![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 16 to 40 of 43. Go back in thread:
Posted by stargazer2 on October 30, 2007, at 18:15:17
In reply to You know Zoloft isn't working when, posted by Maxime on October 29, 2007, at 14:28:14
Maxime,
I too suffer with a treatment resistent condition.
Everything you wrote sounded like I did, with the exception of writing an obituary.How is your doctor? Does he give you hope that something will help you? Does he know what you are planning?
Are you worse on Zoloft? I became suicidal on Zoloft so if you are feeling worse than before starting it, it may be the wrong med.
I would let my pdoc know how badly I was feeling and go and see him (or her). You may need to get off Zoloft. Not all meds make us feel better, some can make us feel worse and that is what it sounds like 'Z' is doing to you.
I know how badly you are feeling. I would recommend you call your doc and get in to see him ASAP. You meds need to be adjusted.
Good luck, we are all pulling for you.
Stargazer
Posted by Maxime on October 30, 2007, at 18:19:02
In reply to Re: You know Zoloft isn't working when » Maxime, posted by tecknohed on October 30, 2007, at 16:07:35
I will talk to my pdoc about it.
Adderall never curbed my appetite. I didn't have any side effects from it at all. I even took it while taking Parnate.
Ritalin is nasty for me as is dexadrine. I would crash so badly at night and end up cutting.
But I am willing to consider stopping the Adderall and see if that helps.
Thanks.
x
Maxime
> I just feel that the prolonged exposure to the adderall may be making you more depressed than you would be otherwise. And yes, of course you will have less energy when you go without it, but it takes TIME to recover from long term amphetamine use.
> I'm also surprised a doctor would give someone with anorexia amphetamines in the first place. Are you sure you're not just holding onto the adderall to curb your appetite?
>
> I'm sorry if I sound harsh, and I'm sorry if I 'really' am wrong. I'm just VERY concerned.
>
> I know what daily amphetamine use 'feels' like. I've been there myself. I may not have anorexia but I have first hand experience of how the drug can screw one's head up, even in small amounts.
>
> If you REALLY NEED a psycho-stim for your concentration, then have you considered methylphenidate (Ritalin). I've read that its a lot less 'harsh' on the mind than adderall (better tolerated, less side effects) & less likely to cause loss of appetite, at least in comparison to amphetamine.
>
> Kev. x
Posted by Maxime on October 30, 2007, at 18:24:04
In reply to Re: You know Zoloft isn't working when, posted by Racer on October 30, 2007, at 17:49:09
Ritalin was a nasty med for me. I crashed so hard at night. I've tried Provogil, but it gave me nasty headaches. Dexedrine made me crash as well.
But I am willing to give up the adderall and see if it helps.
I am still in the decision making process. My only fear is that I will mess it up and end up in worse shape.
Thanks Racer.
Maxime
> > I just feel that the prolonged exposure to the adderall may be making you more depressed than you would be otherwise.
>
> I gotta agree here, that the Adderall may be adding to your depression. That ain't got nothin' to do with your eating disorder, by the way -- but increased depression is one known side effect of Adderall.
>
> Personally, if I were in your shoes right now, I would strongly consider swapping Adderall for methylphenidate. Adderall increased my depression a very great deal in a very short period of time. Ritalin boosted my mood almost as soon as it hit my system, and has been a good and trusted friend. (Well, its big sister Concerta has been the friend lately, but still...)
>
> Maxime, I know you're hurting, and believe me, I know how dark and hopeless it gets to feeling. I hope you'll give Zoloft a fair chance to work, since you know it's going to take a while. I hope you can hold your judgment on it for a while longer, because there is a chance that it will, indeed, work for you. Talking to your doctor about switching stims might help, too -- it's got to be worth a try, if there's a chance it will help, right?
>
> I suspect this is the pot/kettle time, but I hope you'll hold off on any permanent decisions. (For that matter, I might hope that I hold off, too.)
Posted by Maxime on October 30, 2007, at 18:27:55
In reply to Re: You know Zoloft isn't working when » Maxime, posted by Polarbear206 on October 30, 2007, at 16:54:36
I go manic on Effexor so it's not an option.
Trileptal is the mood stabiliser that I have been able to tolerate.
Yes, maybe I will give up the Adderall. It has never made me hypomanic and I have been on it for 2 years.
Thanks.
