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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 22 of 22. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by KayeBaby on July 4, 2007, at 15:31:19
I am on both and while (5mg) abilify has helped with motivation and energy it is slight. I started with 2mg and moved up to 5mg (maybe 3 weeks at 5mg)no sides to speak of but increased benefit at 5mg.
I am taking 10-15 mg Namenda and have seen it mentioned as a treatment for extreme restlessness caused by AP's. Is it possible I am blocking some of the effects of the abilify by taking it?
I am greatful that I am not depressed anymore (also on EMSAM 6mg/24h)being lazy feeling is getting annoying and causing me to feel blue. Fatigue is an ongoing problem of mine and probably a major contributer to my dysthymia. Sometimes bigger, lately smaller but it in an anvil around my neck. My nemesis-fatigue.
Maybe I should raise the Abilify?Ideas anyone?
Posted by Phillipa on July 4, 2007, at 17:43:59
In reply to Naqmenda-does it oppose Abilify in some way?, posted by KayeBaby on July 4, 2007, at 15:31:19
Have you had your thyroid checked? As I have that fatigue and have added cytomel no help thought getting to feeling less fatigue yesterday today unbearable. I know it's not about abilfy and EMSAM and abilfy is activating isn't it? Love Phillipa
Posted by Honore on July 4, 2007, at 18:09:22
In reply to Naqmenda-does it oppose Abilify in some way?, posted by KayeBaby on July 4, 2007, at 15:31:19
Hi, KayeBaby. I might suggest that you be a bit careful about the abilify.
I've been taking it, and find it very helpful, but my pdoc wants me to limit my use of it (maybe take it for a while, but not longer than a year). It may be too early to bring this up, since you just started it. However, my pdoc was concerned about the apparent greater likelihood of TD with abilify than with other atypicals.
He said that recent evidence that's beginning to mount suggests that people, particularly using abilify for mood disorders and with other drugs that affect other neurotransmitters, maybe have a 3%/year possibility of developing it.
He has two patients with the problem, one who used it at 5 mg for four years, another who used it at 10 mg for two years. He said if I continued to use it, he would want to see me at least once a month, to check for any early symptoms. Both patients were referrals from pdocs who hadn't noticed anything. TD is often not recognized by docs-- for some reason. The patients themselves were aware of the problem, but didn't know what was causing it.
So at least be somewhat aware that over time, abilify could be not the best choice. I don't mean to alarm you, just put a tag on the use of the drug at higher doses, or long-term.
Honore
Posted by Phillipa on July 4, 2007, at 22:23:28
In reply to Re: Naqmenda-does it oppose Abilify in some way? » KayeBaby, posted by Honore on July 4, 2007, at 18:09:22
Honore wow so many posters are using abilfy as an add on. Concerning. Love Phillipa
Posted by KayeBaby on July 5, 2007, at 12:34:10
In reply to Re: Naqmenda-does it oppose Abilify in some way? » KayeBaby, posted by Honore on July 4, 2007, at 18:09:22
Hey Honore,
I really appreciate this info.I took my BP yesterday and it was low-this might be what is causing the fatigue. I skipped the abilify last night.
I will see my Dr. on the 9th and see what my options are.
I have been on the EMSAM for like 10 weeks-I may just try the 9mg patches. I have gotten great effects from EMSAM just not strong enough.
Fatigue is the pits.Thanks!
Kaye
Posted by KayeBaby on July 5, 2007, at 12:36:21
In reply to Re: Naqmenda-does it oppose Abilify in some way? » KayeBaby, posted by Phillipa on July 4, 2007, at 17:43:59
Hey Phillipa,
I have not had it checked lately but it has occurred to me that maybe I should.I slept from 9pm till noon today.
Thanks!
Kaye
Posted by Phillipa on July 5, 2007, at 19:55:34
In reply to Re: Naqmenda-does it oppose Abilify in some way?, posted by KayeBaby on July 5, 2007, at 12:36:21
Kayebaby did you go through insomnia in the beginning and maybe body just needs to play catchup? Love Phillipa
Posted by KayeBaby on July 5, 2007, at 21:07:32
In reply to Re: Naqmenda-does it oppose Abilify in some way? » KayeBaby, posted by Phillipa on July 5, 2007, at 19:55:34
Ha Ha, Phillipa.
You are a mind reader, sweetness!I was just now saying as much to hubby.
I take ambien but have been awakening early and sleeping poorly for about the last week or so. That could very well be the problem. I have been on the Abilify for almost exactly 3 weeks and it is possible that it is just now getting to a staedy state in my system and might just be a bit much for me at 5mg. I skipped it last night and am going to play it by ear.
Thanks for pondering with me. I hate wasting days with being tired. Hate it.
Any effect from your thyroid regime yet.
When I took Armour it seemed like it took 4-6 weeks for any results.
Thanks!
Kaye
Posted by Zyprexa on July 7, 2007, at 19:55:10
In reply to Re: Naqmenda-does it oppose Abilify in some way? » Phillipa, posted by KayeBaby on July 5, 2007, at 21:07:32
I had results from armour first pill. Antidepressing. 1 month later and my thiroid has gone down.
