![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 27 to 51 of 51. Go back in thread:
Posted by TJO on February 12, 2006, at 18:28:31
In reply to Re: Lost all hope » TJO, posted by Maxime on February 12, 2006, at 16:03:51
> > Hi Maxime,
> > You know if you are "considering" ECT, you could try RTMS first, it is for lack of a better way to put it less "invasive". Also I am curious what you have, but you don't have to disclose if you don't want to. Wonder if you have bipolar like me.
> >
> > Tam
>
> Hi. I have been diagnosed with unipolar depression and bipolar depression *roll eyes*. I think it's because some meds have made me manic, but I have never had a hypomanic or manic episode on its own. I'm 37 and I have suffered since my teens, but I only sought treatment in my late 20's.
>
> RTMS is available in Canada really. I know there are test studies going on. I really don't think I would ever consent to ECT ... I was just feeling really desperate when I wrote that. I did try to become part of a DBS (Deep Brain Stimulation) study though. It's invasive, but shows a lot of promise.
>
> MaximeHi Maxime,
Another thought - is RU-486 available in Canada? Here they are trying it out to use on depression and possibly bipolar too.
Thought I'd share with you my dx-I'm bipolar and get into a psychotic depression without meds. With meds I am pretty much ok. I take Wellbutrin 300mg
Abilify 30mg
Neurontin 1200mg
Seroquel 800mg
Ive been on this combo for about 2 months and it seems to be working well for me. I dont think I saw Abilify on your list of drugs-for me it works as an antidepressant and seems to give a little bit of a lift to my mood. I'm 38 so am your age....became sick around 23-25 years old or so.Tam
Posted by TylerJ on February 12, 2006, at 22:38:00
In reply to Re: Lost all hope » TylerJ, posted by Maxime on February 12, 2006, at 17:55:45
How long were you on Remeron? because it does cause drowsiness for the first month, sometimes 2 mos, then it's gone. So it might be worth giving it another try. Another good one that you can feel positive results from at 7-10 days is Mirapex, it will make you a little drowsy for 2-3 weeks. Let me know if you're interested in vitamins/and other supplements they can be very helpful also. If you do try Remeron again and can't tolerate the drowsiness try taking caffiene pills (Vivarin). You hang in there, you are going to get well and please stay in touch to let me know how your doing. God bless you.
Sincerely, Tyler
Posted by Maxime on February 13, 2006, at 11:25:31
In reply to Re: Lost all hope, posted by TJO on February 12, 2006, at 18:28:26
What is RU-486?
Abilify isn't available in Canada. :-( I was on Wellbutrin twice and both times it made me psychotic.
I'm glad you found a cocktail that work for you!
Maxime
>
> Hi Maxime,
> Another thought - is RU-486 available in Canada? Here they are trying it out to use on depression and possibly bipolar too.
> Thought I'd share with you my dx-I'm bipolar and get into a psychotic depression without meds. With meds I am pretty much ok. I take Wellbutrin 300mg
> Abilify 30mg
> Neurontin 1200mg
> Seroquel 800mg
> Ive been on this combo for about 2 months and it seems to be working well for me. I dont think I saw Abilify on your list of drugs-for me it works as an antidepressant and seems to give a little bit of a lift to my mood. I'm 38 so am your age....became sick around 23-25 years old or so.
>
> Tam
Posted by TJO on February 13, 2006, at 15:32:52
In reply to Re: Lost all hope » TJO, posted by Maxime on February 13, 2006, at 11:25:31
> What is RU-486?
RU-486 is the "abortion pill". It is used here on a trial basis for treatment of depression, psychotic depression, and I think also for bipolar depression. It is given each day for 7 days in a row. Hopefully it works! I don't know its availablity in Canada.
Tam
Posted by deniseuk on February 14, 2006, at 9:02:17
In reply to Lost all hope, posted by Maxime on February 11, 2006, at 20:44:38
Hi Maxine,
Don't give up, we're all plugging away.
Just to say that I tried ECT, mindyou I only had two treatments of it and it was unilateral and it wasn't that scary really.
So don't completely discount ECT, I'm not.
Denise
Posted by 4WD on February 14, 2006, at 12:39:29
In reply to Re: Lost all hope » James K, posted by Maxime on February 12, 2006, at 10:22:53
> I wish the lactating was a joke. But I have naturally high prolactic levels and antipsychotics push it over the edge and I lactate.
>
> I've been on close to 50 different psych meds.
>
> Thanks for your support.
>
> MaximeMaxime,
Parlodel (bromocriptine) can stop lactaction and also can have an AD effect.
Marsha
>
>
> > > I'm almost ready to consent to ECT ... well, not really.
> > >
> > > But I do know that I can't live like this.
> > >
> > > Maxime
> >
> > ---I'm so sorry to hear things are not working. Please keep trying and convince your medical team (to whatever extent you have one) to keep trying. I don't know if ECT is actually an option for you, and I know it has come back into acceptance as a treatment for extreme resistant treatment, but I have never seen a positive outcome (in limited experience, I admit). My only point is to not do something so drastic until it is absolutely clear that you've tried all other options and have to do it.
