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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 17 of 17. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by jboud24 on November 2, 2004, at 20:44:07
Hey all,
I saw my new private pay pdoc today, and I really think he's going to turn out good. For those who don't know me well, I have been dx with social anxiety, generalized anxiety, panic disorder (Yes, both SAD and PD), and depression. My anxiety issues far outweigh my depression issues. Anyway, we decided to hold off on the MAO Inhibitor as a last resort option if all else fails. I'm okay with that, he better come through though if/when all else fails or I'll be very irritated! Its like, wow, I've finally found a pdoc who I can talk to like a regular person, who has no ego issues, and who was completely willing to try some of the things that I suggested to him! It's great, it's like I finally have some say in my treatment, and just knowing that makes me feel a ton better.
Since I'm a biochemistry student at LSU, he conversed very casually with me about neurotransmitter systems, theorys of depression and their implications in biochemistry, and in my language how my illness affects me. It was really great in this dorky chemistry/biology type way.
Anyway, I told him about the meds I'm already on: Zoloft 300mgs and Remeron 30mg.
Next I told him about my previous run-in at one of our local substance abuse rehab places for overly excessive alcohol use. I told him about my lack of drive, motivation, interest, and anhedonia. He suggested Wellbutrin, but I subtley declind having read all of the horrid anxiety inducing side-effects of the WB. He said what about Ritalin, but I said I thought that might be a little too edgey for my anxiety too, so then I asked about amphetamines, told him about the anti-anxiety effects they have on me and that my psychologist and I suspect I may have some form of ADHD, and he said, 'Sure, how about we try adderall.' I said great! So I'm now to take 20mg Adderall XR once daily for now.
Then we moved on to anti-anxiety medications, and I told him of my past use of Ativan and Xanax, and that I would like to try Klonopin due to its longer half-life. So he said, that would've been my suggestion too. Great! He told me my dosage should be about 4mgs spread throughout the day in 3-4 doses depending on what I feel suits me best. Yes!
Anyways, I'm so happy. I feel as though I've struck gold in the psychiatric vein, and believe you me, when ya find a good shrink, really good things can happen. Please, no one give up because you don't think there's a pdoc out there who is willing to both help and work with you to find out how to really FIX your problems.
New and Improved Med. List
Zoloft 300mgs
Remeron 30mgs
Klonopin 4mgs
Adderall 20mgsThanks everyone for listening to me ramble on. I'll surely let everyone know how this combo works for my anxiety.
Justin
Posted by Jasmineneroli on November 3, 2004, at 0:29:20
In reply to Saw new pdoc today! Med update, new meds, posted by jboud24 on November 2, 2004, at 20:44:07
That's awesome Justin. It's so GREAT when you are listened to and you can actually have a debate about your illness and treatment, with full input. My current Pdoc is like that too. He never seems to get fed-up about my continual S/E's to different trials of meds, and was supportive of Klon. use too. (He doesn't want me to stop it now, 16 months later!!).
Sounds like that combo covers all bases!!
Keep us updated!
Jas
p.s How can you tolerate Remeron? It was my most hated med ever and I have a similar dx to you (no S.A.). Isn't it weird and wonderful that we're all so different?
Posted by ed_uk on November 3, 2004, at 7:53:24
In reply to Re: Saw new pdoc today! Med update, new meds » jboud24, posted by Jasmineneroli on November 3, 2004, at 0:29:20
Hello :-)
When you see a doctor who's willing to let you try some of the treatments you want it gives a sense of control over your illness, that in itself it a great treatment for anxiety!
Ed
Posted by banga on November 3, 2004, at 10:24:31
In reply to Re: Saw new pdoc today! Med update, new meds, posted by ed_uk on November 3, 2004, at 7:53:24
That is so great to hear! If only all docs were willing to discuss things like that! Although I myself did get fairly lucky--my pdoc also has no big ego, I'm ABD in psychology so he also talks naturally on a higher level RE meds. He is also amazingly accessible---no 1 month wait, I can get in in a matter of days. The only thing is he lacks imagination and talks constantly about wanting to "simplify" my meds (he secretly probably thinks I should do fine on just an SSRI). But at least I have no fear of getting overprescribed, and he does take my own suggestions seriously.
I wish you the best of luck, this must be such a great relief!
Posted by jujube on November 3, 2004, at 12:09:15
In reply to Saw new pdoc today! Med update, new meds, posted by jboud24 on November 2, 2004, at 20:44:07
Justin,
I am so happy for you. I'm glad that you have found a pdoc with whom you will have a good rapport. That is so important. Good luck with the new meds. I'll be interested to see how you do on the Adderall.
Take care.
Tamara
> Hey all,
>
> I saw my new private pay pdoc today, and I really think he's going to turn out good. For those who don't know me well, I have been dx with social anxiety, generalized anxiety, panic disorder (Yes, both SAD and PD), and depression. My anxiety issues far outweigh my depression issues. Anyway, we decided to hold off on the MAO Inhibitor as a last resort option if all else fails. I'm okay with that, he better come through though if/when all else fails or I'll be very irritated! Its like, wow, I've finally found a pdoc who I can talk to like a regular person, who has no ego issues, and who was completely willing to try some of the things that I suggested to him! It's great, it's like I finally have some say in my treatment, and just knowing that makes me feel a ton better.