Posted by KayeBaby on July 7, 2007, at 20:11:40
In reply to Re: Armour » KayeBaby, posted by Zyprexa on July 7, 2007, at 19:55:10
> I had results from armour first pill. Antidepressing. 1 month later and my thiroid has gone down.
So, it is working well for you then?
Do you know your numbers or by how much it has gone down. Are you still able to notice positive effects from the Armour?
Were you having hypo symptoms or was the problem discovered during routine testing?
Thanks!
Kaye
Posted by Zyprexa on July 7, 2007, at 21:31:22
In reply to Re: Armour, posted by KayeBaby on July 7, 2007, at 20:11:40
Don't know anything about numbers? Still works. Doctor says thyroid is normal. Discovered by routine testing, and feeling neck. I'm hypo thyroid.
Posted by KayeBaby on July 7, 2007, at 23:05:01
In reply to Re: Armour » KayeBaby, posted by Zyprexa on July 7, 2007, at 21:31:22
> Don't know anything about numbers? Still works. Doctor says thyroid is normal. Discovered by routine testing, and feeling neck. I'm hypo thyroid.
It only took one month to get it leveled out? Good for you!
How many grains are you taking? Does it help your energy levels or any other benefits aside from the anti-depressant effects?
Thanks!
Kaye
Posted by Zyprexa on July 8, 2007, at 11:21:55
In reply to Re: Armour, posted by KayeBaby on July 7, 2007, at 23:05:01
What are grains?
Not sure if energy went up or not, probably not.
I take a split dose, half with breakfast and half 1 hour before supper.
What I read about armour is that it works better than syntroid, because it works on T3 and T4, not just T4.
Zyprexa
Posted by KayeBaby on July 8, 2007, at 13:04:46
In reply to Re: Armour » KayeBaby, posted by Zyprexa on July 8, 2007, at 11:21:55
I think a grain = 64 mg (have to ck to be sure)
They measure natural thyroid in grains.You pills should say 1 grain 1/2 grain or similar.
You should continue to notice improvements for some time. This is my understanding.
Peace,
Kaye
Posted by Zyprexa on July 8, 2007, at 14:09:33
In reply to Re: Armour, posted by KayeBaby on July 8, 2007, at 13:04:46
Pill bottle just says 60mg? No grains. I guess that means I take one grain. Its made out of natural pig thyroid gland.
Do you take thyroid medication, what kind?
Zyprexa
Posted by KayeBaby on July 8, 2007, at 17:14:55
In reply to Re: Armour » KayeBaby, posted by Zyprexa on July 8, 2007, at 14:09:33
I did take 120 mg (2g)armour for about 3 months and it helped alot till, for whatever reason, I got hyper T on it. That is miserable.
My Dr. was a dummy and did not monitor me well.
Kaye
Posted by Zyprexa on July 8, 2007, at 19:32:46
In reply to Re: Armour, posted by KayeBaby on July 8, 2007, at 17:14:55
So now what? Do you have a normal thyroid, with out the medicine?
Posted by Phillipa on July 8, 2007, at 19:45:38
In reply to Re: Naqmenda-does it oppose Abilify in some way? » Phillipa, posted by KayeBaby on July 5, 2007, at 21:07:32
Kaye it does take 4-6 weeks to change mine's not stable yet who prescribed armour for you? Mine is synthroid and ctyomel. Only the cytomel is new add on. Love Phillipa
Posted by KayeBaby on July 8, 2007, at 21:39:27
In reply to Re: Armour, posted by Zyprexa on July 8, 2007, at 19:32:46
> So now what? Do you have a normal thyroid, with out the medicine?
It has not been checked since I went off it about 5 months ago. I knew it was too much due to high bp, exhaustion, sweating and more. I felt absolutely toxic. My dr told me it was ok to go up and when I complained about my syptoms he told me to drop back to 2 grains and stay there. Well, at that point my body would not tolerate even a quarter of a grain without feeling ill.
I got salmonella poisoning at about the same time the thyroid went hyper. Don't know if there is a connection but let me tell you-I was a sick puppy for a while.
Kaye
Posted by KayeBaby on July 8, 2007, at 21:51:38
In reply to Re: Naqmenda-does it oppose Abilify in some way? » KayeBaby, posted by Phillipa on July 8, 2007, at 19:45:38
He was a natural Dr. who will lose his licence if he keeps up the way he has been.
I was not tested at all.
The sad thing is that before I got toxic it was helping. My period returned to 28 days on the spot (Was 21-24 days-short and had gotten terribly heavy for me) My dry skin and weak nails returned to normal. My hair started to grow, energy returned and more. For awhile I felt so healthy.
My nails are getting weak again and my periods heavy and short cycles again.
I would like to try again but under the care if a good Dr. It's been a long time since I was checked but about 2 years ago I was TSH 1.67 but T4 low.
My dr. at the time raised an eyebrow about my t4 but suggested no treatment. He did mention perhaps I had Hashi's but did not look into it further.