Maxime
> I would seriously consider ditching the Adderal. These kinds of meds and bipolar are not a good mix. It could very well be exacerbating your depression. How about effexor instead of zoloft? You obviously need one that targets more than serotonin, since Parnate worked for some time for you. Also, you may need to try another mood stabilizer down the road that may augment your AD. The problem is, you can't do too many things at one time. I would start with the adderal and go from there. Of course you should discuss this with you doctor first. Don't give up, PLEASE hang in there!! I have walked in your shoes.
>
> PB
Posted by Maxime on October 30, 2007, at 18:32:48
In reply to Re: You know Zoloft isn't working when, posted by stargazer2 on October 30, 2007, at 18:15:17
Thank you.
I have been on Zoloft before, and I did respond to it (at dose of 250 mg).
My pdoc always tries to give me hope and tells me that I have to keep trying. But he doesn't believe meds will ever really work for me.
He knows that I am suicidal, but not that I am planning anything. I see him on Friday. I don't want to end up in that nasty hospital I was in 2 years ago. It made me worse.
Thanks for your support.
Maxime
Maxime,
I too suffer with a treatment resistent condition.
Everything you wrote sounded like I did, with the exception of writing an obituary.How is your doctor? Does he give you hope that something will help you? Does he know what you are planning?
Are you worse on Zoloft? I became suicidal on Zoloft so if you are feeling worse than before starting it, it may be the wrong med.
I would let my pdoc know how badly I was feeling and go and see him (or her). You may need to get off Zoloft. Not all meds make us feel better, some can make us feel worse and that is what it sounds like 'Z' is doing to you.
I know how badly you are feeling. I would recommend you call your doc and get in to see him ASAP. You meds need to be adjusted.
Good luck, we are all pulling for you.
Stargazer
Posted by Polarbear206 on October 30, 2007, at 19:57:34
In reply to Re: You know Zoloft isn't working when » stargazer2, posted by Maxime on October 30, 2007, at 18:32:48
I didn't know you were on the zoloft before. As Racer said, don't give up on the zoloft yet. You still have a way to go to get to 250mg.
PB
Posted by Maxime on October 31, 2007, at 14:44:08
In reply to Re: You know Zoloft isn't working when » Maxime, posted by Polarbear206 on October 30, 2007, at 19:57:34
> I didn't know you were on the zoloft before. As Racer said, don't give up on the zoloft yet. You still have a way to go to get to 250mg.
>
> PBThanks PB.
I just don't know if the Zoloft will work this time. Nothing works the same the 2nd time. I am really frustrated. It was the second AD I ever took and it pooped out on me.
I feel hopeless.
Maxime
Posted by Maxime on October 31, 2007, at 14:45:47
In reply to Re: You know Zoloft isn't working when » Maxime, posted by Polarbear206 on October 30, 2007, at 19:57:34
So as many of you suggested I didn't take any adderall today. I feel like a slug. How long before that goes away?
Losing hope,
Maxime
Posted by Racer on November 1, 2007, at 12:08:05
In reply to Re: You know Zoloft isn't working when » Polarbear206, posted by Maxime on October 31, 2007, at 14:44:08
>
> I just don't know if the Zoloft will work this time. Nothing works the same the 2nd time.Actually, I haven't found that to be true -- thankfully. It may be that Zoloft will work as well again for you as it did before.
Remind me -- did you try Cymbalta? I ask because of your MS, wondering if it might help that at all?
As for your doctor not believing meds will really help you, what does he recommend to "really" help you? (Of course, I'm a big believer in -- I'll shut up now...) My guess is that something that helped your MS would probably also help your depression -- even though they're different, things like that add on to one another. My hip problem certainly drains my energy, which feeds my depression. (Of course, don't know that there's much to be done about that, so I guess my depression will get to be as fat as I am.)
I'm crossing my fingers that Zoloft works for you again. And I'm also crossing my fingers that you can hold on until it does.
Best luck to you.
Posted by Phillipa on November 1, 2007, at 21:03:26
In reply to Re: You know Zoloft isn't working when » Maxime, posted by Racer on November 1, 2007, at 12:08:05
No cymbalta in Canada. I will do a google search of MS meds as here or elsewhere suggested the same thing. So not off base. Phillipa
Posted by Phillipa on November 1, 2007, at 21:43:26
In reply to Re: You know Zoloft isn't working when, posted by Phillipa on November 1, 2007, at 21:03:26
Here's a list of MS meds looks like TCA's seem to work well for depression with MS. Phillipa
Multiple Sclerosis Health Center Font SizeA A A Multiple Sclerosis (MS) - Medications
Medications for multiple sclerosis (MS) may be used:During a relapse, to make the attack shorter and less severe.