>
> Since I'm a biochemistry student at LSU, he conversed very casually with me about neurotransmitter systems, theorys of depression and their implications in biochemistry, and in my language how my illness affects me. It was really great in this dorky chemistry/biology type way.
>
> Anyway, I told him about the meds I'm already on: Zoloft 300mgs and Remeron 30mg.
>
> Next I told him about my previous run-in at one of our local substance abuse rehab places for overly excessive alcohol use. I told him about my lack of drive, motivation, interest, and anhedonia. He suggested Wellbutrin, but I subtley declind having read all of the horrid anxiety inducing side-effects of the WB. He said what about Ritalin, but I said I thought that might be a little too edgey for my anxiety too, so then I asked about amphetamines, told him about the anti-anxiety effects they have on me and that my psychologist and I suspect I may have some form of ADHD, and he said, 'Sure, how about we try adderall.' I said great! So I'm now to take 20mg Adderall XR once daily for now.
>
> Then we moved on to anti-anxiety medications, and I told him of my past use of Ativan and Xanax, and that I would like to try Klonopin due to its longer half-life. So he said, that would've been my suggestion too. Great! He told me my dosage should be about 4mgs spread throughout the day in 3-4 doses depending on what I feel suits me best. Yes!
>
> Anyways, I'm so happy. I feel as though I've struck gold in the psychiatric vein, and believe you me, when ya find a good shrink, really good things can happen. Please, no one give up because you don't think there's a pdoc out there who is willing to both help and work with you to find out how to really FIX your problems.
>
> New and Improved Med. List
> Zoloft 300mgs
> Remeron 30mgs
> Klonopin 4mgs
> Adderall 20mgs
>
> Thanks everyone for listening to me ramble on. I'll surely let everyone know how this combo works for my anxiety.
>
> Justin
Posted by Newwife on November 3, 2004, at 18:46:01
In reply to Saw new pdoc today! Med update, new meds, posted by jboud24 on November 2, 2004, at 20:44:07
Posted by jboud24 on November 4, 2004, at 8:17:52
In reply to Re: Saw new pdoc today! Med update, new meds » jboud24, posted by Jasmineneroli on November 3, 2004, at 0:29:20
I have gained 25lbs in a year on the Remeron Jasmine, and I do feel a little groggy when I wake up, but that's about it. After taking it for about a year now, I have grown to have a significant tolerence to the sedative effects. Plus, my girlfriend has cats which I am highly allergic to, and no other anti-histamine ever worked for me before Remeron for my cat allergy. And I've tried them all. Maybe if we break up some day, I'll get off of the Rem, but until then, no sneezing and a good night;s sleep for me!
Thanks for your kind words,
Justin
Posted by jboud24 on November 4, 2004, at 8:19:00
In reply to Re: Saw new pdoc today! Med update, new meds, posted by ed_uk on November 3, 2004, at 7:53:24
Posted by jboud24 on November 4, 2004, at 8:22:50
In reply to Re: Saw new pdoc today! Med update, new meds, posted by banga on November 3, 2004, at 10:24:31
Thanks banga, boy is it ever a relief! After four 5 years of searching I've found a great pdoc for my debilitating SP. All I can say is, when you find that 'right one' it's akin to striking gold.
Thanks for your support, banga, and good luck to you with your pdoc as well,
Justin
Posted by jboud24 on November 4, 2004, at 8:27:22
In reply to Re: Saw new pdoc today! Med update, new meds » jboud24, posted by jujube on November 3, 2004, at 12:09:15
Thank you for your kind words, Tamara. I'll definitely let you know how this new regimen sits with me.
Best wishes, Justin
Posted by theo on November 4, 2004, at 23:12:57
In reply to Saw new pdoc today! Med update, new meds, posted by jboud24 on November 2, 2004, at 20:44:07
> Hey all,
>
> I saw my new private pay pdoc today, and I really think he's going to turn out good. For those who don't know me well, I have been dx with social anxiety, generalized anxiety, panic disorder (Yes, both SAD and PD), and depression. My anxiety issues far outweigh my depression issues. Anyway, we decided to hold off on the MAO Inhibitor as a last resort option if all else fails. I'm okay with that, he better come through though if/when all else fails or I'll be very irritated! Its like, wow, I've finally found a pdoc who I can talk to like a regular person, who has no ego issues, and who was completely willing to try some of the things that I suggested to him! It's great, it's like I finally have some say in my treatment, and just knowing that makes me feel a ton better.
>
> Since I'm a biochemistry student at LSU, he conversed very casually with me about neurotransmitter systems, theorys of depression and their implications in biochemistry, and in my language how my illness affects me. It was really great in this dorky chemistry/biology type way.
>
> Anyway, I told him about the meds I'm already on: Zoloft 300mgs and Remeron 30mg.
