hardly manic, just depressive and the Adderall and Klonopin allows me to kind of "go with the flow" for the most part, although my moods are still somewhat volatile and I'm growing more irritated each day it seems. I can't seem to pinpoint what sets me off or why. Usually right after my a.m. Adderall XR dose (30 mg.) I can deal with things calmly for about an hour before I feel like everything is driving me nuts again (not good). I stay home with my daughters who are 3.5 and 5 and it takes a great deal of patience for me to tolerate constant interruptions and senseless noise somedays. I usuallly don't realize how abnormal it is until a friend is over with their kid(s) who's 10x more annoying than my own and I don't see her getting her knickers in a knot over her kids' noisiness that I realize how moody/sensitive I really am to unnecessary noise. I really agree with the statement to be a prescription drug taker is not an oxymoron to wanting to be a better mother. I truly need to take medication to function as a stay at home mother, sad as that may sound.
ANYWAY, I know I am veering off your question, but I think that you (and I) may exhibit symptoms of bpII from our se's from SSRI's and SNRI's. I don't know how much relief is found from mild BPII types on mood stabilizers. I certainly don't need to feel more lethargic or less motivated than I already do. Off all meds I could definitely be described as being born "3 drinks short". I feel apathetic, yet not depressed or suicidal. Just irritated with the public and unable to get excited about anything on my bad days. On SSRI's I feel more life affirming and positive for a while and then that apathy returns without the negativity - just a "screw it" type of attitude. I don't know if that's exactly considered bp II, I just know that I don't feel normal when I'm surrounded by other people who look at me like I'm a freak when I start complaining about my life. I am just cynical I suppose and have no real desire to change via therapy (always think I know more than therapists or feel ripping angry at them for judging me or dumbing down to me with stupid questions"). I think I may have Oppositional Defiant Disorder with ADD (inattentive) and low lying dysthymia. I don't care what you call it - I just want to feel good and enjoy the present moment without thinking about the past or the future.
Labels are for jelly jars.
Katie
Posted by KathrynLex on April 18, 2004, at 23:34:18
In reply to Help, posted by Mr. Scott on April 18, 2004, at 22:08:08
Hi Mr. Scott,
A lot of those symptoms can occur during the first few weeks that you take an SSRI.
However, if you've tried several SSRIs for a a few weeks at a time (each) then you're probably right about it being a bad idea for you to take them. Why go through all that?
You might consider trying Wellbutrin. It's an antidepressant but not an SSRI. I hope you find something that works for you, battling depression isn't easy. Just remember you're not alone.
K.
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