> >
> > The lactating part sounds like a joke, but unfortunately, I've hung around here long enough to realize that these things do happen.
> >
> > Please keep posting, even though I have little of the extreme scientific knowledge of some here, we can all offer support.
> >
> > James K
>
>
Posted by TylerJ on February 14, 2006, at 13:50:20
In reply to Re: Lost all hope, posted by 4WD on February 14, 2006, at 12:39:29
Hey, just checking in to see how you are doing..please read my previous post and let me know how long you were on Remeron, cause the drowsiness will go away ,and it will pull you out of the deepest depression (it did for me anyway) and worked well for me for 5 years. God bless you!
I Care,
Tyler
Posted by TylerJ on February 14, 2006, at 16:12:13
In reply to Re: Lost all hope » 4WD, posted by TylerJ on February 14, 2006, at 13:50:20
> Hey, just checking in to see how you are doing..please read my previous post and let me know how long you were on Remeron, cause the drowsiness will go away ,and it will pull you out of the deepest depression (it did for me anyway) and worked well for me for 5 years. God bless you!
>
> I Care,
>
> TylerOops ment for this to be for you....sorry about that.
Posted by Maxime on February 14, 2006, at 19:30:57
In reply to Re: Lost all hope » Maxime, posted by TylerJ on February 12, 2006, at 22:38:00
I wasn't on it very long. But to honest, I wouldn't want to take it again because of the weight gain. I am anorexic and weight gain is not do-able for me. It's sad, I know, but that's the way things are.
I already take a multitude of vitamins and minerals and fish oil.
I'll keep you posted. When I see my pdoc next week I am going to ask him to start the Mirapex.
Maxime
> How long were you on Remeron? because it does cause drowsiness for the first month, sometimes 2 mos, then it's gone. So it might be worth giving it another try. Another good one that you can feel positive results from at 7-10 days is Mirapex, it will make you a little drowsy for 2-3 weeks. Let me know if you're interested in vitamins/and other supplements they can be very helpful also. If you do try Remeron again and can't tolerate the drowsiness try taking caffiene pills (Vivarin). You hang in there, you are going to get well and please stay in touch to let me know how your doing. God bless you.
>
> Sincerely, Tyler
>
>
Posted by Maxime on February 14, 2006, at 19:32:12
In reply to Re: Lost all hope, posted by TJO on February 13, 2006, at 15:32:52
I'll have to look into that. Thank you.
Maxime
> > What is RU-486?
>
> RU-486 is the "abortion pill". It is used here on a trial basis for treatment of depression, psychotic depression, and I think also for bipolar depression. It is given each day for 7 days in a row. Hopefully it works! I don't know its availablity in Canada.
>
> Tam
Posted by Maxime on February 14, 2006, at 19:33:19
In reply to Re: Lost all hope, posted by deniseuk on February 14, 2006, at 9:02:17
Why did you only have 2 treatments? That's not many.
Maxime
> Hi Maxine,
>
> Don't give up, we're all plugging away.
>
> Just to say that I tried ECT, mindyou I only had two treatments of it and it was unilateral and it wasn't that scary really.
>
> So don't completely discount ECT, I'm not.
>
>
> Denise
Posted by Maxime on February 14, 2006, at 19:34:49
In reply to Re: Lost all hope, posted by 4WD on February 14, 2006, at 12:39:29
Hi Marsha
Do you know what dosage one would need to take?
Maxime
>
> Maxime,
>
> Parlodel (bromocriptine) can stop lactaction and also can have an AD effect.
>
> Marsha
Posted by Maxime on February 14, 2006, at 19:36:23
In reply to Re: Lost all hope » 4WD, posted by TylerJ on February 14, 2006, at 13:50:20
Yes, I read it and responded. I am doing the same ... poorly. It's clear that the Prozac isn't doing its job.
Thanks for caring.
Maxime
> Hey, just checking in to see how you are doing..please read my previous post and let me know how long you were on Remeron, cause the drowsiness will go away ,and it will pull you out of the deepest depression (it did for me anyway) and worked well for me for 5 years. God bless you!
>
> I Care,
>
> Tyler
Posted by TylerJ on February 14, 2006, at 23:19:00
In reply to Re: Lost all hope » TylerJ, posted by Maxime on February 14, 2006, at 19:30:57
I understand- I responded to your thread on Mirapex- that's a good drug, and I think it's going to help you. Take care...relief is right around the corner!
Tyler
Posted by TJO on February 15, 2006, at 5:55:22
In reply to Re: Lost all hope » TJO, posted by Maxime on February 14, 2006, at 19:32:12
> I'll have to look into that. Thank you.
>
> Maxime
>
> > > What is RU-486? It is also called "mifepristone" if you are going to do some research.