>
> Next I told him about my previous run-in at one of our local substance abuse rehab places for overly excessive alcohol use. I told him about my lack of drive, motivation, interest, and anhedonia. He suggested Wellbutrin, but I subtley declind having read all of the horrid anxiety inducing side-effects of the WB. He said what about Ritalin, but I said I thought that might be a little too edgey for my anxiety too, so then I asked about amphetamines, told him about the anti-anxiety effects they have on me and that my psychologist and I suspect I may have some form of ADHD, and he said, 'Sure, how about we try adderall.' I said great! So I'm now to take 20mg Adderall XR once daily for now.
>
> Then we moved on to anti-anxiety medications, and I told him of my past use of Ativan and Xanax, and that I would like to try Klonopin due to its longer half-life. So he said, that would've been my suggestion too. Great! He told me my dosage should be about 4mgs spread throughout the day in 3-4 doses depending on what I feel suits me best. Yes!
>
> Anyways, I'm so happy. I feel as though I've struck gold in the psychiatric vein, and believe you me, when ya find a good shrink, really good things can happen. Please, no one give up because you don't think there's a pdoc out there who is willing to both help and work with you to find out how to really FIX your problems.
>
> New and Improved Med. List
> Zoloft 300mgs
> Remeron 30mgs
> Klonopin 4mgs
> Adderall 20mgs
>
> Thanks everyone for listening to me ramble on. I'll surely let everyone know how this combo works for my anxiety.
>
> JustinTell me how the Adderall XR effects you, any anxiety? I see my pdoc this month and that is going to be our next add on, something for ADD symptoms. I do have anxiety issues and Wellbutrin didn't cause to much anxiety, but didn't do much of anything. She mentioned Concerta and Adderall XR, so I'm sure it will between those two. I took Ritalin one day and was paranoid to leave the house, totally antisocial, but she insists Concerta is smooth. I think I want to push for the Adderall XR first.
Anyway, let me know how Adderall XR is working for you.
Posted by hope4best on November 5, 2004, at 8:55:40
In reply to Saw new pdoc today! Med update, new meds, posted by jboud24 on November 2, 2004, at 20:44:07
Congratulations on finding a good pdoc--as they say in the commercials, "PRICELESS!!" Best of luck to you with your new meds.
Posted by jboud24 on November 5, 2004, at 13:11:38
In reply to Re: Saw new pdoc today! Med update, new meds » jboud24, posted by theo on November 4, 2004, at 23:12:57
Day 3 on Adderall 20mgs and Klonopin 4mg:
I feel the best I've ever felt since I started having my anxiety and depression 8 years ago. It is a remarkable change. It's still too early to tell long term, but I'm both excited and very hopeful that I've found the combonation that works for me.As for the adderall, it's cutting through the sedation of the Klonopin and giving me good energy and a healthy dose of self-confidence for a change. I feel more social, less anxious, more enthusiastic about life in general, and I have hope that things may actually get better for a change. The adderall at 20mg XR has REDUCED my anxiety. This reinforces the idea that there is indeed an underactive dopamine component to social anxiety/generalized anxiety.
I was also offered a choice between concerta and adderall, but my pdoc told me that even concerta is more anxiety-provoking than adderall or dexedrine. I just thought I'd pass that along, but you seem to be leaning towards adderall anyway, which seems like a good idea.
I hope this helps, and good luck with your pdoc,
Justin
Posted by jboud24 on November 5, 2004, at 13:13:58
In reply to Re: Saw new pdoc today! Med update, new meds » jboud24, posted by hope4best on November 5, 2004, at 8:55:40
Thanks so much hope4best, as you said 'Priceless pretty much sums it up. I truly wish everyone who continues to suffer due to an uncooperative/med-phobic pdoc could find a doc out there that they liked. I consider myself blessed and lucky.
Justin
Posted by theo on November 5, 2004, at 15:59:09
In reply to Aderall Update » theo, posted by jboud24 on November 5, 2004, at 13:11:38
Thanks and keep me posted. My pdoc appointment is on 11/23, so let me know how you are feeling in a couple of weeks. I'm worried about starting Adderall XR, feeling great, and experiencing poop out. I'll be curious to see how you are feeling in a few weeks! Let me know.
Posted by banga on November 6, 2004, at 8:30:27
In reply to Aderall Update » theo, posted by jboud24 on November 5, 2004, at 13:11:38
Hi,
That is SO amazing to hear! I am so glad for you, I hope it keeps on going.
Question: given your hx of alcohol abuse, did the pdoc have any reservations giving Adderall? I have some similarities with your diagnosis, though I have a little more depression in the mix...and I had serious alcohol issues which ended last year, and am hesitant about addictive meds. How comfortable do you yourself fell about it? Any worries or you're fine?
Thanks!
Posted by banga on November 14, 2004, at 21:09:52
In reply to Re: Saw new pdoc today! Med update, new meds, posted by ed_uk on November 3, 2004, at 7:53:24
Hi,
I thought I'd drop in and ask how you are doing? Does the new combo seem to help, any problems? It sounded very hopeful when you first spoke about the new pdoc...
This is the end of the thread.
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