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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 10 of 10. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by sdjeff on October 25, 2004, at 22:29:57
Lately I have been really down, having mostly the physical signs of a depressive episode. I am having suicidal thoughts, no plans. I feel like total crap emotionally and physically. The only thing is, no matter how bad things get I can never seem to cry. I was wondering if anyone else has similar symptoms.
Posted by jboud24 on October 25, 2004, at 22:57:58
In reply to Depressed like crazy but not crying, posted by sdjeff on October 25, 2004, at 22:29:57
Yes, on Zoloft which I just finished weaning off yesterday I could not laugh or cry, or feel much at all for that matter. I can totally relate. I hated that effect, and that's why I'm getting off the zoloft. Sure it made my anxiety better, but at what cost? I felt unhuman, and not a little like a rock on the side of the road.
Are you taking any meds? If so, what are they?
Just give it some time and I'm sure things will get better for you. I felt suicidal for 2 months after I got out of rehab. I had to forfeit my registration my SENIOR year at my University and go to drug rehab! Talk about an about face for this 'collegiate' individual. At the same time, my mother basically disowned me, and my girlfriend of 4 years dumped me like the trash.
I feel better now, and I'm on a ton less meds than I was then. I know you'll be alright just keep your chin up and hang in there.
Justin
Posted by sdjeff on October 26, 2004, at 1:25:16
In reply to Re: Depressed like crazy but not crying, posted by jboud24 on October 25, 2004, at 22:57:58
Wow, sounds like you've been through it. Hope things are looking up for you.
To answer your question, I'm on 15 mg of Zyprexa and 60 mg of cymbalta. I think the Zyprexa causes most of the emotional flattening. It's a trade-off though. Without it, my anxiety is debilitating.
Posted by jboud24 on October 26, 2004, at 3:08:36
In reply to Re: Depressed like crazy but not crying » jboud24, posted by sdjeff on October 26, 2004, at 1:25:16
I see. Zyprexa is a good med from what I hear. Cymbalta too. Maybe you could lower the zyprexa dose and add a benzodiazepine for the break through anxiety. Just a thought.
Justin
Posted by Ilene on October 26, 2004, at 12:33:58
In reply to Re: Depressed like crazy but not crying » jboud24, posted by sdjeff on October 26, 2004, at 1:25:16
> Wow, sounds like you've been through it. Hope things are looking up for you.
>
> To answer your question, I'm on 15 mg of Zyprexa and 60 mg of cymbalta. I think the Zyprexa causes most of the emotional flattening. It's a trade-off though. Without it, my anxiety is debilitating.I'm sorry you're feeling so down. I've been on Zyprexa too, and I found it took away most of the anxiety, but I've been gaining weight. I'm trying to taper off but the anxiety is already coming back. I might try Inderal. I might try Cymbalta, too, but I think I'll go for Parnate first.
You said in an earlier post that your girlfriend stopped returning your phone calls. I didn't even know you had a GF. I think that's great! Not that she's breaking things off, but that you had a relationship w/ someone. Sorry it didn't work out, though, but most relationships don't, you know, even among the mentally stable.
Posted by cubic_me on October 27, 2004, at 5:04:46
In reply to Depressed like crazy but not crying, posted by sdjeff on October 25, 2004, at 22:29:57
Do you often find it difficult to cry when you are really depressed? It isn't uncommon for someone who is very depressed to be unable to cry. I find that I never cry when I am most suicidal or down. I understand how frustrating it can be. Perhaps a med tweak may help you a little.
Posted by sunny10 on October 28, 2004, at 14:20:55
In reply to Depressed like crazy but not crying, posted by sdjeff on October 25, 2004, at 22:29:57
I'm not a pdoc, but I think that what you're referring to is actually the difference between true depression and being "sad, hurt, angry", and the other "normal" emotions.
When I am feeling suicidal it is exactly BECAUSE I feel there is nothing worth crying over anymore(at that time).
Not crying seems to me to be a symptom of the "hopeless, helpless, this will never end" side of depression as a disease.
If there are some emotional stressors in your life which, in your depression, are causing you to feel like life is horrible, but you just can't cry, you should talk to your therapist, not your pdoc (IMO).
If there AREN'T really stressors, THEN go talk to the pdoc. Sometimes the "flat feeling" that everyone else is referring to is sometimes enough to think "why NOT die?"- which usually signals to me that I need a med check.
Hang in there- we're all here for you- and in it WITH you !
-sunny10
Posted by sdjeff on October 28, 2004, at 15:36:00
In reply to Re: Depressed like crazy but not crying, posted by jboud24 on October 26, 2004, at 3:08:36
Thank you all again for your advice and kind words. It seems I have some things to discuss with my pdoc and my T.
Posted by Peddidle on October 29, 2004, at 3:40:39
In reply to Re: Depressed like crazy but not crying, posted by sdjeff on October 28, 2004, at 15:36:00
Yup, I totally know the feeling...and I have been weaning off of the zoloft for the past few weeks (I had been on 200mg for about 5yrs, and now I am on 50mg).
Take a look at some of my other posts if you want--they might be helpful.
Best of luck!
Posted by Sad Panda on October 30, 2004, at 4:33:42
In reply to Depressed like crazy but not crying, posted by sdjeff on October 25, 2004, at 22:29:57
> Lately I have been really down, having mostly the physical signs of a depressive episode. I am having suicidal thoughts, no plans. I feel like total crap emotionally and physically. The only thing is, no matter how bad things get I can never seem to cry. I was wondering if anyone else has similar symptoms.
>
>
>Hi SDJ,
It sounds like you are taking too much AP & not enough AD. Have you tried many AD's at high doseages? An MAOI might be what you need.
Cheers,
Paul.
This is the end of the thread.
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