> >
> > > >
> > Tam
>
>
Posted by TJO on February 15, 2006, at 6:05:43
In reply to Re: Lost all hope, posted by TJO on February 15, 2006, at 5:55:22
A couple of RU-486 sites:
http://www.psychiatrictimes.com/p040592.html
http://www.healthatoz.com/healthatoz/Atoz/ency/mifepristone.jsp
Posted by deniseuk on February 16, 2006, at 10:09:16
In reply to Re: Lost all hope » deniseuk, posted by Maxime on February 14, 2006, at 19:33:19
Hi,
I only had two treatments because at the time I had come off all medication and I was starting to feel even worse (the really bad anxiety and feeling generally awful was coming back not because of the ECT though) so I just wanted to get back onto medication again and I had this other idea that Nardil might help so wanted to get on that, which you can't do at the same time as ECT.
But ECT (unilateral) wasn't bad at all, when I came round from it, I was initially a bit disorientated but after an hour or so I was back to normal.
So don't be scared by ECT (unilateral anyway). I can't really comment on bilateral.
I would try it again definately, I've been thinking of trying to persuade my psychiatrist to let me go in for a proper course of treatments.
At the moment Zyprexa now and again helps but I want to feel recovered and permanently.
I'd have Deep Brain Stimulation if I didn't have Zyprexa.
Denise
Posted by 4WD on February 21, 2006, at 12:09:16
In reply to Re: Lost all hope » ed_uk, posted by Maxime on February 12, 2006, at 16:49:36
> > Hi Maxie
> >
> > Has Cymbalta been approved in Canada yet? I don't think it has but I'm not sure. I imagine it will be available soon. Would you like to try it?
> >
> > Love Ed xx
>
> It was suppose to be available last June, but I don't think it ever came out. I would be willing to try it, although the weight gain has me nervous. I should check and see if it's available.
>
> Love, Maxie
>Maxime,
The weight gain doesn't happen to everyone. My weight stayed the same on Cymbalta. It also completely took away my inability to fall asleep at night.
Marsha
Posted by 4WD on February 21, 2006, at 12:13:49
In reply to Re: Lost all hope » 4WD, posted by Maxime on February 14, 2006, at 19:34:49
I don't remember. It was a long time ago when I took it - because I was having minor lactation. It stopped it right away.
Marsha
> Hi Marsha
>
> Do you know what dosage one would need to take?
>
> Maxime
>
> >
> > Maxime,
> >
> > Parlodel (bromocriptine) can stop lactaction and also can have an AD effect.
> >
> > Marsha
>
Posted by KayeBaby on February 23, 2006, at 2:06:58
In reply to Re: Lost all hope » ed_uk, posted by Maxime on February 12, 2006, at 16:49:36
Hi Maxine,
Just wanted to say that Cymbalta actually knocked a few pounds of me at first. I was on it almost a year and no gain. This is notable as I always seem to gain.Also, do you know why your prolactin level is elevated? Is your pituitary all in order?
Peace,
Kaye
Posted by Maxime on February 23, 2006, at 10:08:42
In reply to cymbalta and prolactin » Maxime, posted by KayeBaby on February 23, 2006, at 2:06:58
Cymbalta still isn't available in Canada ... I don't know what they are waiting for as it was suppose to be available in July 2005.
I am getting a blood test done to check my prolactin level and how high it is. I guess we shall take it from there.
Thanks for the feedback.
Maxime
> Hi Maxine,
> Just wanted to say that Cymbalta actually knocked a few pounds of me at first. I was on it almost a year and no gain. This is notable as I always seem to gain.
>
> Also, do you know why your prolactin level is elevated? Is your pituitary all in order?
>
> Peace,
> Kaye
Posted by Maxime on February 23, 2006, at 10:10:45
In reply to Re: Lost all hope, posted by 4WD on February 21, 2006, at 12:13:49
Hi Marsha, were you lactating from a medication?
Maxime
> I don't remember. It was a long time ago when I took it - because I was having minor lactation. It stopped it right away.
>
> Marsha
>
>
>
> > Hi Marsha
> >
> > Do you know what dosage one would need to take?
> >
> > Maxime
> >
> > >
> > > Maxime,
> > >
> > > Parlodel (bromocriptine) can stop lactaction and also can have an AD effect.
> > >
> > > Marsha
> >
>
>
Posted by Maxime on February 25, 2006, at 21:32:56
In reply to Re: Lost all hope » Maxime, posted by 4WD on February 21, 2006, at 12:09:16
I'm in that place again where I feel hopeless and worthless. I just want to die. I don't want to fight depression forever.
Maxime
Posted by Phillipa on February 25, 2006, at 22:41:08
In reply to Re: Lost all hope, posted by Maxime on February 25, 2006, at 21:32:56
Maxie don't say that. If you lose all hope so will I. I don't want to fight depression forever either. I've lost l0yrs of my life. I want a life again. I want to work. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by Maxime on February 27, 2006, at 17:36:15
In reply to Re: Lost all hope » Maxime, posted by Phillipa on February 25, 2006, at 22:41:08
> Maxie don't say that. If you lose all hope so will I. I don't want to fight depression forever either. I've lost l0yrs of my life. I want a life again. I want to work. Fondly, Phillipa
I am only responsible for my hope. And I am telling you it's gone.
Maxime
This is the end of the thread.
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.