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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 sgoose on August 3, 2004, at 11:27:03
I'm at a peak level of frustration right now. Been on meds for over 6 years now, started as a GAD, PD dx....now I've been shifted to GAD and ADHD + Major Depression for over a year now. In the meanwhile, the insomnia and generalized pain have just gotten worse. I'm in the process of being probed by my GP for the reason why I'm experiencing migraines and back/neck pain that goes to my arms and legs. I'm not looking for hard pain killers but I'm starting to think that I need to start talking that over with my Dr. In the past I've taken hydrocodone for an ankle injury and it was the best 'antidepressant' I've experienced yet, besides having a 'normal' life. Then again, abuse of these pain meds is rampant and a 20-something yr old male is definitely descriminated against in this situation. I know girls my age with lesser pain problems who get these meds. I don't even dare mention these pills to my Dr. even thought I have NO history of any kind of abuse whatsoever after being on Sched.2 drugs for 7 years now. My current meds are Dexedrine 10mg immediate upon waking so that I can get out of bed(got them in capsules with little beads like an XR this month even though the literature from the pharmacy says tablets??), then Adderall XR 20mg with my next glass of water and Klonopin 1mg twice a day. My major depression has been treatment resistant with all the SSRI's and Wellbutrin SR and XL. Last trip to my outpatient program (go in once a month talk to a nurse she goes and gets refills from the Dr) was a lost cause because I went in complaining about the increased insomnia making my life miserable and only got "have to wait until next month and we'll go and talk to the Dr. directly." This was after the nurse asked me if I'd ever tried Seroquel for sleep (haven't).. I've been on Ambien (works like a charm but not covered in my health plan) and Ativan gives me what I call "insomniac energy" ..take 2mg's and next thing I know I'm drawing or back on the computer researching computer architecture. I also take Flonase and Alivert (claritin knock-off) for my chronic year round alllergies, plus Advair diskus for the associated asthma problem. All of these meds I'm taking as prescribed. My GP has instructed me to go out and get magnesium oxide 1000mg at night and Riboflavin 300mg twice a day for my headache problems. Just had a CT head scan yesterday so we'll see what that yields.. all my blood work came back normal from last week. I need something, anything to start living again. I also get in my daily exercise by walking/swimming (not too close to bed time of course). I'm just getting towards the end of my rope having done everything in my power to help myself but feeling like my Dr's, esp. P.doc is coming up short for me. I'm suspicious of the Klonopin for making my historically low mood worse, but reluctant to mess with it because it is what saves me as far as leaving my house and talking to people... being away from home. I'm pondering asking about Xanax XR because I do remember feeling a bit "brighter" in all areas when on Xanax IR a few years ago for a while before I decided to stop all meds and I lived in _hell_ for that year so.
For those still reading, Thank You and any suggestions are greatly appreciated.
-sgoose
"sick and tired of being sick and tired"
Posted by Colleen D. on August 3, 2004, at 13:44:09
In reply to Venting and looking for advice., posted by sgoose on August 3, 2004, at 11:27:03
My chronic pain, including migraines, sciatica and other joint pain, has disappeared since I started taking it this past May. It has also done wonders for my depression and GAD, and has improved my OCD somewhat. I DO have insomnia, but I'll be addressing that with my doc at my next appt. as over-the-counter sedatives and supplements haven't helped much. Good luck!
Colleen
PPD, GAD and OCD
Posted by sgoose on August 3, 2004, at 15:00:00
In reply to Have you tried Effexor??? » sgoose, posted by Colleen D. on August 3, 2004, at 13:44:09
Haven't tried Effexor.. One reason is that I failed all of the SSRI trials in the past, but the Number One reason I haven't asked for Effexor is the horror stories I've heard about the withdrawals. Also, none of my Dr's have ever suggested it. I would consider it if it really helps so much with pain because the pain is flat out ruining my life.
Thanks!
-sgoose
> My chronic pain, including migraines, sciatica and other joint pain, has disappeared since I started taking it this past May. It has also done wonders for my depression and GAD, and has improved my OCD somewhat. I DO have insomnia, but I'll be addressing that with my doc at my next appt. as over-the-counter sedatives and supplements haven't helped much. Good luck!
>
> Colleen
> PPD, GAD and OCD
Posted by Colleen D. on August 3, 2004, at 20:18:30
In reply to Re: Have you tried Effexor???, posted by sgoose on August 3, 2004, at 15:00:00
and with the number of posts, there's a wealth of info on Effexor being used for chronic pain.
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040704/msgs/363567.html
Perhaps this will give you what you need to make a decision on trying it. I was also reluctant because of all that I've read about withdrawal but I think a large number of people with the worst experiences haven't titrated down properly. Good luck!
Colleen
PPD, GAD and OCD
This is the end of the thread.
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