So, you can see why I am interested in your progress, Phillipa.
I experienced horrible fatigue after the birth of my only child 13 years ago. Started taking Fen-Phen which seemed to throw me into a manic state that ended with excruciating anxiety, insomnia etc. Which in turn was followed by a complete crash that I am just now climbing out of.
I feel like I did benefit from the course of thyroid and some of the benefits still linger.
it is a puzzle.
If anyone has any insight I would have great appreciation if you would share it.
I will have insurance again in November and will quest for an answer.
The only time my thyroid has EVER been checked was two years ago when i specifically asked for it to be done.
Kaye
I want to trial
Posted by Phillipa on July 8, 2007, at 21:58:50
In reply to Re: Naqmenda-does it oppose Abilify in some way? » Phillipa, posted by KayeBaby on July 8, 2007, at 21:51:38
Kaye hasimostos varies I was lucky I guess as I was on the same dose of synthroid for 9 years then a bout of diverticulitis last fall messed up all my bloodwork including liver enzymes. You know it's an autoimmune disease. It can change anytime there is illness,stress of any kind or just decide to change. Google Hashimotos or I will and post on of the descriptions. Love Jan/P
Posted by Phillipa on July 8, 2007, at 22:18:04
In reply to Re: Naqmenda-does it oppose Abilify in some way? » Phillipa, posted by KayeBaby on July 8, 2007, at 21:51:38
Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
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[Printer-friendly version -- PDF file, 65 Kb]What is Hashimoto's Thyroiditis?
What is an autoimmune disease?
What are the symptoms of Hashimoto's Thyroiditis?
Does this disease run in families?
How can I know for sure if I have this disease?
What is the treatment for this disease?
What would happen without medicine to make sure my thyroid works?
What happens if I have this disease and get pregnant?
What is Hashimoto's Thyroiditis?
Hashimoto's Thyroiditis is a type of autoimmune thyroid disease in which the immune system attacks and destroys the thyroid gland. The thyroid helps set the rate of metabolism, which is the rate at which the body uses energy. Hashimoto’s stops the gland from making enough thyroid hormones for the body to work the way it should. It is the most common thyroid disease in the U.S.What is an autoimmune disease?
An autoimmune disease occurs when the body's immune system becomes misdirected and attacks the organs, cells or tissues that it was designed to protect. About 75% of autoimmune diseases occur in women, most often during their childbearing years.What are the symptoms of Hashimoto's Thyroiditis?
Some patients with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis may have no symptoms. However, the common symptoms are fatigue, depression, sensitivity to cold, weight gain, forgetfulness, muscle weakness, puffy face, dry skin and hair, constipation, muscle cramps, and increased menstrual flow. Some patients have major swelling of the thyroid gland in the front of the neck, called goiter.Does this disease run in families?
There is some evidence that Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis can have a hereditary link. If autoimmune diseases in general run in your family, you are at a higher risk of developing one yourself.How can I know for sure if I have this disease?
Your doctor will perform a simple blood test that will be able to tell if your body has the right amount of thyroid hormones. This test measures the TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) to find out if the levels are in the normal range. The range is set by your doctor and should be discussed with you. Work with your doctor to figure out what level is right for you. There are other available tests that your doctor may choose to do if need be, such as a blood test to measure the level of “active thyroid hormone” or Free T4 and a scan (picture) to look at the thyroid.What is the treatment for this disease?
Hypothyroidism caused by Hashimoto's Thyroiditis is treated with thyroid hormone replacement. A small pill taken once a day should be able to keep the thyroid hormone levels normal. This medicine will, in most cases, need to be taken for the rest of the patient's life. When trying to figure out the amount of hormone you need, you may have to return to your doctor several times for blood tests to guide adjustments in the medicine dose. It is important that the dose be right for you. A yearly visit to your doctor will help keep your levels normal and help you stay healthy overall. Be aware of the symptoms. If you note any changes or the return of symptoms, return to your doctor to see if you need to have your medicine dosage adjusted.What would happen without medication to regulate my thyroid function?
If left untreated, hyporthyroidism can cause further problems, including changes in menstrual cycles, prevention of ovulation, and an increased risk of miscarriage. Symptoms such as fatigue, depression and constipation, may progress and there can be other serious consequences, including heart failure. It is also important to know that too much thyroid replacement hormone can mimic the symptoms of hyperthyroidism. This is a condition that happens when there is too much thyroid hormone. These symptoms include insomnia, irritability, weight loss without dieting, heat sensitivity, increased perspiration, thinning of your skin, fine or brittle hair, muscular weakness, eye changes, lighter menstrual flow, rapid heart beat and shaky hands.What happens if I have this disease and I get pregnant?
It is important to get checked out by your doctor more often if you are pregnant. Inadequately treated thyroid problems can affect a growing baby, and the thyroid replacement needs of pregnant women often change. A doctor can help you figure out your changing medicine needs.For More Information . . .
You can find out more information about Hashimoto's Thyroiditis and hyporthyroidism by contacting the National Women's Health Information Center at 1-800-994-9662 love Phillipa
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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