Over a long period of time, to alter the natural course of the disease (disease-modifying therapy).
To control specific symptoms as they occur.
Controlling a relapse
Medications can shorten a sudden relapse and help you recover more quickly. Temporary treatment with medications called corticosteroids is the most common treatment used to control a relapse. These medications have not been shown to affect the long-term course of the disease or to prevent disability.Altering the course of MS using disease-modifying treatment
Strong evidence suggests that MS is caused by the immune system causing inflammation and attacking the myelin-the coating surrounding the nerve and nerve fibers. Medications that change the activity of the immune system can reduce the number and severity of attacks that damage the protective myelin.Currently, interferon beta (Avonex, Betaseron, and Rebif), glatiramer acetate (Copaxone), mitoxantrone (Novantrone), and natalizumab (Tysabri) are the only medications that have been approved for this purpose. For people with relapsing-remitting MS, these medications can reduce the number and severity of relapses and can result in fewer brain lesions. They may also delay disability in some people. Betaseron and Novantrone may delay disease progression in some people with secondary progressive MS.
Currently, there is no effective disease-modifying treatment for primary progressive MS.
Some people have only one episode of a neurological symptom such as optic neuritis, but MRI tests suggest they may have MS. This is known as clinically isolated syndrome. Many of these people go on to develop MS over time. Avonex and Betaseron have been used for people with clinically isolated syndrome in an attempt to prevent MS from developing.
Relieving symptoms
Treating specific symptoms can be effective, even if it does not stop the progression of the disease. Symptoms that can often be controlled or relieved with medication include:Fatigue. Medications to reduce fatigue or help you sleep better may include amantadine (Symmetrel), modafinil (Provigil), or fluoxetine (Prozac).
Muscle stiffness (spasticity) and tremors. Medications that may reduce muscles spasms or stiffness include baclofen (Lioresal), tizanidine (Zanaflex), dantrolene (Dantrium), gabapentin (Neurontin), diazepam (Valium), or clonazepam (Klonopin). Sometimes a combination of these medications works best to reduce your muscle symptoms.
Urinary problems and constipation. Medications used to reduce frequent urination may include propantheline (Pro-Banthine), oxybutynin (Ditropan), or tolterodine (Detrol). Medications sometimes used to relieve constipation include bulk agents such as psyllium (Metamucil) or daily use of laxatives.
Pain and abnormal sensations. Depending on the severity of the pain, both prescription and nonprescription medications may be tried. Prescription medications commonly used to reduce pain associated with MS include baclofen (Lioresal), carbamazepine (Tegretol), or gabapentin (Neurontin). Nonprescription medications may include acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen sodium.
Depression. Antidepressant medications may be used to reduce depression that often occurs as a result of having MS. Antidepressants often tried include tricyclic antidepressants-such as amitriptyline (Elavil), desipramine (Norpramin), or imipramine (Tofranil)-or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)-such as fluoxetine (Prozac) or sertraline (Zoloft) among others.
Posted by Phillipa on November 1, 2007, at 21:44:58
In reply to Re: You know Zoloft isn't working when » Maxime, posted by Racer on November 1, 2007, at 12:08:05
Also looks like prozac and zoloft are used. Phillipa Good luck Maxie it will work this time give it time to kick in.
Posted by Maxime on November 1, 2007, at 23:04:44
In reply to Re: You know Zoloft isn't working when, posted by Phillipa on November 1, 2007, at 21:44:58
> Also looks like prozac and zoloft are used. Phillipa Good luck Maxie it will work this time give it time to kick in.
Thanks Phillipa and Racer. I appreciate your support. But you don't have to worry about me anymore. I hope to gone by Sunday.
Take care.
Maxime
Posted by Maxime on November 1, 2007, at 23:19:59
In reply to Re: You know Zoloft isn't working when » Maxime, posted by Racer on November 1, 2007, at 12:08:05
Thanks Racer.
I've gone back to meds that have worked and they don't work again.
Cymbalta isn't available in Canada.
I'm holding on until Saturday.
Take care and thanks for your help and friendship.
Maxime
Posted by Phillipa on November 1, 2007, at 22:57:16
In reply to Re: You know Zoloft isn't working when » Racer, posted by Maxime on November 1, 2007, at 22:19:59
Maxie why the weekend? And you will get well. Love Phillipa
Posted by Maxime on November 2, 2007, at 12:40:15
In reply to Re: You know Zoloft isn't working when » Maxime, posted by Phillipa on November 1, 2007, at 23:57:16
> Maxie why the weekend? And you will get well. Love Phillipa
Because the weekend is the best time to do it. I can't suffer anymore ... I am broken.
Maxime
Posted by MidnightBlue on November 2, 2007, at 16:37:51
In reply to Re: You know Zoloft isn't working when » Phillipa, posted by Maxime on November 2, 2007, at 12:40:15
Just wanted you to know I care. I'm sorry I can't be any more helpful.
MidnightBlue
Posted by Phillipa on November 2, 2007, at 20:30:12
In reply to Re: You know Zoloft isn't working when » Phillipa, posted by Maxime on November 2, 2007, at 12:40:15
Maxie somehow we have to patch you up and fix you have you read the deplin thread maybe some hope in that????Phillipa
Posted by CoutureMan on November 3, 2007, at 4:27:34
In reply to Re: You know Zoloft isn't working when » Phillipa, posted by Maxime on November 2, 2007, at 12:40:15
Maxime, I hope your statements are only a cry for help and you do not carry out a suicide attempt this weekend. I don't know you well at all but I hope you can call someone to get you to a hospital or some place where you will be safe from self harm.
Sincerely,
CM> > Maxie why the weekend? And you will get well. Love Phillipa
>
> Because the weekend is the best time to do it. I can't suffer anymore ... I am broken.
>
> Maxime
Posted by tecknohed on November 3, 2007, at 13:38:18
In reply to Re: You know Zoloft isn't working when » Phillipa, posted by Maxime on November 2, 2007, at 12:40:15
> Because the weekend is the best time to do it. I can't suffer anymore ... I am broken.
>
> MaximeBUT YOU HAVEN'T EVEN GIVEN YOURSELF THE TIME NEEDED TO RECOVER FROM THE ADDERALL!!!
Posted by elanor roosevelt on November 3, 2007, at 17:37:57
In reply to Re: You know Zoloft isn't working when » Racer, posted by Maxime on November 1, 2007, at 23:19:59
Maxime,
I have had very bad reactions when taking an AD that is not working. The effect it has can be worst that no AD and can trigger destructive thoughts.It's a bad place and it's the meds
Get off that Zoloft.If you are worried about your weight, wait the 2 weeks and go back on parnate. you won't gain weight on that.
But you must must must get into some sort of anorexia group where people will understand that aspectof your life.
The adderall, even if it's not clarifying your thoughts(it doesn't help me with that any longer) can be used to keep depression at bay but you need sleep so take it early in the day.
good luck
hang in there
call you doc and get in on monday
Posted by finelinebob on November 3, 2007, at 18:17:27
In reply to ditch the zoloft, posted by elanor roosevelt on November 3, 2007, at 17:37:57
> Maxime,
...
> Get off that Zoloft.
...
> hang in there
> call you doc and get in on mondayIt took me two hellacious years to realize that my problem wasn't with serotonin, and another 6 months to convince my PDoc.
SSRIs, despite what many docs and pdocs might believe, aren't for everyone and may not even be a good place to start. Don't let the bad meds or the Beast speak for you. They're not YOUR life so fight them to get it back.
You have it in you to do this.
flb
Posted by CoutureMan on November 10, 2007, at 5:25:00
In reply to Re: You know Zoloft isn't working when » Phillipa, posted by Maxime on November 2, 2007, at 12:40:15
Has anyone heard from Maxime?
CM
> > Maxie why the weekend? And you will get well. Love Phillipa
>
> Because the weekend is the best time to do it. I can't suffer anymore ... I am broken.
>
> Maxime
Posted by kaleidoscope on November 10, 2007, at 9:45:41
In reply to Maxime are you still with us?, posted by CoutureMan on November 10, 2007, at 5:25:00
Maxie, are you there?
Ed x
Posted by Phillipa on November 10, 2007, at 19:26:29
In reply to Re: Maxime are you still with us?, posted by kaleidoscope on November 10, 2007, at 9:45:41
Not a word it was last Sunday she was going to end it. Kalidescope figured you may have heard from her. Love PJ O
Go forward in 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.